As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2016
File No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-14
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
☐ Pre-Effective Amendment No.
☐ Post-Effective Amendment No.
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices: Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
(800) 257-8787
(Area Code and Telephone Number)
Gifford R. Zimmerman
Vice President and Secretary
Nuveen Investments
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Deborah Bielicke Eades Vedder Price P.C. 222 North LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois 60601 |
Eric F. Fess Chapman and Cutler LLP 111 West Monroe Street Chicago, Illinois 60603 |
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Title of Securities Being Registered |
Amount
Being Registered |
Proposed
Maximum Offering Price Per Unit (1) |
Proposed
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price (1) |
Amount of
Registration Fee |
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Common Shares of Beneficial Interest,
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1,000 Shares | $10.15 (2) | $10,150 | $1.18 | ||||
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(1) | Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. |
(2) | Net asset value per common share on December 9, 2016. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF
NUVEEN FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT INCOME FUND (JPW)
[], 2016
Although we recommend that you read the complete Proxy Statement/Prospectus, for your convenience, we have provided a brief overview of the issues to be voted on.
Q. | Why am I receiving the enclosed Proxy Statement/Prospectus? |
A. | You are receiving the Proxy Statement/Prospectus as a holder of common shares of Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (the Target Fund) in connection with the annual shareholders meeting. At the annual meeting, shareholders of the Target Fund will vote on the following proposals: |
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the election of members of the Target Funds Board of Trustees (the Board) (the list of specific nominees is contained in the enclosed Proxy Statement/Prospectus); and |
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the reorganization of the Target Fund into Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Acquiring Fund and together with the Target Fund, the Funds or each individually, a Fund) (the Reorganization). |
The Board, including the independent Board members, unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each proposal. |
Proposal Regarding the Reorganization
Q. | Why has the Board recommended the Reorganization proposal? |
A. | The Board has approved the Reorganization. The proposed Reorganization was recommended by Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (Nuveen Fund Advisors) in an effort to reduce the Funds common shareholder fees and expenses, increase common share net earnings and increase investor appeal and, in turn, enhance secondary market trading prices of the common shares relative to net asset value. NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (NWQ) currently serves as the sub-adviser to the Target Fund. Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM and together with NWQ, the Sub-Advisers and each, a Sub-Adviser) and NWQ currently serve as the sub-advisers to the Acquiring Fund, each managing a portion of the Acquiring Funds investment portfolio, and will continue to manage the investment portfolio of the Acquiring Fund as investment sub-advisers following the closing of the Reorganization. |
Q. | What are the anticipated benefits of the proposed Reorganization? |
A. | Based on information provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Board believes that the proposed Reorganization may benefit shareholders of the Target Fund (relative to not pursuing the Reorganization) in a number of ways, including, among other things: |
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The potential for a higher common share net earnings rate; |
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Lower management fee and administrative expense rates (excluding the costs of leverage) as certain fixed costs are spread over a larger asset base; and |
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The potential for improved secondary market trading prices relative to net asset value. |
Q. | As a result of the Reorganization, will shareholders of the Target Fund receive new shares in exchange for their current shares? |
A. | Yes. Upon the closing of the Reorganization, Target Fund shareholders will become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund. Holders of common shares of the Target Fund will receive newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, with cash being distributed in lieu of fractional common shares. The aggregate net asset value, as of the close of trading on the business day immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization, of the Acquiring Fund common shares received by Target Fund shareholders (including, for this purpose, fractional Acquiring Fund common shares to which Target Fund shareholders would be entitled) will be equal to the aggregate net asset value of the common shares of the Target Fund held by its shareholders as of such time. Fractional shares will be aggregated and sold on the open market and shareholders will receive cash in lieu of such fractional shares. |
Following the Reorganization, common shareholders of the Target Fund will hold a smaller percentage of the outstanding common shares of the Acquiring Fund as compared to their percentage holdings of the Target Fund prior to the Reorganization, and thus, a reduced percentage of ownership in the larger Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization than they held in the Target Fund individually. |
Q. | How will the Reorganization impact fees and expenses? |
A. | The pro forma expense ratio of the combined fund, including the costs of leverage, expressed as a percentage of net assets applicable to common shares as of [], 2016, is estimated to be approximately the same as the total expense ratio of the Acquiring Fund and approximately 18 basis points (0.18%) lower than the total expense ratio of the Target Fund. In addition, the Reorganization is intended to result in a lower effective management fee rate as a percentage of managed assets for shareholders of the Target Fund (as shareholders of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization). |
See the Comparative Fee Table on page 38 of the enclosed Proxy Statement/Prospectus for more detailed information regarding fees and expenses. |
Q. | Will the Reorganization impact Fund distributions to common shareholders? |
A. | Whereas the Target Fund has a cash flow distribution policy (in which the rate of distributions to common shareholders roughly corresponds to the cash flow received from investments in portfolio securities, net of the Funds fees and expenses), the Acquiring Fund has an income-only distribution policy, and thus may tend to pay dividends at a lower rate, depending on the extent to which cash flow received on portfolio securities may not constitute income. The combined fund will retain the Acquiring Funds income-only distribution policy, in which distributions are sourced entirely from net investment income. |
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In considering the Reorganization, the Board considered information from Nuveen Fund Advisors indicating that, under current market conditions, the Reorganization (including the change from a cash flow distribution policy to an income-only distribution policy) is not expected, at least in the short-term, to adversely impact the combined Funds ability to pay distributions to common shareholders of the Target Fund (as common shareholders of the combined fund following the Reorganization) at a rate equal to or higher than the Target Funds current distribution rate. |
Q. | Do the Funds have similar investment objectives, policies and risks? |
A. | The Funds have similar investment objectives and risks. Each Funds primary investment objective is high current income. The secondary investment objective of the Acquiring Fund is total return and the secondary investment objective of the Target Fund is capital appreciation. Each Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and currently engages in leverage through bank borrowings. The Acquiring Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily (80% of its managed assets) in preferred securities, while, in contrast, the Target Fund has the flexibility of investing throughout a companys capital structure and has a policy of investing 80% of its managed assets in income producing securities, and accordingly may invest to a far lesser extent in preferred securities. See Comparison of the Acquiring Fund and the Target FundInvestment Objectives and Policies below. |
Q. | Does the Reorganization constitute a taxable event for the Target Funds shareholders? |
A. | No. The Reorganization is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. It is expected that Target Fund shareholders will recognize no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a direct result of the Reorganization, except to the extent that a Target Fund shareholder receives cash in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund common share. Prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the Target Fund expects to declare a distribution of all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any. All or a portion of such distribution may be taxable to the Target Funds common shareholders for federal income tax purposes. In addition, to the extent that portfolio securities of the Target Fund are sold prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the Target Fund may recognize gains or losses, which may increase or decrease the net capital gains or net investment income to be distributed by the Target Fund. As of the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Adviser expects to allocate all or substantially all of the assets of the Target Fund to the portion of the Acquiring Funds portfolio sub-advised by NAM based on current market conditions. While NAM expects to reposition a significant portion of the Target Fund assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization, such repositioning is expected to represent approximately 5% of the combined portfolio following the Reorganization due to the relatively small size of the Target Fund. To the extent the Acquiring Fund sells Target Fund assets following the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund may recognize gains or losses, which may result in taxable distributions to Acquiring Fund shareholders (including former Target Fund shareholders who hold shares of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization). |
Q. | What will happen if the required shareholder approval in connection with the Reorganization is not obtained? |
A. | The closing of the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, which include customary closing conditions. In order for the Reorganization to occur, the requisite shareholder approval must be obtained at the Target Funds Annual Meeting, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties must also be obtained. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon the Target |
iii
Fund obtaining such shareholder approval and each Fund satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of the Target Fund entitled to vote on the Reorganization proposal approve such proposal and the Target Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the Acquiring Fund does not satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions. If the Reorganization is not consummated, the Board may take such actions as it deems in the best interests of the Target Fund, including conducting additional solicitations with respect to the proposal or continuing to operate the Target Fund as a stand-alone Fund. |
Q. | Will shareholders of the Target Fund have to pay any fees or expenses in connection with the Reorganization? |
A. | Yes. Target Fund shareholders will indirectly bear the costs of the Reorganization, whether or not the Reorganization is consummated. The total costs of the Reorganization are estimated to be $570,000 and each Funds allocable share of such costs will be reflected in its net asset value at or before the close of trading on the business day immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization. The estimated allocation of the costs between the Funds is as follows: $40,000 (0.00%) for the Acquiring Fund and $530,000 (0.82%) for the Target Fund (all percentages are based on average net assets applicable to common shares for the twelve (12) months ended July 31, 2016). The allocation of the costs of the Reorganization will be based on the relative expected benefits of the Reorganization, including forecasted increases to net earnings, improvements in the secondary trading market for common shares and operating expense savings, if any, to each Fund following the Reorganization. |
A shareholders broker, dealer or other financial intermediary (each, a Financial Intermediary) may impose its own shareholder account fees for processing corporate actions, which could apply as a result of the Reorganization. These shareholder account fees, if applicable, are not paid or otherwise remitted to the Funds or the Funds investment adviser. The imposition of such fees is based solely on the terms of a shareholders account agreement with his, her or its Financial Intermediary and/or is in the discretion of the Financial Intermediary. Questions concerning any such shareholder account fees or other similar fees should be directed to a shareholders Financial Intermediary. |
Q. | What is the timetable for the Reorganization? |
A. | If the shareholder approval and other conditions to closing are satisfied (or waived), the Reorganization is expected to take effect on or about [], or as soon as practicable thereafter. |
Q. | How does the Board recommend that shareholders vote on the Reorganization? |
A. | After careful consideration, the Board has determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Target Fund and the Board recommends that you vote FOR the proposal. |
General
Q. | Who do I call if I have questions? |
A. |
If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposal or how to vote your shares, please call Computershare Fund Services, the proxy solicitor hired by your Fund, at |
iv
866-300-0742 weekdays during its business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturdays 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Please have your proxy materials available when you call. |
Q. | How do I vote my shares? |
A. | You may vote by mail, by telephone or over the Internet: |
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To vote by mail , please mark, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. |
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To vote by telephone , please call the toll-free number located on your proxy card and follow the recorded instructions, using your proxy card as a guide. |
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To vote over the Internet , go to the Internet address provided on your proxy card and follow the instructions, using your proxy card as a guide. |
Q. | Will anyone contact me? |
A. | You may receive a call from Computershare Fund Services, the proxy solicitor hired by the Target Fund, to verify that you received your proxy materials, to answer any questions you may have about the proposals and to encourage you to vote your proxy. |
We recognize the inconvenience of the proxy solicitation process and would not impose on you if we did not believe that the matters being proposed were important. Once your vote has been registered with the proxy solicitor, your name will be removed from the solicitors follow-up contact list. |
Your vote is very important. We encourage you as a shareholder to participate in the Target Funds governance by returning your vote as soon as possible. If enough shareholders fail to cast their votes, the Target Fund may not be able to hold its meeting or the vote on each issue, and will be required to incur additional solicitation costs in order to obtain sufficient shareholder participation. |
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[], 2016
NUVEEN FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT INCOME FUND (JPW)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON [], 2017
To the Shareholders:
Notice is hereby given that an Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) of Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (the Target Fund) will be held in the offices of Nuveen Investments, Inc., 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, on [], [], 2017, at [], Central time, for the following purposes:
1. | Election of Board Members . The common shareholders of the Target Fund voting to elect four (4) Class II board members. Board members Adams, Kundert, Nelson and Toth are nominees for election. |
2. | Agreement and Plan of Reorganization . The common shareholders of the Target Fund voting to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to which the Target Fund would: (i) transfer substantially all of its assets to Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Acquiring Fund) in exchange solely for newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, and the Acquiring Funds assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund; (ii) distribute such newly issued shares of the Acquiring Fund to the common shareholders of the Target Fund (with cash being distributed in lieu of fractional common shares); and (iii) liquidate, dissolve and terminate in accordance with applicable law. |
3. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting. |
Only shareholders of record of the Target Fund as of the close of business on [], 2016 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. In order to avoid delay and additional expense for the Target Fund and to assure that your shares are represented, please vote as promptly as possible, regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. You may vote by mail, by telephone or over the Internet. To vote by mail, please mark, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. To vote by telephone, please call the toll-free number located on your proxy card and follow the recorded instructions, using your proxy card as a guide. To vote over the Internet, go to the Internet address provided on your proxy card and follow the instructions, using your proxy card as a guide.
If you intend to attend the Annual Meeting in person and you are a record holder of the Target Funds shares, in order to gain admission you must show photographic identification, such as your drivers license. If you intend to attend the Annual Meeting in person and you hold your shares through a bank, broker or other custodian, in order to gain admission you must show photographic identification, such as your drivers license, and satisfactory proof of ownership of shares of the Target Fund, such as your voting instruction form (or a copy thereof) or brokers statement indicating ownership as of a recent date. If you hold your shares in a brokerage account or through a bank or other nominee, you will not be able to vote in person at the Annual Meeting unless you have previously requested and obtained a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee and present it at the Annual Meeting.
Gifford R. Zimmerman
Vice President and Secretary
The Nuveen Closed-End Funds
1
The information contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION,
DATED [], 2016
NUVEEN FUNDS
333 WEST WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
(800) 257-8787
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND (JPC)
AND
NUVEEN FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT INCOME FUND (JPW)
(EACH, A FUND AND COLLECTIVELY, THE FUNDS)
[], 2016
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to common shareholders of Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (the Target Fund), a diversified, closed-end management investment company, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Trustees (the Board and each Trustee, a Board Member), of the Target Fund for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Target Fund to be held in the offices of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (Nuveen or Nuveen Investments), 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, on [], [], 2017, at [], Central time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof (the Annual Meeting), to consider the proposals listed below, as applicable, and discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The Target Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The enclosed proxy card and this Proxy Statement/Prospectus are first being sent to shareholders of the Target Fund on or about [], 2016. Shareholders of record of the Target Fund as of the close of business on [], 2016 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus explains concisely what you should know before voting on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus or investing in Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Acquiring Fund). Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
The securities offered by this Proxy Statement/Prospectus have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), nor has the SEC passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
On the matters coming before the Annual Meeting as to which a choice has been specified by shareholders on the accompanying proxy card, the shares will be voted accordingly where such proxy card is properly executed, timely received and not properly revoked (pursuant to the instructions below). If a proxy is returned and no choice is specified, the shares will be voted FOR the proposals. Shareholders of the Target Fund who execute proxies or provide voting instructions by telephone or by Internet may revoke them at any time before a vote is taken on the proposals by filing with the Target Fund a written notice of revocation, by delivering a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. A prior proxy can also be revoked by voting again through the toll-free number or the Internet address listed in the proxy card. Merely attending the Annual Meeting, however, will not revoke any previously submitted proxy.
Pursuant to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, common shareholders of the Target Fund are being solicited to vote on the following proposals:
Proposal No. 1. |
To elect four (4) Class II Board Members. | |
Proposal No. 2. |
To approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization. |
A quorum of shareholders is required to take action at the Annual Meeting. A majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum of shareholders at the Annual Meeting. Votes cast in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the inspectors of election appointed for the Annual Meeting. The inspectors of election will determine whether or not a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. The inspectors of election will treat abstentions and broker non-votes (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees, typically in street name, as to which (1) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and (2) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter), if any, as present for purposes of determining a quorum.
Broker-dealer firms holding shares of the Target Fund in street name for the benefit of their customers and clients will request the instructions of such customers and clients on how to vote their shares before the Annual Meeting. The Target Fund understands that, under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE), such broker-dealer firms may, for certain routine matters, grant discretionary authority to the proxies designated by the Board to vote without instructions from their customers and clients if no instructions have been received prior to the date specified in the broker-dealer firms request for voting instructions. Proposal 1 is a routine matter and beneficial owners who do not provide proxy instructions or who do not return a proxy card may have their shares voted by broker-dealer firms in favor of proposal 1.
Broker-dealers who are not members of the NYSE may be subject to other rules, which may or may not permit them to vote your shares without instruction. We urge you to provide instructions to your broker or nominee so that your votes may be counted.
Those persons who were shareholders of record of the Target Fund as of the close of business on [], 2016 will be entitled to one vote for each share held and a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional common share held.
As of [], 2016, the shares of the Target Fund issued and outstanding are as follows:
Fund
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Common
Shares (1) |
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Target Fund (JPW) |
[ | ] |
(1) | The common shares of the Funds are listed on the NYSE. Upon the closing of the Reorganization (as defined below), it is expected that the Acquiring Fund will continue the listing of its common shares on the NYSE. |
The proposed reorganization is part of a broad initiative to restructure the product offerings of Nuveens closed-end funds by creating fewer funds with greater scale and to better differentiate products by eliminating overlapping investment mandates of the funds. The terms of the reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund are set forth in an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and between the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization provides for: (1) the Acquiring Funds acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the Target Fund
ii
in exchange for newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, par value $0.01 per share, and the Acquiring Funds assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund; and (2) the distribution of the newly issued Acquiring Fund common shares received by the Target Fund to its common shareholders as part of the liquidation, dissolution and termination of the Target Fund in accordance with applicable law (the Reorganization). The aggregate net asset value of the Acquiring Fund common shares as of the Valuation Time (as defined in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization) received by the Target Fund in connection with the Reorganization will equal the aggregate net asset value of the Target Fund common shares held by shareholders of the Target Fund as of such time. Prior to the Valuation Time, the net asset value of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund will be reduced by the costs of the Reorganization borne by such Fund. No fractional Acquiring Fund common shares will be distributed to the Target Fund is common shareholders in connection with the Reorganization and, in lieu of such fractional shares, each Target Fund common shareholder entitled to receive such fractional shares will receive cash in an amount equal to a pro rata share of the proceeds from the sale of such fractional shares in the open market, which may be higher or lower than net asset value. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization may be amended by the Funds, as specifically authorized by each Funds Board, provided that following the Annual Meeting, no such amendment may change the provisions for determining the number of Acquiring Fund shares to be issued to Target Fund shareholders to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.
The Acquiring Fund will continue to operate after the Reorganization as a registered closed-end management investment company, with the investment objectives and policies described in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
With respect to the Reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund, the Reorganization is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Target Funds outstanding common shares.
The closing of the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, which include customary closing conditions. In order for the Reorganization to occur, the requisite shareholder approval must be obtained at the Target Funds Annual Meeting, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties must also be obtained. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon the Target Fund obtaining such shareholder approval and each Fund satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of the Target Fund entitled to vote on the Reorganization proposal approve such proposal and the Target Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the Acquiring Fund does not satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions. If the Reorganization is not consummated, the Target Funds Board may take such actions as it deems in the best interests of the Fund.
The following documents have been filed with the SEC and are incorporated into this Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference:
(1) | the Statement of Additional Information relating to the proposed Reorganization, dated [], 2016 (the Reorganization SAI); |
(2) | the audited financial statements and related independent registered public accounting firms report for the Acquiring Fund and the financial highlights for the Acquiring Fund contained in the Funds Annual Report for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 (File No. 811-21293); and |
iii
(3) | the audited financial statements and related independent registered public accounting firms report for the Target Fund and the financial highlights for the Target Fund contained in the Funds Annual Report for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 (File No. 811-22820). |
No other parts of the Funds Annual Reports are incorporated by reference herein.
Copies of the foregoing may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787 or writing the Funds at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. If you wish to request a copy of the Reorganization SAI, please ask for the []. In addition, each Fund will furnish, without charge, a copy of its most recent Semi-Annual Report to a shareholder upon request. Any such request should be directed to the Funds by calling (800) 257-8787 or by writing the Funds at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
The Funds are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and in accordance therewith file reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy statements, registration statements and other information filed by the Funds, including the Registration Statement on Form N-14 relating to the common shares of the Acquiring Fund of which this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part, may be inspected without charge and copied (for a duplication fee at prescribed rates) at the SECs public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at the SECs New York Regional Office (Brookfield Place, 200 Vesey Street, Suite 400, New York, New York 10281) or Chicago Regional Office (175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois 60604). You may call the SEC at (202) 551-8090 for information about the operation of the public reference room. You may obtain copies of this information, with payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs Public Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also access reports and other information about the Funds on the EDGAR database on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
The common shares of the Funds are listed on the NYSE. Upon the closing of the Reorganization, it is expected that the Acquiring Fund will continue the listing of its common shares on the NYSE. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Funds can be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus serves as a prospectus of the Acquiring Fund in connection with the issuance of the Acquiring Fund common shares in the Reorganization. In this connection, no person has been authorized to give any information or make any representation not contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and, if so given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
iv
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
[], 2016
NUVEEN FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT INCOME FUND (JPW)
v
92 | ||||||
Outstanding Shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund |
92 | |||||
92 | ||||||
95 | ||||||
96 | ||||||
96 | ||||||
97 | ||||||
97 | ||||||
97 | ||||||
A-1 | ||||||
B-1 | ||||||
C-1 | ||||||
APPENDIX DINFORMATION REGARDING OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER |
D-1 | |||||
E-1 |
vi
PROPOSAL NO. 1THE ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS
Pursuant to the organizational documents of the Target Fund, a Massachusetts business trust, the Board is divided into three classes (Class I, Class II and Class III), to be elected by the holders of the outstanding common shares to serve until the third succeeding annual meeting subsequent to their election or thereafter, in each case until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
Four (4) Board Members are to be elected by holders of common shares. Board Members Hunter, Stockdale, Stone and Wolff have been designated as Class I Board Members to serve for a term expiring at the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Board Members Adams, Kundert, Nelson and Toth have been designated as Class II Board Members and are nominees for election at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term expiring at the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Board Members Evans, Schneider, Moschner and Cook, have been designated as Class III Board Members to serve for a term expiring at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
It is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote the shares represented thereby for the election of the nominees listed above unless the proxy is marked otherwise. Each of the nominees has agreed to continue to serve as a Board Member of the Target Fund if elected. However, should any nominee become unable or unwilling to accept nomination for election, the proxies will be voted for substitute nominees, if any, designated by the Funds then-present Board.
Board Members Hunter, Stockdale, Stone and Wolff were last elected to the Target Funds Board as Class I Board Members at the annual meeting of shareholders held on April 22, 2016. Board Members Adams, Kundert, Nelson and Toth were last elected to the Target Funds Board as Class II Board Members at the annual meeting of shareholders held on April 11, 2014. Board Members Evans and Schneider were last elected to the Target Funds Board as Class III Board members at the annual meeting of shareholders held on March 26, 2015. On June 22, 2016, Margo L. Cook and Albin F. Moschner were appointed as Board Members and designated as Class III Board Members for the Target Fund, effective July 1, 2016.
Other than Board Members Adams and Cook, each of the Board Members and Board Member nominees is not an interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Target Fund or Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (Nuveen Fund Advisors or the Adviser), the investment adviser to the Target Fund, and has never been an employee or director of Nuveen Investments, the Advisers parent company, or any affiliate. Accordingly, such Board Members are deemed Independent Board Members.
The Board of the Target Fund unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of each Board Member identified in the table below as a Class II Board Member.
1
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member |
Other
Directorships Held by Board Member During the Past Five Years |
|||||||
Nominees/Board Members who are not interested persons of the Target Fund | ||||||||||||
William J. Schneider (2) c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1944 |
Chairman of
the Board; Board Member |
Term: Class III
Board Member until 2018 annual shareholder meeting
Length of Service:
|
Chairman of Miller-Valentine Partners Ltd., a real estate investment company; Board Member of Med-America Health System and of WDPR Public Radio Station; formerly, Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer (retired, 2004) of Miller-Valentine Group; formerly, Director, Dayton Development Coalition; formerly, Board Member, Business Advisory Council, Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank and University of Dayton Business School Advisory Council. | 180 | None | |||||||
Jack B. Evans c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1948 |
Board
Member |
Term: Class III
Board Member until 2018 annual shareholder meeting
Length of Service:
|
President, The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation (since 1996); Director, The Gazette Company; Life Trustee of Coe College and Iowa College Foundation; formerly, Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; formerly, President and Chief Operating Officer, SCI Financial Group, Inc., a regional financial services firm; formerly, Member and President Pro Tem of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System. | 180 |
Director
and Chairman, United Fire Group, a publicly held company; formerly, Director, Alliant Energy. |
2
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member |
Other
Directorships Held by Board Member During the Past Five Years |
|||||||
William C. Hunter c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1948 |
Board
Member |
Term: Class I
Board Member until 2019 annual shareholder meeting
Length of Service:
|
Dean Emeritus (since 2012), formerly, Dean (2006-2012), Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa; Director (since 2005) and past President (2010-2014), Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; Director of Wellmark, Inc. (since 2009); formerly, Director (1997-2007), Credit Research Center at Georgetown University; formerly, 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). | 180 |
Director
(since 2004) of Xerox Corporation. |
|||||||
David J. Kundert c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1942 |
Board
Member |
Term: Class II
Board Member until 2017 annual shareholder meeting
Length of Service:
|
Formerly, Director, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (2006-2013); retired (since 2004) as Chairman, JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management, President and CEO, Banc One Investment Advisors Corporation, and President, One Group Mutual Funds; prior thereto, Executive Vice President, Bank One Corporation and Chairman and CEO, Banc One Investment Management Group; Regent Emeritus, Member of Investment Committee, Luther College; Member of the Wisconsin Bar Association; Member of Board of Directors and Chair of Investment Committee, Greater Milwaukee Foundation; Member of the Board of Directors (Milwaukee), College Possible; Member of the Board of Trustees, Milwaukee Repertory Theater. | 180 | None |
3
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member |
Other
Directorships Held by Board Member During the Past Five Years |
|||||||
Albin F. Moschner c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1952 |
Board
Member |
Term:
Class III Board Member until 2018 annual shareholder meeting
Length of
|
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Northcroft Partners, LLC, a management consulting firm (since 2012); 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). | 180 |
Director,
USA Technologies, Inc., a provider of solutions and services to facilitate electronic payment transactions (since 2012); formerly, Director, Wintrust Financial Corporation (1996-2016). |
4
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member |
Other
Directorships Held by Board Member During the Past Five Years |
|||||||
John K. Nelson c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1962 |
Board
Member |
Term: Class II
Board Member until 2017 annual shareholder meeting
Length of Service:
|
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 Presidents Council, Fordham University (since 2010); formerly, senior external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP (2012-2014); 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 Marketsthe Americas (2006-2007), CEO of Wholesale BankingNorth America and Global Head of Foreign Exchange and Futures Markets (2001-2006), and Regional Commercial Treasurer and Senior Vice President TradingNorth America (1996-2001); formerly, Trustee at St. Edmund Preparatory School in New York City; formerly, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Marian University (2011-2014). | 180 | None |
5
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member |
Other
Directorships Held by Board Member During the Past Five Years |
|||||||
Judith M. Stockdale c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1947 |
Board
Member |
Term: Class I
Board Member until 2019 annual shareholder meeting
Length of Service:
|
Board Member of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (since 2013); Board Member of the Land Trust Alliance (since 2013); formerly, Executive Director (1994-2012), Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (1990-1994). | 180 | None | |||||||
Carole E. Stone c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1947 |
Board
Member |
Term: Class I
Board Member until 2019 annual shareholder meeting
Length of Service:
|
Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (since 2006); Director, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (since 2009); formerly, Commissioner, New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform (2005-2010). | 180 |
Director,
CBOE
|
6
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member |
Other
Directorships Held by Board Member During the Past Five Years |
|||||||
Terence J. Toth (3) c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1959 |
Board
Member |
Term:
Class II Board Member until 2017 annual shareholder meeting
Length of
|
Managing Partner, Promus Capital (since 2008); Director, Fulcrum IT Service LLC (since 2010) and Quality Control Corporation (since 2012); formerly Director, LogicMark LLC (2012-2016); 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); Member, Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008) and Mather Foundation Board (since 2012) and Chair of its investment committee; formerly, Member, Chicago Fellowship Board (2005-2006), 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). | 180 | None |
7
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member |
Other
Directorships Held by Board Member During the Past Five Years |
|||||||
Margaret L. Wolff c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1955 |
Board
Member |
Term: Class I
Board Member until 2019 annual shareholder meeting
Length of
|
Formerly, Of Counsel (2005-2014), Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Mergers & Acquisitions Group); 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. | 180 |
Member
of the Board of Directors (since 2013) 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.). |
|||||||
Nominees/Board Members who are interested persons of the Funds | ||||||||||||
William Adams IV (4) c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1955 |
Board
Member |
Term: Class II
Board Member until 2017 annual shareholder meeting
Length of Service:
|
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President (since March 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President, Global Structured Products of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (2010-2016); Co-Chief Executive Officer (since 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Co-President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2011); President (since 2011), formerly, Managing Director (2010-2011), of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Board Member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and of Gildas Club Chicago. | 180 | None |
8
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member |
Other
Directorships Held by Board Member During the Past Five Years |
|||||||
Margo L. Cook (4) c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 1964 |
Board
Member |
Term:
Class III Board Member until 2018 annual shareholder meeting
Length of
|
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President (since March 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Co-President (since October 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President (2015-2016) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (Executive Vice President since 2011); Co-Chief Executive Officer (since 2015), formerly, Executive Vice President (20132015), of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Managing DirectorInvestment Services of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC (2011-2016); Chartered Financial Analyst. | 180 | None |
(1) | Length of Time Served indicates the year in which the individual became a Board Member of a fund in the Nuveen fund complex. |
(2) | Mr. Schneider is one of several owners and managing members in two limited liability companies and a general partner and one member of the governing body of a general partnership, each engaged in real estate ownership activities. In connection with their ordinary course of investment activities, court appointed receivers have been named for certain individual properties owned by such entities. The individual properties for which a receiver has been appointed represent an immaterial portion of the portfolio assets owned by these entities. |
(3) | Mr. Toth serves as a director on the Board of Directors of the Mather Foundation (the Foundation) and is a member of its investment committee. The Foundation is the parent of the Mather LifeWays organization, a non-profit charitable organization. Prior to Mr. Toth joining the Board of the Foundation, the Foundation selected Gresham Investment Management (Gresham), an affiliate of the Adviser, to manage a portion of the Foundations investment portfolio, and pursuant to this selection, the Foundation has invested that portion of its investment portfolio in a private commodity pool managed by Gresham. |
(4) | Each of Board Members Adams and Cook is an interested person as defined in the 1940 Act by reason of his/her respective position(s) with Nuveen Investments, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries. |
In order to create an appropriate identity of interests between Board Members and shareholders, the boards of directors/trustees of the Nuveen funds have adopted a governance principle pursuant to which each Board Member is expected to invest, either directly or on a deferred basis, at least the equivalent of one year of compensation in the funds in the Nuveen complex.
No Independent Board Member or his or her immediate family member owns beneficially or of record any security of Nuveen Fund Advisors, NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (NWQ), a sub-adviser to each Fund, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM and together with NWQ, the Sub-Advisers and each, a Sub-Adviser), a sub-adviser to the Acquiring Fund, Nuveen Investments or any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Sub-Advisers or Nuveen Investments.
9
The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Board Member in the Target Fund and all Nuveen funds overseen by the Board Member as of December 31, 2015 is set forth in Appendix C . The number of shares of the Target Fund beneficially owned by each Board Member and by the Board Members and officers of the Target Fund as a group as of December 31, 2015 is also set forth in Appendix C . On December 31, 2015, Board Members and executive officers as a group beneficially owned approximately 1,700,000 shares of all funds managed by the Adviser (including shares held by the Board Members through the Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Board Members and by executive officers in Nuveens 401(k)/profit sharing plan). As of December 31, 2015, each Board Members individual beneficial shareholdings of the Target Fund constituted less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of December 31, 2015, the Board Members and executive officers as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Target Fund. Information regarding beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of shares of each Fund, if any, is provided under General InformationShareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund.
Effective January 1, 2016, each Independent Board Member receives a $170,000 annual retainer, which is increased to $177,400 as of January 1, 2017, plus: (a) a fee of $5,550 per day, which is increased to $5,750 per day as of January 1, 2017, for attendance in person or by telephone at regularly scheduled meetings of the Board; (b) a fee of $3,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at special, non-regularly scheduled meetings of the Board where in-person attendance is required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required; (c) a fee of $2,500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Audit Committee meetings where in-person attendance is required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required; (d) a fee of $2,500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee meetings where in-person attendance is required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required; (e) a fee of $1,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Dividend Committee meetings; (f) a fee of $2,500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Closed-End Funds Committee meetings where in-person attendance is required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required, provided that no fees are received for meetings held on days on which regularly scheduled Board meetings are held; and (g) a fee of $500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at all other committee meetings ($1,000 for shareholder meetings) where in-person attendance is required and $250 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such committee meetings (excluding shareholder meetings) where in-person attendance is not required, and $100 per meeting when the Executive Committee acts as pricing committee for IPOs, plus, in each case, expenses incurred in attending such meetings, provided that no fees are received for meetings held on days on which regularly scheduled Board meetings are held. In addition to the payments described above, the Chairman of the Board receives $80,000, the chairpersons of the Audit Committee, the Dividend Committee, the Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee, the Closed-End Funds Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee receive $12,500 each as additional annual retainers. Independent Board Members also receive a fee of $3,000 per day for site visits to entities that provide services to the Nuveen funds on days on which no Board meeting is held. When ad hoc committees are organized, the Nominating and Governance Committee will at the time of formation determine compensation to be paid to the members of such committee; however, in general, such fees will be $1,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at ad hoc committee
10
meetings where in-person attendance is required and $500 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required. The annual retainer, fees and expenses are allocated among the Nuveen funds on the basis of relative net assets, although management may, in its discretion, establish a minimum amount to be allocated to each fund.
The Target Fund does not have retirement or pension plans. Certain Nuveen funds (the Participating Funds) participate in a deferred compensation plan (the Deferred Compensation Plan) that permits an Independent Board Member to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of his or her compensation as an Independent Board Member. The deferred compensation of a participating Independent Board Member is credited to a book reserve account of the Participating Fund when the compensation would otherwise have been paid to such Independent Board Member. The value of an Independent Board Members deferral account at any time is equal to the value that the account would have had if contributions to the account had been invested and reinvested in shares of one or more of the eligible Nuveen funds. At the time for commencing distributions from an Independent Board Members deferral account, the Independent Board Member may elect to receive distributions in a lump sum or over a period of five years. The Participating Fund will not be liable for any other funds obligations to make distributions under the Deferred Compensation Plan.
The Target Fund has no employees. The officers of the Target Fund and the Board Members of the Fund who are not Independent Board Members serve without any compensation from the Fund.
The table below shows, for each Independent Board Member, the aggregate compensation paid by the Target Fund to the Independent Board Member for its last fiscal year.
Aggregate Compensation from the Funds (1)
Fund |
Jack B.
Evans |
William C.
Hunter |
David J.
Kundert |
Albin
F.
Moschner (2) |
John K.
Nelson |
William J.
Schneider |
Judith M.
Stockdale |
Carole E.
Stone |
Virginia
L.
Stringer (3) |
Terence J.
Toth |
Margaret
L.
Wolff (4) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Target Fund |
$ | 254 | $ | 348 | $ | 237 | $ | | $ | 252 | $ | 280 | $ | 336 | $ | 249 | $ | 115 | $ | 354 | $ | 87 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Compensation from Nuveen Funds Paid to Board Members (5) |
$ | 325,003 | $ | 302,125 | $ | 278,174 | $ | | $ | 303,750 | $ | 310,742 | $ | 284,850 | $ | 306,421 | $ | 278,625 | $ | 320,925 | $ | |
(1) | Includes deferred fees. Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan with the Target Fund, deferred amounts are treated as though an equivalent dollar amount has been invested in shares of one or more Participating Funds. Total deferred fees for the Target Fund (including the return from the assumed investment in the Participating Funds) payable are: |
Fund |
Jack B.
Evans |
William C.
Hunter |
David J.
Kundert |
Albin F.
Moschner |
John
K.
Nelson (3) |
William J.
Schneider |
Judith M.
Stockdale |
Carole E.
Stone |
Virginia L.
Stringer |
Terence J.
Toth |
Margaret L.
Wolff |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Target Fund |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | |
(2) | Mr. Moschner was appointed on June 22, 2016 to the Board of Trustees/Directors of the Nuveen Funds effective July 1, 2016. Mr. Moschner received no compensation from the Funds for the last fiscal year. |
(3) | Ms. Stringer retired from the Board of Trustees/Directors of the Nuveen Funds effective December 31, 2015. |
(4) | Ms. Wolff was appointed to the Board of Trustees/Directors of the Nuveen Funds effective February 15, 2016. |
(5) | Based on the compensation paid (including any amounts deferred) to the Trustees for the one year period ended December 31, 2015, for services to the Nuveen Funds. |
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
The Board of the Target Fund oversees the operations and management of the Fund, including the duties performed for the Fund by the Adviser. The Board has adopted a unitary board structure. A
11
unitary board consists of one group of board members who serves on the board of every fund in the complex. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Board Members seek to provide effective governance through establishing a board, the overall composition of which will, as a body, possess the appropriate skills, independence and experience to oversee the Target Funds business. With this overall framework in mind, when the Board, through its Nominating and Governance Committee discussed below, seeks nominees for the Board, the Board Members consider, not only the candidates particular background, skills and experience, among other things, but also whether such background, skills and experience enhance the Boards diversity and at the same time complement the Board given its current composition and the mix of skills and experiences of the incumbent Board Members. The Nominating and Governance Committee believes that the Board generally benefits from diversity of background, experience and views among its members, and considers this a factor in evaluating the composition of the Board, but has not adopted any specific policy on diversity or any particular definition of diversity.
The Board believes the unitary board structure enhances good and effective governance, particularly given the nature of the structure of the investment company complex. Funds in the same complex generally are served by the same service providers and personnel and are governed by the same regulatory scheme which raises common issues that must be addressed by the Board Members across the fund complex (such as compliance, valuation, liquidity, brokerage, trade allocation or risk management). The Board believes it is more efficient to have a single board review and oversee common policies and procedures which increases the Boards knowledge and expertise with respect to the many aspects of fund operations that are complex-wide in nature. The unitary structure also enhances the Boards influence and oversight over the Adviser and other service providers.
In an effort to enhance the independence of the Board, the Board also has a Chairman that is an Independent Board Member. The Board recognizes that a chairman can perform an important role in setting the agenda for the Board, establishing the boardroom culture, establishing a point person on behalf of the Board for Fund management, and reinforcing the Boards focus on the long-term interests of shareholders. The Board recognizes that a chairman may be able to better perform these functions without any conflicts of interests arising from a position with Fund management. Accordingly, the Board Members have elected William J. Schneider as the independent Chairman of the Board. Specific responsibilities of the Chairman include: (i) presiding at all meetings of the Board and of the shareholders; (ii) seeing that all orders and resolutions of the Board Members are carried into effect; and (iii) maintaining records of and, whenever necessary, certifying all proceedings of the Board Members and the shareholders.
Although the Board has direct responsibility over various matters (such as advisory contracts, underwriting contracts and Fund performance), the Board also exercises certain of its oversight responsibilities through several committees that it has established and which report back to the full Board. The Board believes that a committee structure is an effective means to permit Board Members to focus on particular operations or issues affecting the Target Fund, including risk oversight. More specifically, with respect to risk oversight, the Board has delegated matters relating to valuation and compliance to certain committees (as summarized below) as well as certain aspects of investment risk. In addition, the Board believes that the periodic rotation of Board Members among the different committees allows the Board Members to gain additional and different perspectives of the Target Funds operations. The Board has established six standing committees: the Executive Committee, the Dividend Committee, the Audit Committee, the Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Closed-End Funds
12
Committee. The Board may also from time to time create ad hoc committees to focus on particular issues as the need arises. The membership and functions of the standing committees are summarized below.
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee, which meets between regular meetings of the Board, is authorized to exercise all of the powers of the Board. The members of the Executive Committee are William J. Schneider, Chair, William Adams IV and Terence J. Toth. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Executive Committee did not meet.
Dividend Committee. The Dividend Committee is authorized to declare distributions on the Funds shares including, but not limited to, regular and special dividends, capital gains and ordinary income distributions. As of July 31, 2016, the members of the Dividend Committee are William C. Hunter, Chair, Judith M. Stockdale and Terence J. Toth. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Dividend Committee met five times.
Closed-End Funds Committee. The Closed-End Funds Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in the oversight and monitoring of the Nuveen funds that are registered as closed-end management investment companies (Closed-End Funds). The committee may review and evaluate matters related to the formation and the initial presentation to the Board of any new Closed-End Fund and may review and evaluate any matters relating to any existing Closed-End Fund. The committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Funds website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx. As of July 31, 2016, the members of the Closed-End Funds Committee are Carole E. Stone, Chair, William Adams IV, Jack B. Evans, Albin F. Moschner, John K. Nelson, William J. Schneider and Terence J. Toth. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Closed-End Funds Committee met four times.
Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee, in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, that is composed of Independent Board Members who are also independent as that term is defined in the listing standards pertaining to closed-end funds of the NYSE or NYSE MKT, as applicable. The Audit Committee assists the Board in: the oversight and monitoring of the accounting and reporting policies, processes and practices of the Target Fund and the audits of the financial statements of the Fund; the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Fund; the Funds compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the Funds financial statements; the independent auditors qualifications, performance and independence; and the pricing procedures of the Fund and the internal valuation group of Nuveen. It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to select, evaluate and replace any independent auditors (subject only to Board and, if applicable, shareholder ratification) and to determine their compensation. The Audit Committee is also responsible for, among other things, overseeing the valuation of securities comprising the Funds portfolio. Subject to the Boards general supervision of such actions, the Audit Committee addresses any valuation issues, oversees the Funds pricing procedures and actions taken by Nuveens internal valuation group which provides regular reports to the committee, reviews any issues relating to the valuation of the Funds securities brought to its attention and considers the risks to the Fund in assessing the possible resolutions of these matters. The Audit Committee may also consider any financial risk exposures for the Fund in conjunction with performing its functions.
To fulfill its oversight duties, the Audit Committee receives annual and semi-annual reports and has regular meetings with the external auditors for the Fund and the internal audit group at Nuveen. The Audit Committee also may review, in a general manner, the processes the Board or other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management as well as compliance
13
with legal and regulatory matters relating to the Funds financial statements. The Audit Committee operates under a written Audit Committee Charter (the Charter) adopted and approved by the Board, which Charter conforms to the listing standards of the NYSE or NYSE MKT, as applicable. Members of the Audit Committee are independent (as set forth in the Charter) and free of any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board Members, would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment as an Audit Committee member. As of July 31, 2016, the members of the Audit Committee Jack B. Evans, Chair, David J. Kundert, John K. Nelson, Carole E. Stone and Terence J. Toth, each of whom is an Independent Board Member of the Fund. A copy of the Charter is attached as Appendix E . During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Audit Committee met four times.
Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee (the Compliance Committee) is responsible for the oversight of compliance issues, risk management and other regulatory matters affecting the Target Fund that are not otherwise under or within the jurisdiction of the other committees. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Funds compliance and risk matters. As part of its duties, the Compliance Committee: reviews the policies and procedures relating to compliance matters and recommends modifications thereto as necessary or appropriate to the full Board; develops new policies and procedures as new regulatory matters affecting the Fund arise from time to time; evaluates or considers any comments or reports from examinations from regulatory authorities and responses thereto; and performs any special reviews, investigations or other oversight responsibilities relating to risk management, compliance and/or regulatory matters as requested by the Board.
In addition, the Compliance Committee is responsible for risk oversight, including, but not limited to, the oversight of risks related to investments and operations. Such risks include, among other things, exposures to: particular issuers, market sectors or types of securities; risks related to product structure elements, such as leverage; and techniques that may be used to address those risks, such as hedging and swaps. In assessing issues brought to the Compliance Committees attention or in reviewing a particular policy, procedure, investment technique or strategy, the Compliance Committee evaluates the risks to the Fund in adopting a particular approach or resolution compared to the anticipated benefits to the Fund. In fulfilling its obligations, the Compliance Committee meets on a quarterly basis, and at least once a year in person. The Compliance Committee receives written and oral reports from the Funds Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) and meets privately with the CCO at each of its quarterly meetings. The CCO also provides an annual report to the full Board regarding the operations of the Funds and other service providers compliance programs as well as any recommendations for modifications thereto. The Compliance Committee also receives reports from the investment services group of Nuveen regarding various investment risks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the full Board also participates in discussions with management regarding certain matters relating to investment risk, such as the use of leverage and hedging. The investment services group therefore also reports to the full Board at its quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance. Accordingly, the Board directly and/or in conjunction with the Compliance Committee oversees matters relating to investment risks. Matters not addressed at the committee level are addressed directly by the full Board. The Compliance Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Funds website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx. As of July 31, 2016, the members of the Compliance Committee are John K. Nelson, Chair, William C. Hunter, Albin F. Moschner, Judith M. Stockdale and Margaret L. Wolff. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Compliance Committee met five times.
14
Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for seeking, identifying and recommending to the Board qualified candidates for election or appointment to the Board. In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee oversees matters of corporate governance, including the evaluation of Board performance and processes, the assignment and rotation of committee members and the establishment of corporate governance guidelines and procedures, to the extent necessary or desirable, and matters related thereto. Although the unitary and committee structure has been developed over the years and the Nominating and Governance Committee believes the structure has provided efficient and effective governance, the committee recognizes that, as demands on the Board evolve over time (such as through an increase in the number of funds overseen or an increase in the complexity of the issues raised), the committee must continue to evaluate the Board and committee structures and their processes and modify the foregoing as may be necessary or appropriate to continue to provide effective governance. Accordingly, the Nominating and Governance Committee has a separate meeting each year to, among other things, review the Board and committee structures, their performance and functions, and recommend any modifications thereto or alternative structures or processes that would enhance the Boards governance over the Target Funds business.
In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee, among other things: makes recommendations concerning the continuing education of Board Members; monitors performance of legal counsel and other service providers; establishes and monitors a process by which security holders are able to communicate in writing with Board Members; and periodically reviews and makes recommendations about any appropriate changes to Board Member compensation, including the compensation of the Independent Chairman of the Board. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee receives suggestions from various sources, including shareholders, as to suitable candidates. Suggestions should be sent in writing to Lorna Ferguson, Manager of Fund Board Relations, Nuveen Investments, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The Nominating and Governance Committee sets appropriate standards and requirements for nominations for new Board Members, and each nominee is evaluated using the same standards. However, the Nominating and Governance Committee reserves the right to interview any and all candidates and to make the final selection of any new Board Members. In considering a candidates qualifications, each candidate must meet certain basic requirements, including relevant skills and experience, time availability (including the time requirements for due diligence site visits to internal and external sub-advisers and service providers) and, if qualifying as an Independent Board Member candidate, independence from the Adviser, sub-advisers, underwriters or other service providers, including any affiliates of these entities. These skill and experience requirements may vary depending on the current composition of the Board, since the goal is to ensure an appropriate range of skills, diversity and experience, in the aggregate. Accordingly, the particular factors considered and the weight given to these factors will depend on the composition of the Board and the skills and backgrounds of the incumbent Board Members at the time of consideration of the nominees. All candidates, however, must meet high expectations of personal integrity, independence, governance experience and professional competence. All candidates must be willing to be critical within the Board and with management and yet maintain a collegial and collaborative manner toward other Board Members. The Nominating and Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Funds website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx, and is composed entirely of Independent Board Members, who are also independent as defined by NYSE or NYSE MKT listing standards, as applicable. As of July 31, 2016, the members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are William J. Schneider, Chair, Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, David J. Kundert, Albin F. Moschner, John K. Nelson, Judith M.
15
Stockdale, Carole E. Stone, Terence J. Toth and Margaret L. Wolff. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Nominating and Governance Committee met six times.
During the Target Funds last fiscal year, the Funds Board held six regular meetings and nine special meetings and each Board Member attended 75% or more of the Funds Board meetings and the committee meetings (if a member thereof) held during the period for which such Board Member was a Board Member. The policy of the Board relating to attendance by Board Members at annual meetings of the Fund and the number of Board Members who attended the last annual meeting of shareholders of the Target Fund is posted on the Funds website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx.
Board Diversification and Board Member Qualifications
In determining that a particular Board Member was qualified to serve on the Board, the Board considers each Board Members background, skills, experience and other attributes in light of the composition of the Board with no particular factor controlling. The Board believes that Board Members need to have the ability to critically review, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them and to interact effectively with Fund management, service providers and counsel, in order to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties, and the Board believes each Board Member satisfies this standard. An effective Board Member may achieve this ability through his or her educational background; business, professional training or practice; public service or academic positions; experience from service as a board member or executive of investment funds, public companies or significant private or not-for-profit entities or other organizations; and/or other life experiences. Accordingly, set forth below is a summary of the experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills that led to the conclusion, as of the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, that each Board Member should serve in that capacity. References to the experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills of Board Members are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Board Member as having any special expertise or experience and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
William Adams IV. Mr. Adams, an interested Board Member of the Target Fund, has been Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President of Nuveen Investments since March 2016, prior to which he had been Senior Executive Vice President, Global Structured Products of Nuveen Investments since November 2010. Mr. Adams is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of TIAA Global Asset Management (TGAM), as well as co-chair of Nuveen Investments Management and Operating Committees. He has also served as Co-President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC since January 2011. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President, U.S. Structured Products from December 1999 until November 2010 and served as Managing Director of Structured Investments from September 1997 to December 1999 and Vice President and Manager, Corporate Marketing from August 1994 to September 1997. He is currently Co-Chief Executive Officer (since 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President of Nuveen Securities, LLC. Mr. Adams earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicagos Graduate School of Business. He is an Associate Fellow of Yales Timothy Dwight College and is currently on the Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and of Gildas Club Chicago. Mr. Adams joined the Board in 2013.
Margo L. Cook. Ms. Cook, appointed to serve as an interested Board Member of the Target Fund, has been Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President of Nuveen Investments since March 2016,
16
prior to which she had been Senior Executive Vice President of Nuveen Investments since July 2015. Ms. Cook is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of TGAM, as well as co-chair of Nuveen Investments Management and Operating Committees. She is Co-President (since October 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President (2015-2016) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC and Co-Chief Executive Officer (since 2015) of Nuveen Securities, LLC. Since joining in 2008, she has held various leadership roles at Nuveen Investments, including as Head of Investment Services, responsible for investment-related efforts across the firm. Ms. Cook also serves on the Board of Nuveen Global Fund Investors. Before joining Nuveen Investments, she was the Global Head of Bear Stearns Asset Managements institutional business. Prior to that, she spent over 20 years within BNY Mellons asset management business, including as Chief Investment Officer for Institutional Asset Management and Head of Institutional Fixed Income. Ms. Cook earned her Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Rhode Island, her Executive MBA from Columbia University, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. She serves as Vice Chair of the University of Rhode Island Foundation Board of Trustees, and Chair of the All Stars Project of Chicago Board. Ms. Cook joined the Board in 2016.
Jack B. Evans. President of the Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation, since 1996, Mr. Evans was formerly President and Chief Operating Officer of the SCI Financial Group, Inc., a regional financial services firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Formerly, he was a member of the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, a Director of Alliant Energy and a Member and President Pro Tem of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System. Mr. Evans is Chairman of the Board of United Fire Group, sits on the Board of The Gazette Company and is a Life Trustee of Coe College. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Coe College and an MBA from the University of Iowa. Mr. Evans joined the Board in 1999.
William C. Hunter. Mr. Hunter became Dean Emeritus of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa on June 30, 2012. He was appointed Dean of the College on July 1, 2006. He was previously Dean and Distinguished Professor of Finance at the University of Connecticut School of Business from 2003 to 2006. From 1995 to 2003, he was the Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. While there he served as the Banks Chief Economist and was an Associate Economist on the Federal Reserve Systems Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). In addition to serving as a Vice President in charge of financial markets and basic research at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta, he held faculty positions at Emory University, Atlanta University, the University of Georgia and Northwestern University. A past Director of the Credit Research Center at Georgetown University, SS&C Technologies, Inc. (2005) and past President of the Financial Management Association International, he has consulted with numerous foreign central banks and official agencies in Western, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, Central America and South America. From 1990 to 1995, he was a U.S. Treasury Advisor to Central and Eastern Europe. He has been a Director of the Xerox Corporation since 2004 and Wellmark, Inc. since 2009. He is a Director and past President of Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society. Mr. Hunter joined the Board in 2003.
David J. Kundert. Mr. Kundert retired in 2004 as Chairman of JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management, and as President and CEO of Banc One Investment Advisors Corporation, and as President of One Group Mutual Funds. Prior to the merger between Bank One Corporation and JPMorgan Chase and Co., he was Executive Vice President, Bank One Corporation and, since 1995, the Chairman and CEO, Banc One Investment Management Group. From 1988 to 1992, he was President and CEO of Bank One Wisconsin Trust Company. Mr. Kundert recently retired as a Director of the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (2006 to 2013). He started his career as an
17
attorney for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mr. Kundert has served on the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute and he is currently a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association. He is on the Board of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and chairs its Investment Committee. He is a Regent Emeritus and a Member of the Investment Committee of Luther College. He is also a Member of the Board of Directors (Milwaukee), College Possible and a Member of the Board of Trustees, Milwaukee Repertory Theater. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College and his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University. Mr. Kundert joined the Board in 2005.
Albin F. Moschner. Mr. Moschner is a consultant in the wireless industry and, in July 2012, founded Northcroft Partners, LLC, a management consulting firm that provides operational, management and governance solutions. Prior to founding Northcroft Partners, LLC, Mr. Moschner held various positions at Leap Wireless International, Inc., a provider of wireless services, where he was a consultant from February 2011 to July 2012, Chief Operating Officer from July 2008 to February 2011, and Chief Marketing Officer from August 2004 to June 2008. Before he joined Leap Wireless International, Inc., Mr. Moschner was President of the Verizon Card Services division of Verizon Communications, Inc. from 2000 to 2003, and President of One Point Services at One Point Communications from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Moschner also served at Zenith Electronics Corporation as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer from 1995 to 1996, and as Director, President and Chief Operating Officer from 1994 to 1995. Since 2012, Mr. Moschner has been a member of the Board of Directors of USA Technologies, Inc. and, from 1996 until 2016, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Wintrust Financial Corporation. In addition, he currently serves on the Advisory Boards of the Kellogg School of Management (since 1995) and the Archdiocese of Chicago Financial Council (since May 2012). Mr. Moschner received a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from The City College of New York in 1974 and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University in 1979. Mr. Moschner joined the Board in 2016.
John K. Nelson. Mr. Nelson currently serves on the Board of Directors of Core12 LLC (since 2008), a private firm which develops branding, marketing, and communications strategies for clients. He was formerly a senior external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP. Mr. Nelson has served in several senior executive positions with ABN AMRO Holdings N.V. and its affiliated entities and predecessors, including LaSalle Bank Corporation from 1996 to 2008. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Nelson was Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America, and Global Head of its Financial Markets Division. He was a member of the Foreign Exchange Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States, and during his tenure with ABN AMRO, served as the banks representative on various committees of the Bank of Canada, European Central Bank, and the Bank of England. At Fordham University, he currently serves as a director of The Curran Center for Catholic American Studies and The Presidents Council. He is also a member of The Economic Club of Chicago and was formerly a member of The Hyde Park Angels and a Trustee at St. Edmund Preparatory School in New York City. He is former chair of the Board of Trustees of Marian University. Mr. Nelson received his MBA from Fordham University. Mr. Nelson joined the Board in 2013.
William J. Schneider. Mr. Schneider, the Boards Independent Chairman, is currently Chairman, formerly Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer (retired, December 2004) of Miller-Valentine Partners, a real estate investment company. He is an owner in several other Miller-Valentine entities. He is currently a member of the Board of WDPR Public Radio Station and of Med-America Health System. He was formerly a Director and Past Chair of the Dayton Development Coalition. He was formerly a member of the Community Advisory Board of the National City Bank in Dayton as
18
well as a former member of the Business Advisory Council of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank. Mr. Schneider was also a member of the Business Advisory Council for the University of Dayton College of Business. He also served as Chair of the Miami Valley Hospital and as Chair of the Finance Committee of its parent holding company. Mr. Schneider was an independent trustee of the Flagship Funds, a group of municipal open-end funds. Mr. Schneider has a Bachelor of Science in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Dayton. Mr. Schneider joined the Board in 1996.
Judith M. Stockdale. Ms. Stockdale retired at the end of 2012 as Executive Director of the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, a private foundation working in land conservation and artistic vitality in the Chicago region and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. She is currently a board member of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (since 2013) and rejoined the board of the Land Trust Alliance in June 2013. Her previous positions include Executive Director of the Great Lakes Protection Fund, Executive Director of Openlands, and Senior Staff Associate at the Chicago Community Trust. She has served on the Advisory Council of the National Zoological Park, the Governors Science Advisory Council (Illinois) and the Nancy Ryerson Ranney Leadership Grants Program. She has served on the Boards of Brushwood Center and the Donors Forum. Ms. Stockdale, a native of the United Kingdom, has a Bachelor of Science degree in geography from the University of Durham (UK) and a Master of Forest Science degree from Yale University. Ms. Stockdale joined the Board in 1997.
Carole E. Stone. Ms. Stone retired from the New York State Division of the Budget in 2004, having served as its Director for nearly five years and as Deputy Director from 1995 through 1999. Ms. Stone is currently on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, CBOE Holdings, Inc. and C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated. She has also served as the Chair of the New York 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. Ms. Stone has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Skidmore College. Ms. Stone joined the Board in 2006.
Terence J. Toth. Mr. Toth is a Managing Partner of Promus Capital (since 2008). From 2008 to 2013, he served as a Director of Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. From 2004 to 2007, he was Chief Executive Officer and President of Northern Trust Global Investments, and Executive Vice President of Quantitative Management & Securities Lending from 2000 to 2004. He also formerly served on the Board of the Northern Trust Mutual Funds. He joined Northern Trust in 1994 after serving as Managing Director and Head of Global Securities Lending at Bankers Trust (1986 to 1994) and Head of Government Trading and Cash Collateral Investment at Northern Trust from 1982 to 1986. He currently serves on the Boards of Fulcrum IT Service LLC (since 2010), Quality Control Corporation (since 2012), Catalyst Schools of Chicago and is on the Mather Foundation Board (since 2012) and is Chair of its investment committee. Mr. Toth graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, and received his MBA from New York University. In 2005, he graduated from the CEO Perspectives Program at Northwestern University. Mr. Toth joined the Board in 2008.
Margaret L. Wolff. Ms. Wolff retired from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in 2014 after more than 30 years of providing client service in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group. During her legal career, Ms. Wolff devoted significant time to advising boards and senior management on U.S. and international corporate, securities, regulatory and strategic matters, including governance, shareholder, fiduciary, operational and management issues. Since 2013, she has been a Board member of Travelers Insurance Company of Canada and The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (each of which is a part of Travelers Canada, the Canadian operation of The Travelers Companies, Inc.).
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Ms. Wolff has been a trustee of New York-Presbyterian Hospital since 2005 and, since 2004, she has served as a trustee of The John A. Hartford Foundation (a philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults) where she currently is the Chair. From 2005 to 2015, she was a trustee of Mt. Holyoke College and served as Vice Chair of the Board from 2011 to 2015. Ms. Wolff received her Bachelor of Arts from Mt. Holyoke College and her Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Ms. Wolff joined the Board in 2016.
Independent Chairman
William J. Schneider currently serves as the independent Chairman of the Board. Specific responsibilities of the Chairman include: (1) presiding at all meetings of the Board and of the shareholders; (2) seeing that all orders and resolutions of the Board Members are carried into effect; and (3) maintaining records of and, whenever necessary, certifying all proceedings of the Board Members and the shareholders.
Board Member Terms
Shareholders will be asked to elect Board Members as each Board Members term expires, and with respect to Board Members elected by common shareholders voting as a single class, each such Board Member shall be elected for a term expiring at the time of the third succeeding annual meeting subsequent to his or her election or thereafter, in each case when his or her respective successor is duly elected and qualified. These provisions could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board of the Target Fund.
The following table sets forth information with respect to each officer of the Target Fund. Officers receive no compensation from the Target Fund. The officers are elected by the Board on an annual basis to serve until successors are elected and qualified.
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Served by Officer (3) |
||||||
Cedric H. Antosiewicz 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1962 |
Chief
Administrative Officer |
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 2007 |
Managing Director (since 2004) of Nuveen Securities LLC; Managing Director (since 2014) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director (since 2010) of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. | 77 | ||||||
Lorna C. Ferguson 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1945 |
Vice President |
Term: Annual
Length of Service:
|
Managing Director of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. | 181 | ||||||
Stephen D. Foy 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1954 |
Vice President
and Controller |
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 1993 |
Managing Director (since 2014), formerly, Senior Vice President (20132014) and Vice President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Chief Financial Officer of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC (since 2010); Managing Director (since 2016) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Certified Public Accountant. | 181 |
20
Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Served by Officer (3) |
||||||
Nathaniel T. Jones 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1979 |
Vice President
and Treasurer |
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 2016 |
Senior Vice President (since 2016), formerly, Vice President (2011 2016) of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.; Chartered Financial Analyst. | 181 | ||||||
Walter M. Kelly 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1970 |
Chief
Compliance
Officer and
|
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 2003 |
Senior Vice President (since 2008) of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. | 181 | ||||||
David J. Lamb 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1963 |
Vice President |
Term: Annual
Length of Service: since 2015 |
Senior Vice President of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. (since 2006), Vice President prior to 2006. | 77 | ||||||
Tina M. Lazar 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1961 |
Vice President |
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 2002 |
Senior Vice President of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. and Nuveen Securities, LLC. | 181 | ||||||
Kevin J. McCarthy 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1966 |
Vice President
and Assistant
|
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 2007 |
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel (since March 2016), formerly, Managing Director and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Executive Vice President (since March 2016), formerly, Managing Director, and Assistant Secretary (since 2008) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Executive Vice President and Secretary (since March 2016), formerly, Managing Director (2008-2016) and Assistant Secretary (2007-2016), and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Executive Vice President and Secretary (since March 2016), formerly, Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2011-2016), and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; Executive Vice President and Secretary of Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC; Vice President (since 2007) and Secretary (since 2016) of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC, Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010) and Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC (since 2016); Vice President (since 2010) and Secretary (since March 2016), formerly, Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC. | 181 |
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Name, Address
|
Position(s)
Held with Fund |
Term of Office
and Length of Time Served (1) |
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Served by Officer (3) |
||||||
Kathleen L. Prudhomme 901 Marquette Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 1953 |
Vice President
and Assistant Secretary |
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 2011 |
Managing Director and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2011); Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; formerly, Deputy General Counsel, FAF Advisors, Inc. (20042010). | 181 | ||||||
Christopher M. Rohrbacher 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1971 |
Vice President
and Assistant
|
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 2008 |
Senior Vice President (since 2011) formerly, Vice President (2008-2011) and Assistant General Counsel (since 2008) of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2010) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since October 2016) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC. | 181 | ||||||
Joel T. Slager 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1978 |
Vice President
and Assistant
|
Term: Annual
Length of Service: Since 2013 |
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). | 181 | ||||||
Gifford R. Zimmerman 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 1956 |
Vice President
and Secretary |
Term: Annual
Length of Service:
|
Managing Director (since 2002) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2002), Assistant Secretary (since 1997) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director (since 2004) and Assistant Secretary (since 1994) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); Managing Director and Assistant Secretary of Symphony Asset Management LLC (since 2003) and Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC (since 2002); Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (since 2006) and of Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010); Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), formerly, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Compliance Officer (2006-2013) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst. | 181 |
(1) | Length of Time Served indicates the year the individual became an officer of a fund in the Nuveen fund complex. |
(2) | Information as of October 1, 2016. |
(3) | Each officer also serves as an officer of the Diversified Real Asset Income Fund, a closed-end management investment company advised by the Adviser, but not overseen by the Board. |
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Shareholder Approval
The affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to elect each Board Member of the Target Fund. For purposes of determining whether shareholders of the Fund have approved the proposal to elect Board Members, abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will be treated as shares present at the Annual Meeting for establishing a quorum, but that have not been voted. Consequently, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of Board Members.
The Target Fund has not issued preferred shares in the past; however, the Target Fund may issue preferred shares in the future to increase the Target Funds leverage. In that event, holders of such preferred securities, voting as a separate class, would have the right to elect at least two Board Members at all times and to elect a majority of the Board Members in the event two full years dividends on the preferred shares are unpaid. In each case, the remaining Board Members would be elected by holders of common shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class. The holders of preferred shares would vote as a separate class or classes on certain other matters as required under the Funds Declaration of Trust, the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law.
The Target Funds Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of the nominees.
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PROPOSAL NO. 2REORGANIZATION OF THE TARGET FUND INTO THE ACQUIRING FUND
A. | SYNOPSIS |
The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus with respect to the proposed Reorganization. More complete information is contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and in the Reorganization SAI and the appendices hereto and thereto. Shareholders should read the entire Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully.
Background and Reasons for the Reorganization
The proposed Reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund is intended to reduce the Funds common shareholder fees and expenses, increase common share net earnings and increase investor appeal and, in turn, enhance secondary market trading prices of the common shares relative to net asset value.
Based on information provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (previously defined as Nuveen Fund Advisors or the Adviser), the Board believes that the proposed Reorganization may benefit shareholders of the Target Fund (relative to not pursuing the Reorganization) in a number of ways, including, among other things:
|
The potential for a higher common share net earnings rate; |
|
The potential for improved secondary market trading prices relative to net asset value; and |
|
Lower management fee and administrative expense rates (excluding the costs of leverage) as certain fixed costs are spread over a larger asset base. See Comparative Expense InformationComparative Fee Table and the accompanying footnotes below. |
The closing of the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, which include customary closing conditions. In order for the Reorganization to occur, the requisite shareholder approval must be obtained at the Target Funds Annual Meeting, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties must also be obtained. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon the Target Fund obtaining such shareholder approval and each Fund satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of the Target Fund entitled to vote on the Reorganization proposal approve such proposal and the Target Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the Acquiring Fund does not satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions. If the Reorganization is not consummated, the Target Funds Board may take such actions as it deems in the best interests of its Fund. For a fuller discussion of the Boards considerations regarding the approval of the Reorganization, see Proposal No. 2Information About the ReorganizationReasons for the Reorganization.
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Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization
As a condition to closing, each Fund will receive, with respect to the proposed Reorganization, an opinion of Vedder Price P.C., subject to certain representations, assumptions and conditions, substantially to the effect that the proposed Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Accordingly, it is expected that no Fund will recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a direct result of the Reorganization. It is also expected that shareholders of the Target Fund who receive Acquiring Fund shares pursuant to the Reorganization will recognize no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such exchange, except to the extent a common shareholder of the Target Fund receives cash in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund common share. Prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the Target Fund expects to declare a distribution of all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any. All or a portion of such a distribution may be taxable to the Target Funds shareholders for federal income tax purposes. To the extent that portfolio securities of the Target Fund are sold prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the Target Fund may realize gains or losses, which may increase or decrease the net capital gain or net investment income to be distributed by the Fund.
Comparison of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund
General. The Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund are diversified, closed-end management investment companies. Set forth below is certain comparative information about the organization, capitalization and operation of each Fund.
Organization |
||||||||||
Fund |
Organization
Date |
State of
Organization |
Entity Type | |||||||
Acquiring Fund |
January 27, 2003 | Massachusetts | business trust | |||||||
Target Fund |
March 28, 2013 | Massachusetts | business trust |
CapitalizationCommon Shares |
||||||||||||
Fund |
Authorized
Shares |
Shares
Outstanding (1) |
Par Value
Per Share |
Preemptive,
Conversion or Exchange Rights |
Rights to
Cumulative Voting |
Exchange
on which Common Shares are Listed |
||||||
Acquiring Fund |
Unlimited | [] | $0.01 | None | None | NYSE | ||||||
Target Fund |
Unlimited | [] | $0.01 | None | None | NYSE |
(1) | As of []. |
Upon the closing of the Reorganization, it is expected that the Acquiring Fund will continue the listing of its common shares on the NYSE.
Investment Objectives and Policies. The Funds have similar investment objectives. Each Funds primary investment objective is high current income. The secondary investment objective of the Acquiring Fund is total return and the secondary investment objective of the Target Fund is capital appreciation. Each Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and currently engages in leverage through bank borrowings.
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The Acquiring Fund has a non-fundamental investment policy that requires, under normal circumstances, that the Fund invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities, which for this purpose include contingent convertible capital instruments (sometimes referred to as CoCos), and up to 20% in other securities, primarily income-oriented securities such as corporate and taxable municipal debt and common equity. In addition, at least 50% of the Acquiring Funds Managed Assets are rated investment grade (BBB/Baa and above) at the time of investment. The Acquiring Fund is not limited in the amount of its investments in non-U.S. issuers. The Target Fund has a non-fundamental investment policy that requires, under normal circumstances, that the Fund invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in income producing preferred, debt, and equity securities issued by companies located anywhere in the world, and up to 40% of its Managed Assets may consist of equity securities, distinct from preferred securities. In addition, under normal circumstances, up to 50% of Target Funds Managed Assets may be in securities issued by non-U.S. companies, up to 40% of its Managed Assets may consist of equity securities, distinct from preferred securities, and up to 75% of its investments may be in debt and preferred securities that are of a type rated by a credit rating agency below investment grade, or if unrated, will be judged to be of comparable quality by NWQ. Each Fund invests at least 25% of its Managed Assets in securities issued by financial services companies.
Preferred securities, which generally pay fixed or adjustable rate dividends or interest to investors, have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends or interest and generally the liquidation of a companys assets, which means that a company typically must pay dividends or interest on its preferred securities before paying any dividends on its common stock. As a general matter, dividend or interest payments on preferred securities may be cumulative or non-cumulative. The dividend or interest rates on preferred securities may be fixed or floating, or convert from fixed to floating at a specified future time; a Fund may invest without limit in such floating-rate and fixed-to-floating rate preferred securities. Floating-rate and fixed-to-floating rate preferred securities may be traditional preferred or hybrid-preferred securities. Floating-rate preferred securities pay a rate of income that resets periodically based on short- and/or longer-term interest rate benchmarks. If the associated interest rate benchmark rises, the income received from the security may increase and therefore the return offered by the floating-rate security may rise as well, making such securities less price sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields). Similarly, a fixed-to-floating rate security may be less price sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields), because the period over which the rate of payment is fixed is shorter than the maturity term of the bond, after which period a floating rate of payment applies. On the other hand, preferred securities are junior to most other forms of the companys debt, including both senior and subordinated debt. Because of their subordinated position in the capital structure of an issuer, the ability to defer dividend or interest payments for extended periods of time without triggering an event of default for the issuer, and certain other features, preferred securities may have, at times, risks similar to equity instruments. Each Funds portfolio of preferred securities may consist of fixed rate preferred and adjustable rate preferred securities.
Preferred securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest or dividend bearing notes, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The preferred securities market is generally divided into the $25 par retail and the $1,000 par institutional segments. The $25 par segment is typified by securities that are listed on the NYSE, which trade and are quoted with accrued dividend or interest income, and which are often callable. The institutional segment is typified by $1,000 par value securities that are not exchange-listed. Each Fund may invest in preferred securities of either segment.
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While some preferred securities are issued with a final maturity date, others are perpetual in nature. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuers option for a specified time without triggering an event of default for the issuer. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations to preferred security investors have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to any cumulative dividends or interest payable. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to holders of such securities. Should an issuer default on its obligations under such a security, the amount of income earned by a Fund may be adversely affected.
Each Fund may invest in all types of preferred securities including both traditional preferred securities and non-traditional preferred securities. Traditional preferred securities are generally equity securities of the issuer that have priority over the issuers common shares as to the payment of dividends (i.e., the issuer cannot pay dividends on its common shares until the dividends on the preferred shares are current) and as to the payout of proceeds of bankruptcy or other liquidation, but are subordinate to an issuers senior debt and junior debt as to both types of payments. Additionally, in a bankruptcy or other liquidation, traditional preferred shares are generally subordinate to an issuers trade creditors and other general obligations.
Traditional preferred securities pay a dividend, typically contingent both upon declaration by the issuers board, and at times approval by regulators, and on the existence of current earnings (or retained earnings) in sufficient amount to source the payment. Dividend payments can be either cumulative or non-cumulative and can be passed or deferred without limitation at the option of the issuer. Traditional preferred securities typically have no ordinary right to vote for the board of directors, except in some cases voting rights may arise if the issuer fails to pay the preferred share dividends. Traditional preferred securities may be perpetual, or have a term and typically have a fixed liquidation (or par) value.
Non-traditional preferred securities include hybrid preferred securities, contingent convertible capital securities and other types of preferred securities that do not have the traditional features described above. Hybrid-preferred securities often behave similarly as investments in traditional preferred securities and are regarded by market investors as being part of the preferred securities market. Hybrid-preferred securities possess varying combinations of features of both debt and preferred shares and as such they may constitute senior debt, junior debt or preferred shares in an issuers capital structure. As such, hybrid-preferred securities may not be subordinate to a companys debt securities (as are traditional preferred shares). Given the various debt and equity characteristics of hybrid-preferred securities, whether a hybrid-preferred security is classified as debt or equity for purposes of reporting a Funds portfolio holdings may be based on the portfolio managers determination as to whether its debt or preferred features are preponderant, or based on the assessment of an independent data provider. Such determination may be subjective.
Hybrid-preferred securities include trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The trust preferred securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates. Trust preferred securities may defer payment of income without
27
triggering an event of default. These securities may have many characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuers capital structure. Trust preferred securities may be issued by trusts or other special purpose entities.
Contingent capital securities (sometimes referred to as CoCos) are preferred capital securities issued primarily by non-U.S. financial institutions. Specific CoCo structures vary by country of domicile and by each issue. All CoCos have mechanisms that absorb losses or reduces the value of the CoCo due to deterioration of the issuers financial condition and status as a going concern. Loss absorption mechanisms, which may include conversion into common equity and principal write-down, are intended for the benefit of the issuer and when triggered will likely negatively impact the value of the CoCo to the detriment of the CoCo investor. Loss absorption mechanisms can be triggered by capital levels or market value metrics of the issuers dropping below a certain predetermined level or at the discretion of the issuer regulator/supervisory entity. There are other types of preferred and hybrid-preferred securities that offer loss absorption to the issuing entity but until now only CoCos have predetermined loss absorption mechanisms and triggers. Thus, unlike traditional convertible securities, the conversion is not voluntary and the equity conversion or principal write-down features are tailored to the issuer and its regulatory requirements. Due to increased regulatory requirements for higher capital levels for financial institutions, the issuance of CoCo instruments has increased in the last several years and is expected to continue.
Preferred securities may also include certain forms of debt that have many characteristics of preferred shares, and that are regarded by the investment marketplace to be part of the broader preferred securities market. Among these preferred securities are certain exchange-traded listed debt issues that historically have several attributes, including trading and investment performance characteristics, in common with exchange-listed traditional preferred stock and hybrid-preferred securities. Generally, these types of preferred securities are senior debt or junior debt in the capital structure of an issuer.
The preferred securities market continues to evolve. New securities may be developed that may be regarded by market investors as being part of the preferred securities market. Where such securities will fall in the capital structure of the issuer will depend on the structure and characteristics of the new security. For the purposes of the Acquiring Funds policy of investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities, the Fund considers all of the foregoing types of securities that are commonly viewed in the marketplace as preferred securities to be preferred securities, regardless of their classification in the capital structure of the issuer.
Debt securities in which the Funds may invest include corporate debt securities and U.S. government and agency debt securities. Generally, debt securities typically, but not always, possess the following characteristics: a specified maturity or term, at which time the issuer is contractually obligated to pay the associated principal amount of debt to the debtholders; interest payments that are a contractual and enforceable obligation as of the stated payment date, and not contingent either on payment-by-payment declaration by the issuers board or on the demonstrated existence of company earnings as a source for the payment; and do not entitle the holder to exercise governance of or control over the issuer.
In the capital structure of an issuer, debt securities can be senior debt or junior debt. A senior debt security has priority over any other type of security in a companys capital structure as to the payment of any promised income (typically denoted as interest) from the issuer, and as to payout of the proceeds of the bankruptcy or other liquidation of the company. At times, the issuer will have pledged specific assets or revenues to secure the rights of the holder of the debt security to payments of interest
28
and principal such that the proceeds of the specific assets or revenues must be used to satisfy these debt obligations prior to being applied to any of the issuers other obligations in a bankruptcy or other liquidation. In the event that the assets securing the debt security are not sufficient to fully satisfy such obligations in a bankruptcy or other liquidation, the remainder of such obligations will generally have the same priority as an issuers trade creditors and other general obligations, but still have priority of payment relative to the issuers preferred shares and common shares. Sometimes referred to as subordinated or mezzanine debt, junior debt stands behind the senior debt as to its rights to receive promised income payments (again, typically denoted as interest) from the issuer, and payouts of the proceeds of bankruptcy or other liquidation, but will have priority of payment relative to the issuers preferred shares and common shares.
Under normal circumstances, each Fund currently invests at least 25% of its Managed Assets in securities of financial services companies. A financial services company is one that is primarily involved in banking, mortgage finance, consumer finance, specialized finance, investment banking and brokerage, asset management and custody, corporate lending, insurance, financial instruments or real estate, including business development companies (BDCs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs). For purposes of identifying companies in the financial services sector, the Funds use industry classifications such as those provided by MSCI and Standard & Poors (The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS)), Bloomberg, Barclays or similar sources commonly used in the financial industry. As a result, if one or more of these classifications include a company in the financial services sector, the Funds consider such company as in the financial services sector.
Under normal circumstances, each Fund currently invests at least 50% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades by at least one of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSRO) that rate such security or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser or Sub-Advisers (i.e., investment grade). Investment grade securities include securities that, at the time of investment, are rated investment grade by at least one NRSRO and below investment grade by another NRSRO (sometimes called split-rated). The Acquiring Fund and Target Fund may currently invest up to 50% and 75%, respectively, of their Managed Assets in securities rated below investment grade or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Funds Adviser or Sub-Advisers. In addition, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund may currently invest up to 100% and 50%, respectively, of their Managed Assets in U.S. dollar denominated securities of non-U.S. issuers; provided that the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Euros which may be offered, traded or listed in non-U.S. markets and the Target Fund may only invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of issuers in emerging market countries. The Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund may invest up to 10% and 15%, respectively, of their Managed Assets in illiquid securities. For purposes of identifying non-U.S. companies, the Funds use Bloomberg classifications, which employ various factors as described herein. Emerging market countries include any country other than Canada, the United States and the countries comprising the MSCI EAFE ® Index.
The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and no Fund is required to dispose of a security in the event that a NRSRO downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, the Sub-Advisers may consider such factors as its assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies.
29
A general description of Moodys, S&Ps and Fitchs ratings of securities is set forth in Appendix A to the Reorganization SAI.
Each Fund may engage in hedging transactions from time to time. The Funds may enter into futures, options on futures and swaps transactions provided that the Adviser and Sub-Adviser(s) would not be required to register with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund.
During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep a Funds cash fully invested, each Fund may deviate from its investment objectives and may invest any percentage of its net assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term debt securities (or in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in preferred securities of the types in which each Fund may invest directly). Temporary defensive periods may have an adverse effect on each Funds ability to achieve its investment objectives.
Each Funds investment objectives and certain investment policies specifically identified in the Reorganization SAI as such are considered fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval. All of the other investment policies of each Fund, including as noted above, are not considered to be fundamental by such Fund and can be changed by the Board without a vote of the shareholders; provided that the Acquiring Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days prior to any change in its policy to invest at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred securities.
Neither Fund can change its investment objectives without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, if issued in the future, voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, if issued in the future, voting as a separate class. When used with respect to particular shares of each Fund, a majority of the outstanding shares means (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less.
Each Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of its assets, each Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any single issuer (and in not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer), except that this limitation does not apply to cash, securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities and securities of other investment companies.
Leverage. Each Fund may utilize the following forms of leverage: (1) the issuance of preferred shares, (2) bank borrowings and (3) portfolio investments that have the economic effect of leverage, including but not limited to investments in futures, options and reverse repurchase agreements. Currently, each Fund employs financial leverage through bank borrowings.
The timing and terms of any leverage transaction are determined by a Funds Board, and may vary with prevailing market or economic conditions. The Acquiring Fund has issued preferred shares in the past, but does not currently have any preferred shares outstanding. The Target Fund has not issued preferred shares to date. If a Fund issues preferred shares, such preferred shares, voting as a separate class, would have the right to elect at least two Board Members at all times and to elect a majority of the Board Members in the event two full years dividends on the preferred shares are unpaid. In each case, the remaining Board Members would be elected by holders of common shares
30
and preferred shares voting together as a single class. The holders of preferred shares would vote as a separate class or classes on certain other matters as required under each Funds Declaration of Trust, the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law.
Certain important ratios related to each Funds use of leverage for the last three fiscal years are set forth below:
Acquiring Fund |
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Asset Coverage Ratio (1) |
352.59 | % | 350.62 | % | 357.18 | % | ||||||
Regulatory Leverage Ratio (2) |
28.36 | % | 28.52 | % | 28.00 | % | ||||||
Effective Leverage Ratio (3) |
28.36 | % | 28.52 | % | 28.00 | % | ||||||
Target Fund |
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Asset Coverage Ratio (1) |
354.89 | % | 329.58 | % | 346.49 | % | ||||||
Regulatory Leverage Ratio (2) |
28.18 | % | 30.34 | % | 28.86 | % | ||||||
Effective Leverage Ratio (3) |
28.18 | % | 30.34 | % | 28.86 | % |
(1) | A Funds asset coverage ratio is defined under the 1940 Act as the ratio that the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by borrowings, preferred shares or senior securities representing indebtedness, if any, bears to the aggregate amount of borrowings, preferred shares and senior securities representing indebtedness issued by the Fund, if any. |
(2) | Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares or debt issued by the Fund. Both of these are part of a Funds capital structure. Regulatory leverage is sometimes referred to as 1940 Act Leverage and is subject to asset coverage limits set forth in the 1940 Act. |
(3) | Effective leverage is a Funds effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage and the leverage effects of certain derivative investments in the Funds portfolio. |
Board Members and Officers. The Funds have the same Board Members and officers. The management of each Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by such Funds investment adviser under an investment management agreement between the Adviser and such Fund (each, an Investment Management Agreement), is the responsibility of its Board. Effective July 1, 2016, each Fund has twelve (12) Board Members, two (2) of whom are interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) and ten (10) of whom are not interested persons. The names and business addresses of the Board Members and officers of the Funds and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth under Proposal No. 1The Election of Board Members.
Pursuant to the Funds By-Laws, each Funds Board is divided into three classes (Class I, Class II and Class III) with staggered multi-year terms, such that only the members of one of the three classes stand for election each year. The staggered board structure could delay for up to two years the election of a majority of the Board. The Acquiring Funds board structure will remain in place following the closing of the Reorganization.
Investment Adviser . Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (previously defined as Nuveen Fund Advisors or the Adviser), the Funds investment adviser, offers advisory and investment management services to a broad range of investment company clients. Nuveen Fund Advisors 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. Nuveen Fund Advisors is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
Nuveen Fund Advisors, a registered investment adviser, is a subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (previously defined as Nuveen or Nuveen Investments). Nuveen Investments is an operating division of TIAA Global Asset Management (TGAM), the investment management arm of Teachers
31
Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). TIAA is a life insurance company founded in 1918 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and is the companion organization of College Retirement Equities Fund. As of September 30, 2016, TGAM managed approximately $891 billion in assets, of which approximately $134 billion was managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors.
Unless earlier terminated as described below, each Funds Investment Management Agreement with Nuveen Fund Advisors will remain in effect until August 1, 2017. Each Investment Management Agreement continues in effect from year to year so long as such continuation is approved at least annually by: (1) the Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; and (2) a majority of the Board Members who are not interested persons of any party to the Investment Management Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each Investment Management Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either the Fund or Nuveen Fund Advisors upon 60 days written notice and is automatically terminated in the event of its assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Pursuant to each Investment Management Agreement, each Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee for the overall advisory and administrative services and general office facilities provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors. Each Funds management fee consists of two componentsa complex-level fee, based on the aggregate amount of all eligible fund assets managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors, and a specific fund-level fee, based only on the amount of assets within such Fund. This pricing structure enables the Funds shareholders to benefit from growth in assets within each individual Fund as well as from growth of complex-wide assets managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the effective management fee rates of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund, expressed as a percentage of average total daily managed assets (including assets attributable to leverage), were 0.82% and 0.86%, respectively.
The annual fund-level fee rate for each Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedules:
Fund-Level Fee Schedule for the Acquiring Fund
Average Total Daily Managed Assets* |
Fund-Level
Fee Rate |
|||
For the first $500 million |
0.6800 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6550 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6300 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6050 | % | ||
For Managed Assets over $2 billion |
0.5800 | % |
* | For this purpose, Managed Assets means the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than Fund liabilities incurred for the express purpose of creating leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Funds use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Funds financial statements for purposes of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles). |
32
Fund-Level Fee Schedule for the Target Fund
Average Total Daily Managed Assets** |
Fund-Level
Fee Rate |
|||
For the first $500 million |
0.7000 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6750 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6500 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6250 | % | ||
For Managed Assets over $2 billion |
0.6000 | % |
** | For this purpose, Managed Assets means the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than Fund liabilities incurred for the express purpose of creating leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Funds use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Funds financial statements for purposes of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles). |
The management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. Each Fund pays all of its other costs and expenses of its operations, including compensation of its Board Members (other than those affiliated with the Adviser), custodian, transfer agency and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of repurchasing shares, expenses of issuing any preferred shares, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, listing fees and taxes, if any.
The stated fund-level fee rate for the Acquiring Fund is lower at each asset value than the fee rates of the Target Fund. The effective fund-level fee rate as a percentage of average daily Managed Assets for the combined fund is expected to be lower than the current effective fund-level fee rate for the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund due to the combination of the assets of the Funds and the combined funds ability to benefit from available breakpoints in the applicable fee schedule that reduces the fee rate as the Acquiring Funds Managed Assets increase in size.
Each Fund also pays a complex-level fee to Nuveen Fund Advisors, which is payable monthly and is in addition to the fund-level fee. The complex-level fee is based on the aggregate daily amount of eligible assets for all Nuveen sponsored funds in the United States, as stated in the table below. As of July 31, 2016, the complex-level fee rate for each Fund was 0.1610%.
33
The annual complex-level fee for each Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:
Complex-Level Fee Rates
Complex-Level Managed Asset Breakpoint Level*** |
Effective 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 trusts 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 funds that constitute eligible assets. Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds and assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with the Advisers assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011. |
A discussion of the basis for the Boards most recent approval of each Funds Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement(s) is included in that Funds Annual Report for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016.
Sub-Advisers. Nuveen Fund Advisors has selected affiliates: (i) NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, located at 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, California 90067 (previously defined as NWQ), to serve as the sub-adviser to the Target Fund and (ii) Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (previously defined as NAM and together with NWQ, the Sub-Advisers and each, a Sub-Adviser), and NWQ to serve as the sub-advisers to the Acquiring Fund, each managing a portion of the Acquiring Funds investment portfolio. Nuveen Fund Advisors has engaged the Sub-Advisers, each a registered investment adviser, to oversee day-to-day operations and manage the investment of their respective Funds assets on a discretionary basis pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between Nuveen Fund Advisors and each Sub-Adviser (collectively, the Sub-Advisory Agreements), subject to the supervision of Nuveen Fund Advisors.
Each Sub-Adviser independently conducts its own research, analysis, security selection and portfolio construction for the assets which it manages pursuant to the investment philosophy described below.
34
Acquiring Fund. The Sub-Advisers employ distinctive, yet complimentary investment strategies. NAM employs a debt-oriented approach that combines top-down relative value analysis of industry sectors with fundamental credit analysis. NWQ employs a bottom-up, fundamentally-driven approach that combines equity research to identify which companies to own with fixed income analysis to identify the most attractive securities of a company to hold.
Target Fund. NWQ employs a fundamental, bottom-up investment process to first seek to identify undervalued companies that offer favorable risk/reward potential and downside protection. NWQ then evaluates all available investment choices within a selected companys capital structure to determine the portfolio investment that may offer the most favorable risk-adjusted return potential, while seeking to construct the Target Funds portfolio with an emphasis on maintaining a sustainable level of income and downside protection.
Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreements, each Sub-Adviser is compensated for the services it provides to the Fund(s) with a portion of the management fee Nuveen Fund Advisors receives from each Fund with respect to the Sub-Advisers allocation of Fund average daily net assets. For the services provided pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreements, Nuveen Fund Advisors pays the Sub-Advisers a fee, payable monthly, as specified by the following schedule:
Sub-Advisory Fee Schedule for Each Fund
Average Daily Net Assets* |
Percentage of
Management Fee |
|||
Up to $125 million |
50.00 | % | ||
For the next $25 million |
47.50 | % | ||
For the next $25 million |
45.00 | % | ||
For the next $25 million |
42.50 | % | ||
Over $200 million |
40.00 | % |
* | For this purpose, Average Daily Net Assets includes net assets attributable to any preferred shares and the principal amount of borrowings pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement between Nuveen Fund Advisors and the Fund. |
The contract fee rate paid by Nuveen Fund Advisors to the Sub-Advisers, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, will not change as a result of the proposed Reorganization. Nuveen Fund Advisors and the Sub-Advisers retain the right to reallocate investment advisory responsibilities and fees between themselves in the future.
Unless earlier terminated as described below, each Funds Investment Management Agreement with Nuveen Fund Advisors will remain in effect until August 1, 2017. Each Investment Management Agreement continues in effect from year to year so long as such continuation is approved at least annually by: (1) the Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; and (2) a majority of the Board Members who are not interested persons of any party to the Investment Management Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each Investment Management Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either the Fund or Nuveen Fund Advisors upon 60 days written notice and is automatically terminated in the event of its assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Portfolio Management. Subject to the supervision of Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Sub-Advisers are responsible for execution of specific investment strategies and day-to-day investment operations. Currently, NAM and NWQ each manage approximately half of the Acquiring Funds investment portfolio. NWQ also manages the Target Funds investment portfolio. Douglas M. Baker and Brenda
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Langenfeld are the portfolio managers for the NAM team, and Thomas J. Ray and Susi Budiman lead the investment team for NWQ. Additional information regarding the portfolio managers compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of securities is contained in the Reorganization SAI. Mr. Baker, Ms. Langenfeld, Mr. Ray and Ms. Budiman will continue to manage the Acquiring Fund upon completion of the Reorganization.
Douglas Baker, CFA, is a Senior Vice President at NAM and a portfolio manager for the Acquiring Fund and related preferred security strategies. He originally joined NAM in 2006 as a Vice President and Derivatives Analyst, and later that year his responsibilities expanded to include portfolio management duties for the Acquiring Fund. In addition to managing various preferred securities strategies, Mr. Baker also manages NAMs derivative overlay group, where he is responsible for implementing derivatives-based hedging strategies across the NAM complex, as well as managing collateral accounts for several commodity-based strategies.
Brenda A. Langenfeld, CFA, is a Vice President at NAM and a portfolio manager for the Acquiring 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.
Thomas J. Ray, CFA, is Managing Director, Head of Fixed Income, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager/Analyst at NWQ. Prior to joining NWQ in 2015, Mr. Ray 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, Mr. Ray also served as portfolio manager at Transamerica Investment Management. Mr. Ray 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, FRM, is Managing Director, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager/Analyst at NWQ. Prior to joining NWQ in 2006, Ms. Budiman 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. Ms. Budiman earned her bachelors degree 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.
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Because the Funds have similar investment objectives and because each Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and currently engages in leverage through bank borrowings, the principal risks of an investment in each Fund are similar. However, the risks below may impact the Acquiring Fund and Target Fund differently to the extent the Target Fund can and does invest in securities that are both higher and lower on the capital structure than the Acquiring Fund which invests primarily in preferred securities:
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Investment, Market and Price Risk. An investment in a Funds common shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. Common shares frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. At any point in time, your common shares may be worth less than you paid, even after considering the reinvestment of Fund distributions. |
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Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a companys capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. |
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Contingent Capital Security Risk. Contingent capital securities (sometimes referred to as CoCos) are preferred securities, issued primarily by non-U.S. financial institutions, which have loss absorption mechanisms benefitting the issuer built into their terms. Upon the occurrence of specific triggers, CoCos may be subject to automatic conversion into the issuers common stock, which likely will have declined in value and which will be subordinate to the issuers other classes of securities, or to an automatic write-down of the principal amount of the securities, potentially to zero, which could result in a Fund losing a portion or all of its investment in such securities. CoCos are often rated below investment grade and are subject to the risks of high yield securities. |
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Interest Rate Risk. Fixed-income securities such as bonds, preferred, convertible and other debt securities will decline in value if market interest rates rise. |
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Credit Risk. Debt or preferred securities held by a Fund may fail to make dividend or interest payments when due. Investments in securities below investment grade credit quality are predominantly speculative and subject to greater volatility and risk of default. Unrated securities are evaluated by Fund managers using industry data and their own analysis processes that may be similar to that of a nationally recognized rating agency; however, such internal ratings are not equivalent to a national agency credit rating. Counterparty credit risk may arise if counterparties fail to meet their obligations, should a Fund hold any derivative instruments for either investment exposure or hedging purposes. |
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Common Stock Risk. Common stock returns often have experienced significant volatility. |
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Leverage Risk. Each Funds use of leverage may cause higher volatility for the Funds per share net asset value, market price, and distributions. Leverage typically magnifies the total return of a Funds portfolio, whether that return is positive or negative. Leverage is intended to increase common share net income, but there is no assurance that a Funds leveraging strategy will be successful. Different forms of leverage, including swaps, may introduce additional credit or interest rate risk. Leverage may also increase a Funds liquidity risk, as the Fund may need to sell securities at inopportune times to stay within Fund or regulatory limits. |
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Concentration Risk. Each Funds investments are concentrated in issuers of one or a few specific economic sectors, so the Fund may be subject to more risks than if it were broadly diversified across the economy. |
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Foreign Investment Risk. Investments in non-U.S securities involve special risks not typically associated with domestic investments including currency risk, if not hedgedthe risk that changes in exchange rates will affect the value of a Funds investments, as well as adverse political, social and economic developments. These risks often are magnified in emerging markets. |
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Call Risk or Repayment Risk. Issuers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower-yielding securities. |
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Illiquid Securities Risk. The Funds may not be able to sell securities in its portfolio at the time or price the Funds desire. |
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Tax Risk. The tax treatment of Fund distributions may be affected by future changes in tax laws and regulations or their interpretation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state tax authorities. |
The principal risks of investing in the Acquiring Fund are described in more detail below.
Comparative Expense Information
The purpose of the Comparative Fee Table is to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses of investing in common shares of the Funds. The information in the table reflects the fees and expenses for each Funds fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, and the pro forma expenses for the twelve (12) months ended July 31, 2016, for the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization. The figures in the Example are not necessarily indicative of past or future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. The Funds actual rates of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% annual return shown in the Example.
Comparative Fee Table (1)
Acquiring
Fund |
Target
Fund |
Acquiring Fund
Pro Forma (2) |
||||||||||
Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets applicable to common shares) |
||||||||||||
Management Fees |
1.16 | % | 1.22 | % | 1.16 | % | ||||||
Interest Expense on Borrowings (3) |
0.50 | % | 0.44 | % | 0.50 | % | ||||||
Other Expenses (4) |
0.07 | % | 0.25 | % | 0.07 | % | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total Annual Expenses |
1.73 | % | 1.91 | % | 1.73 | % | ||||||
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|
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|
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(1) | Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets applicable to common shares) are based on the expenses of the Acquiring Fund and Target Fund for the twelve (12) months ended July 31, 2016. |
(2) | The Acquiring Fund Pro Forma figures reflect the impact of applying the Acquiring Funds fund-level management fee rate to the Acquiring Fund Pro Forma assets and the anticipated reduction of certain duplicative expenses eliminated as a result of the Reorganization. The Funds use of borrowings will increase the amount of management fees paid to the Adviser and Sub-Advisers. Borrowing costs incurred in the future may be higher or lower. The Acquiring Fund Pro Forma expenses do not include the expenses to be borne by the common shareholders of the Funds in connection with the Reorganization, which are estimated to be $40,000 (0.00%) for the Acquiring Fund and $530,000 (0.82%) for the Target Fund. All percentages are based on average net assets applicable to common shares for the twelve (12) months ended July 31, 2016. |
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(3) | Interest Expense on Borrowings reflects the actual borrowing expenses incurred by the Funds during the twelve (12) months ended July 31, 2016. |
(4) | Other Expenses is based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. Expenses attributable to the Funds investments, if any, in other investment companies are currently estimated not to exceed 0.01%. See Other Investment Companies Risk. |
Example : The following examples illustrate the expenses that a common shareholder would pay on a $1,000 investment that is held for the time periods provided in the table. The examples assume that all dividends and other distributions are reinvested and that Total Annual Expenses remain the same. The examples also assume a 5% annual return. The examples should not be considered a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those shown.
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
Acquiring Fund |
$ | 18 | $ | 54 | $ | 94 | $ | 204 | ||||||||
Target Fund |
$ | 19 | $ | 60 | $ | 103 | $ | 223 | ||||||||
Acquiring Fund Pro Forma |
$ | 18 | $ | 54 | $ | 94 | $ | 204 |
Comparative Performance Information
Comparative total return performance for the Funds for periods ended July 31, 2016:
Average Annual Total Return on
Net Asset Value |
Average Annual Total Return
on Market Value |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One
Year |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
Since
Inception |
One
Year |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
Since
Inception |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquiring Fund |
9.01 | % | 9.92 | % | 5.73 | % | N/A | 23.47 | % | 13.24 | % | 7.39 | % | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||
Target Fund (1) |
8.49 | % | N/A | N/A | 7.91 | % | 12.89 | % | N/A | N/A | 3.91 | % |
(1) | Since inception returns are from June 25, 2013 (commencement of operations). |
Average Annual Total Return on Net Asset Value is the combination of changes in common share net asset value, reinvested dividend income at net asset value and reinvested capital gains distributions at net asset value, 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 net asset value. The actual reinvestment price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Funds market price (and not its net asset value), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Average Annual Total Return on Market Value 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 it may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. Past performance information is not necessarily indicative of future results.
B. | RISK FACTORS |
An investment in the Acquiring Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. The Acquiring Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program and, due to the uncertainty inherent in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Acquiring Fund will achieve its investment objectives. Investors should consider their long-term investment goals and financial needs when making an investment decision with respect to shares of the Acquiring Fund. An investment in the Acquiring Fund is intended to be a long-term investment, and you should not view the Fund as a trading vehicle. Your shares at any point in time may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions, if applicable.
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The principal risks of investing in the Acquiring Fund are described below. The risks and special considerations listed below should be considered by shareholders of the Target Fund in their evaluation of the Reorganization. An investment in the Target Fund is also generally subject to each of these principal risks.
General Risks of Investing in the Acquiring Fund
Investment and Market Risk. An investment in the Acquiring Funds shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. Your investment in the shares of the Acquiring Fund represent an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Acquiring Fund. Your shares at any point in time may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if applicable.
Market Discount from Net Asset Value. The market price of shares of closed-end investment companies may fluctuate and during certain periods trade at prices lower than net asset value. The Acquiring Fund cannot predict whether its common shares will trade at, above or below net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Acquiring Funds net asset value could decrease as a result of investment activities. Investors bear a risk of loss to the extent that the price at which they sell their shares is lower in relation to the Acquiring Funds net asset value than at the time of purchase, assuming a stable net asset value. The common shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not view the Acquiring Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.
Credit and Below-Investment-Grade Risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or more securities in the Acquiring Funds portfolio will decline in price, or the issuer thereof will fail to pay interest or principal when due, because the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial status. In general, lower-rated securities carry a greater degree of risk that the issuer will lose its ability to make interest and principal payments, which could have a negative impact on the Acquiring Funds net asset value or dividends. Credit risk is increased when a portfolio security is downgraded or the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer deteriorates. If a downgrade occurs, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers will consider what action, including the sale of the security, is in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and its shareholders. Securities of below-investment-grade quality, commonly referred to as junk bonds, are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due, and they are more susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and business developments than investment-grade securities. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a security in the Acquiring Funds portfolio is downgraded by any NRSRO, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected. The market values for securities of below-investment-grade quality tend to be volatile, and these securities are less liquid than investment-grade securities. For these reasons, an investment in the Acquiring Fund, compared with a portfolio consisting predominately or solely of investment-grade securities, may experience the following:
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increased price sensitivity resulting from a deteriorating economic environment and/or changing interest rates; |
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greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality; |
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adverse issuer-specific events that are more likely to render the issuer unable to make interest and/or principal payments; and |
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the possibility that a negative perception of the below-investment-grade market develops, resulting in the price and liquidity of below-investment-grade securities becoming depressed, and this negative perception could last for a significant period of time. |
Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of a below-investment-grade issuer to make principal payments and interest payments compared to an investment-grade issuer. The principal amount of below-investment-grade securities outstanding has proliferated in the past decade as an increasing number of issuers have used below-investment-grade securities for financing. An economic downturn may severely affect the ability of highly leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. In the event of an economic downturn or in the event interest rates rise sharply, increasing the interest cost on variable rate instruments and negatively impacting economic activity, the number of defaults by below-investment-grade issuers would likely increase. Similarly, prolonged downturns in profitability in specific industries could adversely affect private activity bonds. The market values of lower-quality debt securities tend to reflect individual developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher-quality securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of lower-quality securities may have an adverse impact on the Acquiring Funds net asset value and the market value of its common shares. In addition, the Acquiring Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings. In certain circumstances, the Acquiring Fund may be required to foreclose on an issuers assets and take possession of its property or operations. In such circumstances, the Acquiring Fund would incur additional costs in disposing of such assets and potential liabilities from operating any business acquired.
The secondary market for below-investment-grade securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor that may have an adverse effect on the Acquiring Funds ability to dispose of a particular security. There are fewer dealers in the market for below-investment-grade securities than the market for investment-grade securities. The prices quoted by different dealers for below-investment-grade securities may vary significantly, and the spread between the bid and ask price is generally much larger for below-investment-grade securities than for higher-quality instruments. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the secondary market for below-investment-grade securities could contract, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may become illiquid. As a result, the Acquiring Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the Acquiring Funds net asset value.
Issuers of such below-investment-grade securities are typically highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with higher rated securities. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of below-investment-grade securities may experience financial stress. During such periods, such issuers may not have sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuers ability to service its debt obligations also may be adversely affected by specific developments, the issuers inability to meet specific projected forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss from default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of below-investment-grade securities because such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other
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creditors of the issuer. Prices and yields of below-investment-grade securities will fluctuate over time and, during periods of economic uncertainty, volatility of below-investment-grade securities may adversely affect the Acquiring Funds net asset value. In addition, investments in below-investment-grade zero coupon bonds rather than income-bearing below-investment-grade securities, may be more speculative and may be subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates.
The Acquiring Fund may invest in distressed securities, which are securities issued by companies that are involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or are experiencing other financial difficulties at the time of acquisition by the Fund. The issuers of such securities may be in transition, out of favor, financially leveraged or troubled, or potentially troubled, and may be or have recently been involved in major strategic actions, restructurings, bankruptcy, reorganization or liquidation. These characteristics of these companies can cause their securities to be particularly risky, although they also may offer the potential for high returns. These companies securities may be considered speculative, and the ability of the companies to pay their debts on schedule could be affected by adverse interest rate movements, changes in the general economic climate, economic factors affecting a particular industry or specific developments within the companies. Distressed securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding and may require the Acquiring Fund to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its investment.
Investments in lower rated or unrated securities may present special tax issues for the Acquiring Fund, including when the issuers of these securities default on their obligations pertaining thereto, and the federal income tax consequences to the Acquiring Fund as a holder of such distressed securities may not be clear.
Interest Rate Risk. Generally, when market interest rates rise, bond prices fall, and vice versa. Interest rate risk is the risk that the fixed-rate securities in the Acquiring Funds portfolio, such as preferred and debt securities, will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. As interest rates decline, issuers of fixed-rate securities may prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Acquiring Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities and potentially reducing the Acquiring Funds income. As interest rates increase, slower than expected principal payments may extend the average life of securities, potentially locking in a below market interest rate and reducing the Acquiring Funds value. In typical market interest rate environments, the prices of longer-term fixed-rate securities generally fluctuate more than prices of shorter-term fixed-rate securities as interest rates change. To the extent the Acquiring Fund invests in longer-term fixed-rate securities, the common share net asset value and market price per share will fluctuate more in response to changes in market interest rates than if the Acquiring Fund invested alternatively in shorter-term securities. Because the values of lower rated and comparable unrated debt securities are affected both by credit risk and interest rate risk, the price movements of such lower grade securities typically have not been highly correlated to the fluctuations of the prices of investment-grade-quality securities in response to changes in market interest rates. The Acquiring Funds use of leverage, as described herein, will tend to increase common share interest rate risk. There may be less governmental intervention in the securities markets in the near future. The negative impact on fixed-rate securities if interest rates increase as a result could negatively impact the Acquiring Funds net asset value.
Market Conditions. The 20072009 financial crisis in the U.S. and global economies and the ongoing European sovereign debt crisis resulted in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and in the net asset values of many investment companies, including to some extent the Acquiring Fund. A financial crisis of a similar nature in the future may result in fixed-income instruments again experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased
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price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. The financial condition of federal, state and local governments may be sensitive to market events, which may, in turn, adversely affect the marketability of notes and bonds they issue. In the event of a general economic downturn, declines in real estate prices and general business activity may reduce tax revenues of many state and local governments and could affect the economic viability of projects that are the sole source of revenue to support various municipal securities. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. As a result, it may be unusually difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of unfavorable market conditions.
In response to the 20072009 financial crisis and its aftermath and the ongoing European sovereign debt crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support the financial markets. Where economic conditions in the United States and elsewhere have been recovering for several years, they are nevertheless perceived in many regards as still fragile. Withdrawal of government support, failure of efforts in response to a future crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding could adversely affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. The severity or duration of unfavorable economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations.
Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Acquiring Funds portfolio will decline if and when the Acquiring Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called preferred securities or debt instruments at market interest rates that are below the portfolios current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the common shares ability to pay dividends, market price or their overall returns.
Preferred and Hybrid Preferred Securities Risks. Preferred and other subordinated securities rank lower than bonds and other debt instruments in a companys capital structure and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. There are various special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including:
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Limited Voting Rights Risk. Generally, preferred security holders (such as the Acquiring Fund) have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the issuers board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. In the case of certain preferred securities issued by trusts or special purpose entities, holders generally have no voting rights except if a declaration of default occurs and is continuing. In such an event, preferred security holders generally would have the right to appoint and authorize a trustee to enforce the trusts or special purpose entitys rights as a creditor under the agreement with its operating company. |
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Special Redemption Rights Risk. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities at par prior to their stated maturity date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in federal income tax or securities laws or regulatory or major corporate action. A redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held by the Acquiring Fund. |
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Payment Deferral and Omission Risk. Generally, preferred securities may be subject to provisions that allow an issuer, under certain conditions, to skip (non-cumulative preferred securities) or defer (cumulative preferred securities) distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. Non-cumulative preferred securities can defer distributions indefinitely. Cumulative preferred securities typically contain provisions that allow an issuer, at its discretion, to defer distribution payments for up to 10 years. If the Acquiring Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distribution, the Acquiring Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes although it has not yet received such income. In addition, recent changes in bank regulations may increase the likelihood for issuers to defer or omit distributions. |
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Credit and Subordination Risk. Credit risk is the risk that a security in the Acquiring Funds portfolio will decline in price or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. Preferred securities are generally subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a companys capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments. |
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Floating Rate and Fixed-to-Floating Rate Securities Risk. The market value of floating rate securities is a reflection of discounted expected cash flows based on expectations for future interest rate resets. The market value of such securities may fall in a declining interest rate environment and may also fall in a rising interest rate environment if there is a lag between the rise in interest rates and the reset. This risk may also be present with respect to fixed-to-floating rate securities in which the Acquiring Fund may invest. A secondary risk associated with declining interest rates is the risk that income earned by the Acquiring Fund on floating rate and fixed-to-floating rate securities may decline due to lower coupon payments on floating-rate securities. |
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Liquidity Risk. Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. Government securities or common stock. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Acquiring Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Acquiring Fund is carrying the securities on its books. |
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Regulatory Risk. Issuers of preferred securities may be in industries that are heavily regulated and that may receive government funding. The value of preferred securities issued by these companies may be affected by changes in government policy, such as increased regulation, ownership restrictions, deregulation or reduced government funding. |
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New Types of Securities Risk. From time to time, preferred securities, including hybrid-preferred securities, have been, and may in the future be, offered having features other than those described herein. The Acquiring Fund reserves the right to invest in these securities if the Sub-Advisers believe that doing so would be consistent with the Acquiring Funds investment objective and policies. Since the market for these instruments would be new, the Acquiring Fund may have difficulty disposing of them at a suitable price and time. In addition to limited liquidity, these instruments may present other risks, such as high price volatility. |
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Equity Securities Risk. Equity securities risk is the risk that the value of the equity securities held by the Acquiring Fund will fall due to general market or economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of such securities participate, changes in interest rates, and the particular circumstances and performance of particular companies whose securities the Acquiring Fund holds. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular equity security held by the Acquiring Fund. The price of an equity security may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market, or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the equity securities held by the Acquiring Fund. In addition, equity securities may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated distributions or dividend payments.
Concentration and Financial Services Sector Risk . The preferred securities market is comprised predominantly of securities issued by companies in the financial services sector. Therefore, preferred securities present substantially increased risks at times of financial turmoil, which could affect financial services companies more than companies in other sectors and industries. The Acquiring Funds investment in securities issued by financial services companies makes the Acquiring Fund more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting those companies. Concentration of investments in financial services companies includes the following risks:
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financial services companies may suffer a setback if regulators change the rules under which they operate, which may increase costs for or limit the ability to offer new services or products and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers; |
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unstable interest rates can have a disproportionate effect on the financial services sector; |
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financial services companies whose securities the Acquiring Fund may purchase may themselves have concentrated portfolios, such as a high level of loans to real estate developers, which makes them vulnerable to economic conditions that affect that sector; and |
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financial services companies have been affected by increased competition, which could adversely affect the profitability or viability of such companies. |
The profitability of many types of financial services companies may be adversely affected in certain market cycles, including periods of rising interest rates, which may restrict the availability and increase the cost of capital, and declining economic conditions, which may cause credit losses due to financial difficulties of borrowers. Because many types of financial services companies are especially vulnerable to these economic cycles, the Acquiring Funds investments in these companies may lose significant value during such periods.
Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities have characteristics of both equity and debt securities and, as a result, are exposed to certain additional risks that are typically associated with debt. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar credit quality. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. However, the convertible securitys market value tends to reflect the market price of the common stock of the issuing company when that stock price is greater than the convertible securitys conversion price. The conversion price is defined as the predetermined price at which the convertible security could be exchanged for the associated common stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the price of
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the convertible security tends to be influenced more by the yield of the convertible security. However, convertible securities fall below debt obligations of the same issuer in order of preference or priority in the event of a liquidation and are typically unrated or rated lower than such debt obligations.
Contingent Capital Securities. Contingent capital securities (sometimes referred to as CoCos) are preferred securities, issued primarily by non-U.S. financial institutions, which have loss absorption mechanisms benefitting the issuer built into their terms. CoCos generally provide for mandatory conversion into the common stock of the issuer or a write-down of the principal amount or value of the CoCos upon the occurrence of certain triggers. These triggers are generally linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institutions continued viability as a going-concern. Equity conversion or principal write-down features are tailored to the issuer and its regulatory requirements and, unlike traditional convertible securities, conversions are not voluntary.
A loss absorption mechanism trigger event for CoCos would likely be the result of, or related to, the deterioration of the issuers financial condition (e.g., a decrease in the issuers capital ratio) and 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 trigger event, the market price of the issuers common stock received by the Acquiring Fund will have likely declined, perhaps substantially, and may continue to decline, which may adversely affect the Acquiring Funds net asset value. Further, the issuers common stock would be subordinate to the issuers other classes of securities and therefore would worsen the Acquiring Funds standing in a bankruptcy proceeding. In addition, because the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero. In view of the foregoing, CoCos are often rated below investment grade and are subject to the risks of high yield securities.
CoCos may be subject to an automatic write-down (i.e., the automatic write-down of the principal amount or value of the securities, potentially to zero, and the cancellation of the securities) under certain circumstances, which could result in the Acquiring Fund losing a portion or all of its investment in such securities. In addition, the Acquiring Fund may not have any rights with respect to repayment of the principal amount of the securities that has not become due or the payment of interest or dividends on such securities for any period from (and including) the interest or dividend payment date falling immediately prior to the occurrence of such automatic write-down. An automatic write-down could also result in a reduced income rate if the dividend or interest payment is based on the securitys par value. Coupon payments on CoCos may be discretionary and may be cancelled by the issuer at any point, for any reason or may be subject to approval by the issuers regulator and may be suspended in the event there are insufficient distributable reserves. Certain CoCos are issued as perpetual instruments, callable at pre-determined levels only with the approval of the issuers regulator, thus subjecting the CoCo investor to call extension risk.
In certain scenarios, contrary to classical capital hierarchy, investors in CoCos may suffer a loss of capital ahead of equity holders or when equity holders do not. There is no guarantee that the Acquiring Fund will receive a return of principal on CoCos. The Acquiring Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Any indication that an automatic writedown or conversion event may occur can be expected to have a material adverse effect on the market price of CoCos.
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The prices of CoCos may be volatile. Additionally, the trading behavior of a given issuers CoCo may be strongly impacted by the trading behavior of other issuers CoCos, such that negative information from an unrelated CoCo may cause a decline in value of one or more CoCos held by the Acquiring Fund. Accordingly, the trading behavior of CoCos may not follow the trading behavior of other types of preferred securities.
Investments in CoCos may lead to an increased industry concentration risk as such securities may be issued by a limited number of financial institutions.
Leverage Risk. Leverage risk is the risk associated with the use of borrowings, the issuance of debt securities or preferred shares, or other form of leverage to leverage the Acquiring Funds portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Acquiring Funds leveraging strategy will be successful. Through the use of financial leverage, the Acquiring Fund seeks to enhance potential common share earnings over time by borrowing, issuing debt securities or preferred shares or using other types of leverage that bear costs that are lower than the return of portfolio investments held by the Acquiring Fund. However, the Acquiring Fund may use derivatives, such as interest rate swaps, to fix the effective rate paid on all or a portion of the Acquiring Funds leverage, in an effort to lower leverage costs over an extended period. Accordingly, the Acquiring Fund provides no assurance that the use of leverage will result in a higher yield or return to shareholders. The income benefit from leverage will be reduced (increased) to the extent that the difference narrows (widens) between the net earnings on the Acquiring Funds portfolio securities and its cost of leverage. If short- or intermediate-term rates rise and the Acquiring Funds leverage costs fluctuate, the Acquiring Funds cost of leverage could exceed the return on portfolio securities held by the Acquiring Fund. Because of the costs of leverage, the Acquiring Fund may incur losses even if the Acquiring Fund has positive returns, if they are not sufficient to cover the costs of leverage. The Acquiring Funds cost of leverage includes the interest rate paid on its borrowings or dividends on preferred shares, the expenses relating to the issuance of preferred shares and ongoing maintenance of any borrowings and/or the interest attributable to tender option bonds, as well as any other ongoing fees and expenses associated with those borrowings or preferred shares. The Acquiring Fund also bears the one-time costs associated with establishing borrowing facilities, issuing preferred shares and refinancing such leverage. Refinancing risk is the risk that the Acquiring Fund is unable to replace existing leverage at all or on favorable terms. In the event the Acquiring Fund has issued preferred shares and it is unable to replace its leverage upon a redemption of such preferred shares, it may be forced to reduce leverage and sell portfolio securities when it otherwise would not do so. More frequent refinancings may also increase the one-time costs of establishing leverage. The Acquiring Fund may seek to refinance its leverage over time, in the ordinary course, as current forms of leverage mature or it is otherwise desirable to refinance; however, the form that such leverage will take cannot be predicted at this time. If the Acquiring Fund is unable to replace existing leverage on comparable terms, its costs of leverage will increase. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the use of leverage may result in a higher yield or return to shareholders.
The Acquiring Funds use of financial leverage also creates incremental common share net asset value risk because the full impact of price changes in the Acquiring Funds investment portfolio, including assets attributable to leverage, is borne by common shareholders. This can lead to a greater increase in net asset values in rising markets than if the Acquiring Fund were not leveraged, but it also can result in a greater decrease in net asset values in declining markets. The Acquiring Funds use of financial leverage similarly can magnify the impact of changing market conditions on common share market prices.
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The Acquiring Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, which may themselves be leveraged and therefore present similar risks to those described above. See Other Investment Companies Risk. In addition, the Acquiring Funds investments in leveraged investment companies magnify the Acquiring Funds leverage risk.
The amount of fees paid to the Adviser (which in turn pays a portion of its fees to the Sub-Advisers) for investment advisory services will be higher when the Acquiring Fund uses financial leverage because the advisory fees are calculated based on the Acquiring Funds Managed Assetsthis may create an incentive for the Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers to leverage the Acquiring Fund.
Tax Risk. The Acquiring Fund may invest in preferred securities or other securities the federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or may be subject to recharacterization by the IRS. It could be more difficult for the Acquiring Fund to comply with the tax requirements applicable to regulated investment companies (RICs, each a RIC) if the tax characterization of the Acquiring Funds investments or the tax treatment of the income from such investments were successfully challenged by the IRS. If the Acquiring Fund failed to qualify as a RIC in any taxable year, the Acquiring Fund would be taxed in the same manner as a regular corporation on its taxable income (even if such income were distributed to its shareholders) and distributions to shareholders would not be deductible by the Acquiring Fund in computing its taxable income. Additionally, if the Acquiring Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a Fund-level tax on certain net built-in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within ten years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year.
Derivatives Risk, including the Risk of Swaps. The Acquiring Funds use of derivatives involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the investments underlying the derivatives, including: the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets of the Acquiring Fund, which creates the possibility that the loss on such instruments may be greater than the gain in the value of the underlying assets in the Acquiring Funds portfolio; the loss of principal; the possible default of the other party to the transaction; and illiquidity of the derivative investments. If the Acquiring Fund enters into a derivative transaction, it could lose more than the principal amount invested. Whether the Acquiring Funds use of derivatives is successful will depend on, among other things, if the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers correctly forecast market values, interest rates and other applicable factors. If the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers incorrectly forecast these and other factors, the investment performance of the Acquiring Fund will be unfavorably affected.
The Acquiring Fund may enter into debt-related derivatives instruments including interest rate and other swap contracts. Like most derivative instruments, the use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. In addition, the use of swaps requires an understanding by the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers of not only the referenced asset, rate or index, but also of the swap itself. The derivatives market is subject to a changing regulatory environment. It is possible that regulatory or other developments in the derivatives market could adversely affect the Acquiring Funds ability to successfully use derivative instruments.
Furthermore, the derivative investments may be illiquid. Although both over-the-counter (OTC) and exchange-traded derivatives markets may experience the lack of liquidity, OTC non-standardized derivative transactions are generally less liquid than exchange-traded instruments. The illiquidity of the derivatives markets may be due to various factors, including congestion,
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disorderly markets, limitations on deliverable supplies, the participation of speculators, government regulation and intervention and technical and operational or system failures. In addition, the liquidity of a secondary market in an exchange-traded derivative contract may be adversely affected by daily price fluctuation limits established by the exchanges which limit the amount of fluctuation in an exchange-traded contract price during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in the contract, no trades may be entered into at a price beyond the limit, thus preventing the liquidation of open positions. Prices have in the past moved beyond the daily limit on a number of consecutive trading days. If it is not possible to close an open derivative position entered into by the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Fund would continue to be required to make cash payments of variation (or mark-to-market) margin in the event of adverse price movements. In such a situation, if the Acquiring Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The absence of liquidity may also make it more difficult for the Acquiring Fund to ascertain a market value for such instruments. The inability to close futures or derivatives positions also could have an adverse impact on the Acquiring Funds ability to effectively hedge its portfolio.
Derivatives Regulatory Risk. Future regulatory developments could impact the Acquiring Funds ability to invest in certain derivatives. It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures, options and swap agreements, may limit or prevent the Acquiring Fund from using such instruments as a part of its investment strategies, and could ultimately prevent the Acquiring Fund from being able to achieve its investment objectives. It is impossible to fully predict the effects of past, present or future legislation and regulation in this area, but the effects could be substantial and adverse. There is a likelihood of future regulatory developments altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in the Acquiring Fund or the ability of the Acquiring Fund to continue to implement its investment strategies. It is possible that legislative and regulatory activity could limit or restrict the ability of the Acquiring Fund to use certain instruments as a part of its investment strategies. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which the Acquiring Fund engages in derivative transactions (for example, the Volcker Rule) could also prevent the Acquiring Fund from using certain instruments.
The Dodd-Frank Act sets forth a regulatory framework for OTC derivatives, including financial instruments, such as swaps, in which the Acquiring Fund may invest. The Dodd-Frank Act grants significant authority to the SEC and the CFTC to regulate OTC derivatives and market participants, and requires clearing and exchange trading of many current OTC derivatives transactions. The implementation of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act by the SEC and the CFTC could adversely affect the Acquiring Funds ability to pursue its investment strategies. The Dodd-Frank Act and the rules promulgated thereunder could, among other things, adversely affect the value of the investments held by the Acquiring Fund, restrict the Acquiring Funds ability to engage in derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions.
Further, in February 2012, the CFTC issued a final rule rescinding and amending certain exemptions from registration requirements under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act of 1936 (the CEA) previously available to investment advisers registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act, including the exemption available under CFTC Rule 4.5. In the event that the Acquiring Funds investments in derivative instruments regulated under the CEA, including futures, swaps and options, exceed a certain threshold, the Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers may be required to register as a commodity pool operator and/or commodity trading advisor with the CFTC. In the event the
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Adviser and/or Sub-Advisers are required to register with the CFTC, they will become subject to additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements with respect to the Acquiring Fund, which may increase the Acquiring Funds expenses.
Clearing Broker and Central Clearing Counterparty Risk. The CEA requires swaps and futures clearing brokers registered as futures commission merchants to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of U.S. domestic futures contracts and cleared swaps from the brokers proprietary assets. Similarly, the CEA requires each futures commission merchant to hold in a separate secure account all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of foreign futures contracts and segregate any such funds from the funds received with respect to domestic futures contracts. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers are held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account and may be freely accessed by the clearing broker, which may also invest any such funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulation. There is a risk that assets deposited by the Acquiring Fund with any swaps or futures clearing broker as margin for futures contracts or cleared swaps may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Acquiring Funds clearing broker. In addition, the assets of the Acquiring Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the Acquiring Funds clearing brokers bankruptcy, as the Acquiring Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing brokers combined domestic customer accounts.
Similarly, the CEA requires a clearing organization approved by the CFTC as a derivatives clearing organization to segregate all funds and other property received from a clearing members clients in connection with domestic cleared futures and derivative contracts from any funds held at the clearing organization to support the clearing members proprietary trading. Nevertheless, all customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any futures and derivative contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing members individual customers. With respect to futures and options contracts, a clearing organization may use assets of a non-defaulting customer held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing organization. As a result, in the event of a default or the clearing brokers other clients or the clearing brokers failure to extend own funds in connection with any such default, the Acquiring Fund would not be able to recover the full amount of assets deposited by the clearing broker on behalf of the Acquiring Fund with the clearing organization.
Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Acquiring Fund with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the other party to the agreement may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. The Acquiring Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of the collateral held by the Acquiring Fund, including the value of investments made with cash collateral, is less than the value of the securities. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences to the Acquiring Fund. The use by the Acquiring Fund of reverse repurchase agreements involves many of the same risks of leverage since the proceeds derived from such reverse repurchase agreements may be invested in additional securities.
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Counterparty Risk. Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as the Acquiring Funds counterparties with respect to derivatives or other transactions supported by another partys credit may affect the value of those instruments. Certain entities that have served as counterparties in the markets for these transactions have in the past incurred significant losses and financial hardships, including bankruptcy, as a result of exposure to sub-prime mortgages and other lower quality credit investments that have experienced recent defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. As a result, such hardships have reduced these entities capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations under such transactions. By using derivatives or other transactions, the Acquiring Fund assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience similar financial hardships. In the event of insolvency of a counterparty, the Acquiring Fund may sustain losses or be unable to liquidate a derivatives position.
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk . Investment in mortgage-backed securities poses several risks, including, among others, prepayment, market and credit risk. Prepayment risk reflects the risk that borrowers may prepay their mortgages faster than expected, thereby affecting the investments average life and perhaps its yield. Whether or not a mortgage loan is prepaid is almost entirely controlled by the borrower. Borrowers are most likely to exercise prepayment options at the time when it is least advantageous to investors in mortgage-backed securities, generally prepaying mortgages as interest rates fall, and slowing payments as interest rates rise. Besides the effect of prevailing interest rates, the rate of prepayment and refinancing of mortgages may also be affected by home value appreciation, ease of the refinancing process and local economic conditions. Market risk reflects the risk that the price of a security may fluctuate over time. The price of mortgage-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to prevailing interest rates, the length of time the security is expected to be outstanding and the liquidity of the issue. In a period of unstable interest rates, there may be decreased demand for certain types of mortgage-backed securities, and the Acquiring Fund, if invested in such securities and wishing to sell them, may find it difficult to find a buyer, which may in turn decrease the price at which they may be sold. Credit risk reflects the risk that the Acquiring Fund may not receive all or part of its principal because the issuer or credit enhancer has defaulted on its obligations. Obligations issued by certain U.S. government-related entities are guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The performance of private label mortgage-backed securities, issued by private institutions, is based on the financial health of those institutions.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. companies involve special risks not presented by investments in securities of U.S. companies, including the following: less publicly available information about non-U.S. companies or markets due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices; many non-U.S. markets may be smaller, less liquid and more volatile; potential adverse effects of fluctuations in controls on the value of the Acquiring Funds investments; the economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession; the impact of economic, political, social or diplomatic events; possible seizure of a companys assets; restrictions imposed by non-U.S. countries limiting the ability of non-U.S. issuers to make payments of principal and/or interest; and withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the Acquiring Funds return. These risks are more pronounced to the extent that the Acquiring Fund invests a significant amount of its assets in companies located in one region and to the extent that the Acquiring Fund invests in securities of issuers in emerging markets. To the extent the Acquiring Fund invests in depositary receipts, the Acquiring Fund will be subject to many of the same risks as when investing directly in non-U.S. securities. The holder of an unsponsored depositary receipt may have limited voting rights and may not receive as much information about the issuer of the
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underlying securities as would the holder of a sponsored depositary receipt. The Acquiring Funds income from non-U.S. issuers may be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes. In some countries, the Acquiring Fund also may be subject to taxes on trading profits and, on certain securities transactions, transfer or stamp duties tax.
Risks of investing in emerging markets issuers include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and possible restrictions on repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. Certain emerging markets also may face other significant internal or external risks, including a heightened risk of war and ethnic, religious and racial conflicts. In addition, governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities markets, which may impair investment and economic growth, and which may, in turn, diminish the value of the companies in those markets.
Hedging Risk. The Acquiring Funds use of derivatives or other transactions to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to the Sub-Advisers ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Acquiring Funds portfolio holdings or other factors. No assurance can be given that the Sub-Advisers judgment in this respect will be correct. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Acquiring Fund will enter into hedging or other transactions at times or under circumstances in which it may be advisable to do so.
Call Risk. The Acquiring Fund may invest in preferred and debt securities, which are subject to call risk. Preferred and debt securities may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, or called, before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its preferred or debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new instruments which bear a lower interest rate. The Acquiring Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates, an issuer will call its high-yielding preferred or debt securities. The Acquiring Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Acquiring Funds income.
Duration Risk. Duration is the sensitivity, expressed in years, of the price of a fixed income security to changes in the general level of interest rates (or yields). Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate (or yield) changes than securities with shorter durations. Duration differs from maturity in that it considers potential changes to interest rates, and a securitys coupon payments, yield, price and par value and call features, in addition to the amount of time until the security matures. The duration of a security will be expected to change over time with changes in market factors and time to maturity. The duration of the Acquiring Funds portfolio is not subject to any limits and therefore the portfolio may be very sensitive to interest rate changes.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investment will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of shares and the distributions can decline. In addition, during any period of rising inflation, interest rates on borrowings would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to shareholders.
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Deflation Risk. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time, which may have an adverse effect on the market valuation of companies, their assets and revenues. In addition, deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Acquiring Funds portfolio.
REIT Risk. The Acquiring Fund may invest in common stocks, preferred securities and convertible securities issued by REITs. As a result, the Acquiring Funds performance may be linked to the performance of the real estate markets. Property values may fall due to increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from economic, legal, cultural or technological developments. REIT prices also may drop because of the failure of borrowers to pay their loans and poor management. Equity REITs will be affected by changes in the values of and incomes from the properties they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the credit quality of the mortgage loans they hold. REITs are subject to other risks as well, including the fact that REITs are dependent on specialized management skills which may affect their ability to generate cash flow for operating purposes and to make distributions to shareholders or unit holders. REITs may have limited diversification and are subject to the risks associated with obtaining financing for real property. A U.S. domestic REIT can pass its income through to shareholders or unit holders without any U.S. federal income tax at the entity level if it complies with various requirements under the Code. There is the risk that a REIT held by the Acquiring Fund will fail to qualify for this pass-through treatment of its income. Similarly, REITs formed under the laws of non-U.S. countries may fail to qualify for corporate tax benefits made available by the governments of such countries. The Acquiring Fund, as a holder of a REIT, will bear its pro rata portion of the REITs expenses.
BDC Risk. Because BDCs typically invest in small and medium-sized companies, a BDCs portfolio is subject to the risks inherent in investing in smaller companies, including that portfolio companies may be dependent on a small number of products or services and may be more adversely affected by poor economic or market conditions. Some BDCs invest substantially, or even exclusively, in one sector or industry group. Accordingly, the BDC may be susceptible to adverse conditions and economic or regulatory occurrences affecting the sector or industry group, which tends to increase the BDCs volatility and risk. Investments made by BDCs are generally subject to legal and other restrictions on resale and are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult to sell such investments if the need arises, and if there is a need for a BDC in which a Acquiring Fund invests to liquidate its portfolio quickly, it may realize a loss on its investments. BDCs also may have relatively concentrated investment portfolios, consisting of a relatively small number of holdings. A consequence of this limited number of investments is that the aggregate returns realized may be disproportionately impacted by the poor performance of a small number of investments, or even a single investment, particularly if a BDC experiences the need to write down the value of an investment, which tends to increase the BDCs volatility and risk.
Investments in BDCs are subject to management risk, including the ability of the BDCs management to meet the BDCs investment objective and to manage the BDCs portfolio when the underlying securities are redeemed or sold, during periods of market turmoil and as investors perceptions regarding a BDC or its underlying investments change. BDC shares are not redeemable at the option of the BDC shareholder and, as with shares of other closed-end funds, they may trade in the secondary market at a discount to their net asset value. Like an investment in other investment companies, the Acquiring Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses charged by the BDCs in which it invests.
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BDCs may employ the use of leverage through borrowings or the issuance of preferred stock. While leverage often serves to increase the yield of a BDC, this leverage also subjects a BDC to increased risks, including the likelihood of increased volatility of the BDC and the possibility that the BDCs common share income will fall if the dividend rate of the preferred shares or the interest rate on any borrowings rises.
Other Investment Companies Risk. An investment in the securities of another investment company will expose the Acquiring Fund to the risks of investing in the securities held in such other investment companys portfolio. In addition, the Acquiring Funds shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the fees and expenses of such other investment company in addition to the fees and expenses of the Acquiring Fund. The securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged. As a result, the Acquiring Fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. Utilization of leverage is a speculative investment technique and involves certain risks. An investment in securities of other investment companies that are leveraged may expose the Acquiring Fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the Acquiring Funds long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.
ETF Risk. The Acquiring Fund may invest in the securities of ETFs, to the extent permitted by law. Most ETFs are investment companies that aim to track or replicate a desired index, such as a sector, market or global segment. Most ETFs are passively managed and their shares are traded on a national exchange. ETFs do not sell individual shares directly to investors and only issue their shares in large blocks known as creation units. The investor purchasing a creation unit may sell the individual shares on a secondary market. Therefore, the liquidity of ETFs depends on the adequacy of the secondary market. There can be no assurance that an ETFs investment objective will be achieved, as ETFs based on an index may not replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weightings of securities in the index. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities. The Acquiring Fund, as a holder of the securities of the ETF, will bear its pro rata portion of the ETFs expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Acquiring Funds own operations. ETF shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. As ETFs trade on an exchange, they are subject to the risks of any exchange-traded instrument, including: (i) an active trading market for shares may not develop or be maintained, (ii) trading of shares may be halted by the exchange, and (iii) shares may be delisted from the exchange. Some ETFs are highly leveraged and therefore will expose the Acquiring Fund to the risks posed by leverage discussed elsewhere in this prospectus.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions Risk. When-issued and delayed-delivery transactions may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the securities prior to settlement and, because securities are subject to market fluctuations, the value of the securities at time of delivery may be less (or more) than their cost. A separate account of the Acquiring Fund will be established with its custodian consisting of cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value at all times at least equal to the amount of any delayed payment commitment.
Illiquid Securities Risk. The Acquiring Fund may invest in securities and other instruments that, at the time of investment, are illiquid. Illiquid securities are any security which cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven (7) days at the approximate price at which the client account values the security and may include some restricted securities, which are securities that may not be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, if they are unregistered, may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Acquiring Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Acquiring Fund is carrying the securities on its books.
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Legislation and Regulatory Risk. At any time after the date of this prospectus, legislation or additional regulations may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Acquiring Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the entities and/or securities in which the Acquiring Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Acquiring Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Acquiring Fund or will not impair the ability of the Acquiring Fund to achieve its investment objectives.
Market Disruption Risk. Certain events have a disruptive effect on the securities markets, such as terrorist attacks, war and other geopolitical events. The Acquiring Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy. Below-investment-grade securities tend to be more volatile than higher rated securities so that these events and any actions resulting from them may have a greater impact on the prices and volatility of below-investment-grade securities than on higher rated securities.
U.S. Government and Agency Securities Risk. U.S. Government and agency securities are subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, to the extent the Acquiring Fund invests in such securities, its potential for capital appreciation may be limited. Not all U.S. Government securities are insured or guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government; some are only insured or guaranteed by the issuing agency, which must rely on its own resources to repay the debt. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government securities held by the Acquiring Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. Although the U.S. Government has provided support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.
Valuation Risk. Unlike publicly traded common stock that trades on national exchanges, there is no central place or exchange for certain preferred securities and debt securities trading. Preferred securities and debt securities generally trade on an over-the-counter market which may be anywhere in the world where the buyer and seller can settle on a price. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, the valuation of certain preferred securities and debt securities may carry more risk than that of common stock. Uncertainties in the conditions of the financial market, unreliable reference data, lack of transparency and inconsistency of valuation models and processes may lead to inaccurate asset pricing. In addition, other market participants may value securities differently than the Acquiring Fund. As a result, the Acquiring Fund may be subject to the risk that when a preferred security or debt security is sold in the market, the amount received by the Acquiring Fund is less than the value of such preferred security or debt security carried on the Acquiring Funds books.
Reliance on Investment Adviser. The Acquiring Fund is dependent upon services and resources provided by the Adviser (including in connection with its oversight of the Sub-Advisers), and therefore the Advisers parent, Nuveen Investments. Nuveen Investments, through its own business or the financial support of its affiliates, may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or ensure that future borrowings will be available in an amount sufficient to enable it to pay its indebtedness or to fund its other liquidity needs.
Cybersecurity Risk. Technology, such as the Internet, has become more prevalent in the course of business, and as such, the Acquiring Fund and its service providers are susceptible to operational and information security risk resulting from cyber incidents. Cyber incidents refer to both intentional attacks and unintentional events including: processing errors, human errors, technical errors including
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computer glitches and system malfunctions, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, market-wide technical-related disruptions, unauthorized access to digital systems (through hacking or malicious software coding), computer viruses, and cyber-attacks which shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website access or functionality (including denial of service attacks). Cyber incidents could adversely impact the Acquiring Fund and cause the Acquiring Fund to incur financial loss and expense, as well as face exposure to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures. Cyber incidents may cause the Acquiring Fund or its service providers to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, lose operational capacity or fail to comply with applicable privacy and other laws. Among other potentially harmful effects, cyber incidents also may result in theft, unauthorized monitoring and failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Acquiring Fund and its service providers. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While the Acquiring Funds service providers have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Acquiring Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the Acquiring Fund.
Certain Affiliations. Certain broker-dealers may be considered to be affiliated persons of the Acquiring Fund, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers. Absent an exemption from the SEC or other regulatory relief, the Acquiring Fund is generally precluded from effecting certain principal transactions with affiliated brokers, and its ability to purchase securities being underwritten by an affiliated broker or a syndicate, including an affiliated broker, or to utilize affiliated brokers for agency transactions, is subject to restrictions. This could limit the Acquiring Funds ability to engage in securities transactions and take advantage of market opportunities.
Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Acquiring Fund or convert the Acquiring Fund to open-end status. These provisions could have the effect of depriving the shareholders of opportunities to sell their shares at a premium over the then current market price of the shares. See Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.
C. | INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION |
The Board of the Target Fund has approved the Reorganization. Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Target Funds investment adviser, recommended the proposed Reorganization as part of a broad initiative to restructure the product offerings of Nuveens closed-end funds by creating fewer funds with greater scale and to better differentiate products by eliminating overlapping investment mandates of the funds. The proposed Reorganization was recommended by Nuveen Fund Advisors in an effort to reduce the Target Funds common shareholder fees and expenses, increase common share net earnings and increase investor appeal and, in turn, enhance secondary market trading prices of the common shares relative to net asset value. NWQ currently serves as the sub-adviser to the Target Fund. NAM and NWQ currently serve as the sub-advisers to the Acquiring Fund and will continue to manage the investment of the Acquiring Funds portfolio as investment sub-advisers following the closing of the Reorganization.
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The closing of the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, which include customary closing conditions. In order for the Reorganization to occur, the requisite shareholder approval must be obtained at the Target Funds Annual Meeting, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties must also be obtained. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon the Target Fund obtaining such shareholder approval and each Fund satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of the Target Fund entitled to vote on the Reorganization proposal approve such proposal and the Target Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the Acquiring Fund does not satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions. If the Reorganization is not consummated, the Target Funds Board may take such actions as it deems in the best interests of its Fund, including conducting additional solicitations with respect to the proposal or continuing to operate the Target Fund as a stand-alone Fund.
General. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and between the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund (the Agreement), in substantially the form attached as Appendix A , provides for: (1) the Acquiring Funds acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the Target Fund in exchange for newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, par value $0.01 per share, and the Acquiring Funds assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund; and (2) the distribution of the newly issued Acquiring Fund common shares received by the Target Fund to its common shareholders as part of the liquidation, dissolution and termination of the Target Fund in accordance with applicable law. No fractional Acquiring Fund common shares will be distributed to the Target Funds common shareholders in connection with the Reorganization and, in lieu of such fractional shares, each Target Fund common shareholder entitled to receive such fractional shares will receive cash in an amount equal to a pro rata share of the proceeds from the sale by the Acquiring Funds transfer agent of the aggregated fractional shares in the open market (as described further below), which may be higher or lower than net asset value.
As a result of the Reorganization, the assets of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund would be combined, and the shareholders of the Target Fund would become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund. The closing date is expected to be on or about [], 2017, or such other date as the parties may agree (the Closing Date). Following the Reorganization, the Target Fund would terminate its registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. The Acquiring Fund will continue to operate after the Reorganization as a registered closed-end management investment company, with the investment objectives and policies described in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
The aggregate net asset value, as of the Valuation Time (as defined below), of the Acquiring Fund common shares received by the Target Fund in connection with the Reorganization will equal the aggregate net asset value of the Target Fund common shares held by shareholders of the Target Fund as of the Valuation Time. See Proposal No. 2Information About the ReorganizationDescription of Common Shares to Be Issued by the Acquiring Fund; Comparison to Target Fund for a description of the rights of Acquiring Fund common shareholders. No fractional Acquiring Fund common shares, however, will be distributed to Target Fund common shareholders in connection with the Reorganization. The Acquiring Funds transfer agent will aggregate all fractional Acquiring Fund common shares that may be due to Target Fund shareholders as of the Closing Date and will sell the resulting whole shares for the account of holders of all such fractional interests at a value that may be higher or lower than net asset value, and each such holder will be entitled to a pro rata share of the proceeds from such sale. With respect to the aggregation and sale of fractional common shares, the Acquiring Funds transfer agent will act directly on behalf of the shareholders entitled to receive
57
fractional shares and will accumulate fractional shares, sell the shares and distribute the cash proceeds net of brokerage commissions, if any, directly to shareholders entitled to receive the fractional shares (without interest and subject to withholding taxes). For federal income tax purposes, shareholders will be treated as if they received fractional share interests and then sold such interests for cash. The holding period and the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund shares received by a shareholder, including fractional share interests deemed received by a shareholder, will be the same as the holding period and aggregate tax basis of the Target Fund common shares previously held by the shareholder and exchanged therefor, provided the Target Fund shares exchanged therefor were held as capital assets at the time of the Reorganization. As a result of the Reorganization, common shareholders of the Funds will hold a smaller percentage of the outstanding common shares of the Acquiring Fund as compared to their percentage holdings of their respective Fund prior to the Reorganization and thus, common shareholders will hold reduced percentages of ownership in the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization than they held in the Acquiring Fund or Target Fund individually.
Valuation of Assets and Liabilities. If the Reorganization is approved and the other closing conditions are satisfied or waived, the value of the net assets of the Target Fund will be the value of its assets, less its liabilities, computed as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the business day immediately prior to the Closing Date (such time and date being hereinafter called the Valuation Time). The value of the Target Funds assets shall be determined by using the valuation procedures of the Nuveen closed-end funds adopted by the Board or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
Distributions. Undistributed net investment income represents net earnings from a Funds investment portfolio that over time have not been distributed to shareholders. Under the terms of the Agreement, if the Target Fund has undistributed net investment income or undistributed net capital gains, the Target Fund is required to declare a distribution, which, together with all previous dividends, has the effect of distributing to its shareholders all undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards) for all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund is not subject to a similar distribution requirement; however, it is anticipated that the Acquiring Fund will declare a distribution prior to the Closing Date which will result in the distribution of a portion of its undistributed net investment income to its shareholders. Consequently, Target Fund shareholders effectively will purchase a pro rata portion of the Acquiring Funds remaining undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains, if any, which may be more or less than the Target Funds undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains immediately preceding the distributions described above, if any. As a result, the Acquiring Funds existing shareholders will experience a corresponding reduction in their respective portion of undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains per share, if any, such that the Acquiring Funds undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains per share immediately following the Reorganization is expected to be less than the Acquiring Funds undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains per share immediately preceding the Reorganization.
Amendments. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the officers of each Fund as specifically authorized by each Funds Board; provided, however, that following the meeting of the shareholders of the Target Fund, no such amendment, modification or supplement may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of Acquiring Fund common shares to be issued to the Target Funds shareholders under the Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.
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Conditions. Under the terms of the Agreement, the closing of the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following closing conditions: (1) the requisite approval by the shareholders of the Target Fund of the proposal with respect to the Reorganization in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, (2) each Funds receipt of an opinion substantially to the effect that its Reorganization will qualify as a reorganization under the Code (see Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization), (3) the absence of legal proceedings challenging the Reorganization, and (4) the Funds receipt of certain customary certificates and legal opinions. Additionally, in order for the Reorganization to occur, each Fund must obtain certain consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties.
Termination. The Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of the parties and such termination may be effected by each Funds Chief Administrative Officer or a Vice President without further action by the Board. In addition, any Fund may at its option terminate the Agreement at or before the closing due to: (1) a breach by any other party of any representation, warranty or agreement contained therein to be performed at or before the closing, if not cured within 30 days of the breach and prior to the closing; (2) a condition precedent to the obligations of the terminating party that has not been met and it reasonably appears it will not or cannot be met; or (3) a determination by its Board that the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement is not in the best interests of its Fund.
Reasons for the ReorganizationTarget Fund Board Considerations
Based on the considerations below, the Board of the Target Fund, including the independent Board Members, has determined that the Reorganization would be in the best interests of the Target Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Target Fund would not be diluted with respect to net asset value as a result of the Reorganization. At a meeting held on November 14-16, 2016 (the November Meeting), the Board of the Target Fund approved the Reorganization and recommended that shareholders of the Target Fund approve the Reorganization.
As part of a broad initiative to restructure Nuveens closed-end funds to eliminate funds with overlapping investment mandates and to better differentiate Nuveens product offerings, the Target Funds Board approved the Reorganization. The Adviser proposed the Reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund to provide various benefits to shareholders which, with respect to Target Fund shareholders, are outlined in further detail below.
At the November Meeting and at a prior meeting, the Adviser had made presentations, and the Target Funds Board had received a variety of materials relating to the Reorganization, including the rationale therefor. Prior to approving the Reorganization, the independent Board Members reviewed the foregoing information with their independent legal counsel and with management, reviewed with independent legal counsel applicable law and their duties in considering such matters and met with independent legal counsel in private sessions without management present. The Target Funds Board considered a number of principal factors presented at the time of the November Meeting or prior meetings in reaching its determinations, including the following:
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the compatibility of the Funds investment objectives; |
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consistency of portfolio management; |
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the potential for improved economies of scale over time and the effect on fees, total expenses and distributions with respect to the Target Fund; |
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the potential for improved secondary market trading with respect to the common shares of the Target Fund; |
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the anticipated federal income tax-free nature of the Reorganization; |
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the expected costs of the Reorganization; |
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the terms of the Reorganization and whether the Reorganization would dilute the interests of shareholders of the Target Fund; |
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the effect of the Reorganization on Target Fund shareholder rights; and |
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any potential benefits of the Reorganization to the Adviser and its affiliates as a result of the Reorganization. |
Compatibility of Investment Objectives, Policies and Related Risks . Based on the information presented, the Target Funds Board noted that the Funds have similar investment objectives and risks (although such risks may impact each Fund differently). The Target Funds Board noted that each Fund is a diversified fund and that while the Acquiring Fund invests primarily in preferred securities (investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities under normal circumstances), the Target Fund invests primarily in income producing securities (investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in income producing securities under normal circumstances). The Target Funds Board considered the portfolio compositions of the Funds and considered the impact of the Reorganization on the Target Funds portfolio, including any shifts in asset and industry allocations, coupon type, credit ratings, yield and leverage costs. The Target Funds Board took into account that the Adviser expected to allocate all or substantially all of the assets of the Target Fund to the portion of the Acquiring Funds portfolio sub-advised by NAM. Additionally, the Target Funds Board recognized that following the Reorganization, NAM expected to reposition a significant portion of the assets of the Target Fund that would be transferred to the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganization; however, with respect to the impact of this repositioning on the combined fund, the Target Funds Board noted the relatively small size of the Target Fund in comparison to that of the Acquiring Fund. In addition, the Target Funds Board considered the relative performance of the Funds and the factors that may affect the future performance of the combined fund. The Target Funds Board also recognized that each Fund utilizes leverage.
Consistency of Portfolio Management . The Target Funds Board noted that each Fund has the same investment adviser. The Target Funds Board also noted that the Target Funds sub-adviser, NWQ, also sub-advises approximately half of the Acquiring Funds portfolio; the other portion of the Acquiring Funds portfolio, however, is sub-advised by NAM. In addition, the two NWQ portfolio managers of the Acquiring Fund are also the portfolio managers of the Target Fund. Through the Reorganization, the Target Funds Board recognized that shareholders of the Target Fund will remain invested in a closed-end management investment company that will have the same investment adviser, four portfolio managers (two of which will be the same) and similar investment objectives.
Potential for Improved Economies of Scale Over Time and Effect on Fees, Total Expenses and Distributions . The Target Funds Board considered the fees and expense ratios of each of the Funds, including the estimated expenses of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization, the costs of leverage between the Funds and the impact of the Reorganization on such costs. The Target Funds Board recognized that the Reorganization is intended to result in a lower effective management fee rate based on average daily Managed Assets for the Target Fund and that it was expected that the operating expenses per common share (i.e., total expenses excluding the costs of leverage) of the combined fund
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would be lower than those of the Target Fund prior to the closing of the Reorganization. Moreover, the Target Funds Board considered that the Reorganization may lead to the potential for a higher common share net earnings rate for Target Fund shareholders. As a related matter, the Target Funds Board noted that while the Target Fund has a cash flow distribution policy, the Acquiring Fund has an income-only distribution policy (which may generally result in dividends being paid at a lower rate, depending on the extent to which cash flow received on portfolio securities may not constitute income), which would be retained by the combined fund.
Potential for Improved Secondary Market Trading with Respect to the Common Shares . While it is not possible to predict trading levels following the Reorganization, the Target Funds Board noted that the Reorganization is being proposed, in part, to seek to enhance the secondary trading market with respect to the common shares of the Target Fund. The Target Funds Board considered that the Reorganization may lead to the potential for improved secondary market trading prices relative to net asset value for the Target Fund.
Anticipated Tax-Free Reorganization; Capital Loss Carryforwards . The Reorganization will be structured with the intention that it qualifies as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes, and the Funds will obtain an opinion of counsel substantially to this effect (based on certain factual representations and certain customary assumptions). In addition, the Target Funds Board considered the impact of the Reorganization on any estimated capital loss carryforwards of the Funds and applicable limitations of federal income tax rules.
Expected Costs of the Reorganization . The Target Funds Board considered the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, including the estimated costs associated with the Reorganization and the allocation of such costs between the Funds. The Target Funds Board noted that the allocation of the costs of the Reorganization would be based on the relative expected benefits of the Reorganization, including forecasted increases to net earnings, improvements in the secondary trading market for common shares and operating expense savings, if any, to each Fund following the Reorganization.
Terms of the Reorganization and Impact on Shareholders . The terms of the Reorganization are intended to avoid dilution of the interests with respect to net asset value of the existing shareholders of the Target Fund. In this regard, the Target Funds Board considered that each holder of common shares of the Target Fund will receive common shares of the Acquiring Fund (taking into account any fractional shares to which the shareholder would be entitled) equal in net asset value as of the Valuation Time to the aggregate per share net asset value of that shareholders Target Fund common shares held as of the Valuation Time. No fractional common shares of the Acquiring Fund, however, will be distributed to Target Fund common shareholders in connection with the Reorganization and, in lieu of such fractional shares, Target Fund common shareholders will receive cash.
Effect on Shareholder Rights . The Target Funds Board considered that each of the Funds is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. In this regard, there will be no change to Target Fund shareholder rights under state statutory law.
Potential Benefits to Nuveen Fund Advisors and Affiliates . The Target Funds Board recognized that the Reorganization may result in some benefits and economies for the Adviser and its affiliates. These may include, for example, a reduction in the level of operational expenses incurred for administrative, compliance and portfolio management services as a result of the elimination of the Target Fund as a separate fund in the Nuveen complex.
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Conclusion . The Target Funds Board, including the independent Board Members, approved the Reorganization, concluding that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Target Fund and that the interests of existing shareholders of the Target Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Funds as of July 31, 2016, and the pro-forma combined capitalization of the Acquiring Fund as if the Reorganization had occurred on that date. The table reflects pro forma exchange ratio of approximately 1.75280056 common shares of the Acquiring Fund issued for each common share of the Target Fund. If the Reorganization is consummated, the actual exchange ratios may vary.
Acquiring
Fund |
Target
Fund |
Pro Forma
Adjustments |
Acquiring Fund
Pro Forma (1) |
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Common Shareholders Equity: |
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Common Shares, $.01 par value per share; 96,897,257 shares outstanding for the Acquiring Fund; 3,698,750 shares outstanding for the Target Fund; and 103,380,427 shares outstanding for the Acquiring Fund Pro Forma |
$ | 968,973 | $ | 36,988 | $ | 27,843 | (2) | $ | 1,033,804 | |||||||
Paid-in surplus |
1,186,475,534 | 69,756,713 | (597,843 | ) (3) | 1,255,634,404 | |||||||||||
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income |
(4,105,940 | ) | (417,194 | ) | | (4,523,134 | ) | |||||||||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) |
(233,702,908 | ) | (5,201,776 | ) | | (238,904,684 | ) | |||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
71,081,018 | 4,646,386 | | 75,727,404 | ||||||||||||
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Net assets attributable to common shares |
$ | 1,020,716,677 | $ | 68,821,117 | $ | (570,000 | ) | $ | 1,088,967,794 | |||||||
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Net asset value per common share outstanding (net assets attributable to common shares, divided by common shares outstanding) |
$ | 10.53 | $ | 18.61 | $ | 10.53 | ||||||||||
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Authorized shares: |
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Common |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | |||||||||||||
Preferred |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
(1) | The pro forma balances are presented as if the Reorganization was effective as of July 31, 2016, and are presented for informational purposes only. The actual Closing Date of the Reorganization is expected to be on or about [], 2017, or such later time agreed to by the parties at which time the results would be reflective of the actual composition of shareholders equity as of that date. All pro forma adjustments are directly attributable to the Reorganization. |
(2) | Assumes the issuance of 6,483,170 Acquiring Fund common shares in exchange for the net assets of the Target Fund. This number is based on the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund as of July 31, 2016, adjusted for estimated Reorganization costs. |
(3) | Includes the impact of estimated total Reorganization costs of $570,000, which will be borne by the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund in the amounts of $40,000 and $530,000, respectively. |
Expenses Associated with the Reorganization
In evaluating the Reorganization, management of the Funds estimated the amount of expenses the Funds would incur to be approximately $570,000, which includes additional stock exchange listing fees, SEC registration fees, legal and accounting fees, proxy solicitation and distribution costs and other related administrative or operational costs. The expenses of the Reorganization (whether or not consummated) will be allocated between the Funds ratably based on the relative expected benefits of the Reorganization comprised of forecasted increases to net earnings, improvements in the secondary trading market for common shares and operating expense savings, if any, to each Fund following the Reorganization. Reorganization expenses have been or will be reflected in each Funds net asset value at or before the close of trading on the business day immediately prior to the close of the Reorganization. These estimated expenses will be borne by the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund in the amounts of $40,000 (0.00%) and $530,000 (0.82%), respectively (all percentages are based on average net assets applicable to common shares for the twelve (12) months ended July 31, 2016).
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Additional solicitation may be made by letter or telephone by officers or employees of Nuveen Investments or the Adviser, or by dealers and their representatives. The Target Fund has engaged Computershare Fund Services to assist in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated aggregate cost of $[] plus reasonable expenses, which is included in the foregoing estimate.
Dissenting Shareholders Rights of Appraisal
Under the charter documents of the Target Fund, shareholders do not have dissenters rights of appraisal with respect to the Reorganization.
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization
As a condition to each Funds obligation to consummate the Reorganization, each Fund will receive a tax opinion from Vedder Price P.C. (which opinion will be based on certain factual representations and certain customary assumptions) with respect to the Reorganization substantially to the effect that, on the basis of the existing provisions of the Code, current administrative rules and court decisions, for federal income tax purposes:
1. | The transfer by the Target Fund of substantially all its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund, immediately followed by the pro rata distribution of all the Acquiring Fund shares so received by the Target Fund to the Target Funds shareholders of record in complete liquidation of the Target Fund and the dissolution of the Target Fund as soon as practicable thereafter, will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code, and the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund will each be a party to a reorganization, within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, with respect to the Reorganization. |
2. | No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of substantially all the Target Funds assets solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund. |
3. | No gain or loss will be recognized by the Target Fund upon the transfer of substantially all its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund or upon the distribution (whether actual or constructive) of such Acquiring Fund shares to the Target Funds shareholders solely in exchange for such shareholders shares of the Target Fund in complete liquidation of the Target Fund. |
4. | No gain or loss will be recognized by the Target Funds shareholders upon the exchange, pursuant to the Reorganization, of all their shares of the Target Fund solely for Acquiring Fund shares, except to the extent the Target Funds common shareholders receive cash in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund common share. |
5. | The aggregate basis of the Acquiring Fund shares received by each Target Fund shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization (including any fractional Acquiring Fund common share to which a shareholder would be entitled) will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Target Fund shares exchanged therefor by such shareholder. |
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6. | The holding period of the Acquiring Fund shares received by each Target Fund shareholder in the Reorganization (including any fractional Acquiring Fund common share to which a shareholder would be entitled) will include the period during which the shares of the Target Fund exchanged therefor were held by such shareholder, provided such Target Fund shares are held as capital assets at the effective time of the Reorganization. |
7. | The basis of the assets of the Target Fund received by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the basis of such assets in the hands of the Target Fund immediately before the effective time of the Reorganization. |
8. | The holding period of the assets of the Target Fund received by the Acquiring Fund will include the period during which those assets were held by the Target Fund. |
No opinion will be expressed as to (1) the effect of the Reorganization on the Target Fund, the Acquiring Fund or any Target Fund shareholder with respect to any asset (including, without limitation, any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code) as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized under federal income tax principles (a) at the end of a taxable year (or on the termination thereof) or (b) upon the transfer of such asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-taxable transaction under the Code, or (2) any other federal tax issues (except those set forth above) or any state, local or foreign tax issues of any kind.
If a Target Fund shareholder receives cash in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund share, the shareholder will be treated as having received the fractional Acquiring Fund share pursuant to the Reorganization and then as having sold that fractional Acquiring Fund share for cash. As a result, each such Target Fund shareholder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the basis in the fractional Acquiring Fund share to which the shareholder is entitled. This gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss and generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of the effective time of the Reorganization, the holding period for the shares (including the holding period of Target Fund shares surrendered therefor if such Target Fund shares were held as capital assets at the time of the Reorganization) is more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any cash received in lieu of a fractional share may be subject to backup withholding taxes.
Prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the Target Fund will declare a distribution to its common shareholders, which together with all other distributions to shareholders made with respect to the taxable year in which the Reorganization occurs and all prior taxable years, will have the effect of distributing to shareholders all its net investment income and realized net capital gains (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards), if any, through the Closing Date of the Reorganization. To the extent distributions are attributable to ordinary taxable income or capital gains, the distribution will be taxable to shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Additional distributions may be made if necessary. All dividends and distributions will be paid in cash unless a shareholder has made an election to reinvest dividends and distributions in additional shares under the Target Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Taxable dividends and distributions are subject to federal income tax whether received in cash or additional shares.
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After the Reorganization, the Acquiring Funds ability to use the Target Funds or the Acquiring Funds pre-Reorganization capital losses may be limited under certain federal income tax rules applicable to reorganizations of this type. Therefore, in certain circumstances, shareholders may pay federal income taxes sooner, or pay more federal income taxes, than they would have had the Reorganization not occurred. The effect of these potential limitations, however, will depend on a number of factors including the amount of the losses, the amount of gains to be offset, the exact timing of the Reorganization and the amount of unrealized capital gains in the Funds at the time of the Reorganization. As of July 31, 2016, the Funds had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against capital gains, if any, per the table below.
Capital losses to be
carried forward |
Acquiring Fund | Target Fund | ||||||
Expires July 31, 2017 |
$ | 204,895,930 | $ | | ||||
Expires July 31, 2018 |
9,385,427 | | ||||||
Expires July 31, 2019 |
| | ||||||
Not subject to expiration |
19,456,396 | 5,299,726 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 233,737,753 | $ | 5,299,726 | ||||
|
|
|
|
A Fund is generally able to carryforward net capital losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (post-enactment losses) indefinitely. Net capital losses of the Funds from taxable years beginning on or prior to December 22, 2010, however, are subject to the expiration dates shown above and can be used only after post-enactment losses.
In addition, the shareholders of the Target Fund will receive a proportionate share of any taxable income and gains realized by the Acquiring Fund and not distributed to its shareholders prior to the closing of the Reorganization when such income and gains are eventually distributed by the Acquiring Fund. Any gain the Acquiring Fund realizes after the Reorganization, including any built-in gain in the portfolio investments of the Target Fund or Acquiring Fund that was unrealized at the time of the Reorganization, may result in taxable distributions to shareholders holding shares of the Acquiring Fund (including former Target Fund shareholders who hold shares of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization). As a result, shareholders of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund may receive a greater amount of taxable distributions than they would have had the Reorganization not occurred.
This description of the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization is made without regard to the particular facts and circumstances of any shareholder. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers as to the specific consequences to them of the Reorganization, including the applicability and effect of state, local, non-U.S. and other tax laws.
The foregoing is intended to be only a summary of the principal federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization and should not be considered to be tax advice. There can be no assurance that the IRS will concur on all or any of the issues discussed above. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the federal, state and local tax consequences with respect to the foregoing matters and any other considerations which may be applicable to them.
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The Reorganization is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the Target Funds outstanding common shares entitled to vote on the matter.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the approval of the Reorganization. Broker non-votes are shares held by brokers or nominees for which the brokers or nominees have executed proxies as to which (1) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power and (2) the broker or nominee has not received instructions from the beneficial owner or other person who is entitled to instruct how the shares will be voted.
The closing of the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, which include customary closing conditions. In order for the Reorganization to occur, the requisite shareholder approval must be obtained at the Target Funds Annual Meeting, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties must also be obtained. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon the Target Fund obtaining such shareholder approval and each Fund satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of the Target Fund entitled to vote on the Reorganization proposal approve such proposal and the Target Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the Acquiring Fund does not satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions.
Description of Common Shares to Be Issued by the Acquiring Fund; Comparison to the Target Fund
General
As a general matter, the common shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund have equal voting rights and equal rights with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of their respective Fund and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights or rights to cumulative voting. Holders of whole common shares of each Fund are entitled to one vote per share on any matter on which the shares are entitled to vote, while each fractional share is entitled to a proportional fractional vote. Furthermore, the provisions set forth in the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust are substantially similar to the provisions of the Target Funds Declaration of Trust, and each contains, among other things, similar super-majority voting provisions, as described under Additional Information about the Acquiring FundCertain Provisions in the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust and By-Laws. The full text of each Funds Declaration of Trust is on file with the SEC and may be obtained as described on page 84.
The Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust authorizes an unlimited number of common shares, par value $0.01 per share. If the Reorganization is consummated, the Acquiring Fund will issue additional common shares on the Closing Date to the common shareholders of the Target Fund based on the relative per share net asset value of the Acquiring Fund and the net asset values of the assets of the Target Fund that are transferred in connection with the Reorganization, in each case as of the Valuation Time.
The terms of the Acquiring Fund common shares to be issued pursuant to the Reorganization will be identical to the terms of the Acquiring Fund common shares that are then outstanding. Acquiring Fund common shares have equal rights with respect to the payment of dividends and the
66
distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund common shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights or rights to cumulative voting. See also Description of Massachusetts Business Trusts.
Distributions
As a general matter, each Fund has a monthly distribution policy and each Fund seeks to maintain a stable level of distributions. Each Funds present policy, which may be changed by its Board, is to make regular monthly cash distributions to holders of its common shares at a level rate (stated in terms of a fixed cents per common share dividend rate) that reflects the past and projected performance of such Fund.
Each Funds ability to maintain a level dividend rate will depend on a number of factors. The net income of a Fund generally consists of all interest and dividend income accrued on portfolio assets less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Funds are accrued each day. Over time, all the net investment income of the Funds will be distributed. At least annually, the Funds also intend to effectively distribute net capital gain and ordinary taxable income, if any, and, if issued, after paying any accrued dividends or making any liquidation payments to any preferred shareholders. Although it does not now intend to do so, the Boards may change a Funds dividend policy and the amount or timing of the distributions based on a number of factors, including the amount of the Funds undistributed net investment income and historical and projected investment income.
As explained more fully below, at least annually, a Fund may elect to retain rather than distribute all or a portion of any net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) otherwise allocable to shareholders and pay federal income tax on the retained gain. As provided under federal income tax law, shareholders will include their share of the retained net capital gain in their income for the year as a long-term capital gain (regardless of their holding period in the shares), and will be entitled to an income tax credit or refund for the federal income tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Fund. See Additional Information About the Acquiring FundFederal Income Tax Matters Associated with Investment in the Acquiring Fund below and Federal Income Tax Matters in the Reorganization SAI.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Generally, the terms of the dividend reinvestment plan (the Plan) for the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund are identical. Under the Acquiring Funds Plan, you may elect to have all dividends, including any capital gain distributions, on your common shares automatically reinvested by State Street Bank and Trust Company (the Plan Agent) in additional common shares under the Plan. You may elect to participate in the Plan by completing the Dividend Reinvestment Plan Application Form. If you do not participate, you will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to you by State Street Bank and Trust Company as dividend paying agent.
If you decide to participate in the Plan of the Acquiring Fund, the number of common shares you will receive will be determined as follows:
(1) If common shares are trading at or above net asset value at the time of valuation, the Acquiring Fund will issue new shares at a price equal to the greater of the shares net asset value or 95% of the shares market value; or
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(2) If common shares are trading below net asset value at the time of valuation, the Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will purchase common shares in the open market, on the exchange on which the common shares are listed, for the participants accounts. It is possible that the market price for the common shares may increase before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases. Therefore, the average purchase price per share paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the market price at the time of valuation, resulting in the purchase of fewer shares than if the dividend or distribution had been paid in common shares issued by the Acquiring Fund. The Plan Agent will use all dividends and distributions received in cash to purchase common shares in the open market within 30 days of the valuation date. Interest will not be paid on any uninvested cash payments.
You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by giving notice to the Plan Agent either in writing or by telephone. If you withdraw or the Plan is terminated, you will receive a cash payment for any fraction of a share in your account. If you wish, the Plan Agent will sell your shares and send you the proceeds, minus brokerage commissions and a $2.50 service fee.
The Plan Agent maintains all shareholders accounts in the Plan and gives written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information you may need for tax records. Common shares in your account will be held by the Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all common shares you have received under the Plan.
There is no brokerage charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in common shares. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases.
Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due on taxable dividends and distributions.
The Acquiring Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board of the Acquiring Fund the change is warranted. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Acquiring Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Additional information about the Plan may be obtained from State Street Bank and Trust Company, Attn: Computershare Nuveen Investments, P.O. Box 43071, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3071, (800) 257-8787.
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Common Share Price Data
The following tables show for the periods indicated: (1) the high and low sales prices for common shares reported as of the end of the day on the corresponding stock exchange of each Fund, (2) the high and low net asset values of the common shares and (3) the high and low of the premium/(discount) to net asset value (expressed as a percentage) of the common shares.
Acquiring Fund | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Market Price | Net Asset Value | Premium/(Discount) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Quarter Ended |
High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | ||||||||||||||||||
October 2016 |
$ | 10.54 | $ | 9.59 | $ | 10.67 | $ | 10.40 | (0.29 | )% | (8.38 | )% | ||||||||||||
July 2016 |
$ | 10.49 | $ | 9.57 | $ | 10.53 | $ | 10.08 | 0.79 | % | (5.43 | )% | ||||||||||||
April 2016 |
$ | 10.00 | $ | 8.62 | $ | 10.15 | $ | 9.32 | (1.48 | )% | (8.05 | )% | ||||||||||||
January 2016 |
$ | 9.48 | $ | 8.63 | $ | 10.37 | $ | 9.80 | (6.14 | )% | (12.74 | )% | ||||||||||||
October 2015 |
$ | 9.31 | $ | 8.95 | $ | 10.47 | $ | 10.10 | (9.20 | )% | (12.24 | )% | ||||||||||||
July 2015 |
$ | 9.67 | $ | 9.08 | $ | 10.63 | $ | 10.39 | (8.96 | )% | (12.69 | )% | ||||||||||||
April 2015 |
$ | 9.76 | $ | 9.42 | $ | 10.70 | $ | 10.49 | (8.44 | )% | (10.66 | )% | ||||||||||||
January 2015 |
$ | 9.58 | $ | 9.14 | $ | 10.63 | $ | 10.26 | (7.90 | )% | (12.02 | )% | ||||||||||||
October 2014 |
$ | 9.50 | $ | 9.05 | $ | 10.77 | $ | 10.41 | (11.39 | )% | (13.48 | )% | ||||||||||||
July 2014 |
$ | 9.73 | $ | 9.34 | $ | 10.77 | $ | 10.53 | (9.22 | )% | (12.46 | )% | ||||||||||||
April 2014 |
$ | 9.51 | $ | 8.91 | $ | 10.53 | $ | 10.03 | (9.34 | )% | (11.47 | )% | ||||||||||||
January 2014 |
$ | 9.09 | $ | 8.47 | $ | 10.09 | $ | 9.82 | (9.04 | )% | (14.08 | )% | ||||||||||||
October 2013 |
$ | 9.34 | $ | 8.54 | $ | 10.24 | $ | 9.80 | (8.79 | )% | (12.89 | )% |
Target Fund | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Market Price | Net Asset Value | Premium/(Discount) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Quarter Ended |
High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | ||||||||||||||||||
October 2016 |
$ | 17.45 | $ | 16.47 | $ | 18.91 | $ | 18.29 | (7.02 | )% | (10.52 | )% | ||||||||||||
July 2016 |
$ | 16.78 | $ | 15.30 | $ | 18.61 | $ | 17.31 | (9.83 | )% | (12.76 | )% | ||||||||||||
April 2016 |
$ | 15.59 | $ | 13.14 | $ | 17.67 | $ | 15.40 | (10.02 | )% | (15.13 | )% | ||||||||||||
January 2016 |
$ | 15.58 | $ | 13.34 | $ | 18.13 | $ | 15.85 | (11.82 | )% | (16.20 | )% | ||||||||||||
October 2015 |
$ | 16.47 | $ | 14.75 | $ | 18.64 | $ | 17.17 | (10.59 | )% | (14.94 | )% | ||||||||||||
July 2015 |
$ | 17.59 | $ | 16.17 | $ | 19.22 | $ | 18.27 | (8.22 | )% | (12.55 | )% | ||||||||||||
April 2015 |
$ | 17.56 | $ | 16.89 | $ | 19.30 | $ | 18.67 | (8.11 | )% | (10.55 | )% | ||||||||||||
January 2015 |
$ | 17.88 | $ | 16.30 | $ | 19.73 | $ | 18.26 | (8.38 | )% | (12.17 | )% | ||||||||||||
October 2014 |
$ | 18.47 | $ | 16.75 | $ | 20.34 | $ | 18.85 | (8.47 | )% | (11.73 | )% | ||||||||||||
July 2014 |
$ | 18.99 | $ | 17.68 | $ | 20.33 | $ | 19.63 | (6.09 | )% | (10.16 | )% | ||||||||||||
April 2014 |
$ | 17.65 | $ | 16.57 | $ | 19.64 | $ | 18.46 | (9.51 | )% | (12.01 | )% | ||||||||||||
January 2014 |
$ | 16.85 | $ | 16.11 | $ | 18.63 | $ | 17.98 | (8.90 | )% | (12.67 | )% | ||||||||||||
October 2013 |
$ | 20.00 | $ | 15.90 | $ | 18.86 | $ | 17.91 | 6.84 | % | (13.20 | )% |
On [], 2016, the closing sale prices of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund common shares were $[] and $[], respectively. These prices represent discounts to net asset value for the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund of ([])% and ([])%, respectively.
Common shares of each Fund have historically traded at both a premium and discount to net asset value. It is not possible to state whether Acquiring Fund common shares will trade at a premium or discount to net asset value following the Reorganization, or what the extent of any such premium or discount might be.
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Description of Massachusetts Business Trusts
The following description is based on relevant provisions of applicable Massachusetts law and each Funds operative documents. This summary does not purport to be complete and we refer you to applicable Massachusetts law and each Funds operative documents.
General
A fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust is governed by the trusts declaration of trust or similar instrument.
Massachusetts law allows the trustees of a business trust to set the terms of a funds governance in its declaration. All power and authority to manage the fund and its affairs generally reside with the trustees, and shareholder voting and other rights are limited to those provided to the shareholders in the declaration.
Because Massachusetts law governing business trusts provides more flexibility compared to typical state corporate statutes, the Massachusetts business trust is a common form of organization for closed-end funds. However, some consider it less desirable than other entities because it relies on the terms of the applicable declaration and judicial interpretations rather than statutory provisions for substantive issues, such as the personal liability of shareholders and trustees, and does not provide the level of certitude that corporate laws, or newer statutory trust laws, such as those of Delaware, provide.
Shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust are not afforded the statutory limitation of personal liability generally afforded to shareholders of a corporation from the trusts liabilities. Instead, the declaration of trust of a fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust typically provides that a shareholder will not be personally liable, and further provides for indemnification to the extent that a shareholder is found personally liable, for the funds acts or obligations. The Declaration of Trust for each of the Funds contains such provisions.
Similarly, the trustees of a Massachusetts business trust are not afforded statutory protection from personal liability for the obligations of the trust. Courts in Massachusetts have, however, recognized limitations of a trustees personal liability in contract actions for the obligations of a trust contained in the trusts declaration, and declarations may also provide that trustees may be indemnified out of the assets of the trust to the extent held personally liable. The Declaration of Trust for each of the Funds contains such provisions.
The Funds
Each of the Funds is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is governed by its Declaration of Trust and By-Laws. Under the Declaration of Trust, any determination as to what is in the interests of the Fund made by the trustees in good faith is conclusive, and in construing the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, there is a presumption in favor of a grant of power to the trustees. Further, the Declaration of Trust provides that certain determinations made in good faith by the trustees are binding upon such Fund and all shareholders, and shares are issued and sold on the condition and understanding, evidenced by the purchase of shares, that any and all such determinations shall be so binding. The following is a summary of some of the key provisions of the governing documents of the Acquiring Fund.
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Shareholder Voting . The Declaration of Trust of the Acquiring Fund requires a shareholder vote on a number of matters, including certain amendments to the Declaration of Trust, the election of trustees, the merger or reorganization of the Fund (under certain circumstances) or sales of assets in certain circumstances and matters required to be voted by the 1940 Act.
Meetings of shareholders may be called by the trustees and by the written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. The By-Laws of the Acquiring Fund provide that the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund entitled to vote at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The Declaration of Trust of the Acquiring Fund provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present is required to approve a matter, except in the case of the election of trustees, which only requires a plurality vote, and for events to which other voting provisions apply under the 1940 Act or the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, such as the super-majority voting provisions with respect to a merger, consolidation or dissolution of, or sale of substantially all of the assets by, the Fund, or its conversion to an open-end investment company in certain circumstances under the terms of the Declaration of Trust.
Election and Removal of Trustees . The Declaration of Trust of the Acquiring Fund provides that the trustees determine the size of the Board, subject to a minimum and a maximum number. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust also provides that vacancies on the Board may be filled by the remaining trustees. A trustee may only be removed for cause by action of at least two-thirds of the remaining trustees or by action of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the class or classes that elected such trustee.
Issuance of Shares . Under the Declaration of Trust of the Acquiring Fund, the trustees are permitted to issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the trustees may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe to additional shares, except as the trustees may determine. Shares are subject to such other preferences, conversion, exchange or similar rights, as the trustees may determine.
Classes. The Declaration of Trust of the Acquiring Fund gives broad authority to the trustees to establish classes or series in addition to those currently established and to determine the rights and preferences, conversion rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemptions of the shares of the classes or series. The trustees are also authorized to terminate a class or series without a vote of shareholders under certain circumstances.
Amendments to Declaration of Trust . Amendments to the Declaration of Trust generally require the consent of shareholders owning more than 50% of shares entitled to vote, voting in the aggregate. Certain amendments may be made by the trustees without a shareholder vote, and any amendment to the voting requirements contained in the Declaration of Trust requires the approval of two-thirds of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, if any, voting in the aggregate and not by class except to the extent that applicable law or the Declaration of Trust may require voting by class.
Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability . The Declaration of Trust of the Acquiring Fund provides that shareholders have no personal liability for the acts or obligations of the Fund and requires the Fund to indemnify a shareholder from any loss or expense arising solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reasons. In addition, the Fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the
71
shareholder. Similarly, the Declaration of Trust provides that any person who is a trustee, officer or employee of the Fund is not personally liable to any person in connection with the affairs of the Fund, other than to the Fund and its shareholders arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for his or her duty. The Declaration of Trust further provides for indemnification of such persons and advancement of the expenses of defending any such actions for which indemnification might be sought. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the trustees may rely in good faith on expert advice.
Derivative Actions . Massachusetts has what is commonly referred to as a universal demand statute, which requires that a shareholder make a written demand on the board, requesting the board members to bring an action, before the shareholder is entitled to bring or maintain a court action or claim on behalf of the entity.
D. | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INVESTMENT POLICIES |
Comparison of the Investment Objectives and Policies of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund
The Funds have similar investment objectives. Each Funds primary investment objective is high current income. The secondary investment objective of the Acquiring Fund is total return and the secondary investment objective of the Target Fund is capital appreciation. Each Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and currently engages in leverage through bank borrowings.
The Acquiring Fund has a non-fundamental investment policy that requires, under normal circumstances, that the Fund invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities, which for this purpose include contingent convertible capital instruments (sometimes referred to as CoCos), and up to 20% in other securities, primarily income-oriented securities such as corporate and taxable municipal debt and common equity. The Target Fund has a non-fundamental investment policy that requires, under normal circumstances, that the Fund invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in income producing preferred, debt, and equity securities issued by companies located anywhere in the world, and up to 40% of its Managed Assets may consist of equity securities, distinct from preferred securities.
As of the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund each have a non-fundamental policy requiring it to invest at least 50% and 25%, respectively, of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated investment grade (BBB/Baa and above). Investment grade securities may include unrated securities judged to be of comparable quality by each Funds Adviser or Sub-Advisers, as applicable. The Acquiring Funds allocation to lower rated securities and non-U.S. issuers may vary over time, consistent with its investment objectives and policies, and subject to, among other things, market conditions. The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and no Fund is required to dispose of a security in the event that a NRSRO downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, a Sub-Adviser may consider such factors as its assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies.
A general description of Moodys, S&Ps and Fitchs ratings of securities is set forth in Appendix A to the Reorganization SAI.
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Currently, the Acquiring Fund is not limited in the amount of its investments in non-U.S. issuers and the Target Fund may invest up to 50% of its Managed Assets in non-U.S. issuers. In addition, the Target Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of issuers in emerging market countries. For purposes of identifying non-U.S. companies, the Funds use Bloomberg classifications, which employ various factors as described herein. Emerging market countries include any country other than Canada, the United States and the countries comprising the MSCI EAFE ® Index.
Under normal circumstances, each Fund currently invests at least 25% of its Managed Assets in securities of financial services companies. A financial services company is one that is primarily involved in banking, mortgage finance, consumer finance, specialized finance, investment banking and brokerage, asset management and custody, corporate lending, insurance, financial instruments or real estate, including BDCs and REITs. For purposes of identifying companies in the financial services sector, the Funds use industry classifications such as those provided by MSCI and Standard & Poors GICS, Bloomberg, Barclays or similar sources commonly used in the financial industry. As a result, if one or more of these classifications include a company in the financial services sector, the Funds consider such company as in the financial services sector.
Each Fund may engage in hedging transactions from time to time. The Funds may enter into futures, options on futures and swaps transactions provided that the Adviser and Sub-Adviser(s) would not be required to register with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund.
During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep a Funds cash fully invested, each Fund may deviate from its investment objectives and may invest any percentage of its net assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term debt securities (or in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in preferred securities of the types in which each Fund may invest directly). Temporary defensive periods may have an adverse effect on each Funds ability to achieve its investment objectives.
Each Funds investment objectives and certain investment policies specifically identified in the Reorganization SAI as such are considered fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval. All of the other investment policies of each Fund, including as noted above, are not considered to be fundamental by such Fund and can be changed by the Board without a vote of the shareholders; provided that the Acquiring Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days prior to any change in its policy to invest at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred securities.
Neither Fund can change its investment objectives without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, if issued in the future, voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, if issued in the future, voting as a separate class. When used with respect to particular shares of each Fund, a majority of the outstanding shares means (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less.
Each Fund may utilize the following forms of leverage: (a) borrowings, including loans from certain financial institutions, and/or the issuance of debt securities, including fixed and floating rate notes or liquidity supported variable rate demand obligations; (b) the issuance of preferred shares or other senior securities; and (c) engaging in reverse repurchase agreements and economically similar transactions.
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Currently, each Fund employs financial leverage through bank borrowings. The timing and terms of any leverage transaction are determined by a Funds Board, and may vary with prevailing market or economic conditions. The Acquiring Fund has issued preferred shares in the past, but does not currently have any preferred shares outstanding. The Target Fund has not issued preferred shares to date. If a Fund issues preferred shares, such preferred securities, voting as a separate class, would have the right to elect at least two Board Members at all times and to elect a majority of the Board Members in the event two full years dividends on the preferred shares are unpaid. In each case, the remaining Board Members would be elected by holders of common shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class. The holders of preferred shares would vote as a separate class or classes on certain other matters as required under each Funds Declaration of Trust, the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law.
Each Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of its assets, each Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any single issuer (and in not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer), except that this limitation does not apply to cash, securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities and securities of other investment companies.
The Acquiring Funds portfolio will be composed principally of the investments described below.
Preferred Securities . The Acquiring Fund invests in preferred securities. The Acquiring Fund may invest in all types of preferred securities, including both traditional preferred securities and non-traditional preferred securities. Traditional preferred securities are generally equity securities of the issuer that have priority over the issuers common shares as to the payment of dividends (i.e., the issuer cannot pay dividends on its common shares until the dividends on the preferred shares are current) and as to the payout of proceeds of bankruptcy or other liquidation, but are subordinate to an issuers senior debt and junior debt as to both types of payments. Additionally, in a bankruptcy or other liquidation, traditional preferred shares are generally subordinate to an issuers trade creditors and other general obligations.
Traditional preferred securities pay a dividend, typically contingent both upon declaration by the issuers board and at times approval by regulators, and on the existence of current earnings (or retained earnings) in sufficient amount to source the payment. Dividend payments can be either cumulative or non-cumulative and can be passed or deferred without limitation at the option of the issuer. Traditional preferred securities typically have no ordinary right to vote for the board of directors, except in some cases voting rights may arise if the issuer fails to pay the preferred share dividends. Traditional preferred securities may be perpetual, or have a term and typically have a fixed liquidation (or par) value.
The term preferred securities also includes hybrid-preferred securities. Hybrid-preferred securities often behave similarly as investments in traditional preferred securities and are regarded by market investors as being part of the preferred securities market. Hybrid-preferred securities possess varying combinations of features of both debt and preferred shares and as such they may constitute senior debt, junior debt or preferred shares in an issuers capital structure. As such, hybrid-preferred securities may not be subordinate to a companys debt securities (as are traditional preferred shares). Given the various debt and equity characteristics of hybrid-preferred securities, whether a hybrid-
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preferred security is classified as debt or equity for purposes of reporting the Acquiring Funds portfolio holdings may be based on the portfolio managers determination as to whether its debt or preferred features are preponderant, or based on the assessment of an independent data provider. Such determinations may be subjective.
Hybrid-preferred securities include trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The trust preferred securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates. Trust preferred securities may defer payment of income without triggering an event of default. These securities may have many characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuers capital structure. Trust preferred securities may be issued by trusts or other special purpose entities.
Contingent capital securities (sometimes referred to as CoCos) are preferred capital securities issued primarily by non-U.S. financial institutions. Specific CoCo structures vary by country of domicile and by each issue. All CoCos have mechanisms that absorb losses or reduces the value of the CoCo due to deterioration of the issuers financial condition and status as a going concern. Loss absorption mechanisms, which may include conversion into common equity and principal write-down, are intended for the benefit of the issuer and when triggered will likely negatively impact the value of the CoCo to the detriment of the CoCo investor. Loss absorption mechanisms can be triggered by capital levels or market value metrics of the issuers dropping below a certain predetermined level or at the discretion of the issuer regulator/supervisory entity. There are other types of preferred and hybrid-preferred securities that offer loss absorption to the issuing entity but until now only CoCos have predetermined loss absorption mechanisms and triggers. Thus, unlike traditional convertible securities, the conversion is not voluntary and the equity conversion or principal write-down features are tailored to the issuer and its regulatory requirements. Due to increased regulatory requirements for higher capital levels for financial institutions, the issuance of CoCo instruments has increased in the last several years and is expected to continue.
Preferred securities may also include certain forms of debt that have many characteristics of preferred shares, and that are regarded by the investment marketplace to be part of the broader preferred securities market. Among these preferred securities are certain exchange-listed debt issues that historically have several attributes, including trading and investment performance characteristics, in common with exchange-listed traditional preferred stock and hybrid-preferred securities. Generally, these types of preferred securities are senior debt or junior debt in the capital structure of an issuer.
As a general matter, dividend or interest payments on preferred securities may be cumulative or non-cumulative. The dividend or interest rates on preferred securities may be fixed or floating, or convert from fixed to floating at a specified future time; each Fund may invest without limit in such floating-rate and fixed-to-floating-rate preferred securities. Floating-rate and fixed-to-floating-rate preferred securities may be traditional preferred or hybrid-preferred securities. Floating-rate preferred securities pay a rate of income that resets periodically based on short- and/or longer-term interest rate benchmarks. If the associated interest rate benchmark rises, the income received from the security may increase and therefore the return offered by the floating-rate security may rise as well, making such securities less price sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields). Similarly, a fixed-to-floating-rate
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security may be less price sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields), because the period over which the rate of payment is fixed is shorter than the maturity term of the bond, after which period a floating rate of payment applies.
The preferred securities market continues to evolve. New securities may be developed that may be regarded by market investors as being part of the preferred securities market. Where such securities will fall in the capital structure of the issuer will depend on the structure and characteristics of the new security.
Preferred securities may either trade over-the-counter, or trade on an exchange. Preferred securities can be structured differently for retail and institutional investors, and the Acquiring Fund may invest in preferred securities of either structure. The retail segment is typified by $25 par securities (including $25 par debt securities) that are listed on the NYSE and trade on a flat basis (i.e., quoted with any accrued dividend or interest income included in the market price). The institutional segment is typified by $1,000 par value OTC securities traded on a clean basis (i.e., quoted without accrued divided or interest income included in the market price).
Other Equity Securities. Common stock generally represents an equity ownership interest in an issuer. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns and may underperform relative to fixed-income securities during certain periods. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Acquiring Fund. Also, prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Acquiring Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons including changes in investors perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or the occurrence of political or economic events which affect the issuer. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increases borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Additional types of equity securities (other than preferred securities) in which the Acquiring Fund may invest include convertible securities (discussed below), REITs, warrants, rights, depositary receipts (which reference ownership of underlying non-U.S. securities) and other types of securities with equity characteristics. The Acquiring Funds equity investments also may include securities of other investment companies (including open-end funds, closed-end funds and ETFs).
Debt Securities . Debt securities in which the Acquiring Fund may invest include corporate debt securities and U.S. government and agency debt securities. Generally, debt securities typically, but not always, possess the following characteristics: a specified maturity or term, at which time the issuer is contractually obligated to pay the associated principal amount of debt to the debtholders; interest payments that are a contractual and enforceable obligation as of the stated payment date, and not contingent either on payment-by-payment declaration by the issuers board or on the demonstrated existence of company earnings as a source for the payment; and do not entitle the holder to exercise governance of or control over the issuer.
In the capital structure of an issuer, debt securities can be senior debt or junior debt. A senior debt security has priority over any other type of security in a companys capital structure as to the payment of any promised income (typically denoted as interest) from the issuer, and as to payout of the proceeds of the bankruptcy or other liquidation of the company. At times, the issuer will have pledged
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specific assets or revenues to secure the rights of the holder of the debt security to payments of interest and principal such that the proceeds of the specific assets or revenues must be used to satisfy these debt obligations prior to being applied to any of the issuers other obligations in a bankruptcy or other liquidation. In the event that the assets securing the debt security are not sufficient to fully satisfy such obligations in a bankruptcy or other liquidation, the remainder of such obligations will generally have the same priority as an issuers trade creditors and other general obligations, but still have priority of payment relative to the issuers preferred shares and common shares. Sometimes referred to as subordinated or mezzanine debt, junior debt stands behind the senior debt as to its rights to receive promised income payments (again, typically denoted as interest) from the issuer, and payouts of the proceeds of bankruptcy or other liquidation, but will have priority of payment relative to the issuers preferred shares and common shares.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are hybrid securities that combine the investment characteristics of bonds and common stocks. Convertible securities typically consist of debt securities or preferred securities that may be converted within a specified period of time (typically for the entire life of the security) into a certain amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer at a predetermined price. They also include debt securities with warrants or common stock attached and derivatives combining features of debt securities and equity securities. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities, or dividends paid or accrued on preferred securities, until the securities mature or are redeemed, converted or exchanged.
Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible income securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities. The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value generally declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible securitys investment value. Convertible securities are subordinate in rank to any senior debt obligations of the same issuer and, therefore, an issuers convertible securities entail more risk than its debt obligations.
REITs. REITs are typically publicly traded corporations or trusts that invest in residential or commercial real estate. REITs generally can be divided into the following three types: (i) equity REITs which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains or real estate appreciation; (ii) mortgage REITs which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgage loans and derive their income primarily from interest payments; and (iii) hybrid REITs which combine the characteristics of equity REITs and mortgage REITs. The Acquiring Fund can invest in common stock, preferred securities, debt securities and convertible securities issued by REITs.
Foreign Issuers. The Acquiring Fund may invest in U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers through the direct investment in securities of such companies and through depositary receipts. For purposes of identifying foreign issuers, the Acquiring Fund will use Bloomberg classifications, which employ the following factors listed in order of importance: (i) the country in which the companys management is located, (ii) the country in which the companys securities are primarily listed, (iii) the country from which the company primarily receives revenue and (iv) the companys reporting currency. The Acquiring Fund may purchase depositary receipts such as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global
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Depositary Receipts (GDRs). ADRs, EDRs and GDRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to purchasing directly the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies.
The Acquiring Fund may invest in U.S. dollar denominated securities of emerging markets issuers. Emerging markets issuers are those (i) whose securities are traded principally on a stock exchange or over-the-counter in an emerging market country, (ii) organized under the laws of an emerging market country or (iii) whose principal place of business or principal office(s) is in an emerging market country. Emerging market countries include any country other than Canada, the United States and the countries comprising the MSCI EAFE ® Index (currently, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
Derivatives. The Acquiring Fund may use derivatives or other transactions for the purpose of hedging the portfolios exposure to the risk of increases in interest rates, common stock risk, high yield credit risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The specific derivative instruments to be used, or other transactions to be entered into, each for hedging purposes may include (i) options and futures contracts, including options on common stock, stock indexes, bonds and bond indexes, stock index futures, bond index futures and related instruments, (ii) short sales of securities that the Acquiring Fund owns or has the right to acquire through the conversion of securities, (iii) structured notes and similar instruments, (iv) credit derivative instruments and (v) currency exchange transactions. Some, but not all, of the derivative instruments may be traded and listed on an exchange. There is no assurance that these derivative strategies will be available at any time or that the Sub-Advisers will determine to use them for the Acquiring Fund or, if used, that the strategies will be successful.
Under regulations of the CFTC currently in effect, which may change from time to time, with respect to futures contracts to purchase securities and call options on futures contracts purchased by the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Fund will set aside in a segregated account liquid securities with a value at least equal to the value of instruments underlying such futures contracts less the amount of initial margin on deposit for such contracts. The current view of the staff of the SEC is that the Acquiring Funds long and short positions in futures contracts must be collateralized with cash or certain liquid assets held in a segregated account or covered in order to counter the impact of any potential leveraging.
Short-Term Investments
Short-Term Taxable Fixed Income Securities. For temporary defensive purposes or to keep cash on hand fully invested, the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in cash equivalents and short-term taxable fixed-income securities. Short-term taxable fixed income investments are defined to include, without limitation, the following:
(1) U.S. Government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest that are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. Government Agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government Agency securities include securities issued by (a) the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration and the Government National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal National
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Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing Association, whose securities are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. Government provides financial support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do so since it is not so obligated by law. The U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities. Consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.
(2) Certificates of deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or a savings and loan association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return and are normally negotiable. The issuer of a certificate of deposit agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon. Under current FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Acquiring Fund may not be fully insured.
(3) Repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities. At the time the Acquiring Fund purchases securities pursuant to a repurchase agreement, it simultaneously agrees to resell and redeliver such securities to the seller, who also simultaneously agrees to buy back the securities at a fixed price and time. This assures a predetermined yield for the Acquiring Fund during its holding period, since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Acquiring Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Acquiring Fund may enter into repurchase agreements only with respect to obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit; or bankers acceptances in which the Acquiring Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Acquiring Fund is limited to the ability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon sum on the repurchase date; in the event of default, the repurchase agreement provides that the Acquiring Fund is entitled to sell the underlying collateral. If the value of the collateral declines after the agreement is entered into, and if the seller defaults under a repurchase agreement when the value of the underlying collateral is less than the repurchase price, the Acquiring Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The Adviser monitors the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The Adviser does so in an effort to determine that the value of the collateral always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price to be paid to the Acquiring Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Acquiring Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.
(4) Commercial paper, which consists of short-term unsecured promissory notes, including variable rate master demand notes issued by corporations to finance their current operations. Master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the Acquiring Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for such notes, however, they are redeemable by the Acquiring Fund at any time. The Adviser will consider the financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios) and will continuously monitor the corporations ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because the Acquiring Funds liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. Investments in commercial paper will be limited to commercial paper rated in the highest categories by S&P, Moodys or Fitch and that matures within one year of the date of purchase or carries a variable or floating rate of interest.
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(5) Bankers acceptances, which are credit instruments evidencing the obligation of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect the obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the full amount of the instrument upon maturity.
(6) Variable amount master demand notes, which are unsecured demand notes that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate according to the terms of the instrument. Because master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the Acquiring Fund and the issuer, they are not normally traded. Although there is no secondary market in the notes, the Acquiring Fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any time. While the notes are not typically rated by credit rating agencies, issuers of variable amount master demand notes (which are normally manufacturing, retail, financial, and other business concerns) must satisfy the same criteria as set forth above for commercial paper.
(7) Variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), which are securities in which the interest rate is adjusted at pre-designated periodic intervals. VRDOs may include a demand feature which is a put that entitles the holder to receive the principal amount of the underlying security or securities and which may be exercised either at any time on no more than 30 days notice or at specified intervals not exceeding 397 calendar days on no more than 30 days notice.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments. During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep the Acquiring Funds cash fully invested, the Acquiring Fund may deviate from its investment objectives and may invest any percentage of its net assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term debt securities (or in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in preferred securities of the types in which the Acquiring Fund may invest directly).
Illiquid Securities
The Acquiring Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in illiquid securities. For this purpose, illiquid securities include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), securities that may be resold only pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) but that are deemed to be illiquid, and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days. The Acquiring Funds Board or its delegate has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which securities are liquid or illiquid. The Acquiring Funds Board has delegated to the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, the day-to-day determination of the illiquidity of any security held by the Acquiring Fund, although it has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. Although no definitive liquidity criteria are used, the Acquiring Funds Board has directed the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers to look for such factors as (i) the nature of the market for a security (including the institutional private resale market; the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; the amount of time normally needed to dispose of the security; and the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer), (ii) the terms of certain securities or other instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party or the issuer thereof (e.g., certain repurchase obligations and demand instruments) and (iii) other permissible relevant factors.
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Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act. Where registration is required, the Acquiring Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Acquiring Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Acquiring Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid securities will be priced at a fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or its delegatee.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
The Acquiring Fund may buy and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, making payment or taking delivery at a later date, normally within 15 to 45 days of the trade date. This type of transaction may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the securities prior to settlement and, because securities are subject to market fluctuations, the value of the securities at time of delivery may be less (or more) than cost. A separate account of the Acquiring Fund will be established with its custodian consisting of cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value at all times at least equal to the amount of the commitment.
Interest Rate Transactions
In connection with the Acquiring Funds use of leverage through borrowings or the issuance of preferred shares, the Acquiring Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions. The payment obligation would be based on the notional amount of the swap.
The Acquiring Fund may use an interest rate cap, which would require it to pay a premium to the cap counterparty and would entitle it, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, to receive from the counterparty payment of the difference based on the notional amount. The Acquiring Fund would use interest rate swaps or caps only with the intent to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on common share net earnings as a result of leverage.
The Acquiring Fund will generally enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Acquiring Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Acquiring Fund intends to maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the Acquiring Funds net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked-to-market daily.
The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the Acquiring Funds use of interest rate swaps or caps has the potential to enhance or harm the overall performance of the Acquiring Funds common shares. Buying interest rate caps could enhance the performance of the shares by providing a maximum leverage expense. Buying interest rate caps could also decrease the net earnings of the shares in the event that the premium paid by the Acquiring Fund to the counterparty exceeds the additional amount the Acquiring Fund would have been required to pay had it not entered into the cap agreement.
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Interest rate swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Acquiring Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults, the Acquiring Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset the dividend payments on preferred shares or interest payments on borrowings. Depending on whether the Acquiring Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which, in turn, would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates at that point in time, such a default could negatively impact the performance of the shares.
Although this will not guarantee that the counterparty does not default, the Acquiring Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction with any counterparty that a Sub-Adviser believes does not have the financial resources to honor its obligation under the interest rate swap or cap transaction. Further, the Sub-Advisers will continually monitor the financial stability of a counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap transaction in an effort to proactively protect the Acquiring Funds investments.
In addition, at the time the interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Acquiring Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the performance of the Acquiring Funds common shares.
The Acquiring Fund may choose or be required to reduce its borrowings or other leverage. Such an event would likely result in the Acquiring Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Such early termination of a swap could result in a termination payment by or to the Acquiring Fund. An early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Acquiring Fund.
Segregation of Assets
As a closed-end investment company registered with the SEC, the Acquiring Fund is subject to the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, and various interpretive provisions of the SEC and its staff. In accordance with these laws, rules and positions, the Acquiring Fund must set aside (often referred to as asset segregation) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC or staff-approved measures, to cover open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivatives instruments. In the case of forward currency contracts that are not contractually required to cash settle, for example, the Acquiring Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to such contracts full notional value while the positions are open. With respect to forward currency contracts that are contractually required to cash settle, however, the Acquiring Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Acquiring Funds daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Acquiring Funds daily net liability) under the contracts, if any, rather than such contracts full notional value. The Acquiring Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation.
To the extent that a Fund uses its assets to cover its obligations as required by the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, and applicable positions of the SEC and its staff, such assets may not be used for other operational purposes. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers will monitor the Acquiring Funds
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use of derivatives and will take action as necessary for the purpose of complying with the asset segregation policy stated above. Such actions may include the sale of the Acquiring Funds portfolio investments.
Other Investment Companies
The Acquiring Fund may not invest its Managed Assets in securities of other open-end or closed-end investment companies except in compliance with the 1940 Act or any exemptive relief obtained thereunder. The Acquiring Fund generally expects to invest in other investment companies either during periods when it has large amounts of uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Acquiring Fund receives the proceeds of the offering of its common shares, or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive, preferred securities available in the market. As an investor in an investment company, the Acquiring Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment companys expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Acquiring Funds advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Holders of common shares would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Acquiring Fund invests in other investment companies. The Sub-Advisers will take expenses into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in the investment company relative to available preferred securities. In addition, the securities of other investment companies also may be leveraged and therefore will be subject to the same leverage risks described herein. The net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.
Other Investment Policies and Techniques
Portfolio Trading and Turnover Rate . The Acquiring Fund may engage in portfolio trading when considered appropriate, but short-term trading will not be used as the primary means of achieving the Acquiring Funds investment objectives. Although the Acquiring Fund cannot accurately predict its annual portfolio turnover rate, it is generally not expected to exceed []% under normal circumstances. High portfolio turnover may result in the realization of net short-term capital gains by the Acquiring Fund, which when distributed to shareholders will be taxable as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
Zero Coupon Bonds and Other OID Instruments . A zero coupon bond is a bond that typically does not pay interest for its entire life. When held to its maturity, the holder receives the par value of the zero coupon bond, which generates a return equal to the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. A zero coupon bond is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. This original issue discount (OID) approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound prior to its maturity and reflects the payment deferral and credit risk associated with the instrument. Because zero coupon securities and other OID instruments do not pay cash interest at regular intervals, the instruments ongoing accruals require ongoing judgments concerning the collectability of deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. As a result, these securities may be subject to greater value fluctuations and less liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities that pay cash on a current basis. Because zero coupon bonds, and OID instruments generally, allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments, they may involve greater payment deferral and credit risk than coupon loans and bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. The Acquiring Fund generally will be required to distribute dividends to shareholders representing the income of these instruments as it accrues, even though the Acquiring Fund will not receive all of the income on a current basis or in cash. Thus, the
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Acquiring Fund may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, and use the cash proceeds to make distributions to its shareholders. For accounting purposes, these cash distributions to shareholders will not be treated as a return of capital.
Further, the Adviser collects management fees on the value of a zero coupon bond or OID instrument attributable to the ongoing non-cash accrual of interest over the life of the bond or other instrument. As a result, the Adviser receives non-refundable cash payments based on such non-cash accruals while investors incur the risk that such non-cash accruals ultimately may not be realized.
The Board of the Target Fund recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of the Reorganization.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUIRING FUND
Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund. However, the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for debts or obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such limited liability be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or the trustees. The Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust further provides for indemnification out of the assets and property of the Fund for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Acquiring Fund would be unable to meet its obligations. The Acquiring Fund believes that the likelihood of such circumstances is remote.
The Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to convert the Fund to open-end status. Specifically, the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust requires a vote by holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, if any, voting as a single class, except as described below, to authorize (1) a conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company, (2) a merger or consolidation of the Fund with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or a reorganization of the Fund or a series or class of the Fund, (3) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Funds assets (other than in the regular course of the Funds investment activities), (4) in certain circumstances, a termination of the Fund or (5) a removal of trustees by shareholders, and then only for cause, unless, with respect to (1) through (4), such transaction has already been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust or the Acquiring Funds By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Funds outstanding common shares, voting as a single class, is required, provided, however, that, where only a particular class or series is affected (or, in the case of removing a trustee, when the trustee has been elected by only one class), only the required vote by the applicable class or series will be required. Approval of shareholders is not required, however, for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise, whereby the Fund issues shares in connection with the acquisition of assets (including those subject to liabilities) of any other investment company or similar entity. In the case of the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company, or in the case of any of the foregoing transactions constituting a plan of reorganization (as that term is used in the 1940 Act) which adversely affects the holders of preferred shares, the action in question will also require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Acquiring Funds preferred shares outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, or, if such action has been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust or the Acquiring Funds By-Laws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Acquiring Funds preferred shares outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class. None of the foregoing voting provisions may be amended or repealed except by the vote of at least two-thirds of the common shares and preferred shares, if any, voting as a single class. The votes required to approve the conversion of the Acquiring Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or to approve transactions constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of preferred shares are higher than those required by the 1940 Act. The Acquiring Funds
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Board believes that the provisions of the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust relating to such higher votes are in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund.
The Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust provides that the obligations of the Acquiring Fund are not binding upon the Funds trustees individually, but only upon the assets and property of the Fund, and that the trustees shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. Nothing in the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust, however, protects a trustee against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
In addition, the Acquiring Funds By-Laws require the Board be divided into three classes with staggered terms. This provision of the By-Laws could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board. If preferred shares are outstanding, holders of preferred shares, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect two of the Funds trustees. See the Reorganization SAI under Management of the Funds.
The provisions of the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust and By-Laws described above could have the effect of depriving the common shareholders of opportunities to sell their common shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the common shares by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund in a tender offer or similar transaction. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger or the assumption of control by a third party. They provide, however, the advantage of potentially requiring persons seeking control of the Acquiring Fund to negotiate with its management regarding the price to be paid and facilitating the continuity of the Funds investment objectives and policies. The Acquiring Funds Board has considered the foregoing anti-takeover provisions and concluded that they are in the best interests of the Fund.
The Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust provides that common shareholders shall have no right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any shares or securities of the Fund, other than such right, if any, as the Funds Board in its discretion may determine.
Reference should be made to the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.
Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund
The Acquiring Fund is a closed-end management investment company, and as such its shareholders do not have the right to cause the Acquiring Fund to redeem their common shares. Instead, the common shares of the Acquiring Fund trade in the open market at a price that is a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), net asset value, call protection, dividend stability, portfolio credit quality, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors. Because common shares of closed-end management investment companies may frequently trade at prices lower than net asset value, the Acquiring Funds Board has determined that, at least annually, it will consider action that might be taken to reduce or eliminate any material discount from net asset value in respect of common shares, which may include the repurchase of such shares in the open market or in private transactions, the making of a tender offer for such shares at net asset value, or the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company. There is no assurance that the Acquiring Funds Board will decide to take any of these actions, or that share repurchases or tender offers will actually reduce market discount.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time when the Acquiring Fund has preferred shares outstanding, the Acquiring Fund may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its common shares unless (1) all accumulated but unpaid preferred shares dividends due to be paid have been paid and (2) at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition, the net asset value of the Acquiring Funds portfolio (determined after deducting the acquisition price of the common shares) is at least 200% of the liquidation value (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon) of the outstanding preferred shares.
If the Acquiring Fund converted to an open-end investment company, it would be required to redeem all its preferred shares then outstanding (requiring in turn that it liquidate a portion of its investment portfolio), if any, and the common shares would no longer be listed on an exchange. In contrast to a closed-end management investment company, shareholders of an open-end management investment company may require the company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less any redemption charge that is in effect at the time of redemption. See Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust and By-Laws above for a discussion of the voting requirements applicable to the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end management investment company.
Before deciding whether to take any action if the common shares trade below net asset value, the Board would consider all relevant factors, including the extent and duration of the discount, the liquidity of the Acquiring Funds portfolio, the impact of any action that might be taken on the Acquiring Fund or its shareholders and market considerations. Based on these considerations, even if the Acquiring Funds common shares should trade at a discount, the Board may determine that, in the interest of the Acquiring Fund, no action should be taken. See the Reorganization SAI under Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund for a further discussion of possible action to reduce or eliminate such discount to net asset value.
Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent
The custodian of the assets of each Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. The custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. Each Funds transfer, shareholder services and dividend disbursing agent is also State Street, 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
Federal Income Tax Matters Associated with Investment in the Acquiring Fund
The following information is meant as a general summary of certain federal income tax matters for U.S. shareholders. Please see the Reorganization SAI for additional information. Investors should rely on their own tax adviser for advice about the particular federal, state and local tax consequences to them of investing in the Acquiring Fund.
The Acquiring Fund has elected to be treated and intends to qualify each year (including the taxable year in which the Reorganization occur) as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). In order to qualify as a RIC, the Acquiring Fund must satisfy certain requirements regarding the sources of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. As a RIC, the Acquiring Fund is not expected to be subject to federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes to its shareholders.
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Dividends paid out of the Acquiring Funds investment company taxable income (which includes dividends the Acquiring Fund receives, interest income and net short-term capital gain) will generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, except as described below with respect to qualified dividend income. Net capital gain distributions (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are generally taxable at rates applicable to long-term capital gains regardless of how long a shareholder has held its shares. Long-term capital gains for noncorporate shareholders are currently taxable at a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%. In addition, certain individuals, estates and trusts are subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax on net investment income, including net capital gains and other taxable dividends. Corporate shareholders are taxed on capital gain at the same rates as apply to ordinary income. Distributions derived from qualified dividend income and received by a noncorporate shareholder will be taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. In order for some portion of the dividends received by a shareholder to be qualified dividend income, the Acquiring Fund must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and the noncorporate shareholder must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to its shares of the Acquiring Fund. A portion of the Acquiring Funds distributions to shareholders may qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders. Taxable distributions are taxable whether or not such distributions are reinvested in the Acquiring Fund. Dividend distributions may be subject to state and local taxation, depending on a shareholders situation.
If the Acquiring Funds total distributions exceed both the current taxable years earnings and profits and accumulated earnings and profits from prior years, the excess generally will be treated as a tax-free return of capital up to and including the amount of a shareholders tax basis in its shares of the Acquiring Fund, and thereafter as capital gain. Upon a sale of shares of the Acquiring Fund, the amount, if any, by which the sales price exceeds the basis in the shares of the Acquiring Fund is gain subject to federal income tax. Because a return of capital reduces basis in the shares of the Acquiring Fund, it will increase the amount of gain or decrease the amount of loss on a shareholders subsequent disposition of the shares of the Acquiring Fund.
As a RIC, the Acquiring Fund will not be subject to federal income tax in any taxable year provided that it meets certain distribution requirements. The Acquiring Fund may retain for investment some (or all) of its net capital gain. If the Acquiring Fund retains any net capital gain or investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Acquiring Fund retains any net capital gain, it may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who, if subject to federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their share of such undistributed amount; (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by the Acquiring Fund on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any; and (iii) may claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Acquiring Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholders gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.
Dividends declared by the Acquiring Fund in October, November or December to shareholders of record in one of those months and paid during the following January will be treated as having been paid by the Acquiring Fund and received by shareholders on December 31 of the year the distributions were declared.
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Each shareholder will receive an annual statement summarizing the shareholders dividend and capital gains distributions.
The redemption, sale or exchange of shares normally will result in capital gain or loss to shareholders who hold their shares as capital assets. Generally, a shareholders gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. The gain or loss on shares held for one year or less will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the same rates applicable to ordinary income. For noncorporate taxpayers, however, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%, while short-term capital gains and other ordinary income are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax may also apply to certain individual, estate and trust shareholders capital gain from the sale or other disposition of their shares. Any loss on the sale of shares that have been held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any net capital gain distributions received by the shareholder on such shares. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Acquiring Fund will be disallowed to the extent those shares of the Acquiring Fund are replaced by other substantially identical shares of the Acquiring Fund or other substantially identical stock or securities (including through reinvestment of dividends) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the original shares. In that event, the basis of the replacement shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
The Acquiring Fund may invest in preferred securities or other securities the federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or may be subject to recharacterization by the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS). To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the income from such securities differs from the tax treatment expected by the Acquiring Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Acquiring Fund, potentially requiring the Acquiring Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the requirements applicable to RICs under the Code.
The Acquiring Fund may acquire debt securities that are market discount bonds. A market discount bond is a security acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption value (or its adjusted issue price if it is also an original issue discount bond). If the Acquiring Fund invests in a market discount bond, it will be required to treat any gain recognized on the disposition of such market discount bond as ordinary taxable income to the extent of the accrued market discount unless the Acquiring Fund elects to include the market discount in taxable income as it accrues.
If the Acquiring Fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Acquiring Fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the Acquiring Fund must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the Acquiring Fund must distribute to shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) including such income it is required to accrue, to qualify as a RIC and to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the Acquiring Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.
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The Acquiring Funds investment in lower rated or unrated debt securities may present issues for the Acquiring Fund if the issuers of these securities default on their obligations because the federal income tax consequences to a holder of such securities are not certain.
Income received by the Acquiring Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. It is not possible to determine the Acquiring Funds effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the Acquiring Funds assets to be invested in various foreign countries is not known. The payment of such taxes will reduce the Acquiring Funds return on such investments. If more than 50% of the Acquiring Funds assets are invested in foreign securities at the end of a taxable year, the Acquiring Fund will be eligible to make an election permitting shareholders to claim a credit or deduction for their pro rata share of foreign taxes paid by the Acquiring Fund subject to certain limitations. If the Acquiring Fund makes this election, shareholders will be required to include their share of those taxes in gross income as a distribution from the Acquiring Fund. If the Acquiring Fund does not make the election, the net investment income of the Acquiring Fund will be reduced by the foreign taxes paid by the Acquiring Fund and shareholders will not be required to include in their gross income and will not be able to claim a credit or deduction for their pro rata share of foreign taxes paid by the Acquiring Fund.
The Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 28% from all distributions and redemption proceeds payable to a shareholder if the shareholder fails to provide the Acquiring Fund with his, her or its correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if the shareholder has been notified by the IRS (or the IRS notifies the Acquiring Fund) that he, she or it is subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability.
Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, FATCA) generally require the Acquiring Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders. If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA, the Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on Acquiring Fund dividends and distributions and redemption proceeds. The Acquiring Fund may disclose the information that it receives from (or concerning) its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA, related intergovernmental agreements or other applicable law or regulation. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the investors own situation, including investments through an intermediary.
The Acquiring Funds net asset value per common share is determined as of the close of the regular session trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open for business. Net asset value is calculated by taking the market value of the Acquiring Funds total assets, including interest or dividends accrued but not yet collected, less all liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. The result, rounded to the nearest cent, is the net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Acquiring Funds Board or its delegate.
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The Acquiring Funds custodian calculates the Funds net asset value. The custodian uses prices for portfolio securities from a pricing service the Acquiring Funds Board has approved. The pricing service values portfolio securities at the mean between the quoted bid and asked price or the yield equivalent when quotations are readily available. Securities for which quotations are not readily available (which will constitute the majority of the Acquiring Funds portfolio securities) are valued at fair value as determined by the Board in reliance upon data supplied by the pricing service. The pricing service uses methods that consider yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and ratings; dealers indications of value; and general market conditions. The pricing service may use electronic data processing techniques or a matrix system, or both. The Acquiring Funds officers review the pricing services procedures and valuations, under the general supervision of the Board.
Certain legal matters in connection with the issuance of common shares pursuant to the Agreement will be passed upon by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.
The financial statements of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund appearing in the Funds Annual Report for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 are incorporated herein. The financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015 have been audited by KPMG LLP (KPMG), an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon and incorporated herein. Such financial statements are incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. KPMG provides auditing services to the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund. The principal business address of KPMG is 200 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Board of each Fund, upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, engaged KPMG as the independent registered public accounting firm to the Funds, replacing Ernst & Young LLP (Ernst & Young), which resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm effective September 30, 2014, as a result of the subsequently completed acquisition of Nuveen Investments by TIAA-CREF.
Ernst & Youngs report on the Funds for the fiscal years ended prior to July 31, 2015, contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. For the fiscal years ended prior to July 31, 2015 for the Funds and for the period August 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014, there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports on the Funds financial statements.
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Attending the Annual Meeting
If you wish to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, you will be able to do so. If you intend to attend the Annual Meeting in person and you are a record holder of the Target Funds shares, in order to gain admission you must show photographic identification, such as your drivers license. If you intend to attend the Annual Meeting in person and you hold your shares through a bank, broker or other custodian, in order to gain admission you must show photographic identification, such as your drivers license, and satisfactory proof of ownership of shares of the Target Fund, such as your voting instruction form (or a copy thereof) or brokers statement indicating ownership as of a recent date. If you hold your shares in a brokerage account or through a bank or other nominee, you will not be able to vote in person at the Annual Meeting unless you have previously requested and obtained a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee and present it at the Annual Meeting. You may contact the Target Fund at (877) 821-2278 to obtain directions to the site of the Annual Meeting.
Outstanding Shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund
The following table sets forth the number of outstanding common shares and preferred shares and certain other share information of each Fund as of [], 2016.
(1)
|
(2)
|
(3)
|
(4)
|
|||
Acquiring Fund: |
||||||
Common shares |
Unlimited | | [] | |||
Preferred shares |
Unlimited | | | |||
Target Fund: |
||||||
Common shares |
Unlimited | | [] | |||
Preferred shares |
Unlimited | | |
The common shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbols JPC and JPW, respectively. Upon the closing of the Reorganization, it is expected that the Acquiring Fund will continue the listing of its common shares on the NYSE.
Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund
As of [], 2016, the Board Members and officers of each Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the total outstanding common shares. The Funds have no preferred shares outstanding.
Information regarding shareholders or groups of shareholders who beneficially own more than 5% of a class of shares of a Fund is provided below. Information in the table below regarding the number and percentage of shares owned is based on a review of Schedule 13D and 13G filings and amendments made with respect to the Funds on or before [], 2016. The estimated pro forma information presented is calculated assuming that outstanding common shares were as of [], 2016 for the Funds.
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Fund and Class |
Shareholder Name
|
Number of
|
Percentage
|
Estimated
|
||||
Acquiring Fund |
||||||||
Common Shares |
||||||||
Target Fund |
||||||||
Common Shares |
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee of each Funds Board is responsible for the oversight and monitoring of (1) the accounting and reporting policies, processes and practices and the audit of the financial statements, of each Fund, (2) the quality and integrity of the Funds financial statements and (3) the independent registered public accounting firms qualifications, performance and independence. In its oversight capacity, the Audit Committee reviews each Funds annual financial statements with both management and the independent registered public accounting firm and the Audit Committee meets periodically with the independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors to consider their evaluation of each Funds financial and internal controls. The Audit Committee also selects, retains, evaluates and may replace each Funds independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is currently composed of five Independent Board Members and operates under a written charter adopted and approved by each Board. Each Audit Committee member meets the independence and experience requirements, as applicable, of the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE MKT, LLC, NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC, Section 10A of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC.
The Audit Committee, in discharging its duties, has met with and held discussions with management and each Funds independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has also reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management. Management has represented to the independent registered public accounting firm that each Funds financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed under relevant auditing standards. Each Funds independent registered public accounting firm provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosure required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526 (Communications with Audit Committees Concerning Independence), and the Audit Committee discussed with representatives of the independent registered public accounting firm their firms independence. As provided in the Audit Committee Charter, it is not the Audit Committees responsibility to determine, and the considerations and discussions referenced above do not ensure, that each Funds financial statements are complete and accurate and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Based on the Audit Committees review and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the representations of management and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee has recommended that the audited financial statements be included in each Funds Annual Report.
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As of July 31, 2016 the members of the Audit Committee are:
Jack B. Evans
David J. Kundert
John K. Nelson
Carole E. Stone
Terence J. Toth
Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
As noted, each Funds Board has appointed KPMG as independent registered public accounting firm to audit the books and records of each Fund for its current fiscal year. KPMG has informed each Fund that it has no direct or indirect material financial interests in the Funds, Nuveen, the Adviser or any other investment company sponsored by Nuveen.
Audit and Related Fees
Audit and Related Fees. The following table provides the aggregate fees billed during each Funds last two fiscal years by each Funds independent registered public accounting firm for engagements directly related to the operations and financial reporting of each Fund, including those relating (i) to each Fund for services provided to that Fund and (ii) to the Adviser and certain entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to each Fund (Adviser Entities).
Audit Fees (1) | Audit Related Fees (2) | Tax Fees (3) | All Other Fees (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund | Fund |
Adviser and
Adviser Entities |
Fund |
Adviser and
Adviser Entities |
Fund |
Adviser and
Adviser Entities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquiring Fund |
$ | 25,500 | $ | 26,375 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Target Fund |
20,500 | 21,200 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Audit Fees are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for the audit of a Funds 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 a Funds 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 calculations 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 a Funds use of leverage. |
Non-Audit Fees. The following table provides the aggregate non-audit fees billed by each Funds independent registered accounting firm for services rendered to each Fund, the Adviser and the Adviser Entities during each Funds last two fiscal years. Less than 50% of the principal accountants engagement to audit the registrants financial statements for the most recent year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountants full-time, permanent employees.
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Total Non-Audit Fees
Billed to Fund |
Total Non-Audit Fees
Billed to Adviser and Adviser Entities (Engagements Related Directly to the Operations and Financial Reporting of Fund) |
Total Non-Audit Fees Billed
to Adviser and Adviser Entities (All Other Engagements) |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2014 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2015 |
Fiscal
Year Ended 2016 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquiring Fund |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||
Target Fund |
| | | | | | | |
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. Generally, the Audit Committee must approve each Funds independent registered public accounting firms engagements (i) with the Fund for audit or non-audit services and (ii) with the Adviser and Adviser Entities for non-audit services if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. Regarding tax and research projects conducted by the independent registered public accounting firm for each Fund and the Adviser and Adviser Entities (with respect to the operations and financial reporting of each 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.
The Audit Committee has approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services that the independent registered public accounting firm provided to each Fund and to the Adviser and Adviser Entities (with respect to the operations and financial reporting of each Fund). None of the services rendered by the independent registered public accounting firm to each Fund or the Adviser or Adviser Entities were pre-approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the pre-approval exception under Rule 2.01(c)(7)(i)(C) or Rule 2.01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Interest Reporting Compliance
Section 30(h) of the 1940 Act and Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act require Board Members and officers, the Adviser, affiliated persons of the Adviser and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of a Funds equity securities to file forms reporting their affiliation with that Fund and reports of ownership and changes in ownership of that Funds shares with the SEC and the NYSE or NYSE MKT, as applicable. These persons and entities are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Funds with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based on a review of these forms furnished to each Fund, each Fund believes that its Board Members and officers, the Adviser and affiliated persons of the Adviser have complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements during its last fiscal year. To the knowledge of management of the Funds, no shareholder of a Fund owns more than 10% of a registered class of a Funds equity securities, except as provided above in the section entitled Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund.
Expenses of Proxy Solicitation
The Target Fund will pay all costs associated with holding its Annual Meeting to elect Trustees. Shareholders will indirectly bear the costs of the Reorganization, whether or not the Reorganization is consummated. Otherwise, the cost of preparing, printing and mailing the enclosed
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proxy, accompanying notice and proxy statement and all other costs in connection with the solicitation of proxies paid by the Funds will be divided pro rata between the Funds based on the projected net benefit and cost savings to each Fund. The total costs of the Reorganization, which include the cost of preparing, printing and mailing the enclosed proxy, the accompanying notice and this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other costs in connection with the solicitation of proxies, are estimated to be $570,000, and each Funds allocable share of such costs will be reflected in its net asset value at or before the close of trading on the business day immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization. The estimated allocation of the costs between the Funds is as follows: $40,000 (0.00%) for the Acquiring Fund and $530,000 (0.82%) for the Target Fund (all percentages are based on average net assets applicable to common shares for the twelve (12) months ended July 31, 2016). The allocation of the costs of the Reorganization will be based on the relative expected benefits of the Reorganization, including forecasted increases to net earnings, improvements in the secondary trading market for common shares and operating expense savings, if any, to each Fund following the Reorganization. Additional solicitation may be made by letter or telephone by officers or employees of Nuveen or the Adviser, or by dealers and their representatives. Any additional costs of solicitation will be paid by the Target Fund.
To be considered for presentation at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders of the Target Fund, a shareholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must have been received at the offices of the Target Fund, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, not later than []. A shareholder wishing to provide notice in the manner prescribed by Rule 14a-4(c)(1) under the Exchange Act of a proposal submitted outside of the process of Rule 14a-8 must, pursuant to the Target Funds By-Laws, submit such written notice to the Target Fund by the later of 45 days prior to the 2018 annual meeting or the tenth business day following the date the 2018 annual meeting is first publicly disclosed. Timely submission of a proposal does not mean that such proposal will be included in a proxy statement.
The Acquiring Fund expects to hold its 2018 annual meeting of shareholders in [] 2018. If the Reorganization proposal is approved and the Reorganization is consummated, the Target Fund will cease to exist and will not hold its 2018 annual meeting. If the Reorganization is not approved or is not consummated, the Target Fund will hold its 2018 annual meeting of shareholders, expected to be held in [] 2018.
Target Fund shareholders who want to communicate with the Board or any individual Board Member should write to the attention of Lorna Ferguson, Manager of Fund Board Relations, Nuveen Investments, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The letter should indicate that you are a Target Fund shareholder. If the communication is intended for a specific Board Member and so indicates, it will be sent only to that Board Member. If a communication does not indicate a specific Board Member it will be sent to the Independent Chairman and the outside counsel to the Independent Board Members for further distribution as deemed appropriate by such persons.
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The fiscal year end for each Fund is July 31.
Shareholder reports will be sent to shareholders of record of the Target Fund following the Target Funds fiscal year end. The Target Fund will furnish, without charge, a copy of its annual report as available upon request. Such written or oral requests should be directed to a Fund at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or by calling 1-800-257-8787.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on [], 2017.
The Target Funds Proxy Statement is available at http://www.nuveenproxy.com/Closed-End-Fund-Proxy-Information/ . For more information, shareholders may also contact the Target Fund at the address and phone number set forth above.
Please note that only one annual report or proxy statement may be delivered to two or more shareholders of the Target Fund who share an address, unless the Target Fund has received instructions to the contrary. To request a separate copy of an annual report or proxy statement, or for instructions as to how to request a separate copy of such documents or as to how to request a single copy if multiple copies of such documents are received, shareholders should contact the Target Fund at the address and phone number set forth above.
Management of the Target Fund does not intend to present and does not have reason to believe that others will present any items of business at the Annual Meeting, except as described in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. However, if other matters are properly presented at the meeting for a vote, the proxies will be voted upon such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons acting under the proxies.
A list of shareholders of the Target Fund entitled to be present and to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available at the offices of the Target Fund, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, for inspection by any shareholder of the Target Fund during regular business hours for ten days prior to the date of the Annual Meeting.
In the absence of a quorum for a particular matter, business may proceed on any other matter or matters which may properly come before the Annual Meeting if there shall be present, in person or by proxy, a quorum of shareholders in respect of such other matters. The chairman of the meeting may, whether or not a quorum is present, propose one or more adjournments of the Annual Meeting on behalf of the Target Fund without further notice to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Target Fund present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the session of the Annual Meeting to be adjourned.
Broker-dealer firms holding shares in street name for the benefit of their customers and clients will request the instruction of such customers and clients on how to vote their shares on the
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proposals. A broker-dealer firm that has not received instructions from a customer prior to the date specified in its request for voting instructions may not vote such customers shares on the Reorganization proposal described in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. A signed proxy card or other authorization by a beneficial owner of shares of the Target Fund that does not specify how the beneficial owners shares are to be voted on a proposal may be deemed to be an instruction to vote such shares in favor of the proposal.
IF YOU CANNOT BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO FILL IN, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
Gifford R. Zimmerman
Vice President and Secretary
The Nuveen Closed-End Funds
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APPENDIX A
FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the Agreement) is made as of this [] day of [], [], by and between Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Acquiring Fund) and Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (Flexible Investment Income or the Target Fund), each a Massachusetts business trust. The Acquiring Fund and Target Fund may be referred to herein each as a Fund and collectively as the Funds.
This Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. The reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund will consist of: (i) the transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Target Fund to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for newly issued common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of the Acquiring Fund (the Acquiring Fund Common Shares) and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund; and (ii) the distribution of all of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by the Target Fund to the holders of common shares of the Target Fund as part of the complete liquidation, dissolution and termination of the Target Fund as provided herein, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (the Reorganization).
WHEREAS, each Fund is a closed-end, management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and the Target Fund owns securities that generally are assets of the character in which the Acquiring Fund is permitted to invest;
WHEREAS, the Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue the Acquiring Fund Common Shares; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Fund (the Acquiring Fund Board) has determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Acquiring Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization, and the Board of Trustees of the Target Fund (the Target Fund Board) has determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Target Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Target Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF THE TARGET FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR ACQUIRING FUND COMMON SHARES AND THE ASSUMPTION OF THE LIABILITIES OF THE TARGET FUND AND TERMINATION AND LIQUIDATION OF THE TARGET FUND
1.1 THE EXCHANGE. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, the Target Fund agrees to transfer substantially all of its assets, as set forth in Section 1.2, to the Acquiring Fund. In consideration therefor, the Acquiring Fund agrees: (i) to issue and deliver to the Target Fund the number of
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Acquiring Fund Common Shares computed in the manner set forth in Section 2.3, and (ii) to assume substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund, if any, as set forth in Section 1.3. The foregoing transactions will take place at the closing provided for in Section 3.1 (the Closing).
1.2 ASSETS TO BE TRANSFERRED. The Target Fund will transfer all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund, including, without limitation, cash, securities, commodities, interests in futures, dividends or interest receivables owned by the Target Fund and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as an asset on the books of the Target Fund as of the Closing, except that the Target Fund will retain assets sufficient to pay the dividend(s) set forth in Section 8.5.
The Target Fund will, within a reasonable period of time before the Closing Date (as defined in Section 3.1), furnish the Acquiring Fund with a list of the Target Funds portfolio securities and other investments. The Acquiring Fund will, within a reasonable period of time before the Closing Date, identify the securities, if any, on the Target Funds list referred to in the foregoing sentence that do not conform to the Acquiring Funds investment objectives, policies or restrictions and will notify the Target Fund accordingly. The Target Fund, if requested by the Acquiring Fund, will dispose of such non-conforming securities identified by the Acquiring Fund before the Closing Date. In addition, if it is determined that the portfolios of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund, when aggregated, would contain investments exceeding certain percentage limitations applicable to the Acquiring Fund with respect to such investments, the Target Fund, if requested by the Acquiring Fund, will dispose of a sufficient amount of such investments as may be necessary to avoid violating such limitations as of the Closing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein will require the Target Fund to dispose of any investments or securities if, in the reasonable judgment of the Target Fund Board or Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the investment adviser to the Funds (the Adviser), such disposition would adversely affect the status of the Reorganization as a reorganization as such term is used in Section 368(a) of the Code or would otherwise not be in the best interests of the Target Fund.
1.3 LIABILITIES TO BE ASSUMED. The Target Fund will endeavor to discharge all of its known liabilities and obligations to the extent possible before the Closing Date, except for the dividend(s) set forth in Section 8.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the liabilities not so discharged will be assumed by the Acquiring Fund, which assumed liabilities will include all of the Target Funds liabilities, debts, obligations, and duties of whatever kind or nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or otherwise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, whether or not determinable at the Closing, and whether or not specifically referred to in this Agreement, provided that the Acquiring Fund will not assume any liabilities with respect to the dividend(s) set forth in Section 8.5.
1.4 LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION.
(a) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Target Fund will distribute in complete liquidation of the Target Fund, pro rata to its common shareholders of record (the Target Fund Shareholders), as of the time of such distribution, all of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by the Target Fund pursuant to Section 1.1 (together with any dividends declared with respect thereto to holders of record as of a time after the Valuation Time and payable prior to the said distributions (Interim Dividends)); and (b) on or as soon after the Closing Date as is practicable, but in no event later than 12 months after the Closing Date, the Target Fund will thereupon proceed to dissolve and terminate as set forth in Section 1.7 below. Such distribution will be accomplished by the transfer of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares then credited to the account of the
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Target Fund on the books of the Acquiring Fund to open accounts on the share records of the Acquiring Fund in the names of Target Fund Shareholders and representing, in the case of a Target Fund shareholder, such shareholders pro-rata share of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by the Target Fund and by paying to Target Fund Shareholders any Interim Dividends on such transferred shares. All of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Target Fund simultaneously will be canceled on the books of the Target Fund. The Acquiring Fund will not issue certificates representing Acquiring Fund Common Shares in connection with such transfers, except for any global certificate or certificates required by a securities depository in connection with the establishment of book-entry ownership of the shares.
1.5 OWNERSHIP OF SHARES. Ownership of Acquiring Fund Common Shares will be shown on the books of the Acquiring Funds transfer agent.
1.6 TRANSFER TAXES. Any transfer taxes payable upon the issuance of Acquiring Fund Common Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Target Funds common shares on the books of the Target Fund as of that time will, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund Common Shares are to be issued and transferred.
1.7 TERMINATION. The Target Fund will completely liquidate and be dissolved, terminated and have its affairs wound up in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, promptly following the Closing, the payment of the distribution pursuant to Section 1.4, and the payment of all dividend(s) pursuant to Section 8.5.
1.8 REPORTING. Any reporting responsibility of the Target Fund, including, without limitation, the responsibility for filing regulatory reports, tax returns or other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission), the exchange on which the Target Funds common shares are listed or any state securities commission and any federal, state or local tax authorities or any other relevant regulatory authority, is and will remain the responsibility of the Target Fund.
1.9 BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the Target Fund, including all books and records required to be maintained under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, will be available to the Acquiring Fund from and after the Closing Date and will be turned over to the Acquiring Fund as soon as practicable following the Closing.
ARTICLE II
VALUATION
2.1 VALUATION OF ASSETS. The value of the net assets of the Target Fund will be the value of its assets, less its liabilities, computed as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the business day immediately prior to the Closing Date (such time and date being hereinafter called the Valuation Time), using the valuation procedures of the Nuveen closed-end funds adopted by the Target Fund Board or such other valuation procedures as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
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2.2 VALUATION OF SHARES. The net asset value per Acquiring Fund Common Share will be computed as of the Valuation Time, using the valuation procedures of the Nuveen closed-end funds adopted by the Acquiring Fund Board or such other valuation procedures as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
2.3 COMMON SHARES TO BE ISSUED. The number of Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued in exchange for the Target Funds assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund will be determined by dividing the value of such assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund (net of the liabilities of the Target Fund that are assumed by the Acquiring Fund), determined in accordance with Section 2.1, by the net asset value of an Acquiring Fund Common Share, determined in accordance with Section 2.2. The aggregate net asset value of Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by the Target Fund in the Reorganization will equal, as of the Valuation Time, the aggregate net asset value of the Target Funds common shares held by Target Fund Shareholders as of such time. In the event there are fractional Acquiring Fund Common Shares due Target Fund Shareholders after the Target Funds assets have been exchanged for Acquiring Fund Common Shares, the Acquiring Funds transfer agent will aggregate all such fractional common shares and sell the resulting whole on the exchange on which such shares are listed for the account of all such Target Fund Shareholders, and each such Target Fund Shareholder will be entitled to a pro rata share of the proceeds from such sale. With respect to the aggregation and sale of fractional common shares, the Acquiring Funds transfer agent will act directly on behalf of the Target Fund Shareholders entitled to receive fractional shares and will accumulate such fractional shares, sell the shares and distribute the cash proceeds net of brokerage commissions, if any, directly to the Target Fund Shareholders entitled to receive the fractional shares (without interest and subject to withholding taxes).
2.4 EFFECT OF SUSPENSION IN TRADING. In the event that at the Valuation Time an accurate appraisal of the value of the net assets of the Acquiring Fund or the Target Fund is impracticable due to either: (a) the closure of, or the imposition of a trading restriction on, the exchange on which shares of a Fund are listed or another exchange on which the portfolio securities of the Acquiring Fund or the Target Fund are purchased or sold; or (b) a disruption in trading or the reporting of trading on the exchange on which shares of a Fund are listed or elsewhere, the Closing Date will be postponed until at least the first business day after the day on which trading is fully resumed and/or reporting is restored or such later time as the parties may agree pursuant to Section 3.1.
2.5 COMPUTATIONS OF NET ASSETS. All computations of net asset value in this Article II will be made by or under the direction of State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street) in accordance with its regular practice as custodian of the Funds.
ARTICLE III
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
3.1 CLOSING DATE. The Closing will occur on [], 2017, or such other date as the parties may agree (the Closing Date). Unless otherwise provided, all acts taking place at the Closing will be deemed to take place as of 7:59 a.m., Central time, on the Closing Date. The Closing will be held as of 7:59 a.m., Central time, at the offices of Vedder Price P.C. in Chicago, Illinois or at such other time and/or place as the parties may agree.
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3.2 CUSTODIANS CERTIFICATE. The Target Fund will cause State Street, as custodian for the Target Fund, to deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that the Target Funds portfolio securities, cash and any other assets have been delivered in proper form to the Acquiring Fund as of the Closing Date.
3.3 CERTIFICATES OF TRANSFER AGENT.
(a) The Target Fund will issue and deliver or cause State Street, in its capacity as transfer agent with respect to its common shares, to issue and deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of all holders of its common shares, and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding common shares held by each such holder.
(b) The Acquiring Fund will issue and deliver, or cause State Street, in its capacity as transfer agent with respect to its common shares, to issue and deliver to the Secretary of the Target Fund a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be credited on the Closing Date to the Target Fund or provide evidence satisfactory to the Target Fund that such Acquiring Fund Common Shares have been credited to the Target Funds account on the books of the Acquiring Fund.
3.4 DELIVERY OF ADDITIONAL ITEMS. At the Closing, each party will deliver to the other party such bills of sale, checks, assignments, share certificates, receipts and other documents, if any, as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE TARGET FUND. The Target Fund represents and warrants as follows:
(a) The Target Fund is a business trust, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(b) The Target Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.
(c) The Target Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement (subject to shareholder approval and compliance with the other provisions hereof) will not result, in violation of any provision of the Target Funds Declaration of Trust or By-Laws or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Target Fund is a party or by which it is bound.
(d) Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to and accepted by the Acquiring Fund, the Target Fund has no material contracts or other commitments that will be terminated with liability to it on or before the Closing Date.
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(e) No litigation, administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body currently is pending or to its knowledge threatened against the Target Fund or any of its properties or assets, which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition, the conduct of its business or the ability of the Target Fund to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Target Fund knows of no facts that might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings and is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body that materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.
(f) The financial statements of the Target Fund as of July 31, 2016, and for the fiscal year then ended have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and have been audited by independent auditors, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Acquiring Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Target Fund as of July 31, 2016, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Target Fund as of such date that are not disclosed in such statements.
(g) Since the date of the financial statements referred to in subsection (f) above, there have been no material adverse changes in the Target Funds financial condition, assets, liabilities or business (other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business), and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Target Fund that have arisen after such date. For the purposes of this subsection (g), a decline in the net asset value of the Target Fund will not constitute a material adverse change.
(h) All federal, state, local and other tax returns and reports of the Target Fund required by law to be filed by it (taking into account permitted extensions for filing) have been timely filed and are complete and correct in all material respects. All federal, state, local and other taxes of the Target Fund required to be paid (whether or not shown on any such return or report) have been paid, or provision will have been made for the payment thereof, and any such unpaid taxes, as of the date of the financial statements referred to above, are properly reflected thereon. To the best of the Target Funds knowledge, no tax authority is currently auditing or preparing to audit the Target Fund, and no assessment for taxes, interest, additions to tax or penalties has been asserted against the Target Fund.
(i) The authorized capital of the Target Fund consists of the shares set forth in Exhibit A hereto. All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Target Fund are duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Target Fund (recognizing that under Massachusetts law, Target Fund Shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Target Fund). All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Target Fund will, at the time of the Closing, be held by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the records of the Target Funds transfer agent as provided in Section 3.3. The Target Fund has no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of the Target Fund and has no outstanding securities convertible into shares of the Target Fund.
(j) At the Closing, the Target Fund will have good and marketable title to the Target Funds assets to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to Section 1.2, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets, and the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such restrictions as might arise under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), except those restrictions as to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice and necessary documentation at or prior to the Closing.
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(k) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Target Fund, including the determinations of the Target Fund Board required by Rule 17a-8(a) under the 1940 Act. Subject to approval by shareholders, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Target Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles.
(l) The information to be furnished by the Target Fund for use in any no-action letters, applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials and other documents that may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated herein will be accurate and complete in all material respects and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the federal securities laws and other laws and regulations.
(m) From the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 5.7) through the time of the meeting of shareholders and on the Closing Date, any written information furnished by the Target Fund with respect to the Target Fund for use in the Proxy Materials (as defined in Section 5.7), or any other materials provided in connection with the Reorganization, does not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading.
(n) For each taxable year of its operations (including the taxable year ending on the Closing Date), the Target Fund: (i) has elected to qualify, and has qualified or will qualify (in the case of the taxable year ending on the Closing Date), as a regulated investment company under the Code (a RIC); (ii) has been eligible to compute and has computed its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and on or prior to the Closing Date will have declared a distribution with respect to all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), the excess of its interest income excludible from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code over its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code and its net capital gain (after reduction for any available capital loss carryforward) (as such terms are defined in the Code) that has accrued or will accrue on or prior to the Closing Date; and (iii) has been, and will be (in the case of the taxable year ending on the Closing Date), treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes.
4.2 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants as follows:
(a) The Acquiring Fund is a business trust, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(b) The Acquiring Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.
(c) The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement (subject to compliance with the other provisions hereof) will not result, in violation of the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust or By-Laws or any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.
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(d) No litigation, administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body currently is pending or to its knowledge threatened against the Acquiring Fund or any of its properties or assets, which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition, the conduct of its business or the ability of the Acquiring Fund to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Acquiring Fund knows of no facts that might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings and it is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body that materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.
(e) The financial statements of the Acquiring Fund as of July 31, 2016, and for the fiscal year then ended have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and have been audited by independent auditors, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Target Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquiring Fund as of July 31, 2016, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquiring Fund as of such date that are not disclosed in such statements.
(f) Since the date of the financial statements referred to in subsection (e) above, there have been no material adverse changes in the Acquiring Funds financial condition, assets, liabilities or business (other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business), and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquiring Fund that have arisen after such date. For the purposes of this subsection (f), a decline in the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund will not constitute a material adverse change.
(g) All federal, state, local and other tax returns and reports of the Acquiring Fund required by law to be filed by it (taking into account permitted extensions for filing) have been timely filed and are complete and correct in all material respects. All federal, state, local and other taxes of the Acquiring Fund required to be paid (whether or not shown on any such return or report) have been paid, or provision will have been made for the payment thereof, and any such unpaid taxes, as of the date of the financial statements referred to above, are properly reflected thereon. To the best of the Acquiring Funds knowledge, no tax authority is currently auditing or preparing to audit the Acquiring Fund, and no assessment for taxes, interest, additions to tax or penalties has been asserted against the Acquiring Fund.
(h) The authorized capital of the Acquiring Fund consists of an unlimited number of common and preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share. All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquiring Fund are duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Acquiring Fund (recognizing that under Massachusetts law, Acquiring Fund shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund). The Acquiring Fund has no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of the Acquiring Fund, and has no outstanding securities convertible into shares of the Acquiring Fund.
(i) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Acquiring Fund, including the determinations of the Acquiring Fund Board required pursuant to Rule 17a-8(a) under the 1940 Act. This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles.
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(j) The Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued and delivered to the Target Fund for the account of Target Fund Shareholders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will, at the Closing, have been duly authorized. When so issued and delivered, such Acquiring Fund Common Shares will be duly and validly issued shares of the Acquiring Fund, and will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Acquiring Fund (recognizing that under Massachusetts law, Acquiring Fund shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund).
(k) The information to be furnished by the Acquiring Fund for use in any no-action letters, applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials and other documents that may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated herein will be accurate and complete in all material respects and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the federal securities laws and other laws and regulations.
(l) From the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 5.7) through the time of the meeting of shareholders and on the Closing Date, any written information furnished by the Acquiring Fund with respect to the Acquiring Fund for use in the Proxy Materials (as defined in Section 5.7), or any other materials provided in connection with the Reorganization, does not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading.
(m) For each taxable year of its operations, including the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund: (i) has elected to qualify, has qualified or will qualify (in the case of the year that includes the Closing Date) and intends to continue to qualify as a RIC under the Code; (ii) has been eligible to and has computed its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and will do so for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date; and (iii) has been, and will be (in the case of the taxable year that includes the Closing Date), treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes.
(n) The Acquiring Fund agrees to use all reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and any state securities laws as it may deem appropriate in order to continue its operations after the Closing Date.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE FUNDS
5.1 OPERATION IN ORDINARY COURSE. Subject to Sections 1.2 and 8.5, each Fund will operate its business in the ordinary course from the date of this Agreement through the Closing, it being understood that such ordinary course of business will include customary dividends and distributions and any other distributions necessary or desirable to avoid federal income or excise taxes.
5.2 APPROVAL OF TARGET FUND SHAREHOLDERS. The Target Fund will call a meeting of its common shareholders to consider and act upon this Agreement and to take all other appropriate action necessary to obtain approval of the transactions contemplated herein.
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5.3 INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION. The Target Fund covenants that the Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement are not being acquired for the purpose of making any distribution other than in connection with the Reorganization and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
5.4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. The Target Fund will assist the Acquiring Fund in obtaining such information as the Acquiring Fund reasonably requests concerning the beneficial ownership of the Target Funds common shares.
5.5 FURTHER ACTION. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take or cause to be taken all action, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any actions required to be taken after the Closing.
5.6 STATEMENT OF EARNINGS AND PROFITS. As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 60 days after the Closing Date, the Target Fund will furnish the Acquiring Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and which will be certified by the Controller or Treasurer of the Target Fund, a statement of the earnings and profits of the Target Fund for federal income tax purposes, as well as any net operating loss carryovers and capital loss carryovers that will be carried over to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to Section 381 of the Code.
5.7 PREPARATION OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY MATERIALS. The Funds will prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on Form N-14 relating to the Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued to Target Fund Shareholders (the Registration Statement). The Registration Statement will include a proxy statement of the Target Fund and a prospectus of the Acquiring Fund relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as applicable (the Proxy Statement/Prospectus). The Registration Statement will be in compliance with the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the 1940 Act, as applicable. Each party will provide the other party with the materials and information necessary to prepare the proxy statement and related materials (the Proxy Materials), for inclusion therein, in connection with the meeting of the Target Funds common shareholders to consider the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein, as applicable.
5.8 TAX STATUS OF REORGANIZATION. The intention of the parties is that the Reorganization will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Neither Fund will take any action, or cause any action to be taken (including, without limitation, the filing of any tax return), that is inconsistent with such treatment or that results in the failure of the transactions to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. At or prior to the Closing, the parties to this Agreement will take such action, or cause such action to be taken, as is reasonably necessary to enable counsel to render the tax opinion contemplated in Section 8.8.
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ARTICLE VI
CONDITION PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE TARGET FUND
The obligations of the Target Fund to consummate the transactions provided for herein will be subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the following condition:
6.1 All representations, covenants and warranties of the Acquiring Fund contained in this Agreement will be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing. The Acquiring Fund will have delivered to the Target Fund a certificate executed in the Acquiring Funds name by (i) the Chief Administrative Officer or any Vice President of the Acquiring Fund and (ii) the Controller or Treasurer of the Acquiring Fund, in form and substance satisfactory to the Target Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to such effect and as to such other matters as the Target Fund may reasonably request.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND
The obligations of the Acquiring Fund to consummate the transactions provided for herein will be subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the following conditions:
7.1 All representations, covenants and warranties of the Target Fund contained in this Agreement will be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing. The Target Fund will have delivered to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date a certificate executed in the Target Funds name by (i) the Chief Administrative Officer or any Vice President of the Target Fund and (ii) the Controller or Treasurer of the Target Fund, in form and substance satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to such effect and as to such other matters as the Acquiring Fund may reasonably request.
7.2 The Target Fund will have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a statement of the Target Funds assets and liabilities, together with a list of the Target Funds portfolio securities showing the tax basis of such securities by lot and the holding periods of such securities, as of the Closing, certified by the Controller or Treasurer of the Target Fund.
7.3 Prior to the Valuation Time, the Target Fund will have declared the dividend(s) contemplated by Section 8.5.
ARTICLE VIII
FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
The obligations of each Fund hereunder will also be subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the following conditions:
8.1 This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein will have been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding common shares of the Target Fund in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of the Target Funds Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.
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8.2 As of the Closing, the Commission will not have issued an unfavorable report under Section 25(b) of the 1940 Act, or instituted any proceeding seeking to enjoin the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under Section 25(c) of the 1940 Act. Furthermore, no action, suit or other proceeding will be threatened or pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein.
8.3 All consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state securities authorities, including any necessary no-action positions and exemptive orders from such federal and state authorities) to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will have been obtained or made. All notices to, or consents or waivers from, other persons or other actions necessary to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will have been obtained or made.
8.4 The Registration Statement will have become effective under the 1933 Act, and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof will have been issued. To the best knowledge of the parties to this Agreement, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose will have been instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the 1933 Act.
8.5 The Target Fund will have declared, prior to the Valuation Time, a dividend or dividends that, together with all previous such dividends, will have the effect of distributing to its shareholders at least all of the Target Funds investment company taxable income for all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid), if any, plus the excess of its interest income excludible from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code, if any, over its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code for all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date and all of its net capital gains realized in all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date (after reduction for any available capital loss carryforward).
8.6 The Target Fund will have received an opinion from Vedder Price P.C. and an opinion from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, each dated as of the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that:
(a) The Acquiring Fund has been formed as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a Massachusetts business trust, and is existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and, to such counsels knowledge, has the power as a business trust to carry on its business as currently conducted as described in the definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus as filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act.
(b) The Acquiring Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and, to such counsels knowledge, such registration under the 1940 Act is in full force and effect.
(c) Assuming that the Acquiring Fund Common Shares will be issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued and delivered to the Target Fund on behalf of the Target Fund Shareholders as provided by this Agreement are duly authorized and, upon such delivery, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable by the Acquiring Fund, except that, as described in the definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus as filed with the
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Commission pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act, shareholders of the Acquiring Fund may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for its obligations under Massachusetts law, and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund has, as such holder, any preemptive rights to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any securities of the Acquiring Fund under the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust, By-Laws or Massachusetts law.
(d) The Registration Statement is effective and, to such counsels knowledge, no stop order under the 1933 Act pertaining thereto has been issued.
(e) To the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority of the United States or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is required for consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except as have been obtained.
(f) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund did not, and the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein will not, violate the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust or By-Laws.
Insofar as the opinions expressed above relate to or are dependent upon matters that are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Vedder Price P.C. may rely on the opinions of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
8.7 The Acquiring Fund will have received an opinion from Vedder Price P.C. and an opinion from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, each dated as of the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that:
(a) The Target Fund has been formed as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a Massachusetts business trust, and is existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and, to such counsels knowledge, has the power as a business trust to carry on its business as currently conducted as described in the definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus as filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act.
(b) The Target Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and, to such counsels knowledge, such registration under the 1940 Act is in full force and effect.
(c) To the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority of the United States or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is required for consummation by the Target Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except as have been obtained.
(d) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Target Fund, did not, and the consummation by the Target Fund of the transactions contemplated herein will not, violate the Target Funds Declaration of Trust or By-Laws (assuming the requisite approval of the Target Fund Shareholders has been obtained in accordance with its Declaration of Trust and By-Laws).
Insofar as the opinions expressed above relate to or are dependent upon matters that are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Vedder Price P.C. may rely on the opinions of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
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8.8 The Funds will have received an opinion of Vedder Price P.C. dated as of the Closing Date and addressed to the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes:
(a) The transfer by the Target Fund of substantially all its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Common Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund, immediately followed by the pro rata distribution of all the Acquiring Fund Common Shares so received by the Target Fund to the Target Fund Shareholders of record in complete liquidation of the Target Fund and the dissolution of the Target Fund as soon as practicable thereafter, will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code, and the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund will each be a party to a reorganization, within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, with respect to the Reorganization.
(b) No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of substantially all the Target Funds assets solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Common Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund.
(c) No gain or loss will be recognized by the Target Fund upon the transfer of substantially all its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Common Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund or upon the distribution (whether actual or constructive) of such Acquiring Fund Common Shares to the Target Fund Shareholders solely in exchange for such shareholders shares of the Target Fund in complete liquidation of the Target Fund.
(d) No gain or loss will be recognized by the Target Fund Shareholders upon the exchange, pursuant to the Reorganization, of all their shares of the Target Fund solely for Acquiring Fund Common Shares, except to the extent the Target Fund Shareholders receive cash in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share.
(e) The aggregate basis of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by each Target Fund Shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization (including any fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share to which a Target Fund Shareholder would be entitled) will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Target Fund shares exchanged therefor by such shareholder.
(f) The holding period of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by each Target Fund Shareholder in the Reorganization (including any fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share to which a Target Fund Shareholder would be entitled) will include the period during which the shares of the Target Fund exchanged therefor were held by such shareholder, provided the Target Fund shares are held as capital assets at the effective time of the Reorganization.
(g) The basis of the assets of the Target Fund received by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the basis of such assets in the hands of the Target Fund immediately before the effective time of the Reorganization.
(h) The holding period of the assets of the Target Fund received by the Acquiring Fund will include the period during which those assets were held by the Target Fund.
No opinion will be expressed as to (1) the effect of the Reorganization on the Target Fund, the Acquiring Fund or any Target Fund Shareholder with respect to any asset (including, without
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limitation, any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code) as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized under federal income tax principles (a) at the end of a taxable year (or on the termination thereof) or (b) upon the transfer of such asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-taxable transaction under the Code, or (2) any other federal tax issues (except those set forth above) and all state, local or foreign tax issues of any kind.
Such opinion will be based on customary assumptions and such representations as Vedder Price P.C. may reasonably request of the Funds, and each Fund will cooperate to make and certify the accuracy of such representations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this Section 8.8.
ARTICLE IX
EXPENSES
9.1 The expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization (whether or not the Reorganization is consummated) will be allocated between the Funds pro rata based on the projected relative benefits to each Fund during the first year following the Reorganization, and each Fund will have accrued such expenses as liabilities at or before the Valuation Time. Reorganization expenses include, without limitation: (a) expenses associated with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and other Proxy Materials; (b) postage; (c) printing; (d) accounting fees; (e) legal fees incurred by each Fund; (f) solicitation costs of the transactions; and (g) other related administrative or operational costs.
9.2 Each party represents and warrants to the other party that there is no person or entity entitled to receive any brokers fees or similar fees or commission payments in connection with structuring the transactions provided for herein.
9.3 Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by the other party of such expenses would result in the disqualification of a Fund, as the case may be, as a RIC under the Code.
ARTICLE X
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES
10.1 The parties agree that neither party has made to the other party any representation, warranty or covenant not set forth herein and that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
10.2 The representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement will not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
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ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION
11.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of the parties and such termination may be effected by the Chief Administrative Officer or any Vice President of each Fund without further action by the Target Fund Board or the Acquiring Fund Board. In addition, this Agreement may be terminated at or before the Closing due to:
(a) a breach by the non-terminating party of any representation or warranty, or agreement to be performed at or before the Closing, if not cured within 30 days of the breach and prior to the Closing;
(b) a condition precedent to the obligations of the terminating party that has not been met or waived and it reasonably appears that it will not or cannot be met; or
(c) a determination by the Target Fund Board or the Acquiring Fund Board that the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein is not in the best interests of its respective Fund involved in the Reorganization.
11.2 In the event of any such termination, in the absence of willful default, there will be no liability for damages on the part of the Acquiring Fund or the Target Fund.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS
12.1 This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the officers of each Fund as specifically authorized by each Funds Board of Trustees; provided, however , that following the meeting of the shareholders of the Target Fund called by such Fund pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement, no such amendment, modification or supplement may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued to the Target Fund Shareholders under this Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.
ARTICLE XIII
HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
13.1 The article and section headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
13.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which may be deemed an original.
13.3 This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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13.4 This Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder may be made by either party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or may be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm, or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
13.5 It is expressly agreed that the obligations of each Fund hereunder will not be binding upon any of the trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of such Fund personally, but will bind only the property of the Fund, as provided in such Funds Declaration of Trust, which is on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by each Funds Board of Trustees, and this Agreement has been signed by authorized officers of each Fund acting as such. Neither the authorization by such Trustees nor the execution and delivery by such officers will be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but will bind only the property of a Fund, as provided in such Funds Declaration of Trust.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement, all as of the date first written above.
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CAPITALIZATION OF THE TARGET FUND
Target Fund |
Authorized Common Shares |
Authorized Preferred Shares |
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Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (JPW) |
Unlimited | Unlimited |
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Information contained in the tables below under the headings Per Share Operating Performance and Ratios/Supplemental Data shows the operating performance for the ten most recent fiscal years.
Acquiring Fund
The following Financial Highlights table is intended to help a prospective investor understand the Acquiring Funds financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information of the Acquiring Fund reflects financial results for a single Common share or preferred share of the Acquiring Fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in common shares of the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends). The Acquiring Funds annual financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, including the financial highlights for the fiscal years then ended, have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. KPMGs report, along with the Acquiring Funds financial statements, is included in the Acquiring Funds Annual Report. KPMG has not reviewed or examined any records, transactions or events after the date of such reports. The information with respect to the fiscal years ended prior to July 31, 2015 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. A copy of the Annual Report may be obtained from www.sec.gov or by visiting www.nuveen.com.
Year Ended July 31 | Year Ended December 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Per Share Operating
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2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013(h) | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value (NAV) |
$ | 10.45 | $ | 10.67 | $ | 10.26 | $ | 10.28 | $ | 8.67 | $ | 9.62 | $ | 8.56 | $ | 5.60 | $ | 12.38 | $ | 14.26 | $ | 14.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Operations: |
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Net Investment Income (Loss)(a) |
0.77 | 0.80 | 0.79 | 0.46 | 0.76 | 0.51 | 0.50 | 0.54 | 0.86 | 0.97 | 1.02 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Realized/Unrealized Gain (Loss) |
0.11 | (0.25 | ) | 0.38 | (0.04 | ) | 1.61 | (0.72 | ) | 1.23 | 3.03 | (6.49 | ) | (1.34 | ) | 0.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from Net Investment Income to FundPreferred Shareholders(b) |
0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | * | (0.15 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.31 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from Accumulated Net Realized Gains to FundPreferred Shareholders(b) |
0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | (0.09 | ) | (0.03 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
0.88 | 0.55 | 1.17 | 0.42 | 2.37 | (0.21 | ) | 1.73 | 3.57 | (5.78 | ) | (0.74 | ) | 1.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Less Distributions to Common Shareholders: |
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From Net Investment Income |
(0.80 | ) | (0.77 | ) | (0.76 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.76 | ) | (0.75 | ) | (0.57 | ) | (0.61 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (0.77 | ) | (0.87 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
From Accumulated Realized Gains |
0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | (0.25 | ) | (0.08 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Return of Capital |
0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | (0.11 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.31 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.15 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
(0.80 | ) | (0.77 | ) | (0.76 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.76 | ) | (0.75 | ) | (0.68 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (1.00 | ) | (1.14 | ) | (1.10 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Common Share: |
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Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and Retired |
0.00 | 0.00 | * | 0.00 | * | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.00 | * | 0.00 | * | 0.00 | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending NAV |
$ | 10.53 | $ | 10.45 | $ | 10.67 | $ | 10.26 | $ | 10.28 | $ | 8.67 | $ | 9.62 | $ | 8.56 | $ | 5.60 | $ | 12.38 | $ | 14.26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ending Share Price |
$ | 10.43 | $ | 9.19 | $ | 9.34 | $ | 9.35 | $ | 9.71 | $ | 8.01 | $ | 8.35 | $ | 7.49 | $ | 4.60 | $ | 10.93 | $ | 14.29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Common Share Total Returns: |
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Based on NAV(c) |
9.01 | % | 5.36 | % | 11.97 | % | 4.09 | % | 28.17 | % | (2.23 | )% | 21.06 | % | 67.37 | % | (49.27 | )% | (5.71 | )% | 8.71 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Based on Share Price(c) |
23.47 | % | 6.76 | % | 8.50 | % | 0.63 | % | 31.44 | % | 4.95 | % | 21.28 | % | 81.73 | % | (51.80 | )% | (16.28 | )% | 29.81 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Share Supplemental Data/Ratios Applicable to Common Shares |
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Ending Net Assets (000) |
$ | 1,020,717 | $ | 1,012,766 | $ | 1,035,146 | $ | 995,460 | $ | 997,484 | $ | 840,643 | $ | 938,844 | $ | 839,846 | $ | 556,698 | $ | 1,230,342 | $ | 1,421,951 |
B-1
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Per Share Operating Performance |
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013(h) | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratios to Average Net Assets Before Reimbursement(d) |
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Expenses |
1.73 | % | 1.63 | % | 1.67 | % | 1.67 | %*** | 1.79 | % | 1.73 | % | 1.67 | % | 1.80 | % | 2.47 | % | 1.53 | % | 1.49 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Income (Loss) |
7.58 | % | 7.55 | % | 7.73 | % | 7.47 | %*** | 7.85 | % | 5.40 | % | 5.39 | % | 7.76 | % | 8.14 | % | 6.54 | % | 6.80 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratios to Average Net Assets After Reimbursement(d)(e) |
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Expenses |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.70 | % | 1.54 | % | 1.57 | % | 2.04 | % | 1.05 | % | 1.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Income (Loss) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.43 | % | 5.52 | % | 7.99 | % | 8.57 | % | 7.03 | % | 7.28 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate(g) |
17 | % | 44 | % | 41 | % | 27 | % | 123 | % | 34 | % | 49 | % | 50 | % | 36 | % | 84 | % | 72 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
FundPreferred Shares at the End of Period: |
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Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000) |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 118,650 | $ | 708,000 | $ | 708,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Liquidation Value Per Share |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Coverage Per Share |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 142,298 | $ | 64,444 | $ | 75,210 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings at the End of Period: (h) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aggregate Amount
|
$ | 404,100 | $ | 404,100 | $ | 402,500 | $ | 402,500 | $ | 383,750 | $ | 348,000 | $ | 270,000 | $ | 270,000 | $ | 145,545 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Coverage Per $1,000 |
$ | 3,526 | $ | 3,506 | $ | 3,572 | $ | 3,473 | $ | 3,599 | $ | 3,416 | $ | 4,477 | $ | 4,111 | $ | 5,640 | $ | | $ | |
(a) | Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method. |
(b) | The amounts shown are based on Common share equivalents. |
(c) | 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 Funds 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. |
(d) | Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to FundPreferred shareholders, where applicable; |
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to FundPreferred Shares and/or borrowings, where applicable. |
| Each ratio includes the effect of dividends expense on securities sold short and all interest expense paid and other costs related to borrowings, where applicable, as follows: |
Year Ended 7/31: |
Ratios of Dividends Expense on Securities Sold Short to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares(f) |
|
Ratios of Borrowings Interest Expense to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares |
|
||||||||
2016 |
| % | 0.50 | % | ||||||||
2015 |
| 0.41 | ||||||||||
2014 |
| 0.43 | ||||||||||
2013(h) |
| 0.45 | *** | |||||||||
Year Ended 12/31: |
||||||||||||
2012 |
| 0.52 | ||||||||||
2011 |
| ** | 0.43 | |||||||||
2010 |
| ** | | |||||||||
2009 |
| ** | | |||||||||
2008 |
0.01 | | ||||||||||
2007 |
| ** | | |||||||||
2006 |
| |
(e) | After expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. As of March 31, 2011, the Adviser is no longer reimbursing the Fund for any fees or expenses. |
(f) | Effective for periods beginning after December 31, 2011, the Fund no longer makes short sales of securities. |
(g) | Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lessor of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term market value during the period. |
(h) | For the seven months ended July 31, 2013. |
N/A | The Fund no longer has a contractual reimbursement with the Adviser. |
* | Rounds to less than $0.01 per share. |
** | Rounds to less than 0.01%. |
*** | Annualized. |
B-2
Target Fund
The following Financial Highlights table is intended to help a prospective investor understand the Target Funds financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information of the Target Fund reflects financial results for a single common share or preferred share of the Target Fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in common shares of the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends). The Target Funds annual financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, including the financial highlights for the fiscal years then ended, have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. KPMGs report, along with the Target Funds financial statements, is included in the Funds Annual Report. KPMG has not reviewed or examined any records, transactions or events after the date of such reports. The information with respect to the fiscal years ended prior to July 31, 2015 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. A copy of the Annual Report may be obtained from www.sec.gov or by visiting www.nuveen.com.
Year Ended July 31 | ||||||||||||||||
Per Share Operating Performance |
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013(d) | ||||||||||||
Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value (NAV) |
$ | 18.59 | $ | 19.96 | $ | 18.91 | $ | 19.10 | ||||||||
Investment Operations: |
||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Income (Loss)(a) |
1.21 | 1.37 | 1.42 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||
Net Realized/Unrealized Gain (Loss) |
0.22 | (0.78 | ) | 1.14 | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
1.43 | 0.59 | 2.56 | (0.15 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Less Distributions to Common Shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||
From Net Investment Income |
(1.21 | ) | (1.47 | ) | (1.51 | ) | 0.00 | |||||||||
From Accumulated Realized Gains |
0.00 | (0.49 | ) | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||
Return of Capital |
(0.20 | ) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
(1.41 | ) | (1.96 | ) | (1.51 | ) | 0.00 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Common Share: |
||||||||||||||||
Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and Retired |
0.00 | * | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||
Offering Costs |
0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | * | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||
Ending NAV |
$ | 18.61 | $ | 18.59 | $ | 19.96 | $ | 18.91 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Ending Share Price |
$ | 16.78 | # | $ | 16.30 | $ | 18.28 | $ | 19.80 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Common Share Total Returns: |
||||||||||||||||
Based on NAV(b) |
8.49 | % | 3.19 | % | 14.26 | % | (0.99 | )% | ||||||||
Based on Share Price(b) |
12.89 | % | (0.02 | )% | 0.80 | % | (1.00 | )% | ||||||||
Common Share Supplemental Data/Ratios Applicable to Common Shares |
||||||||||||||||
Ending Net Assets (000) |
$ | 68,821 | $ | 68,873 | $ | 73,948 | $ | 66,297 | ||||||||
Ratios to Average Net Assets(c) |
||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
1.91 | % | 1.82 | % | 1.70 | % | 1.40 | %** | ||||||||
Net Investment Income (Loss) |
6.96 | % | 7.15 | % | 7.51 | % | 1.93 | %** | ||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate(e) |
63 | % | 122 | % | 71 | % | 3 | % | ||||||||
Borrowings at the End of Period: (g) |
||||||||||||||||
Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000) |
$ | 27,000 | $ | 30,000 | $ | 30,000 | $ | | ||||||||
Asset Coverage Per $1,000 |
$ | 3,549 | $ | 3,296 | $ | 3,465 | $ | |
(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 Funds 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. |
(c) | Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to borrowings, where applicable. |
B-3
Each ratio includes the effect of all interest expense paid and other costs related to borrowings, where applicable, as follows: |
Year Ended 7/31: |
Ratios of Borrowings Interest Expense to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares | |||||
2016 |
0.44 | % | ||||
2015 |
0.37 | |||||
2014(f) |
0.33 | ** |
(d) | For the period June 25,2013 (commencement of operations) through July 31, 2013. |
(e) | Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lessor of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term market value during the period. |
(f) | For the period August 13,2013 (first utilization date of borrowings) through July 31, 2014. |
(g) | The Fund did no utilize borrowings prior to the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014. |
* | Rounds to less than $0.01 per share. |
** | Annualized. |
B-4
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
Beneficial Ownership
The following table sets forth for each Board Member and Board Member Nominee the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in the Target Fund and in all Nuveen funds overseen by such Board Member or Board Member Nominee as of December 31, 2015.
Dollar Range of Equity Securities
Board Member/Nominee (1) |
Target Fund |
Family
of
Investment Companies (2) |
||||
Board Members/Nominees who are not interested persons of the Funds |
||||||
Jack B. Evans |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
William C. Hunter |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
David J. Kundert |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
Albin F. Moschner (3) |
None | None | ||||
John K. Nelson |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
William J. Schneider |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
Judith M. Stockdale |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
Carole E. Stone |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
Terence J. Toth |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
Margaret L. Wolff |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
Board Members/Nominees who are interested persons of the Funds |
||||||
William Adams IV |
None | over $100,000 | ||||
Margo L. Cook (3) |
None | over $100,000 |
(1) | Board Members Adams, Kundert, Nelson and Toth are Nominees for election with respect to shareholders of the Target Fund at the Annual Meeting, as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. |
(2) | The amounts reflect the aggregate dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Board Member or Board Member Nominee in the Target Fund and in all Nuveen funds overseen by such Board Member or Board Member Nominee. |
(3) | Board Members Cook and Moschner were appointed on June 22, 2016 to the Board of Trustees/Directors of the Nuveen Funds, effective July 1, 2016. |
The following table sets forth for each Board Member and Board Member Nominee individually and for the Board Members, Board Member Nominees and officers as a group the amount of shares beneficially owned in the Target Fund as of December 31, 2015. The information as to beneficial ownership is based on statements furnished by each Board Member, Board Member Nominee and officer.
C-1
Fund Shares Owned By Board Members And Officers (1)
Board Member/Nominee |
Target Fund | |||
Board Members/Nominees who are not interested persons of the Funds |
||||
Jack B. Evans |
None | |||
William C. Hunter |
None | |||
David J. Kundert |
None | |||
Albin F. Moschner (2) |
None | |||
John K. Nelson |
None | |||
William J. Schneider |
None | |||
Judith M. Stockdale |
None | |||
Carole E. Stone |
None | |||
Terence J. Toth |
None | |||
Margaret L. Wolff |
None | |||
Board Members/Nominees who are interested persons of the Funds |
||||
William Adams IV |
None | |||
Margo L. Cook (2) |
None | |||
All Board Members/Nominees and Officers as a Group |
None |
(1) | The numbers include share equivalents of certain Nuveen funds in which the Board Member is deemed to be invested pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan. |
(2) | Board Members Cook and Moschner were appointed on June 22, 2016 to the Board of Trustees/Directors of the Nuveen Funds, effective July 1, 2016. |
C-2
INFORMATION REGARDING OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
OF ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER
Principal Executive Officers and Directors |
||||||||
Adviser/Sub-
|
Name |
Address |
Principal
|
Fund officers
or
|
||||
Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC | William Adams IV |
333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 |
Co-President |
Cedric H. Antosiewicz Stephen D. Foy Kevin J. McCarthy Kathleen L. Prudhomme Christopher M. Rohrbacher Gifford R.
Zimmerman
|
||||
Margo L. Cook |
333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 |
Co-President | ||||||
NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC | Jon D. Bosse |
2049 Century Park East, Suite 1600 Los Angeles, CA 90067 |
Co-President, Chief Investment Officer |
Kevin J. McCarthy Gifford R. Zimmerman |
||||
John E. Conlin |
2049 Century Park East, Suite 1600 Los Angeles, CA 90067 |
Co-President | ||||||
Phyllis G. Thomas |
2049 Century Park East, Suite 1600 Los Angeles, CA 90067 |
Senior Managing Director, Chair, Investment Oversight Committee, Portfolio Manager | ||||||
Nuveen Asset Management, LLC | William T. Huffman |
333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 |
President |
Kevin J. McCarthy Kathleen L. Prudhomme Gifford R. Zimmerman |
D-1
NUVEEN FUND BOARD
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
I. Organization and Membership
There shall be a committee of each Board of Directors/Trustees (the Board) of the Nuveen Management Investment Companies (the Funds or, individually, a Fund) to be known as the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall be comprised of at least three Directors/Trustees. Audit Committee members shall be independent of the Funds and free of any relationship that, in the opinion of the Directors/Trustees, would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment as an Audit Committee member. In particular, each member must meet the independence and experience requirements applicable to the Funds of the exchanges on which shares of the Funds are listed, Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). Each such member of the Audit Committee shall have a basic understanding of finance and accounting, be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, and be financially literate, and at least one such member shall have accounting or related financial management expertise, in each case as determined by the Directors/Trustees, exercising their business judgment (this person may also serve as the Audit Committees financial expert as defined by the Commission). The Board shall appoint the members and the Chairman of the Audit Committee, on the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Audit Committee shall meet periodically but in any event no less frequently than on a semi-annual basis. Except for the Funds, Audit Committee members shall not serve simultaneously on the audit committees of more than two other public companies.
II. Statement of Policy, Purpose and Processes
The Audit Committee shall assist the Board in oversight and monitoring of
(1) | The accounting and reporting policies, processes and practices, and the audits of the financial statements, of the Funds; |
(2) | The quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Funds; |
(3) | The Funds compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, |
(4) | The independent auditors qualifications, performance and independence; and |
(5) | Oversight of the Pricing Procedures of the Funds and the Valuation Group. |
In exercising this oversight, the Audit Committee can request other committees of the Board to assume responsibility for some of the monitoring as long as the other committees are composed exclusively of independent directors.
In doing so, the Audit Committee shall seek to maintain free and open means of communication among the Directors/Trustees, the independent auditors, the internal auditors and the management of the Funds. The Audit Committee shall meet periodically with Fund management, the Funds internal auditor, and the Funds independent auditors, in separate executive sessions. The Audit Committee
E-1
shall prepare reports of the Audit Committee as required by the Commission to be included in the Funds annual proxy statements or otherwise.
The Audit Committee shall have the authority and resources in its discretion to retain special legal, accounting or other consultants to advise the Audit Committee and to otherwise discharge its responsibilities, including appropriate funding as determined by the Audit Committee for compensation to independent auditors engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for a Fund, compensation to advisers employed by the Audit Committee, and ordinary administrative expenses of the Audit Committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties, as determined in its discretion. The Audit Committee may request any officer or employee of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (or its affiliates) (collectively, Nuveen) or the Funds independent auditors or outside counsel to attend a meeting of the Audit Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Audit Committee. The Funds independent auditors and internal auditors shall have unrestricted accessibility at any time to Committee members.
Responsibilities
Fund management has the primary responsibility to establish and maintain systems for accounting, reporting, disclosure and internal control.
The independent auditors have the primary responsibility to plan and implement an audit, with proper consideration given to the accounting, reporting and internal controls over financial reporting. Each independent auditor engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Funds shall report directly to the Audit Committee. The independent auditors are ultimately accountable to the Board and the Audit Committee. It is the ultimate responsibility of the Audit Committee to select, appoint, retain, evaluate, oversee and replace any independent auditors and to determine their compensation, subject to ratification of the Board, if required. These Audit Committee responsibilities may not be delegated to any other Committee or the Board.
The Audit Committee is responsible for the following:
With respect to Fund financial statements:
1. | Reviewing and discussing the annual audited financial statements and semi-annual financial statements with Fund management and the independent auditors including significant issues regarding accounting and auditing principles and practices, and the Funds disclosures in its periodic reports under Managements Discussion and Analysis. |
2. | Requiring the independent auditors to deliver to the Chairman of the Audit Committee a timely report on any issues relating to the significant accounting policies, management judgments and significant accounting estimates and related significant assumptions, or other matters that would need to be communicated under PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees, that arise during the auditors review of the Funds financial statements, which information the Chairman shall further communicate to the other members of the Audit Committee, as deemed necessary or appropriate in the Chairmans judgment. |
3. |
Discussing with management, as applicable, the Funds press releases regarding financial results and dividends, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and |
E-2
rating agencies. This discussion may be done generally, consisting of discussing the types of information to be disclosed and the types of presentations to be made. The Chairman of the Audit Committee shall be authorized to have these discussions with management on behalf of the Audit Committee. |
4. | Discussing with management and the independent auditors (a) significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation and presentation of the Funds financial statements, including any significant changes in the Funds selection or application of accounting principles and any major issues as to the adequacy of the Funds internal controls over financial reporting and any special audit steps adopted in light of significant control deficiencies; and (b) analyses prepared by Fund management or the independent auditor setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements, including analyses of the effects of alternative GAAP methods on the financial statements. |
5. | Discussing with management and the independent auditors the effect of new or proposed regulatory and accounting standards on the Funds financial statements. |
6. | Reviewing and discussing reports, both written and oral, from the independent auditors and/or Fund management regarding (a) all critical accounting policies and practices to be used; (b) all alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative treatments and disclosures, and the treatment preferred by the independent auditors; and (c) other material written communications between the independent auditors and management, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences. |
7. | Discussing with Fund management the Funds major financial risk exposures, including the risk of fraud or error, and the steps management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including the Funds risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines and anti-fraud programs and controls. In fulfilling its obligations under this paragraph, the Audit Committee may review in a general manner the processes other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management. |
8. | Reviewing disclosures made to the Audit Committee by the Funds principal executive officer and principal financial officer during their certification process for the Funds periodic reports about any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls or material weaknesses therein and any fraud involving management or other employees who have a significant role in the Funds internal controls. In fulfilling its obligations under this paragraph, the Audit Committee may review in a general manner the processes other Board committees have in place with respect to deficiencies in internal controls, material weaknesses, or any fraud associated with internal controls. |
With respect to the independent auditors:
1. | Selecting, appointing, retaining or replacing the independent auditors, subject, if applicable, only to Board and shareholder ratification; and compensating, evaluating and overseeing the work of the independent auditor (including the resolution of disagreements between Fund management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting). |
2. | Meeting with the independent auditors and Fund management to review the scope, fees, audit plans and staffing for the audit, for the current year. At the conclusion of the audit, reviewing the audit results, including any and all communications required by the current auditing standards. |
E-3
3. | Pre-approving all audit services and permitted non-audit services based on PCAOB Rule 3524 and Rule 3525, as applicable, and the terms thereof, to be performed for the Funds by their independent auditors, subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A of the Exchange Act that the Audit Committee approves prior to the completion of the audit, in accordance with any policies or procedures relating thereto as adopted by the Board or the Audit Committee. The Chairman of the Audit Committee shall be authorized to give pre-approvals of such non-audit services on behalf of the Audit Committee. |
4. | Obtaining and reviewing a report or reports from the independent auditors at least annually (including a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditors and the Funds consistent with PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rules) regarding (a) the independent auditors internal quality-control procedures; (b) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, peer review or PCAOB review or inspection, of the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm; (c) any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (d) all relationships between the independent auditor and the Funds and their affiliates, in order to assist the Audit Committee in assessing the auditors independence. After reviewing the foregoing report[s] and the independent auditors work throughout the year, the Audit Committee shall be responsible for evaluating the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditor and their compliance with all applicable requirements for independence and peer review, and a review and evaluation of the lead partner, taking into account the opinions of Fund management and the internal auditors, and discussing such reports with the independent auditors. The Audit Committee shall present its conclusions with respect to the independent auditor to the Board. |
5. | Reviewing any reports from the independent auditors mandated by Section 10A(b) of the Exchange Act regarding any illegal act detected by the independent auditor (whether or not perceived to have a material effect on the Funds financial statements) and obtaining from the independent auditors any information about illegal acts in accordance with Section 10A(b). |
6. | Ensuring the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law, and further considering the rotation of the independent auditor firm itself. |
7. | Establishing and recommending to the Board for ratification policies for the Funds, Fund management or the Fund advisers hiring of employees or former employees of the independent auditor who participated in the audits of the Funds. |
8. | Taking, or recommending that the Board take, appropriate action to oversee the independence of the outside auditor. |
With respect to any internal auditor:
1. | Reviewing the proposed programs of the internal auditor for the coming year. It is not the obligation or responsibility of the Audit Committee to confirm the independence of any internal auditors performing services relating to the Funds or to approve any termination or replacement of the Manager of Internal Audit. |
2. | Receiving a summary of findings from any completed internal audits pertaining to the Funds and a progress report on the proposed internal audit plan for the Funds, with explanations for significant deviations from the original plan. |
E-4
With respect to pricing and valuation oversight:
1. | The Board has responsibilities regarding the pricing of a Funds securities under the 1940 Act. The Board has delegated this responsibility to the Committee to address and oversee valuation issues, subject to the Boards general supervision of such actions. The Committee is primarily responsible for the oversight of the Pricing Procedures and actions taken by the internal Valuation Group (Valuation Matters). The Valuation Group will report on Valuation Matters to the Committee and/or the Board of Directors/Trustees, as appropriate. |
2. | Performing all duties assigned to it under the Funds Pricing Procedures, as such may be amended from time to time. |
3. | Periodically reviewing and making recommendations regarding modifications to the Pricing Procedures as well as consider recommendations by the Valuation Group regarding the Pricing Procedures. |
4. | Reviewing any issues relating to the valuation of a Funds securities brought to the Committees attention, including suspensions in pricing, pricing irregularities, price overrides, self-pricing, NAV errors and corrections thereto, and other pricing matters. In this regard, the Committee should consider the risks to the Funds in assessing the possible resolutions of these Valuation Matters. |
5. | Evaluating, as it deems necessary or appropriate, the performance of any pricing agent and recommend changes thereto to the full Board. |
6. | Reviewing any reports or comments from examinations by regulatory authorities relating to Valuation Matters of the Funds and consider managements responses to any such comments and, to the extent the Committee deems necessary or appropriate, propose to management and/or the full Board the modification of the Funds policies and procedures relating to such matters. The Committee, if deemed necessary or desirable, may also meet with regulators. |
7. | Meeting with members of management of the Funds, outside counsel, or others in fulfilling its duties hereunder, including assessing the continued appropriateness and adequacy of the Pricing Procedures, eliciting any recommendations for improvements of such procedures or other Valuation Matters, and assessing the possible resolutions of issues regarding Valuation Matters brought to its attention. |
8. | Performing any special review, investigations or oversight responsibilities relating to Valuation as requested by the Board of Directors/Trustees. |
9. | Investigating or initiating an investigation of reports of improprieties or suspected improprieties in connection with the Funds policies and procedures relating to Valuation Matters not otherwise assigned to another Board committee. |
Other responsibilities:
1. | Reviewing with counsel to the Funds, counsel to Nuveen, the Fund advisers counsel and independent counsel to the Board legal matters that may have a material impact on the Funds financial statements or compliance policies. |
2. | Receiving and reviewing periodic or special reports issued on exposure/controls, irregularities and control failures related to the Funds. |
E-5
3. | Reviewing with the independent auditors, with any internal auditor and with Fund management, the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial controls of the Funds, and eliciting any recommendations for the improvement of internal control procedures or particular areas where new or more detailed controls or procedures are desirable. Particular emphasis should be given to the adequacy of such internal controls to expose payments, transactions or procedures that might be deemed illegal or otherwise improper. |
4. | Reviewing the reports of examinations by regulatory authorities as they relate to financial statement matters. |
5. | Discussing with management and the independent auditor any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies that raise material issues regarding the Funds financial statements or accounting policies. |
6. | Obtaining reports from management with respect to the Funds policies and procedures regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations. |
7. | Reporting regularly to the Board on the results of the activities of the Audit Committee, including any issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Funds financial statements, the Funds compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, the performance and independence of the Funds independent auditors, or the performance of the internal audit function. |
8. | Performing any special reviews, investigations or oversight responsibilities requested by the Board. |
9. | Reviewing and reassessing annually the adequacy of this charter and recommending to the Board approval of any proposed changes deemed necessary or advisable by the Audit Committee. |
10. | Undertaking an annual review of the performance of the Audit Committee. |
11. | Establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Funds regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters by employees of Fund management, the investment adviser, administrator, principal underwriter, or any other provider of accounting related services for the Funds, as well as employees of the Funds. |
12. | Resolving any disagreements between Fund management and the independent auditors regarding financial reporting. |
Although the Audit Committee shall have the authority and responsibilities set forth in this Charter, it is not the responsibility of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Funds financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It is the responsibility of management to prepare the Funds financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and it is the independent auditors responsibility to audit the Funds financial statements. Nor is it the duty of the Audit Committee to conduct investigations or to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
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Nuveen Investments
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286
(800) 257-8787
www.nuveen.com | JPW 1216 |
[FORM OF PROXY]
EVERY SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IS IMPORTANT
EASY VOTING OPTIONS:
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VOTE BY MAIL | ||||
Vote, sign and date this Proxy | ||||
Card and return in the postage-paid envelope |
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VOTE IN PERSON |
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Attend Shareholder Meeting | ||||
333 West Wacker Dr. | ||||
Chicago, Illinois 60606 on [], 2017 |
Please detach at perforation before mailing.
NUVEEN FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT INCOME FUND | PROXY | |||
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS | ||||
TO BE HELD ON [], 2017 |
COMMON SHARES
THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES . The undersigned shareholder(s) of Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund revoking previous proxies, hereby appoints Gifford R. Zimmerman and Kevin J. McCarthy, or any one of them true and lawful attorneys with power of substitution of each, to vote all shares of Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund which the undersigned is entitled to vote, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on [], 2017 at [] Central time, at the offices of Nuveen Investments, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof as indicated on the reverse side. In their discretion, the proxy holders named above are authorized to vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof:
Receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting and the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus is hereby acknowledged. The shares of Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund represented hereby will be voted as indicated or FOR the proposals if no choice is indicated.
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PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
JPW_28422_120916
EVERY SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund
Shareholders Meeting to Be Held on [], 2017.
The Proxy Statement/Prospectus for this meeting is available at:
http://www.nuveenproxy.com/Closed-End-Fund-Proxy-Information/
Please detach at perforation before mailing.
In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Properly executed proxies will be voted as specified. If no other specification is made, such shares will be voted FOR each proposal.
TO VOTE MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN IN THIS Example: ☒
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A
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Proposals THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS. |
1. |
Election of Board Members: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s) mark the box FOR ALL EXCEPT and write the nominee number(s) on the line provided. |
Class II |
FOR ALL |
WITHHOLD
ALL |
FOR ALL
EXCEPT |
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01. William Adams IV 02. David J. Kundert 03. John K. Nelson 04. Terrence J. Toth |
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FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | ||||||||||||
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To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to which Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (the Target Fund) would (i) transfer substantially all of its assets to Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Acquiring Fund) in exchange solely for newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, and the Acquiring Funds assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund, (ii) distribute such newly issued shares of the Acquiring Fund to the common shareholders of the Target Fund (with cash being distributed in lieu of fractional common shares), and (iii) liquidate, dissolve and terminate in accordance with applicable law. |
☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
B |
Authorized Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. Sign and Date Below |
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below |
Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box |
Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box |
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608999900109999999999
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JPW 28422
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M xxxxxxxx
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The information contained in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION,
DATED [], 2016
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RELATING TO THE REORGANIZATION OF
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND (JPC)
AND
NUVEEN FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT INCOME FUND (JPW)
(EACH, A FUND AND COLLECTIVELY, THE FUNDS)
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is available to shareholders of Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (the Target Fund) in connection with the proposed reorganization of the Target Fund into Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Acquiring Fund), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the Agreement) that provides for: (1) the Acquiring Funds acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the Target Fund in exchange for newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, par value $0.01 per share; and (2) the distribution of the newly issued Acquiring Fund common shares received by the Target Fund to its common shareholders as part of the liquidation, dissolution and termination of the Target Fund in accordance with applicable law (the Reorganization).
This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed on Form N-14 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dated [], 2016 relating to the proposed Reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund (the Proxy Statement/Prospectus). A copy of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other information may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787 or from the Funds website (http://www.nuveen.com). The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Funds website is not part of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or this SAI. You may also obtain a copy of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus on the website of the SEC (http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this SAI have the meanings ascribed to them in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
This SAI is dated [], 2016.
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the information contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus concerning the investment objectives and policies of the Funds. The investment policies described below, except as set forth under Investment Restrictions or otherwise noted, are not fundamental policies and may be changed by a Funds Board of Trustees (each, a Board or the Board and each Trustee, a Board Member) without the approval of shareholders.
The Funds have similar investment objectives. Each Funds primary investment objective is high current income. The secondary investment objective of the Acquiring Fund is total return and the secondary investment objective of the Target Fund is capital appreciation. Each Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and currently engages in leverage through bank borrowings.
The Acquiring Fund has a non-fundamental investment policy that requires, under normal circumstances, that the Fund invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities, which for this purpose include contingent convertible capital instruments (sometimes referred to as CoCos), and up to 20% in other securities, primarily income-oriented securities such as corporate and taxable municipal debt and common equity. The Target Fund has a non-fundamental investment policy that requires, under normal circumstances, that the Fund invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in income producing preferred, debt, and equity securities issued by companies located anywhere in the world, and up to 40% of its Managed Assets may consist of equity securities, distinct from preferred securities.
As of the date of this SAI, the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund each have a non-fundamental policy requiring it to invest at least 50% and 25%, respectively, of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated investment grade (BBB/Baa and above). Investment grade securities may include unrated securities judged to be of comparable quality by each Funds investment adviser, Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (Nuveen Fund Advisors or the Adviser), or sub-adviser(s). NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (NWQ) currently serves as the sub-adviser to the Target Fund. Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM and together with NWQ, the Sub-Advisers and each, a Sub-Adviser) and NWQ currently serve as the sub-advisers to the Acquiring Fund, each managing approximately half of the Acquiring Funds investment portfolio. The Acquiring Funds allocation to lower rated securities and non-U.S. issuers may vary over time, consistent with its investment objectives and policies, and subject to, among other things, market conditions. The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and no Fund is required to dispose of a security in the event that a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, a Sub-Adviser may consider such factors as its assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies.
A general description of Moodys, S&Ps and Fitchs ratings of securities is set forth in Appendix A to this SAI.
Currently, the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund may currently invest up to 100% and 50%, respectively, of their Managed Assets in U.S. dollar denominated securities of non-U.S. issuers;
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provided that the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Euros which may be offered, traded or listed in non-U.S. markets and the Target Fund may only invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of issuers in emerging market countries. For purposes of identifying non-U.S. companies, the Funds use Bloomberg classifications, which employ various factors as described herein and in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Emerging market countries include any country other than Canada, the United States and the countries comprising the MSCI EAFE ® Index. The Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund may invest up to 10% and 15%, respectively, of their Managed Assets in illiquid securities.
Under normal circumstances, each Fund currently invests at least 25% of its Managed Assets in securities of financial services companies. A financial services company is one that is primarily involved in banking, mortgage finance, consumer finance, specialized finance, investment banking and brokerage, asset management and custody, corporate lending, insurance, financial instruments or real estate, including business development companies (BDCs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs). For purposes of identifying companies in the financial services sector, the Funds use industry classifications such as those provided by MSCI and Standard & Poors (The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS)), Bloomberg, Barclays or similar sources commonly used in the financial industry. As a result, if one or more of these classifications include a company in the financial services sector, the Funds consider such company as in the financial services sector.
Each Fund may engage in hedging transactions from time to time. The Funds may enter into futures, options on futures and swaps transactions provided that the Adviser and Sub-Adviser(s) would not be required to register with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund.
During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep a Funds cash fully invested, each Fund may deviate from its investment objectives and may invest any percentage of its net assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term debt securities (or in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in preferred securities of the types in which each Fund may invest directly). Temporary defensive periods may have an adverse effect on each Funds ability to achieve its investment objectives.
Each Funds investment objectives and certain investment policies specifically identified in this SAI as such are considered fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval. All of the other investment policies of each Fund, including as noted above, are not considered to be fundamental by such Fund and can be changed by the Board without a vote of the shareholders; provided that the Acquiring Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days prior to any change in its policy to invest at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred securities.
Neither Fund can change its investment objectives without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, if issued in the future, voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, if issued in the future, voting as a separate class. When used with respect to particular shares of each Fund, a majority of the outstanding shares means (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less.
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Each Fund may utilize the following forms of leverage: (1) the issuance of preferred shares, (2) bank borrowings and (3) portfolio investments that have the economic effect of leverage, including but not limited to investments in futures, options and reverse repurchase agreements.
Currently, each Fund employs financial leverage through bank borrowings. The timing and terms of any leverage transaction are determined by a Funds Board, and may vary with prevailing market or economic conditions. The Acquiring Fund has issued preferred shares in the past, but does not currently have any preferred shares outstanding. The Target Fund has not issued preferred shares to date. If a Fund issues preferred shares, such preferred securities, voting as a separate class, would have the right to elect at least two Board Members at all times and to elect a majority of the Board Members in the event two full years dividends on the preferred shares are unpaid. In each case, the remaining Board Members would be elected by holders of common shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class. The holders of preferred shares would vote as a separate class or classes on certain other matters as required under each Funds Declaration of Trust, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and Massachusetts law.
Each Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of its assets, each Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any single issuer (and in not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer), except that this limitation does not apply to cash, securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities and securities of other investment companies.
There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
In addition to and supplementing the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Acquiring Funds portfolio will be composed principally of the investments described below.
Preferred Securities . The Acquiring Fund invests in preferred securities. The Acquiring Fund may invest in all types of preferred securities, including both traditional preferred securities and non-traditional preferred securities. Traditional preferred securities are generally equity securities of the issuer that have priority over the issuers common shares as to the payment of dividends (i.e., the issuer cannot pay dividends on its common shares until the dividends on the preferred shares are current) and as to the payout of proceeds of bankruptcy or other liquidation, but are subordinate to an issuers senior debt and junior debt as to both types of payments. Additionally, in a bankruptcy or other liquidation, traditional preferred shares are generally subordinate to an issuers trade creditors and other general obligations.
Traditional preferred securities pay a dividend, typically contingent both upon declaration by the issuers board and at times approval by regulators, and on the existence of current earnings (or retained earnings) in sufficient amount to source the payment. Dividend payments can be either cumulative or non-cumulative and can be passed or deferred without limitation at the option of the issuer. Traditional preferred securities typically have no ordinary right to vote for the board of directors, except in some cases voting rights may arise if the issuer fails to pay the preferred share dividends. Traditional preferred securities may be perpetual, or have a term and typically have a fixed liquidation (or par) value.
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The term preferred securities also includes hybrid-preferred securities. Hybrid-preferred securities often behave similarly as investments in traditional preferred securities and are regarded by market investors as being part of the preferred securities market. Hybrid-preferred securities possess varying combinations of features of both debt and preferred shares and as such they may constitute senior debt, junior debt or preferred shares in an issuers capital structure. As such, hybrid-preferred securities may not be subordinate to a companys debt securities (as are traditional preferred shares). Given the various debt and equity characteristics of hybrid-preferred securities, whether a hybrid-preferred security is classified as debt or equity for purposes of reporting the Acquiring Funds portfolio holdings may be based on the portfolio managers determination as to whether its debt or preferred features are preponderant, or based on the assessment of an independent data provider. Such determinations may be subjective.
Hybrid-preferred securities include trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The trust preferred securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates. Trust preferred securities may defer payment of income without triggering an event of default. These securities may have many characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuers capital structure. Trust preferred securities may be issued by trusts or other special purpose entities.
Contingent capital securities (sometimes referred to as CoCos) are preferred capital securities issued primarily by non-U.S. financial institutions. Specific CoCo structures vary by country of domicile and by each issue. All CoCos have mechanisms that absorb losses or reduces the value of the CoCo due to deterioration of the issuers financial condition and status as a going concern. Loss absorption mechanisms, which may include conversion into common equity and principal write-down, are intended for the benefit of the issuer and when triggered will likely negatively impact the value of the CoCo to the detriment of the CoCo investor. Loss absorption mechanisms can be triggered by capital levels or market value metrics of the issuers dropping below a certain predetermined level or at the discretion of the issuer regulator/supervisory entity. There are other types of preferred and hybrid-preferred securities that offer loss absorption to the issuing entity but until now only CoCos have predetermined loss absorption mechanisms and triggers. Thus, unlike traditional convertible securities, the conversion is not voluntary and the equity conversion or principal write-down features are tailored to the issuer and its regulatory requirements. Due to increased regulatory requirements for higher capital levels for financial institutions, the issuance of CoCo instruments has increased in the last several years and is expected to continue.
Preferred securities may also include certain forms of debt that have many characteristics of preferred shares, and that are regarded by the investment marketplace to be part of the broader preferred securities market. Among these preferred securities are certain exchange-listed debt issues that historically have several attributes, including trading and investment performance characteristics, in common with exchange-listed traditional preferred stock and hybrid-preferred securities. Generally, these types of preferred securities are senior debt or junior debt in the capital structure of an issuer.
As a general matter, dividend or interest payments on preferred securities may be cumulative or non-cumulative. The dividend or interest rates on preferred securities may be fixed or floating, or convert from fixed to floating at a specified future time; each Fund may invest without limit in such
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floating-rate and fixed-to-floating-rate preferred securities. Floating-rate and fixed-to-floating-rate preferred securities may be traditional preferred or hybrid-preferred securities. Floating-rate preferred securities pay a rate of income that resets periodically based on short- and/or longer-term interest rate benchmarks. If the associated interest rate benchmark rises, the income received from the security may increase and therefore the return offered by the floating-rate security may rise as well, making such securities less price sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields). Similarly, a fixed-to-floating-rate security may be less price sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields), because the period over which the rate of payment is fixed is shorter than the maturity term of the bond, after which period a floating rate of payment applies.
The preferred securities market continues to evolve. New securities may be developed that may be regarded by market investors as being part of the preferred securities market. Where such securities will fall in the capital structure of the issuer will depend on the structure and characteristics of the new security.
Preferred securities may either trade over-the-counter (OTC), or trade on an exchange. Preferred securities can be structured differently for retail and institutional investors, and the Acquiring Fund may invest in preferred securities of either structure. The retail segment is typified by $25 par securities (including $25 par debt securities) that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) and trade on a flat basis (i.e., quoted with any accrued dividend or interest income included in the market price). The institutional segment is typified by $1,000 par value OTC securities traded on a clean basis (i.e., quoted without accrued divided or interest income included in the market price).
Other Equity Securities . Common stock generally represents an equity ownership interest in an issuer. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns and may underperform relative to fixed-income securities during certain periods. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Acquiring Fund. Also, prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Acquiring Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons including changes in investors perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or the occurrence of political or economic events which affect the issuer. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increases borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Additional types of equity securities (other than preferred securities) in which the Acquiring Fund may invest include convertible securities (discussed below), REITs, warrants, rights, depositary receipts (which reference ownership of underlying non-U.S. securities) and other types of securities with equity characteristics. The Acquiring Funds equity investments also may include securities of other investment companies (including open-end funds, closed-end funds and ETFs).
Debt Securities . Debt securities in which the Acquiring Fund may invest include corporate debt securities and U.S. government and agency debt securities. Generally, debt securities typically, but not always, possess the following characteristics: a specified maturity or term, at which time the issuer is contractually obligated to pay the associated principal amount of debt to the debtholders; interest payments that are a contractual and enforceable obligation as of the stated payment date, and
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not contingent either on payment-by-payment declaration by the issuers board or on the demonstrated existence of company earnings as a source for the payment; and do not entitle the holder to exercise governance of or control over the issuer.
In the capital structure of an issuer, debt securities can be senior debt or junior debt. A senior debt security has priority over any other type of security in a companys capital structure as to the payment of any promised income (typically denoted as interest) from the issuer, and as to payout of the proceeds of the bankruptcy or other liquidation of the company. At times, the issuer will have pledged specific assets or revenues to secure the rights of the holder of the debt security to payments of interest and principal such that the proceeds of the specific assets or revenues must be used to satisfy these debt obligations prior to being applied to any of the issuers other obligations in a bankruptcy or other liquidation. In the event that the assets securing the debt security are not sufficient to fully satisfy such obligations in a bankruptcy or other liquidation, the remainder of such obligations will generally have the same priority as an issuers trade creditors and other general obligations, but still have priority of payment relative to the issuers preferred shares and common shares. Sometimes referred to as subordinated or mezzanine debt, junior debt stands behind the senior debt as to its rights to receive promised income payments (again, typically denoted as interest) from the issuer, and payouts of the proceeds of bankruptcy or other liquidation, but will have priority of payment relative to the issuers preferred shares and common shares.
Convertible Securities . Convertible securities are hybrid securities that combine the investment characteristics of bonds and common stocks. Convertible securities typically consist of debt securities or preferred securities that may be converted within a specified period of time (typically for the entire life of the security) into a certain amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer at a predetermined price. They also include debt securities with warrants or common stock attached and derivatives combining features of debt securities and equity securities. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities, or dividends paid or accrued on preferred securities, until the securities mature or are redeemed, converted or exchanged.
Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible income securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities. The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value generally declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible securitys investment value. Convertible securities are subordinate in rank to any senior debt obligations of the same issuer and, therefore, an issuers convertible securities entail more risk than its debt obligations.
REITs . REITs are typically publicly traded corporations or trusts that invest in residential or commercial real estate. REITs generally can be divided into the following three types: (i) equity REITs which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains or real estate appreciation; (ii) mortgage REITs which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgage loans and derive their income primarily from interest payments; and (iii) hybrid REITs which combine the characteristics of equity REITs and mortgage REITs. The Acquiring Fund can invest in common stock, preferred securities, debt securities and convertible securities issued by REITs.
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Foreign Issuers . The Acquiring Fund may invest in U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers through the direct investment in securities of such companies and through depositary receipts. For purposes of identifying foreign issuers, the Acquiring Fund will use Bloomberg classifications, which employ the following factors listed in order of importance: (i) the country in which the companys management is located, (ii) the country in which the companys securities are primarily listed, (iii) the country from which the company primarily receives revenue and (iv) the companys reporting currency. The Acquiring Fund may purchase depositary receipts such as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). ADRs, EDRs and GDRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to purchasing directly the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies.
The Acquiring Fund may invest in U.S. dollar denominated securities of emerging markets issuers. Emerging markets issuers are those (i) whose securities are traded principally on a stock exchange or over-the-counter in an emerging market country, (ii) organized under the laws of an emerging market country or (iii) whose principal place of business or principal office(s) is in an emerging market country. Emerging market countries include any country other than Canada, the United States and the countries comprising the MSCI EAFE ® Index (currently, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
Derivatives. The Acquiring Fund may use derivatives or other transactions for the purpose of hedging the portfolios exposure to the risk of increases in interest rates, common stock risk, high yield credit risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The specific derivative instruments to be used, or other transactions to be entered into, each for hedging purposes may include (i) options and futures contracts, including options on common stock, stock indexes, bonds and bond indexes, stock index futures, bond index futures and related instruments, (ii) short sales of securities that the Acquiring Fund owns or has the right to acquire through the conversion of securities, (iii) structured notes and similar instruments, (iv) credit derivative instruments and (v) currency exchange transactions. Some, but not all, of the derivative instruments may be traded and listed on an exchange. There is no assurance that these derivative strategies will be available at any time or that the Sub-Advisers will determine to use them for the Acquiring Fund or, if used, that the strategies will be successful.
Under regulations of the CFTC currently in effect, which may change from time to time, with respect to futures contracts to purchase securities and call options on futures contracts purchased by the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Fund will set aside in a segregated account liquid securities with a value at least equal to the value of instruments underlying such futures contracts less the amount of initial margin on deposit for such contracts. The current view of the staff of the SEC is that the Acquiring Funds long and short positions in futures contracts must be collateralized with cash or certain liquid assets held in a segregated account or covered in order to counter the impact of any potential leveraging.
Short-Term Investments
Short-Term Taxable Fixed Income Securities . For temporary defensive purposes or to keep cash on hand fully invested, the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in cash
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equivalents and short-term taxable fixed-income securities. Short-term taxable fixed income investments are defined to include, without limitation, the following:
(1) U.S. Government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest that are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. Government Agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government Agency securities include securities issued by (a) the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration and the Government National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing Association, whose securities are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. Government provides financial support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do so since it is not so obligated by law. The U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities. Consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.
(2) Certificates of deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or a savings and loan association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return and are normally negotiable. The issuer of a certificate of deposit agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon. Under current FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Acquiring Fund may not be fully insured.
(3) Repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities. At the time the Acquiring Fund purchases securities pursuant to a repurchase agreement, it simultaneously agrees to resell and redeliver such securities to the seller, who also simultaneously agrees to buy back the securities at a fixed price and time. This assures a predetermined yield for the Acquiring Fund during its holding period, since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Acquiring Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Acquiring Fund may enter into repurchase agreements only with respect to obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit; or bankers acceptances in which the Acquiring Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Acquiring Fund is limited to the ability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon sum on the repurchase date; in the event of default, the repurchase agreement provides that the Acquiring Fund is entitled to sell the underlying collateral. If the value of the collateral declines after the agreement is entered into, and if the seller defaults under a repurchase agreement when the value of the underlying collateral is less than the repurchase price, the Acquiring Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The Adviser monitors the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The Adviser does so in an effort to determine that the value of the collateral always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price to be paid to the Acquiring Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Acquiring Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.
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(4) Commercial paper, which consists of short-term unsecured promissory notes, including variable rate master demand notes issued by corporations to finance their current operations. Master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the Acquiring Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for such notes, however, they are redeemable by the Acquiring Fund at any time. The Adviser will consider the financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios) and will continuously monitor the corporations ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because the Acquiring Funds liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. Investments in commercial paper will be limited to commercial paper rated in the highest categories by S&P, Moodys or Fitch and that matures within one year of the date of purchase or carries a variable or floating rate of interest.
(5) Bankers acceptances, which are credit instruments evidencing the obligation of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect the obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the full amount of the instrument upon maturity.
(6) Variable amount master demand notes, which are unsecured demand notes that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate according to the terms of the instrument. Because master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the Acquiring Fund and the issuer, they are not normally traded. Although there is no secondary market in the notes, the Acquiring Fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any time. While the notes are not typically rated by credit rating agencies, issuers of variable amount master demand notes (which are normally manufacturing, retail, financial, and other business concerns) must satisfy the same criteria as set forth above for commercial paper.
(7) Variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), which are securities in which the interest rate is adjusted at pre-designated periodic intervals. VRDOs may include a demand feature which is a put that entitles the holder to receive the principal amount of the underlying security or securities and which may be exercised either at any time on no more than 30 days notice or at specified intervals not exceeding 397 calendar days on no more than 30 days notice.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments . During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep the Acquiring Funds cash fully invested, the Acquiring Fund may deviate from its investment objectives and may invest any percentage of its net assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term debt securities (or in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in preferred securities of the types in which the Acquiring Fund may invest directly).
Illiquid Securities
The Acquiring Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in illiquid securities. For this purpose, illiquid securities include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), securities that may be resold only pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) but that are deemed to be illiquid, and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days. The Acquiring Funds Board or its delegate has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which securities are liquid or illiquid. The Acquiring Funds Board has delegated to the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, the day-to-day determination of the illiquidity of any security held by the Acquiring Fund, although it has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. Although no definitive liquidity criteria are used, the Acquiring Funds Board has
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directed the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers to look for such factors as (i) the nature of the market for a security (including the institutional private resale market; the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; the amount of time normally needed to dispose of the security; and the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer), (ii) the terms of certain securities or other instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party or the issuer thereof (e.g., certain repurchase obligations and demand instruments) and (iii) other permissible relevant factors.
Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act. Where registration is required, the Acquiring Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Acquiring Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Acquiring Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid securities will be priced at a fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or its delegatee.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
The Acquiring Fund may buy and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, making payment or taking delivery at a later date, normally within 15 to 45 days of the trade date. This type of transaction may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the securities prior to settlement and, because securities are subject to market fluctuations, the value of the securities at time of delivery may be less (or more) than cost. A separate account of the Acquiring Fund will be established with its custodian consisting of cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value at all times at least equal to the amount of the commitment.
Interest Rate Transactions
In connection with the Acquiring Funds use of leverage through borrowings or the issuance of preferred shares, the Acquiring Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions. The payment obligation would be based on the notional amount of the swap.
The Acquiring Fund may use an interest rate cap, which would require it to pay a premium to the cap counterparty and would entitle it, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, to receive from the counterparty payment of the difference based on the notional amount. The Acquiring Fund would use interest rate swaps or caps only with the intent to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on common share net earnings as a result of leverage.
The Acquiring Fund will generally enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Acquiring Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Acquiring Fund intends to maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the Acquiring Funds net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked-to-market daily.
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The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the Acquiring Funds use of interest rate swaps or caps has the potential to enhance or harm the overall performance of the Acquiring Funds common shares. Buying interest rate caps could enhance the performance of the shares by providing a maximum leverage expense. Buying interest rate caps could also decrease the net earnings of the shares in the event that the premium paid by the Acquiring Fund to the counterparty exceeds the additional amount the Acquiring Fund would have been required to pay had it not entered into the cap agreement.
Interest rate swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Acquiring Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults, the Acquiring Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset the dividend payments on preferred shares or interest payments on borrowings. Depending on whether the Acquiring Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which, in turn, would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates at that point in time, such a default could negatively impact the performance of the shares.
Although this will not guarantee that the counterparty does not default, the Acquiring Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction with any counterparty that a Sub-Adviser believes does not have the financial resources to honor its obligation under the interest rate swap or cap transaction. Further, the Sub-Advisers will continually monitor the financial stability of a counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap transaction in an effort to proactively protect the Acquiring Funds investments.
In addition, at the time the interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Acquiring Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the performance of the Acquiring Funds common shares.
The Acquiring Fund may choose or be required to reduce its borrowings or other leverage. Such an event would likely result in the Acquiring Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Such early termination of a swap could result in a termination payment by or to the Acquiring Fund. An early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Acquiring Fund.
Segregation of Assets
As a closed-end investment company registered with the SEC, the Acquiring Fund is subject to the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, and various interpretive provisions of the SEC and its staff. In accordance with these laws, rules and positions, the Acquiring Fund must set aside (often referred to as asset segregation) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC or staff-approved measures, to cover open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivatives instruments. In the case of forward currency contracts that are not contractually required to cash settle, for example, the Acquiring Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to such contracts full notional value while the positions are open. With respect to forward currency contracts that are contractually required to cash settle, however, the Acquiring Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount
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equal to the Acquiring Funds daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Acquiring Funds daily net liability) under the contracts, if any, rather than such contracts full notional value. The Acquiring Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation.
To the extent that a Fund uses its assets to cover its obligations as required by the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, and applicable positions of the SEC and its staff, such assets may not be used for other operational purposes. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Advisers will monitor the Acquiring Funds use of derivatives and will take action as necessary for the purpose of complying with the asset segregation policy stated above. Such actions may include the sale of the Acquiring Funds portfolio investments.
Other Investment Companies
The Acquiring Fund may not invest its Managed Assets in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies except in compliance with the 1940 Act or any exemptive relief obtained thereunder. The Acquiring Fund generally expects to invest in other investment companies either during periods when it has large amounts of uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Acquiring Fund receives the proceeds of the offering of its common shares, or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive, preferred securities available in the market. As an investor in an investment company, the Acquiring Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment companys expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Acquiring Funds advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Holders of common shares would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Acquiring Fund invests in other investment companies. The Sub-Advisers will take expenses into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in the investment company relative to available preferred securities. In addition, the securities of other investment companies also may be leveraged and therefore will be subject to the same leverage risks described the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.
Other Investment Policies and Techniques
Portfolio Trading and Turnover Rate . The Acquiring Fund may engage in portfolio trading when considered appropriate, but short-term trading will not be used as the primary means of achieving the Acquiring Funds investment objectives. Although the Acquiring Fund cannot accurately predict its annual portfolio turnover rate, it is generally not expected to exceed []% under normal circumstances.
Zero Coupon Bonds and Other OID Instruments . A zero coupon bond is a bond that typically does not pay interest for its entire life. When held to its maturity, the holder receives the par value of the zero coupon bond, which generates a return equal to the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. A zero coupon bond is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. This original issue discount (OID) approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound prior to its maturity and reflects the payment deferral and credit risk associated with the instrument. Because zero coupon securities and other OID instruments do not pay cash interest at regular intervals, the instruments ongoing accruals require ongoing judgments concerning the collectability of deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. As a result, these
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securities may be subject to greater value fluctuations and less liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities that pay cash on a current basis. Because zero coupon bonds, and OID instruments generally, allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments, they may involve greater payment deferral and credit risk than coupon loans and bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. The Acquiring Fund generally will be required to distribute dividends to shareholders representing the income of these instruments as it accrues, even though the Acquiring Fund will not receive all of the income on a current basis or in cash. Thus, the Acquiring Fund may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, and use the cash proceeds to make distributions to its shareholders. For accounting purposes, these cash distributions to shareholders will not be treated as a return of capital.
Further, the Adviser collects management fees on the value of a zero coupon bond or OID instrument attributable to the ongoing non-cash accrual of interest over the life of the bond or other instrument. As a result, the Adviser receives non-refundable cash payments based on such non-cash accruals while investors incur the risk that such non-cash accruals ultimately may not be realized.
In addition to each Funds investment objectives, the following investment restrictions are fundamental policies for the Funds and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, if any, of such Fund, voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, voting separately as a single class. For this purpose, a majority of the outstanding shares means the vote of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities, whichever is less.
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Except as described below, each Fund may not: 1
Acquiring Fund |
Target Fund |
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1. | Issue senior securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, other than (i) preferred shares which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 200%, (ii) indebtedness which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 300%, or (iii) the borrowings permitted by investment restriction (2) set forth below. | Issue senior securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), except as permitted by the 1940 Act. 2 | ||
2. | Borrow money, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940. | Borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and exemptive orders granted under the 1940 Act. 3 | ||
3. | Act as underwriter of another issuers securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities or acting as an agent or one of a group of co-agents in originating corporate loans. | Act as underwriter of another issuers securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities. | ||
4. | Invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry other than the financial services industry; provided, however, that such limitation shall not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities, and provided further that for purposes of this limitation the term issuer shall not include a lender selling a participant to the Fund together with any other person interpositioned between such lender and Fund with respect to a participation. | Invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry, except the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in securities of issuers in the financial services sector, provided, however, that such limitation shall not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities. | ||
5. | Purchase or sell real estate, except pursuant to the exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements and except to the extent that interests in corporate loans the Fund may invest in are considered to be interests in real estate, and this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities of companies that deal in real estate or are engaged in the real estate business, including real estate investment trusts, and securities secured by real estate or interests therein, and the Fund may hold and sell real estate or mortgages on real estate acquired through default, liquidation, or other distributions of an interest in real estate as a result of the Funds ownership of such securities. | Purchase or sell real estate, except to the extent that interests in securities the Fund may invest in are considered to be interests in real estate, and this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities of companies that deal in real estate or are engaged in the real estate business, including real estate investment trusts, and securities secured by real estate or interests therein and the Fund may hold and sell real estate or mortgages on real estate acquired through default, liquidation, or other distributions of an interest in real estate as a result of the Funds ownership of such securities. |
1 | The table presents the fundamental investment restrictions of each Fund as they appear in the respective Funds initial registration statement. Accordingly, the use of certain defined terms in the table does not necessarily correspond with defined terms used elsewhere in this SAI. |
2 |
Section 18(c) of the 1940 Act generally limits a registered closed-end investment company to issuing one class of senior securities representing indebtedness and one class of senior securities representing stock, except that the class of indebtedness or stock may be issued in one or more series, and promissory notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in consideration of any loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed, are not deemed a separate class of senior securities. |
3 | Section 18(a) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a registered closed-end fund from incurring borrowings if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate amount of its borrowings exceeds 33 1/3% of its total assets. |
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Acquiring Fund |
Target Fund |
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6. | Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except pursuant to the exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements and except to the extent that interests in corporate loans the Fund may invest in are considered to be interests in commodities and this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts, derivative instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities). | Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments except to the extent that interests in securities the Fund may invest in are considered to be interests in commodities and this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts, swaps, or other derivative instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities. | ||
7. | Make loans of funds or other assets, other than by obtaining interests in corporate loans, entering into repurchase agreements, lending portfolio securities and through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and limitations. | Make loans except as permitted by the 1940 Act and exemptive orders granted under the 1940 Act. 4 | ||
8. | With respect to 75% of the value of the Funds total assets, purchase any securities (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities), if as a result more than 5% of the Funds total assets would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or if as a result the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any single issuer and, provided further that for purposes of this restriction, the term issuer includes both the borrower under a loan agreement and the lender selling a participation to the Fund, together with any other persons interpositioned between such lender and the Fund with respect to a participation. | With respect to 75% of the value of the Funds total assets, purchase any securities (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or by its agencies or instrumentalities, and securities issued by other investment companies), if as a result more than 5% of the Funds total assets would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or if as a result the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any single issuer. |
For the purpose of applying the limitation set forth in subparagraph (8) above, a governmental issuer shall be deemed the single issuer of a security when its assets and revenues are separate from other governmental entities and its securities are backed only by its assets and revenues. Similarly, in the case of a non-governmental issuer, if the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of the non-governmental issuer, then such non-governmental issuer would be deemed to be the single issuer. Where a security is also backed by the enforceable obligation of a superior or unrelated governmental or other entity (other than a bond insurer), it shall also be included in the computation of securities owned that are issued by such governmental or other entity. Where a security is guaranteed by a governmental entity or some other facility, such as a bank guarantee or letter of credit, such a guarantee or letter of credit would be considered a separate security and would be treated as an issue of such government, other entity or bank. When a municipal bond is insured by bond insurance, it shall not be considered a security that is issued or guaranteed by the insurer; instead, the issuer of such municipal bond will be determined in accordance with the principles set forth above.
Each Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of each Funds total assets, a Fund may not (1) purchase the securities of any one issuer (other than cash, securities of
4 | Section 21 of the 1940 Act makes it unlawful for a registered investment company, like the Fund, to lend money or other property if (i) the investment companys policies set forth in its registration statement do not permit such a loan or (ii) the borrower controls or is under common control with the investment company. |
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other investment companies and securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if immediately after such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets would be invested in securities of such issuer or (2) purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
Subject to certain exemptions under the 1940 Act, each Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the aggregate in shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, provided the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the acquired investment company at the time such shares are purchased. As a shareholder in any investment company, each Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment companys expenses and will remain subject to payment of each Funds management, advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Holders of common shares of each Fund would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent a Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may be leveraged and therefore will be subject to the same leverage risks described herein.
In addition to the foregoing fundamental investment policies, each Fund is also subject to the following non-fundamental restrictions and policies, which may be changed by the Board; provided that, with respect to the Target Fund, the Board provides 60 days prior written notice to shareholders. Each Fund may not:
Acquiring Fund |
Target Fund |
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1. | Sell securities short, except that the Fund may make short sales of securities if, at all times when a short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of such securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, securities of the same issuer as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed to constitute selling securities short. | | ||
2. | Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies except in compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any exemptive relief obtained thereunder. | Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies except in compliance with the 1940 Act or any exemptive relief obtained thereunder. | ||
3. | Purchase securities of companies for the purpose of exercising control, except to the extent that exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements would be deemed to constitute exercising control. | Purchase securities of companies for the purpose of exercising control, except to the extent that exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements would be deemed to constitute exercising control. | ||
4. | |
Invest directly in futures, options on futures, and swaps to the extent that Nuveen Fund Advisors or NWQ would be required to register with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund. |
The restrictions and other limitations set forth above will apply only at the time of purchase of securities and will not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of an acquisition of securities.
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Each Fund may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by either guidelines of one or more NRSROs that may issue ratings for preferred shares, or, if issued, commercial paper or notes, or, if a Fund borrows from a lender, by the lender. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on a Fund by the 1940 Act. If these restrictions were to apply, it is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines would impede the Adviser from managing a Funds portfolio in accordance with the Funds investment objectives and policies.
Portfolio Turnover
Each Fund may engage in portfolio trading when considered appropriate, but short-term trading will not be used as the primary means of achieving the Funds investment objectives. While there can be no assurance, each Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will generally not exceed []%.
For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015, the portfolio turnover rates of the Funds were as follows:
Fund |
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Acquiring Fund |
17 | % | 44 | % | ||||
Target Fund |
63 | % | 122 | % |
There are no limits on the rate of portfolio turnover, and investments may be sold without regard to length of time held when investment considerations warrant such action. A higher portfolio turnover rate may result in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by each Fund. In addition, high portfolio turnover may result in the realization of net short-term capital gains by a Fund which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Adviser
Nuveen Fund Advisors is the investment adviser to each Fund and is responsible for overseeing each Funds overall investment strategy, including the use of leverage, and its implementation. Nuveen Fund Advisors also is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of any sub-adviser to the Funds, managing each Funds business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services to the Funds. Nuveen Fund Advisors is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
Nuveen Fund Advisors, a registered investment adviser, is a subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (previously defined as Nuveen or Nuveen Investments). Nuveen Investments is an operating division of TIAA Global Asset Management (TGAM), the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). TIAA is a life insurance company founded in 1918 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and is the companion organization of College Retirement Equities Fund. As of September 30, 2016, TGAM managed approximately $891 billion in assets, of which approximately $134 billion was managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors.
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The total dollar amounts paid to Nuveen Fund Advisors by each Fund under each Funds Investment Management Agreement for the last three fiscal years are as follows:
Acquiring Fund |
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Gross Advisory Fees |
$ | 11,386,857 | $ | 11,694,124 | $ | 11,483,356 | ||||||
Waiver |
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||
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Net Advisory Fees |
$ | 11,386,857 | $ | 11,694,124 | $ | 11,483,356 | ||||||
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Target Fund |
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Gross Advisory Fees |
$ | 787,500 | $ | 872,089 | $ | 837,180 | ||||||
Waiver |
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||
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Net Advisory Fees |
$ | 787,500 | $ | 872,089 | $ | 837,180 | ||||||
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Sub-Advisers
Nuveen Fund Advisors has selected affiliates: (i) NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, located at 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, California 90067 (previously defined as NWQ), to serve as the sub-adviser to the Target Fund and (ii) Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (previously defined as NAM and together with NWQ, the Sub-Advisers and each, a Sub-Adviser), and NWQ to serve as the sub-advisers to the Acquiring Fund, each managing a portion of the Acquiring Funds investment portfolio. Nuveen Fund Advisors has engaged the Sub-Advisers, each a registered investment adviser, to oversee day-to-day operations and manage the investment of their respective Funds assets on a discretionary basis pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between Nuveen Fund Advisors and each Sub-Adviser (collectively, the Sub-Advisory Agreements), subject to the supervision of Nuveen Fund Advisors. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreements, each Sub-Adviser is compensated for the services it provides to its Fund(s) with a portion of the management fee Nuveen Fund Advisors receives from each Fund. Nuveen Fund Advisors and the Sub-Advisers retain the right to reallocate investment advisory responsibilities and fees between themselves in the future.
Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreements, each Sub-Adviser is compensated for the services it provides to the Fund(s) with a portion of the management fee Nuveen Fund Advisors receives from each Fund with respect to the Sub-Advisers allocation of Fund average daily net assets. For the services provided pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreements, Nuveen Fund Advisors pays the Sub-Advisers a fee, payable monthly, as specified by the following schedule:
Sub-Advisory Fee Schedule for Each Fund
Average Daily Net Assets* |
Percentage of
Management Fee |
|||
Up to $125 million |
50.00 | % | ||
For the next $25 million |
47.50 | % | ||
For the next $25 million |
45.00 | % | ||
For the next $25 million |
42.50 | % | ||
Over $200 million |
40.00 | % |
* | For this purpose, Average Daily Net Assets includes net assets attributable to any preferred shares and the principal amount of borrowings pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement between Nuveen Fund Advisors and the Fund. |
S-18
For the services provided pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreements, Nuveen Fund Advisors paid a fee, payable monthly, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016: (i) to NWQ equal to 42.4748% for the Acquiring Fund and 50.0000% for Target Fund and (ii) to NAM equal to 42.1948% for the Acquiring Fund, of the management fee paid by the Fund to Nuveen Fund Advisors. The rate paid by Nuveen Fund Advisors to the Sub-Advisers, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, will not change as a result of the proposed Reorganization. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, Nuveen Fund Advisors paid (i) NWQ $2,289,676 for services rendered to the Acquiring Fund and $393,750 for services rendered to the Target Fund and (ii) NAM $2,553,818 for services rendered to the Acquiring Fund.
Unless otherwise indicated, the information below is provided as of the date of this SAI.
Portfolio Management . Subject to the supervision of Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Sub-Advisers are responsible for execution of specific investment strategies and day-to-day investment operations. Currently, NAM and NWQ each manage approximately half of the Acquiring Funds investment portfolio. NWQ also manages the Target Funds investment portfolio. Douglas M. Baker and Brenda Langenfeld are the portfolio managers for the NAM team, and Thomas J. Ray and Susi Budiman lead the investment team for NWQ. Mr. Baker, Ms. Langenfeld, Mr. Ray and Ms. Budiman will continue to manage the Acquiring Fund upon completion of the Reorganization.
In addition to managing the Funds, the portfolio managers are also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts, as of July 31, 2016:
Portfolio Manager |
Type of Account Managed |
Number of
Accounts |
Assets* | |||||||
Douglas M. Baker |
Separately Managed Accounts | 316 | $ | 511 million | ||||||
Pooled Accounts | 2 | $ | 101 million | |||||||
Registered Investment Vehicles | 6 | $ | 4.963 billion | |||||||
Brenda Langenfeld |
Separately Managed Accounts | 316 | $ | 511 million | ||||||
Pooled Accounts | 4 | $ | 182 million | |||||||
Registered Investment Vehicles | 5 | $ | 5.133 billion | |||||||
Thomas J. Ray |
Separately Managed Accounts | 3,819 | $ | 979 million | ||||||
Pooled Accounts | 2 | $ | 113 million | |||||||
Registered Investment Vehicles | 6 | $ | 797 million | |||||||
Susi Budiman |
Separately Managed Accounts | 3,817 | $ | 978 million | ||||||
Pooled Accounts | 2 | $ | 113 million | |||||||
Registered Investment Vehicles | 4 | $ | 468 million |
* | Assets are as of July 31, 2016. None of the assets in these accounts is subject to an advisory fee based on performance. |
Compensation
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 managers general performance, experience, and market levels of base pay for such position.
S-19
Annual cash bonus. Each Funds portfolio manager is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on pre-tax investment performance, qualitative evaluation and financial performance of the applicable Sub-Adviser.
A portion of a portfolio managers annual cash bonus is based on a Funds investment performance, generally measured over the past one- and three- or five-year periods unless the portfolio managers tenure is shorter. Investment performance for a Fund generally is determined by evaluating the Funds 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 the portfolio managers supervisor taking into consideration a number of factors, including the portfolio managers team collaboration, expense management, support of personnel responsible for asset growth, and his or her compliance with the Sub-Advisers policies and procedures.
The final factor influencing the portfolio managers cash bonus is the financial performance of the applicable Sub-Adviser based on its operating earnings.
Long-term Incentive Compensation. Certain key employees of Nuveen Investments and its affiliates, including certain portfolio managers, participate in a Long-Term Performance Plan designed to provide compensation opportunities that link a portion of each participants compensation to Nuveen Investments financial and operational performance. In addition, certain key employees of NAM, including certain portfolio managers, have received profits interests in NAM which entitle their holders to participate in the firms growth over time.
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. The Sub-Advisers seek 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, the Sub-Advisers have adopted procedures for allocating limited opportunities across multiple accounts.
With respect to many of its clients accounts, the Sub-Adviser 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, the Sub-Adviser 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, the Sub-Adviser 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.
S-20
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 the Sub-Adviser 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.
The Sub-Advisers have 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.
Beneficial Ownership of Securities . The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Funds portfolio managers as of []:
Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of
|
Dollar Range of
|
||
Douglas M. Baker |
$[] | $[] | ||
Brenda Langenfeld |
$[] | $[] | ||
Thomas J. Ray |
$[] | $[] | ||
Susi Budiman |
$[] | $[] |
Unless earlier terminated as described below, each Funds Investment Management Agreement with Nuveen Fund Advisors will remain in effect until August 1, 2017. Each Investment Management Agreement continues in effect from year to year so long as such continuation is approved at least annually by: (1) the Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; and (2) a majority of the Board Members who are not interested persons of any party to the Investment Management Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each Investment Management Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either the Fund or Nuveen Fund Advisors upon 60 days written notice and is automatically terminated in the event of its assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Funds, Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Sub-Advisers, Nuveen Investments and other related entities have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, that essentially prohibit certain of their personnel, including the Funds portfolio managers, from engaging in personal investments that compete or interfere with, or attempt to take advantage of a clients, including the Funds, anticipated or actual portfolio transactions, and are designed to assure that the interests of clients, including Fund shareholders, are placed before the interests of personnel in connection with personal investment transactions. The codes of ethics of the Funds, Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Sub-Advisers and Nuveen Investments can be viewed online or downloaded from the EDGAR Database on the SECs internet web site at www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy those documents by visiting the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 942-8090. In addition, copies of those codes of ethics may be obtained, after mailing the appropriate duplicating fee, by writing to the SECs Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by e-mail request at publicinfo@sec.gov.
S-21
Each Fund invests its assets generally in preferred and income producing securities. The Funds may also acquire, directly or through a special-purpose vehicle, equity securities; provided that, under current non-fundamental investment restrictions, the Funds may not purchase securities of issuers for the purpose of exercising control, except to the extent that exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements would be deemed to constitute exercising control. The Sub-Advisers do not consider such activities proxy voting for purposes of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act), but nevertheless provides reports to the Funds Board on its control activities on a quarterly basis.
In the rare event that an issuer were to issue a proxy or that the Funds were to receive a proxy issued by a cash management security, the Sub-Advisers would either engage an independent third party to determine how the proxy should be voted or vote the proxy with the consent, or based on the instructions, of the Funds Board or its representative. A member of the Sub-Advisers legal department would oversee the administration of the voting and ensure that records maintained in accordance with Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act were filed with the SEC on Form N-PX, provided to the Funds Board and made available to shareholders as required by applicable rules.
In the event of a conflict of interest that might arise when voting proxies for the Funds, the Sub-Advisers will defer to the recommendation of an independent third party engaged to determine how the proxy should be voted, or, alternatively, members of the Sub-Advisers legal and compliance departments, in consultation with the Board, will examine the conflict of interest and seek to resolve such conflict in the best interests of each Fund. If a member of the Sub-Advisers legal or compliance department or the Board has a personal conflict of interest, that member will refrain from participating in the consultation.
Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge by calling (800) 257-8787 or by accessing the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to the supervision of the Board and Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Sub-Advisers are responsible for decisions to purchase and sell securities for the Funds, the negotiation of the prices to be paid and the allocation of transactions among various dealer firms. Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment by the Funds of brokerage commissions. There generally is no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the OTC market, but the prices paid by the Funds generally include an undisclosed dealer commission or mark-up. Transactions in the OTC market can also be placed with broker-dealers who act as agents and charge brokerage commissions for effecting OTC transactions. Each Fund may place its OTC transactions either directly with principal market makers, or with broker-dealers if that is consistent with Sub-Adviser obligations to obtain best qualitative execution. In certain instances, the Funds may make purchases of underwritten issues at prices that include underwriting fees.
Portfolio securities may be purchased directly from an underwriter or in the OTC market from the principal dealers in such securities, unless it appears that a better price or execution may be obtained through other means. Portfolio securities will not be purchased from Nuveen Investments or its affiliates, including the Adviser and Sub-Advisers, except in compliance with the 1940 Act.
S-22
It is the policy of each Sub-Adviser to seek the best execution under the circumstances of each trade. The Sub-Advisers will evaluate price as the primary consideration, with the financial condition, reputation and responsiveness of the dealer considered secondary in determining best execution. Given the best execution obtainable, it will be the practice of the Sub-Advisers to select dealers that, in addition, furnish research information (primarily credit analyses of issuers and general economic reports) and statistical and other services to the Sub-Adviser. It is not possible to place a dollar value on information and statistical and other services received from dealers. Since it is only supplementary to a Sub-Advisers own research efforts, the receipt of research information is not expected to reduce significantly a Sub-Advisers expenses. While the Sub-Advisers will be primarily responsible for the placement of the business of the Funds, the policies and practices of the Sub-Advisers in this regard must be consistent with the foregoing and will, at all times, be subject to review by the Board of the Funds.
The Sub-Advisers may manage other investment accounts and investment companies for other clients that may invest in the same types of securities as the Funds and that may have investment objectives similar to those of the Funds. The Sub-Advisers seek to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell assets or securities by each Fund and another advisory account. If an aggregated order cannot be filled completely, allocations will generally be made on a pro rata basis. An order may not be allocated on a pro rata basis where, for example (i) consideration is given to portfolio managers who have been instrumental in developing or negotiating a particular investment; (ii) consideration is given to an account with specialized investment policies that coincide with the particulars of a specific investment; (iii) pro rata allocation would result in odd-lot or de minimis amounts being allocated to a portfolio or other client; or (iv) where a Sub-Adviser reasonably determines that departure from a pro rata allocation is advisable. There may also be instances where a Fund will not participate at all in a transaction that is allocated among other accounts. While these allocation procedures could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available to the Fund from time to time, it is the opinion of the Board that the benefits available from a Sub-Advisers management outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from such Sub-Advisers larger management activities and its need to allocate securities.
The following table sets forth the aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds for the last three fiscal years:
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Acquiring Fund |
$ | 184,406 | $ | 526,107 | $ | 407,586 | ||||||
Target Fund |
$ | 53,622 | $ | 158,546 | $ | 115,330 |
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Acquiring Fund and Target Fund paid to brokers as commissions in return for research services $153,740 and $46,320, respectively, and the aggregate amount of those transactions per Fund on which such commissions were paid were $604,121,178 and $94,648,020, respectively.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Funds acquired securities of their regular brokers or dealers, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act, or of the parents of such brokers or dealers. The following table provides the names of those brokers or dealers and states the value of the Funds aggregate holdings of the securities of each issuer as of July 31, 2016:
S-23
Acquiring Fund
Broker/Dealer |
Issuer |
Aggregate Target
|
||||
Barclays Capital Inc. |
Barclays PLC, 8.250% | $ | 16,213,863 | |||
Barclays Capital Inc. |
Barclays Bank PLC, 144A, 10.180% | 4,569,561 | ||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
Citigroup Inc., 5.800% | 2,925,000 | ||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
Citigroup Inc., 5.875% | 8,039,857 | ||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
Citigroup Inc., 5.950% | 8,824,529 | ||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
Citigroup Inc., 6.125% | 8,115,483 | ||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
Citigroup Inc., 6.250% | 4,315,388 | ||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
Citigroup Inc., 6.875% | 1,600,703 | ||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
Citigroup Inc., 7.125% | 13,400,580 | ||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
Citigroup Inc., 8.125% | 4,221,160 | ||||
Credit Suisse Securities, LLC |
Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A, 7.500%, | 9,232,200 | ||||
Goldman Sachs Company |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. 5.300% | 3,851,588 | ||||
Goldman Sachs Company |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. 5.375% | 11,269,885 | ||||
Goldman Sachs Company |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 5.500% | 2,411,937 | ||||
HSBC Securities, Inc. |
HSBC Bank PLC, 0.975% | 293,500 | ||||
HSBC Securities, Inc. |
HSBC Bank PLC, 1.188% | 571,250 | ||||
HSBC Securities, Inc. |
HSBC Holdings PLC, 6.875% | 3,723,450 | ||||
HSBC Securities, Inc. |
HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.000% | 3,727,546 | ||||
HSBC Securities, Inc. |
HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A, 10.176% | 6,179,880 | ||||
JPMorgan Securities LLC |
JPMorgan Chase & Company, 5.300% | 9,708,185 | ||||
JPMorgan Securities LLC |
JPMorgan Chase & Company, 6.100% | 132,969 | ||||
JPMorgan Securities LLC |
JPMorgan Chase & Company, 6.750% | 21,655,864 | ||||
JPMorgan Securities LLC |
JPMorgan Chase & Company, 7.900% | 4,888,000 | ||||
JPMorgan Securities LLC |
JPMorgan, Interest Rate Swap | (12,137,778 | )* | |||
Morgan Stanley Company, Inc. |
Morgan Stanley, 5.550% | 5,953,500 | ||||
Morgan Stanley Company, Inc. |
Morgan Stanley, 6.875% | 6,487,050 | ||||
Morgan Stanley Company, Inc. |
Morgan Stanley, 7.125% | 21,923,304 | ||||
State Street Bank and Trust Co. |
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, Repurchase Agreement | 6,077,118 | ||||
UBS Securities, LLC |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, 7.000% | 3,922,599 | ||||
UBS Securities, LLC |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, 7.125% | 7,235,961 | ||||
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC |
Wells Fargo & Company, 5.875% | 19,106,687 | ||||
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC |
Wells Fargo REIT, 6.375% | 2,975,670 | ||||
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC |
Wells Fargo & Company, 7.500% | 9,618,353 | ||||
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC |
Wells Fargo & Company, 7.980% | 9,190,136 |
* | Amount reflects unrealized appreciation/depreciation. |
S-24
Target Fund
Broker/Dealer |
Issuer |
Aggregate Target
|
||||
Goldman Sachs Company |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc., 5.300% | $ | 228,656 | |||
HSBC Securities, Inc. |
HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.000% | 532,576 | ||||
JPMorgan Securities LLC |
JPMorgan Chase & Company, 6.750% | 1,013,534 | ||||
Merrill Lynch |
Merrill Lynch International Company CV, 144A | 1,111,382 | ||||
Morgan Stanley Company, Inc. |
Morgan Stanley, 7.125% | 950,884 | ||||
State Street Bank and Trust Co. |
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, Repurchase Agreement | 277,234 | ||||
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC |
Wells Fargo & Company, 5.875% | 495,563 | ||||
Wells Fargo & Company, 7.500% | 1,235,409 |
Affiliated Brokerage and Other Fees
No Fund paid brokerage commissions within the last fiscal year to (i) any broker that is an affiliated person of such Fund or an affiliated person of such person, or (ii) any broker an affiliated person of which is an affiliated person of such Fund, the Adviser or any Sub-Adviser of such Fund.
During each Funds last fiscal year, no Fund made any material payments to the Adviser or any Sub-Adviser to such Fund or any affiliated person of the Adviser or any Sub-Adviser to such Fund for services provided to the Fund (other than pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement or a Sub-Advisory Agreement).
REPURCHASE OF FUND SHARES; CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND
The Acquiring Fund is a closed-end investment company, and as such its shareholders will not have the right to cause the Fund to redeem their shares. Instead, the Funds common shares will trade in the open market at a price that will be a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), net asset value, dividend stability, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors. Because shares of a closed-end investment company may frequently trade at prices lower than net asset value, the Acquiring Funds Board has currently determined that, at least annually, it will consider action that might be taken to reduce or eliminate any material discount from net asset value in respect of common shares, which may include the repurchase of such shares in the open market or in private transactions, the making of a tender offer for such shares at net asset value, or the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. There can be no assurance, however, that the Board will decide to take any of these actions, or that share repurchases or tender offers, if undertaken, will reduce market discount.
Subject to its investment limitations, the Acquiring Fund may borrow to finance the repurchase of shares or to make a tender offer. Interest on any borrowings to finance share repurchase transactions or the accumulation of cash by the Fund in anticipation of share repurchases or tenders will reduce the Funds net income. Any share repurchase, tender offer or borrowing that might be approved by the Board would have to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
S-25
Although the decision to take action in response to a discount from net asset value will be made by the Board at the time it considers such issue, it is the Boards present policy, which may be changed by the Board, not to authorize repurchases of common shares or a tender offer for such shares if (1) such transactions, if consummated, would (a) result in the delisting of the common shares from the NYSE, the NYSE MKT or elsewhere, or (b) impair the Funds status as a regulated investment company under the Code (which would make the Fund a taxable entity, causing the Funds taxable income to be taxed at the corporate level in addition to the taxation of shareholders who receive dividends from the Fund) or as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act; (2) the Fund would not be able to liquidate portfolio securities in an orderly manner and consistent with the Funds investment objectives and policies in order to repurchase shares; or (3) there is, in the Boards judgment, any (a) material legal action or proceeding instituted or threatened challenging such transactions or otherwise materially adversely affecting the Fund, (b) general suspension of or limitation on prices for trading securities on the NYSE, the NYSE MKT or elsewhere, (c) declaration of a banking moratorium by federal or state authorities or any suspension of payment by United States or state banks in which the Fund invests, (d) material limitation affecting the Fund or the issuers of its portfolio securities by federal or state authorities on the extension of credit by lending institutions or on the exchange of non-U.S. currency, (e) commencement of war, armed hostilities or other international or national calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or (f) other event or condition that would have a material adverse effect (including any adverse tax effect) on the Acquiring Fund or its shareholders if shares were repurchased. The Board may in the future modify these conditions in light of experience.
The repurchase by the Acquiring Fund of its shares at prices below net asset value will result in an increase in the net asset value of those shares that remain outstanding. However, there can be no assurance that share repurchases or tenders at or below net asset value will result in the Funds shares trading at a price equal to their net asset value. Nevertheless, the fact that the Funds shares may be the subject of repurchase or tender offers at net asset value from time to time, or that the Fund may be converted to an open-end investment company, may reduce any spread between market price and net asset value that might otherwise exist.
In addition, a purchase by the Acquiring Fund of its common shares will decrease the Funds total assets, which would likely have the effect of increasing the Funds expense ratio.
Conversion to an open-end company would require the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Acquiring Funds common and preferred shares, if any, voting as a single class, and approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Funds preferred shares, voting together as a single class, unless the conversion has been approved by the requisite vote of the Board Members, in which case a majority vote of the requisite holders would be required. See the Proxy Statement/Prospectus under Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Funds Declaration of Trust and By-Laws for a discussion of voting requirements applicable to conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. If the Fund converted to an open-end investment company, the Funds common shares would no longer be listed on the NYSE, the NYSE MKT or elsewhere, and the Funds preferred shares, if issued in the future, would no longer be outstanding. In contrast to a closed-end investment company, shareholders of an open-end investment company may require the company to redeem their shares on any business day (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act or rules thereunder) at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of redemption. In order to avoid maintaining large cash positions or liquidating favorable investments to meet redemptions, open-end investment companies typically engage in a continuous offering of their
S-26
shares. Open-end investment companies are thus subject to periodic asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management. The Board may at any time propose conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company depending upon its judgment as to the advisability of such action in light of circumstances then prevailing.
Before deciding whether to take any action if the Acquiring Funds common shares trade below net asset value, the Board would consider all relevant factors, including the extent and duration of the discount, the liquidity of the Funds portfolio, the impact of any action that might be taken on the Fund or its shareholders, and market considerations. Based on these considerations, even if the Funds shares should trade at a discount, the Board may determine that, in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders, no action should be taken.
The following is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a shareholder that acquires, holds and/or disposes of shares of the Acquiring Fund. This discussion only addresses U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders who hold their shares as capital assets and does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular shareholders in light of their individual circumstances. This discussion also does not address the tax consequences to shareholders who are subject to special rules, including, without limitation, shareholders with large positions in the Acquiring Fund, financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers in securities or foreign currencies, foreign holders, persons who hold their shares as or in a hedge against currency risk, a constructive sale, or conversion transaction, holders who are subject to the federal alternative minimum tax or tax-exempt or tax-advantaged plans, accounts, or entities. In addition, the discussion does not address any state, local, or foreign tax consequences. The discussion reflects applicable tax laws of the United States as of the date of this SAI, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) retroactively or prospectively. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Acquiring Fund and its shareholders, and the discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the specific tax consequences to them of investing in the Acquiring Fund, including the applicable federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to them and the effect of possible changes in tax laws.
The Acquiring Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to continue to qualify each year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to regulated investment companies, the Acquiring Fund must, among other things, (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or non-U.S. currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships, as defined in the Code; (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Acquiring Funds assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Acquiring Funds total assets and not greater than
S-27
10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of a single issuer, or two or more issuers that the Acquiring Fund controls and are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships; and (c) distribute each year an amount equal to or greater than the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code, but without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest.
If the Acquiring Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company in any taxable year, the Acquiring Fund would be taxed in the same manner as a regular corporation on its taxable income (even if such income were distributed to its shareholders) and distributions to shareholders would not be deductible by the Acquiring Fund in computing its taxable income. Additionally, all distributions out of earnings and profits (including distributions from net capital gain and net tax-exempt interest) would be taxed to shareholders as ordinary dividend income. Such distributions generally would be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income, as discussed below in the case of noncorporate shareholders and (ii) for the dividends received deduction under Section 243 of the Code (the Dividends Received Deduction) in the case of corporate shareholders.
As a regulated investment company, the Acquiring Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, that it distributes to shareholders. The Acquiring Fund may retain for investment its net capital gain. However, if the Acquiring Fund retains any net capital gain or any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Acquiring Fund retains any net capital gain, it may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their share of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by the Acquiring Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Acquiring Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholders gross income and the federal income tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence. The Acquiring Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and the net capital gain not otherwise retained by the Acquiring Fund.
Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax. To prevent imposition of the excise tax, the Acquiring Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary taxable income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending October 31 of the calendar year, and (3) any ordinary taxable income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed during those years and on which the Acquiring Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax. To prevent application of the excise tax, the Acquiring Fund intends to make distributions in accordance with the calendar year distribution requirement.
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The Acquiring Fund may invest in preferred securities or other securities the federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or may be subject to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the income from such securities differs from the tax treatment expected by the Acquiring Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Acquiring Fund, potentially requiring the Acquiring Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code.
The Acquiring Fund may acquire debt securities that are market discount bonds. A market discount bond is a security acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption value (or its adjusted issue price if it is also an original issue discount bond). If the Acquiring Fund invests in a market discount bond, it will be required to treat any gain recognized on the disposition of such market discount bond as ordinary taxable income to the extent of the accrued market discount unless the Acquiring Fund elects to include the market discount in taxable income as it accrues.
If the Acquiring Fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Acquiring Fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the Acquiring Fund must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the Acquiring Fund must distribute to shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including such income it is required to accrue, to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the Acquiring Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.
The Acquiring Funds investment in lower rated or unrated debt securities may present issues for the Acquiring Fund if the issuers of these securities default on their obligations because the federal income tax consequences to a holder of such securities are not certain.
Certain investment practices of the Acquiring Fund are subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may defer the use of certain deductions or losses of the Acquiring Fund, affect the holding period of securities held by the Acquiring Fund and alter the character of the gains or losses realized by the Acquiring Fund. These provisions may also require the Acquiring Fund to recognize income or gain without receiving cash with which to make distributions in the amounts necessary to satisfy the requirements for maintaining regulated investment company status and for avoiding federal income and excise taxes. The Acquiring Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Acquiring Fund as a regulated investment company.
The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other federal income tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with investments in certain derivatives and other investments. As a result, the Acquiring Fund may be required to limit the extent to which it invests in such investments and it is also possible that the IRS may not agree with the Acquiring Funds treatment of such investments. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives and certain other investments may be affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations and guidance issued by the IRS (which could apply retroactively) that could
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affect the timing, character and amount of the Acquiring Funds income and gains and distributions to shareholders, affect whether the Acquiring Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income and excise taxes or limit the extent to which the Acquiring Fund may invest in certain derivatives and other investments in the future.
Generally, the character of the income or gain that the Acquiring Fund receives from another investment company will pass through to the Acquiring Funds shareholders as long as the Acquiring Fund and the other investment company each qualify as regulated investment companies. However, to the extent that another investment company that qualifies as a regulated investment company realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Acquiring Fund will not be able to recognize its share of those losses until it disposes of shares of such investment company. Moreover, even when the Acquiring Fund does make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss, which will not be treated as favorably for federal income tax purposes as an ordinary deduction. In particular, the Acquiring Fund will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of shares of other investment companies against its ordinary income. As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain other special rules, it is possible that the amounts of net investment income and net capital gains that the Acquiring Fund will be required to distribute to shareholders will be greater than such amounts would have been had the Acquiring Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests, rather than investing in shares of the investment companies. For similar reasons, the character of distributions from the Acquiring Fund (e.g., long-term capital gain, qualified dividend income, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Acquiring Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time the Acquiring Fund accrues income or receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Acquiring Fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain other instruments, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also may be treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to under the Code as Section 988 gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the Acquiring Funds investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.
If the Acquiring Fund receives an excess distribution with respect to the stock of a passive foreign investment company (PFIC), the Acquiring Fund itself may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of the excess distribution, whether or not the corresponding income is distributed by the Acquiring Fund to shareholders. In general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC for a taxable year if at least 50% of its assets constitute certain investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is certain investment-type income.
Under the PFIC rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over the period during which the Acquiring Fund held the PFIC stock. The Acquiring Fund itself will be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including interest) on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is so allocated to prior taxable years. Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC
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stock are treated as excess distributions. Excess distributions are characterized as ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.
Rather than being taxed on the PFIC income as discussed above, the Acquiring Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment. Under an election that currently is available in certain circumstances, the Acquiring Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income its share of the PFICs income and net capital gain annually, regardless of whether distributions are received from the PFIC in a given year. In addition, another election may be available that would involve marking to market the Acquiring Funds PFIC shares at the end of each taxable year (and on certain other dates prescribed in the Code), with the result that unrealized gains are treated as though they were realized and treated as ordinary income or loss (subject to certain limitations). If this election were made, federal income tax at the Fund level under the PFIC rules would generally be eliminated, but the Acquiring Fund could, in limited circumstances, incur nondeductible interest charges. The Acquiring Funds intention to qualify annually as a regulated investment company may limit its options with respect to PFIC shares.
Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things, the character of gains and the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the recognition of income with respect to PFIC shares, and may subject the Acquiring Fund itself to tax on certain income from PFIC shares, the amount that must be distributed to shareholders and that will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain may be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that did not invest in PFIC shares.
The Acquiring Funds investments in REITs may result in the Acquiring Funds receipt of cash in excess of the REITs earnings; if the Acquiring Fund distributes these amounts, these distributions could constitute a return of capital to Acquiring Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Investments in REIT equity securities also may require the Acquiring Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Acquiring Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. Dividends received by the Acquiring Fund from a REIT will not qualify for the corporate Dividends Received Deduction and generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.
The Acquiring Fund may invest in REITs that hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). Under a notice issued by the IRS, a portion of the Acquiring Funds income from a REIT (or other pass-through entity) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC (referred to in the Code as an excess inclusion) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. The notice provides that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as the Acquiring Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest directly. In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (a) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (b) will constitute unrelated business taxable income to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on unrelated business income, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a federal income tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (c) in the case of a foreign shareholder, will
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not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a disqualified organization (as defined by the Code) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations.
Distributions to shareholders of net investment income received by the Acquiring Fund, and of net short-term capital gains realized by the Acquiring Fund, if any, will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income, except as described below with respect to qualified dividend income. Distributions by the Acquiring Fund of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, are taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has owned the shares with respect to which such distributions are made. Distributions derived from qualified dividend income and received by a noncorporate shareholder will be taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from non-U.S. corporations that meet certain specified criteria. In order for some portion of the dividends received by a shareholder to be qualified dividend income, the Acquiring Fund must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend paying stocks in its portfolio and the noncorporate shareholder must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to its shares of the Acquiring Fund. A portion of the Acquiring Funds distributions to shareholders may qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction available to corporate shareholders. Taxable distributions are subject to federal income tax whether reinvested in additional shares of the Acquiring Fund or paid in cash.
To be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income, shareholders generally must hold their shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date. In order for dividends received by the Acquiring Funds shareholders to be treated as qualified dividend income, the Acquiring Fund must also meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to such dividend paying stocks it owns. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income at the Fund level if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for 60 days or fewer during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 90 days or fewer during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date). In addition to the above holding period requirements, a dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level), (1) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (2) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (3) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (with an exception for stock that is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States) or (b) treated as a PFIC.
Distributions, if any, in excess of the Acquiring Funds earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a shareholders shares and, after that basis has been reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset).
If the Acquiring Fund utilizes leverage through borrowings, or otherwise, asset coverage limitations imposed by the 1940 Act as well as additional restrictions that may be imposed by certain lenders on the payment of dividends or distributions potentially could limit or eliminate the Acquiring
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Funds ability to make distributions on its common shares until the asset coverage is restored. These limitations could prevent the Acquiring Fund from distributing at least 90% of its investment company taxable income and tax-exempt interest as is required under the Code and therefore might jeopardize the Acquiring Funds qualification as a regulated investment company and/or might subject the Acquiring Fund to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax. The Acquiring Fund endeavors to avoid restrictions on its ability to distribute dividends.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, dividends declared in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of those months and paid during the following January, will be treated as having been distributed by the Acquiring Fund (and received by the shareholders) on December 31 of the year declared.
The sale or exchange of shares of the Acquiring Fund normally will result in capital gain or loss to shareholders who hold their shares as capital assets. Generally, a shareholders gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. The gain or loss on shares held for one year or less will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the same rates applicable to ordinary income. For noncorporate taxpayers, however, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%, while short-term capital gains and other ordinary income are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. If a shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of shares before holding them for more than six months, any loss on the sale or disposition will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any net capital gain dividends received by the shareholder with respect to such shares. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Acquiring Fund will be disallowed to the extent those shares of the Acquiring Fund are replaced by other substantially identical shares of the Acquiring Fund or other substantially identical stock or securities (including through reinvestment of dividends) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the original shares. In that event, the basis of the replacement stock or securities will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitation.
Certain noncorporate shareholders are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on some or all of their net investment income, which includes items of gross income that are attributable to interest, original issue discount and market discount (but not including tax-exempt interest), as well as net gain from the disposition of other property. This tax generally applies to the extent net investment income, when added to other modified adjusted gross income, exceeds $200,000 for an unmarried individual, $250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a surviving spouse), or $125,000 for a married individual filing a separate return. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the applicability of this tax in respect of their shares.
Income received by the Acquiring Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of the Acquiring Funds total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Acquiring Fund will be eligible to elect to pass through to the Acquiring Funds shareholders the amount of eligible foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Acquiring Fund. If this election is made, a shareholder generally subject to federal income tax will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income and to use such amount as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability or deduct such amount in lieu of claiming a credit, in each case subject
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to certain limitations. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder will be notified after the close of the Acquiring Funds taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Acquiring Fund will pass through for that year.
If the Acquiring Fund does not satisfy the requirements for passing through to its shareholders their proportionate shares of any foreign taxes paid by the Acquiring Fund, shareholders will not be required to include such taxes in their gross incomes and will not be entitled to a tax deduction or credit for such taxes on their own federal income tax returns.
The Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 28% from all distributions and redemption proceeds payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Acquiring Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding. This withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholders federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively, FATCA) generally require the Acquiring Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders. If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA, the Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on Acquiring Fund dividends and distributions and redemption proceeds. The Acquiring Fund may disclose the information that it receives from (or concerning) its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA, related intergovernmental agreements or other applicable law or regulation. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the investors own situation, including investments through an intermediary.
Special rules apply to foreign persons who receive distributions from the Acquiring Fund that are attributable to gain from United States real property interests (USRPIs). The Code defines USRPIs to include direct holdings of U.S. real property and any interest (other than an interest solely as a creditor) in a United States real property holding corporation or former United States real property holding corporation. The Code defines a United States real property holding corporation as any corporation whose USRPIs make up 50% or more of the fair market value of its USRPIs, its interests in real property located outside the United States, plus any other assets it uses in a trade or business. In general, if the Acquiring Fund is a United States real property holding company (determined without regard to certain exceptions), distributions by the Acquiring Fund that are attributable to (a) gains realized on the disposition of USRPIs by the Acquiring Fund and (b) distributions received by the Acquiring Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Acquiring Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands will retain their character as gains realized from USRPIs in the hands of foreign investors in the Acquiring Fund. If the foreign shareholder holds (or has held at any time during the prior year) more than a 5% interest in a class of stock of the Acquiring Fund, such distributions received by the shareholder with respect to such class of stock will be treated as gains effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, and subject to tax at graduated rates. Moreover, such shareholders will be required to file a U.S. income tax return for the year in which the gain was recognized and the Acquiring Fund will be required to withhold 35% of the amount of such distribution. In the case of all other foreign persons (i.e., those whose interest in the Acquiring
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Fund did not exceed 5% at any time during the prior year), the USRPI distribution will be treated as ordinary income (regardless of any designation by the Acquiring Fund that such distribution is qualified short-term gain or net capital gain) and the Acquiring Fund must withhold 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) of the amount of the distribution paid to such foreign persons.
In addition, if the Acquiring Fund is a United States real property holding corporation or former United States real property holding corporation, the Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold U.S. tax upon a redemption of shares by a greater-than-5% shareholder that is a foreign person, and that shareholder would be required to file a U.S. income tax return for the year of the disposition of the USRPI and pay any additional tax due on the gain. However, no withholding is generally required with respect to amounts paid in redemption of shares of a fund if the fund is a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, or, in certain other limited cases, if a fund (whether or not domestically controlled) holds substantial investments in regulated investment companies that are domestically controlled qualified investment entities.
The financial statements of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund appearing in the Funds Annual Report for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 are incorporated herein. The financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015 have been audited by KPMG LLP (KPMG), an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon and incorporated herein. Such financial statements are incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. KPMG provides auditing services to the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund. The principal business address of KPMG is 200 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Board of each Fund, upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, engaged KPMG as the independent registered public accounting firm to the Funds, replacing Ernst & Young LLP (Ernst & Young), which resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm effective September 30, 2014, as a result of the subsequently completed acquisition of Nuveen Investments by TIAA-CREF.
Ernst & Youngs report on the Funds for the fiscal years ended prior to July 31, 2015, contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. For the fiscal years ended prior to July 31, 2015 for the Funds and for the period August 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014, there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports on the Funds financial statements.
The custodian of the assets of each Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. The custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. Each Funds transfer and shareholder services is also State Street Bank and Trust Company, 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
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A Registration Statement on Form N-14, including amendments thereto, relating to the common shares of the Acquiring Fund offered hereby, has been filed by the Acquiring Fund with the SEC. The Proxy Statement/Prospectus and this SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, including any exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Acquiring Fund and the common shares offered hereby, reference is made to the Acquiring Funds Registration Statement. Statements contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and this SAI as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. Copies of the Registration Statement may be inspected without charge at the SECs principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC.
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)
The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is for informational purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of the financial condition that actually would have resulted if the Reorganization had been consummated. The closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon certain conditions being satisfied or waived, including that shareholders of the Target Fund must approve the Reorganization. If one Fund does not obtain the requisite approvals, the closing of the Reorganization will not occur. These pro forma numbers have been estimated in good faith based on information regarding the Target Fund and Acquiring Fund as of July 31, 2016. The unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund, which are available in their respective annual shareholder reports.
Narrative Description of the Pro Forma Effects of the Reorganization
Note 1Reorganization
The unaudited pro forma information has been prepared to give effect to the proposed reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the Plan) as of the beginning of the period indicated in the table below.
Target Fund |
Acquiring Fund |
12 Month Period Ended |
||
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (Target Fund) |
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (Acquiring Fund) | July 31, 2016 |
Note 2Basis of Pro Forma
The Reorganization will be accounted for as a tax-free reorganization of investment companies; therefore, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund or its shareholders as a result of the Reorganization. The Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund are registered closed-end management investment companies. The Reorganization will be accomplished by the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and the assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund by the Acquiring Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the distribution of such shares to
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Target Fund shareholders in complete liquidation of the Target Fund. The pro forma financial information has been adjusted to reflect the Reorganization costs discussed in Note 4. The table below shows the common shares that Target Fund shareholders would have received if the Reorganization was to have taken place on the period end date in Note 1.
Shares Exchanged | ||||
6,483,170 |
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the Reorganization will be accounted for as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. For financial reporting purposes, the historical cost basis of the investments received from the Target Fund will be carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the realized and unrealized gains and losses of the surviving fund (which will be the Acquiring Fund) with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.
Fund |
Net Assets Applicable
to Common Shares |
As-of Date | ||||||
Acquiring Fund |
$ | 1,020,716,677 | July 31, 2016 | |||||
Target Fund |
$ | 68,821,117 | July 31, 2016 | |||||
Acquiring Fund Pro Forma |
$ | 1,088,967,794 | July 31, 2016 |
Note 3Pro Forma Expense Adjustments
The table below reflects adjustments to annual expenses made to the Pro Forma financial information as if the Reorganization had taken place on the first day of the period as disclosed in Note 1. The pro forma information has been derived from the books and records used in calculating daily net asset values of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund and has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect this information. Pro forma expenses do not include the expenses to be charged to the Funds in connection with the Reorganization. Percentages presented below are the increase (decrease) in expenses divided by the Acquiring Fund Pro Forma Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares presented in Note 2. Actual results could differ from those estimates. No other significant pro forma effects are expected to result from the Reorganization.
Fee and Expense
Increase (Decrease) |
||||||||
Net Expense Category |
Dollar Amount | Percentage | ||||||
Management fees (1) |
$ | (63,829 | ) | (0.01 | )% | |||
Custodian fees (2) |
(39,322 | ) | (0.00 | )% (3) | ||||
Professional fees (2) |
(25,904 | ) | (0.00 | )% (3) | ||||
Shareholder reporting expenses (2) |
(23,027 | ) | (0.00 | )% (3) | ||||
Stock exchange listing fees (2) |
(7,889 | ) | (0.00 | )% (3) | ||||
Other (2) |
(7,387 | ) | (0.00 | )% (3) | ||||
|
|
|||||||
Total Pro Forma Net Expense Adjustment |
$ | (167,358 | ) | (0.02 | )% | |||
|
|
(1) | Reflects the impact of applying the Acquiring Funds fund-level management fee rates following the Reorganization to the combined funds average managed assets. |
(2) | Reflects the anticipated reduction of certain duplicative expenses eliminated as a result of the Reorganization. |
(3) | Rounds to less than (0.01)%. |
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No significant accounting policies will change as a result of the Reorganization, specifically policies regarding security valuation or compliance with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. No significant changes to any existing contracts of the Acquiring Fund are expected as a result of the Reorganization.
Note 4Reorganization Costs
The Reorganization costs (whether or not the Reorganization is consummated) will be allocated among the Funds. The cost of the Reorganization are estimated to be $570,000. This cost represents the estimated nonrecurring expenses of the Funds in carrying out their obligations under the Plan and consists of managements estimate of professional service fees, printing costs and mailing charges related to the proposed Reorganization to be borne by the Funds. The Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund are expected to be charged approximately $40,000 and $530,000, respectively, in connection with the Reorganization. The Pro Forma financial information included in Note 2 has been adjusted for costs related to the Reorganization to be borne by the Funds. Reorganization costs do not include any commissions that would be incurred due to portfolio realignment, if applicable.
If the Reorganization had occurred as of July 31, 2016, the Acquiring Fund would not have been required to dispose of securities of the Target Fund in order to comply with its investment policies and restrictions. As of the date of this SAI, the Adviser expects to allocate all or substantially all of the assets of the Target Fund to the portion of the Acquiring Funds portfolio sub-advised by NAM based on current market conditions. While NAM expects to reposition a significant portion of the Target Fund assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganization, such repositioning is expected to represent approximately 5% of the combined portfolio following the Reorganization due to the relatively small size of the Target Fund.
Note 5Accounting Survivor
The Acquiring Fund will be the accounting survivor. The surviving fund will have the portfolio management team, portfolio composition, strategies, investment objectives, expense structure and policies/restrictions of the Acquiring Fund.
Note 6Capital Loss Carryforward
As of July 31, 2016, the Funds had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any, per the table below.
Acquiring Fund | Target Fund | |||||||
Expiration: |
||||||||
July 31, 2017 |
$ | 204,895,930 | $ | | ||||
July 31, 2018 |
9,385,427 | | ||||||
July 31, 2019 |
| | ||||||
Not subject to expiration |
19,456,396 | 5,299,726 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 233,737,753 | $ | 5,299,726 | ||||
|
|
|
|
S-38
RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS
Standard & Poors Ratings ServicesA brief description of the applicable Standard & Poors Ratings Services LLC, a Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC business (Standard & Poors or S&P), rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P) follows:
A Standard & Poors issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.
Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors or obtained by Standard & Poors from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poors does not perform an audit in connection with any credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.
Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 daysincluding commercial paper.
Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Issue credit ratings are based in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation; and
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors rights.
The issue ratings definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity
A-1
has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.
AAA
An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA
An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in small degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A
An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB
An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC, and C
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB
An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B
An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
A-2
CCC
An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC
An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C
A Subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is CURRENTLY HIGHLY VULNERABLE to nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A C also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.
D
An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or minus (-). The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
r
This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating.
N.R.
This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poors does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
A-1
A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-3
A-2
A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3
A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B
A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
C
A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D
A short-term obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Moodys Investors Service, Inc.A brief description of the applicable Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moodys) follows:
Municipal Bonds
Aaa
Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as gilt edged. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
A-4
Aa
Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present that make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A
Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present that suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa
Bonds that are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba
Bonds that are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B
Bonds that are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa
Bonds that are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca
Bonds that are rated Ca represent obligations that are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
A-5
C
Bonds that are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
#(hatchmark): Represents issues that are secured by escrowed funds held in cash, held in trust, invested and reinvested in direct, non-callable, non-prepayable United States government obligations or non-callable, non-prepayable obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Resolution Funding Corporation debt obligations.
Con. (...): Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals that begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition attaches. The parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon completion of construction or elimination of the basis of the condition.
(P): When applied to forward delivery bonds, indicates the rating is provisional pending delivery of the bonds. The rating may be revised prior to delivery if changes occur in the legal documents or the underlying credit quality of the bonds.
Note: Moodys applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issue ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
Short-Term Loans
MIG 1/VMIG 1
This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2/VMIG 2
This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3/VMIG 3
This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG
This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
A-6
Commercial Paper
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics:
|
Leading market positions in well-established industries. |
|
High rates of return on funds employed. |
|
Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection. |
|
Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation. |
|
Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity. |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation than is the case for Prime-2 securities. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Fitch Ratings, Inc.A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch) ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:
Long-Term Credit Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA
Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA
Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A-7
A
High credit quality. A ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB
Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.
Speculative Grade
BB
Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
B
Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C
High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, and D Default
The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the obligor. While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated with any precision, the following serve as general guidelines. DDD obligations have the highest potential for recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest. DD indicates potential recoveries in the range of 50%-90%, and D the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%. Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated DDD have the highest prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated DD and D are generally undergoing a formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated DD are likely to satisfy a higher portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated D have a poor prospect for repaying all obligations.
A-8
Short-Term Credit Ratings
A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 12 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.
F1
Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2
Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3
Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B
Speculative Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C
High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
D
Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
Notes to Long-term and Short-term ratings:
+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA Long-term rating category, to categories below CCC, or to Short-term ratings other than F1.
NR indicates that Fitch does not rate the issuer or issue in question.
Withdrawn: A rating is withdrawn when Fitch deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced.
Rating Watch: Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as
A-9
Positive, indicating a potential upgrade, Negative, for a potential downgrade, or Evolving, if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.
A Rating Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable, or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are stable could be downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.
A-10
Closed-End Funds |
Nuveen | ||
Closed-End Funds |
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Annual Report July 31, 2016
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JPC | ||||||
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund | ||||||
JPI | ||||||
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund | ||||||
JPS | ||||||
Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund
(formerly known as Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2) |
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JPW | ||||||
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund |
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NUVEEN | 3 |
to Shareholders
Dear Shareholders,
The U.S. economy is now seven years into the recovery, but its pace remains stubbornly subpar compared to past recoveries. Economic data continues to be a mixed bag, as it has been throughout this expansion period. While the unemployment rate fell below its pre-recession level and wages have grown, a surprisingly weak jobs growth report in May cast doubt over the future strength of the labor market. Subsequent employment reports have been stronger, however, easing fears that a significant downtrend was emerging. The housing market has improved markedly but its contribution to the recovery has been lackluster. Deflationary pressures, including weaker commodity prices, have kept inflation much lower for longer than many expected.
The U.S.s modest expansion and positive employment trends led the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) to begin its path toward policy normalization by raising its benchmark interest rate at its December 2015 meeting. However, since then, the Fed has remained on hold for reasons ranging from domestic to international, which helped continue to prop up asset prices despite bouts of short-term volatility.
Outside the U.S., optimism has been harder to come by. Investors continue to question whether Chinas economy is finally stabilizing or still slowing. The U.K.s June 23 rd Brexit vote to leave the European Union introduced a new set of economic and political uncertainties to the already fragile conditions across Europe. Moreover, there are growing concerns that global central banks unprecedented efforts to revive growth may be showing signs of fatigue. Interest rates are currently negative in Europe and Japan and near or at zero in the U.S., U.K. and elsewhere. Yet, growth has remained subdued.
With global economic growth still looking fairly fragile, and few near-term catalysts for improvement, we anticipate that turbulence remains on the horizon for the time being. In this environment, Nuveen remains committed to both managing downside risks and seeking upside potential. If youre concerned about how resilient your investment portfolio might be, we encourage you to talk to your financial advisor.
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,
William J. Schneider
Chairman of the Board
September 23, 2016
4 | NUVEEN |
Comments
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)
Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (JPS) (formerly known as Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2)
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (JPW)
Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM) and NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (NWQ), both affiliates of Nuveen Investments, Inc., are sub-advisers for the Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (JPC). NAM and NWQ each manage approximately half of the Funds 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 Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM), an affiliate of Nuveen Investments, Inc. Douglas Baker, CFA, and Brenda Langenfeld, CFA, have served as the Funds portfolio managers since its inception. The Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (JPS) is sub-advised by a team of specialists at Spectrum Asset Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Global Investors, LLC. Mark Lieb and Phil Jacoby lead the team. The Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (JPW) features portfolio management by NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (NWQ), an affiliate of Nuveen Investments, Inc. Thomas J. Ray, CFA, and Susi Budiman, CFA, are the portfolio managers.
Effective January 31, 2016, the primary and secondary benchmarks for JPI changed in order to better represent the current investible universe of preferred securities. The BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. All Capital Securities Index is the new Primary Benchmark. The secondary blended benchmark now consists of 60% BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 40% BofA/Merrill Lynch Contingent Capital Index. This secondary blended benchmark better aligns the portfolios with the investible universe of preferreds and hybrids by adding the contingent capital index to the performance benchmark. The secondary blended benchmark also better reflects the portfolios positioning with regard to $25 par securities and $1,000 par securities, as well as from a credit quality and duration perspective. The BofA/Merrill Lynch Contingent Capital Index has a recent inception date of December 31, 2013.
Additionally, JPI and JPC each has revised its investment policies to eliminate the previous 40% of assets limit on non-U.S. issuers in order to allow for increased investments in U.S. dollar-denominated contingent capital securities (CoCos).
Effective June 15, 2016, JPC changed its investment policies to remove CoCos from the 20% Other Securities investment strategies category and include them in the 80% principal investment strategies category.
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 & Poors (S&P), Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) 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. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.
Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.
NUVEEN | 5 |
Portfolio Managers Comments (continued)
During October, 2015, the Board of Trustees for the Nuveen closed-end funds approved a plan to merge Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund (JTP) and Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 3 (JHP) into the acquiring Fund, Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2 (JPS). During March 2016, shareholder approval was completed. The reorganization became effective on May 9, 2016, at which time the Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2 was renamed the Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (keeping its ticker symbol of JPS). See Notes to Financial Statements, Notes 1 General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, Fund Reorganizations for further information.
Additionally, in October 2015, the Board approved changes to both JPSs non-fundamental investment policies related to the minimum allocation to investment grade securities and the Funds secondary blended benchmark index. These changes were made to better align JPSs strategies with the evolution in the preferred securities market since the Funds launch in 2002. JPSs minimum allocation to investment grade securities was reduced from 80% to 65% and the existing 45% limit on U.S. dollar-denominated preferred securities of non-U.S. issuers was eliminated. JPSs blended benchmark index consisted of 55% BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index and 45% Barclays Tier 1 Capital Securities Index. Its new blended benchmark index consists of 60% BofA/Merrill Lynch All Capital Securities Index and 40% BofA/Merrill Lynch Contingent Capital Index.
Here the portfolio management teams discuss the U.S. economy and market conditions, their management strategies and the performance of the Funds for the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2016.
What factors affected the U.S. economy and financial markets during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2016?
Over the twelve-month reporting period, U.S. economic data continued to point to subdued growth, rising employment and tame inflation. Economic activity has continued to hover around a 2% annualized growth rate since the end of the Great Recession in 2009, as measured by real gross domestic product (GDP), which is the value of the goods and services produced by the nations economy less the value of the goods and services used up in production, adjusted for price changes. For the second quarter of 2016, real GDP increased at an annual rate of 1.1%, as reported by the second estimate of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, up from 0.8% in the first quarter of 2016.
The labor and housing markets improved over the reporting period, although the momentum appeared to slow toward the end of the reporting period. As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate fell to 4.9% in July 2016 from 5.3% in July 2015, and job gains averaged slightly above 200,000 per month for the past twelve months. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, which covers all nine U.S. census divisions, recorded a 5.1% annual gain in June 2016 (most recent data available at the time this report was prepared) (effective July 26, 2016, the S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index was renamed the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index). The 10-City and 20-City Composites reported year-over-year increases of 4.3% and 5.1%, respectively.
Consumers, whose purchases comprise the largest component of the U.S. economy, benefited from employment growth and firming wages over the twelve-month reporting period. Although consumer spending gains were rather muted in the latter half of 2015, a spending surge in the second quarter of 2016 helped offset weaker business investment. A backdrop of low inflation also contributed to consumers willingness to buy. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.8% over the twelve-month reporting period ended July 2016 on a seasonally adjusted basis, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The core CPI (which excludes food and energy) increased 2.2% during the same period, slightly above the Feds unofficial longer term inflation objective of 2.0%.
Business investment remained weak over the reporting period. Corporate earnings growth slowed during 2015, reflecting an array of factors ranging from weakening demand amid sluggish U.S. and global growth to the impact of falling commodity prices and a strong U.S. dollar. Although energy prices rebounded off their lows and the dollar pared some of its gains in the first half of 2016, caution prevailed. Financial market turbulence in early 2016 and political uncertainties surrounding the U.K.s Brexit vote to leave the European Union (EU) and the upcoming U.S. presidential election dampened capital spending.
6 | NUVEEN |
With the current expansion considered to be on solid footing, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) prepared to raise one of its main interest rates, which had been held near zero since December 2008 to help stimulate the economy. After delaying the rate change for most of 2015 because of a weak global economic growth outlook, the Fed announced in December 2015 that it would raise the fed funds target rate by 0.25%. The news was widely expected and therefore had a relatively muted impact on the financial markets.
Although the Fed continued to emphasize future rate increases would be gradual, investors worried about the pace. This, along with uncertainties about the global macroeconomic backdrop, another downdraft in oil prices and a spike in stock market volatility triggered significant losses across assets that carry more risk and fueled demand for safe haven assets such as Treasury bonds and gold from January through mid-February, however, fear began to subside in March. The Fed held the rate steady at both the January and March policy meetings, as well as lowered its expectations to two rate increases in 2016 from four. Also boosting investor confidence were reassuring statements from the European Central Bank (ECB), some positive economic data in the U.S. and abroad, a retreat in the U.S. dollar and an oil price rally. At its April meeting, the Fed indicated its readiness to raise its benchmark rate at the next policy meeting in June. However, a very disappointing jobs growth report in May and the significant uncertainty surrounding the U.K.s Brexit vote led the Fed to again hold rates steady at its June and July meetings.
The U.K.s vote on June 23, 2016 to leave the EU caught investors off guard. In response, U.K. sterling fell precipitously, global equities were turbulent and safe-haven assets such as gold, the U.S. dollar and U.S. Treasuries saw notable inflows. However, the markets stabilized fairly quickly, buoyed by reassurances from global central banks and a perception that the temporary price rout presented an attractive buying opportunity. Although many political and economic uncertainties for the U.K. and the EU remain, market volatility was relatively subdued throughout July, as concerns of a Brexit-induced financial crisis abated.
Earlier in the reporting period, macroeconomic uncertainty driven by the economic trouble in emerging economies, falling commodity prices, along with uncertainty around the Feds hiking cycle all contributed to the significant volatility to both equity and credit markets. By the end of the reporting period however, riskier assets did recover. Common equity and high yield bonds generated total return of 5.38% as measured by the Russell 1000 ® Value Index and 4.92% for the BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index. Investment grade corporate bonds did better with a 9.39% return as measured by the BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Index. The best performing asset class was undoubtedly the preferred market, with a 10.51% return as measured by the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index. The $1,000 par dominated BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. All Capital Securities Index posted a 5.1% return during the reporting period and the $25 par dominated BofA/Merrill Lynch Core Plus Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index posted a 10.5% return.
What key strategies were used to manage the Funds during this twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2016 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, 2016. For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2016 the Funds common shares at net asset value (NAV) outperformed the JPC Blended Index, but underperformed the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index.
JPC invests at least 80% of its managed assets 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. The Fund is managed by two experienced portfolio teams with distinctive, complementary approaches to the preferred market. NAM employs a debt-oriented approach that combines top down relative value analysis of industry sectors with fundamental credit analysis. NWQs investment process identifies undervalued securities within a companys 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.
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Portfolio Managers Comments (continued)
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. The Funds portfolio is actively managed seeking to capitalize on strong and continuously improving credit fundamentals across our issuer base, coupled with arguably wide credit spreads (the difference between current yields on preferred securities and U.S. Treasury Bonds and other fixed income benchmarks) for the preferred security asset class. The Funds strategy focuses opportunistically on highly regulated industries, like utilities, banks and insurance companies, with a current emphasis broadly on financial services companies.
We employ a credit-based investment approach, using a top-down process to position the portfolio in a manner that reflects the investment teams overall macro-economic outlook, while also incorporating a bottom-up approach that focuses on 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 preferred securities. In an effort to capitalize on the inefficiencies between different investor bases within the preferred securities market, we tactically and strategically shift 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 or another 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.
We continually monitor developments across the domestic and international financial markets, but we do not anticipate materially changing the Funds relative positioning strategy in the near future. We feel that valuations on the $25 par retail side of the market have run rich versus the $1,000 par institutional side of the market. We will likely maintain an overweight to $1,000 par securities as a result of this relative value opportunity, and because of our desire to position defensively against rising interest rates. Indeed, we have been concerned about the potential impact of rising rates on preferred security valuations for several quarters now. Callable fixed rate coupon securities, like many preferred securities, contain an additional risk, also known as duration extension risk, which is not applicable to non-callable fixed income structures. Duration on callable fixed rate coupon securities tends to extend during periods of rising interest rates, exactly the time when investors benefit least from higher duration. Luckily, there are coupon structures within the preferred securities market, like floating rate coupons and fixed-to-variable rate coupons that do not expose investors to the aforementioned duration extension risk. Given our concern regarding the potential impact of rising interest rates on preferred security valuations, we favor fixed-to-variable rate coupon structures which, all else equal, provide a lower duration profile on day one, and almost no duration extension risk versus traditional fixed rate coupon structures. One final note, fixed-to-variable rate securities are more common on the $1,000 par side of the market, and thus another reason in addition to relative value considerations for our current, and foreseeable, overweight to $1,000 par securities relative to the JPC Blended Index.
As mentioned in previous reports, the population of new generation preferred securities, such as contingent capital securities (otherwise known as CoCos), have indeed become an increasingly meaningful presence within the preferred/hybrid security marketplace. We estimate the total CoCo universe today to be just over $400 billion in size, with total capacity over the next few years eventually totaling between $500 billion and $600 billion based upon the current size of international banks balance sheets. As a reminder, international bank capital standards outlined in Basel III require new Additional Tier 1 (AT1)-qualifying and Tier 2-qualifying securities to contain explicit loss absorbing features upon the breach of certain predetermined capital thresholds. These loss-absorbing features come in one of three structures, including equity conversion, permanent write-down of principle or temporary write-down of principle with the possibility of future write-up when/if the issuer is able to replenish capital levels back above the threshold trigger level. We have allocated modestly to this new universe of securities. In our opinion, we have focused on those issuers that have
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meaningful capital cushions above regulatory minimum capital levels. Focusing exposure on these better capitalized issuers helps minimize to a great extent the likelihood of a conversion event, or a skipped coupon payment. In addition to the seeking out those issuers with the larger capital cushions, we also favor those issuers that have, or have nearly, issued their full regulatory amount of AT1 securities, to reduce the impact that future new issue supply might have on secondary valuations.
With respect to the Funds allocation to lower investment grade and below investment grade securities, we continue to believe that these segments will, over the long term, provide a more compelling risk-adjusted return profile than higher rated preferred/hybrid securities. Lower rated securities are often overlooked by retail and institutional investors, and especially by investors with investment grade-only mandates. Until recently, below investment grade preferred securities typically were not index eligible, limiting the potential investor base and frequently creating opportunities for the Fund within this particular segment of the asset class. While lower rated preferred securities may exhibit periods of higher price volatility, we believe the return potential is disproportionately higher due to inefficiencies inherent in the segment. In addition, this lower rated segment of the asset class tends to exhibit lower interest rate sensitivity than higher rated security structures. As a result, this allocation also helps to express our desire to be positioned defensively against rising interest rates. Also, please note that preferred/hybrid securities are typically rated several notches below an issuers senior unsecured debt rating. Consequently, in most instances, a BB rated preferred/hybrid security has been issued by an entity with an investment grade senior unsecured credit rating of BBB or higher. From a fundamental perspective, we do not believe that below investment grade rated preferred securities exposes our investors to the same risks found in other below investment grade categories like traditional high yield bonds or senior loans.
There is another interesting note to consider regarding recent ratings trends across the preferred/hybrid market. Over the past few years, the rating agencies have revised their methodologies for preferred securities which have resulted in a broad drift lower in average ratings for the asset class. This is primarily driven by the fact that the rating agencies no longer place a high likelihood of government support for the preferred security investor during times of crisis. In our opinion, these same rating agencies have yet to fully recognize the tremendous improvement in bank balance sheets post financial crisis, nor have they acknowledged the lower risk profile of the bank business model under the monumental amount of new regulatory oversight. At some point, we do expect rating agencies to take these factors into consideration and eventually to rate bank-issued preferred securities higher than what we observe today.
As with any fixed income asset class, preferred securities are not immune from the impact of rising interest rates. We seek to minimize the impact of higher rates on the market value of the Funds portfolio by establishing a position in less interest rate sensitive securities, like fixed-to-variable rate and variable rate coupon structures. We also feel that rising interest rates are frequently the result of an improving macro-economic landscape and one where the current domestic economic recovery has likely gained meaningful traction. In this type of environment, risk premiums should shrink, reflecting the lower risk profile of the overall market. As a result, credit spreads should also narrow. We believe that credit spread compression in the preferred security asset class could help mitigate the negative impact of rising interest rates.
While our allocation to $1,000 par preferred securities was about equal to the JPC Blended Index as of July 31, 2016, on average during the reporting period the Fund was overweight these structures. Versus the previous JPC Blended Index, the benchmark for performance through January 31, 2016, we maintained a meaningful overweight to $1,000 par securities. The new JPC Blended Index had a larger allocation to $1,000 par securities and as of July 31, 2016, both the JPC sleeve managed by NAM and the new JPC Blended Index had a 68% allocation to that side of the market. The Funds overweight to $1,000 par structures detracted from relative performance. In this prolonged low interest rate environment, retail investors demand for income producing securities has grown dramatically. With the single-minded focus on income, retail investors continued to drive valuations on the $25 par side of the market to increasingly higher levels. Looking at the two sides of the market another way, valuations have run so high on the $25 par side of the market that there is now a large population of these securities trading at a negative yield-to-worst. Given that valuations between the two sides of the market have divided so dramatically, we do expect valuations to normalize in the near future.
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Portfolio Managers Comments (continued)
Our overweight in the $1,000 par side of the market was also heavily concentrated in fixed-to-variable rate coupon structures, which, all else being equal, have lower interest rate sensitivity and lower duration extension risk compared to preferred/hybrid securities with standard fixed rate coupons. Given our outlook for gradually rising interest rates, the fixed-to-variable rate structures were better aligned with our strategy versus traditional fixed rate coupon securities. However, as of July 31, 2016 the Fund had 0.6 year longer effective duration versus the new JPC Blended Index. Despite having roughly 10% more fixed-to-variable rate exposure versus the new Blended Index at the end of the reporting period, the allocation within the JPC sleeve managed by NAM compared to the new Blended Index indeed had more exposure to non-call 10-year structures versus non-call 5-year structures, the former having inherently more duration than the latter. Given that interest rates actually decreased during the reporting period, relative performance of the JPC sleeve managed by NAM benefitted at the margin from the slightly longer duration profile. In addition, the non-call 10-year structures have greater key rate duration exposure further out the curve versus non-call 5-year structures. As a result, the flattening of the slope between 5-year U.S. Treasuries and 10-year U.S. Treasuries during the reporting period also contributed to relative outperformance versus the new JPC Blended Index. Unfortunately, the relative performance between $1,000 par and $25 par was a much greater factor on relative performance and resulted in the JPC sleeve managed by NAM slightly underperforming its new Blended Index.
Finally, while the JPC sleeve managed by NAM was underweight to CoCos versus the new JPC Blended Index, the Fund was actually overweight CoCo securities during the first six months of the reporting period when compared to the old JPC Blended Index. The old JPC Blended Index had no exposure to CoCos, while the Fund had an approximate 15% allocation to that segment of the market during the reporting period. Unfortunately, during the first half of the reporting period, the CoCo market was affected by several negative headlines resulting in the BofA/Merrill Lynch Contingent Capital Index posting a -1.6% total return for the six-month reporting period starting July 31, 2015 and ending January 31, 2016. During the second half of the reporting period, and with the onset of the new JPC Blended Index with its 40% allocation to CoCos, the Fund naturally transitioned from being overweight to underweight CoCos on a relative basis. While being overweight CoCO securities during the first half of the reporting period detracted from performance, the relative underweight to CoCos during the second half of the reporting period benefitted relative performance. For the twelve-month reporting period, the relative impact from the initial underweight and latter overweight to CoCos ended-up being inconsequential to performance.
NWQ Investment Management Company
For the portion of the Fund managed by NWQ, we seek to achieve high income and a measure of capital appreciation. While the Funds 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 companys capital structure to determine the portfolio investment that may offer the most favorable risk-adjusted return potential. The Funds portfolio is constructed with an emphasis on seeking a sustainable level of income and an overall analysis for downside risk management.
Earlier in the reporting period, macroeconomic uncertainty driven by the economic trouble in emerging economies, falling commodity prices, along with uncertainty around the Feds hiking cycle all contributed to the significant volatility to both equity and credit markets. By the end of the reporting period however, riskier assets did recover. Common equity and high yield bonds generated total return of 5.38% as measured by the Russell 1000 ® Value Index and 4.92% for the BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index. Investment grade corporate bonds did better with a 9.39% return as measured by the BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Index. Best performing asset class was undoubtedly the preferred market, with a 10.51% return as measured by the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index.
Through security selection, we reduced our exposure to common stocks and increased our exposure to investment grade bonds as many stocks have reached our target prices while we saw more attractive opportunities in bonds issued by high quality companies. This move has helped us protect some downside risks when as we went through several
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periods of intense volatility during the reporting period. The Funds average credit quality stayed the same, with an overweight in the BBB-BB rated part of the credit spectrum. We increased duration as we invested in longer maturity investment grade bonds, which also helped us as rates declined during the reporting period.
During the reporting period, our preferred, investment grade bonds, equity and high yield holdings contributed to performance. Several sectors contributed to the Funds performance, in particular our holdings in the industrial sector. However, our banking sector holdings detracted from performance.
Several of our holdings performed well during the reporting period, including National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA) common stock. NSA is a self-storage real estate investment trust (REIT) that contributed to performance after posting strong results in its first year as a public company and closing its valuation discount versus other self-storage REITs. NSA has beaten and raised acquisition expectations and its stores continue to put up solid fundamental growth.
Also positively contributing to performance was Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. common stock. The company is a leading specialty finance company focused on providing senior secured venture growth loans to high growth, innovative venture capital-backed companies in a broadly diversified variety of technology, life sciences and sustainable and renewable technology industries. The stock performed well during the reporting period as the company announced solid earnings during the reporting period.
Lastly, MGM Growth Properties contributed to performance. This REIT consists of U.S. properties operated by MGM. The master lease with MGM has a 10-year term with extension options on all properties, with cross-default and corporate parent guarantee protections. The companys earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) growth is expected to be stable in the low- to mid-single digits. We believe its high quality assets, favorable master lease terms and attractive dividend yield that may offer better downside protection. However, we think the downside risks are its asset concentration (single tenant) and expected minimal external growth opportunities near-term. When we initiated the position at the companys IPO, we thought the incremental 150 basis point pick up in yield versus the outstanding MGM Growth Properties senior notes (which were trading at around 5% yield-to-maturity) offered an attractive risk-reward opportunity on the common stock. The stock rallied further during the second quarter of 2016 when the company announced its acquisition of the Borgata property from Boyd. This acquisition alleviated some of the companys downside risks because it provided MGM greater diversity outside Las Vegas and is incremental to MGMs rental income.
Detracting from performance was Seagate Technology, which designs, manufactures and markets hard disk drives for use in enterprise storage, servers, desktops, laptop computers, and other consumer electronic devices. It also has a growing solid state drive and storage systems portfolio. Recent weak demand within PC markets dragged the stock price lower as earnings were expected to be negatively affected by lower volumes. However, we believe negative sentiment has already been priced into the share price and the company has other catalysts, which include growth in the enterprise space, deferring operating expenditure plans and share buybacks, to offset recent weak stock performance. Gilead Sciences, Inc. common stock also detracted from performance. The stock came under pressure because of negative political and media coverage pertaining to drug pricing. Although we wouldnt completely dismiss the potential for price controls, we feel they are very unlikely. Much of the focus has been on off-patent drugs or newly acquired drugs that underwent significant price increases. Gilead has expensive drug therapies, but they are novel in their development and treat diseases that are life threatening. As fundamentals prevail and earnings are reported we believe investors may be rewarded with a stock trading at attractive multiples of projected earnings and free cash flows, a strong management team and catalysts for future growth. Lastly, the senior debt of Gibson Brands Inc. detracted from performance. Gibson underperformed as the companys entry into the consumer electronics business has experienced difficulties which have weighed on its financial performance. This was partially offset by strength in its guitar business.
We have always been cognizant of the risk of an interest rate rise when making investment decisions, therefore, we think the Fund has been positioned to moderate potential rate impact through investments in shorter duration preferred
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Portfolio Managers Comments (continued)
securities such as those with higher coupon or fix-to-float structure as well as increasing exposure to other asset classes through security selection. Higher interest rates would decrease the call risk of bond holdings and conversely lower rates would increase the call risk of bond holdings, all other factors remaining constant. Effective duration would increase as interest rates rise.
During the reporting period, the Fund wrote covered call options on common stocks to hedge equity exposure. These options had a positive impact on performance.
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 and since inception periods ended July 31, 2016. For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2016, the Funds shares at net asset value (NAV) underperformed the BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. All Capital Securities Index, the new JPI Blended Benchmark Index, the old JPI Blended Benchmark and the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate 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 Funds portfolio is actively managed seeking to capitalize on strong and continuously improving credit fundamentals across our issuer base, coupled with arguably wide credit spreads (the difference between current yields on preferred securities and U.S. Treasury Bonds and other fixed income benchmarks) for the preferred security asset class. The Funds strategy focuses opportunistically on highly regulated industries, like utilities, banks and insurance companies, with a current emphasis broadly on financial services companies.
We employ a credit-based investment approach, using a top-down process to position the portfolio in a manner that reflects the investment teams overall macro-economic outlook, while also incorporating a bottom-up approach that focuses on 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 preferred securities. In an effort to capitalize on the inefficiencies between different investor bases within the preferred securities market, we tactically and strategically shift 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 or another 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.
We continually monitor developments across the domestic and international financial markets, but we do not anticipate materially changing the Funds relative positioning strategy in the near future. We feel that valuations on the $25 par retail side of the market have run rich versus the $1,000 par institutional side of the market. We will likely maintain an overweight to $1,000 par securities as a result of this relative value opportunity, and because of our desire to position defensively against rising interest rates. Indeed, we have been concerned about the potential impact of rising rates on preferred security valuations for several quarters now. Callable fixed rate coupon securities, like many preferred securities, contain an additional risk, also known as duration extension risk, which is not applicable to non-callable fixed income structures. Duration on callable fixed rate coupon securities tends to extend during periods of rising interest rates, exactly the time when investors benefit least from higher duration. Luckily, there are coupon structures within the preferred securities market, like floating rate coupons and fixed-to-variable rate coupons that do not expose investors to the aforementioned duration extension risk. Given our concern regarding the potential impact of rising interest rates on preferred security valuations, we favor fixed-to-variable rate coupon structures which, all else equal, provide a lower duration profile on day one, and almost no duration extension risk versus traditional fixed rate coupon structures.
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Fixed-to-variable rate securities are more common on the $1,000 par side of the market, and thus another reason in addition to relative value considerations for our current, and foreseeable, overweight to $1,000 par securities relative to the JPI Blended Index.
As mentioned in previous reports, the population of new generation preferred securities, such as contingent capital securities (otherwise known as CoCos), have indeed become an increasingly meaningful presence within the preferred/hybrid security marketplace. We estimate the total CoCo universe today to be just over $400 billion in size, with total capacity over the next few years eventually totaling between $500 billion and $600 billion based upon the current size of international banks balance sheets. As a reminder, international bank capital standards outlined in Basel III require new Additional Tier 1 (AT1)-qualifying and Tier 2-qualifying securities to contain explicit loss absorbing features upon the breach of certain predetermined capital thresholds. These loss-absorbing features come in one of three structures, including equity conversion, permanent write-down of principle or temporary write-down of principle with the possibility of future write-up when/if the issuer is able to replenish capital levels back above the threshold trigger level. We have allocated modestly to this new universe of securities. In our opinion, we have focused on those issuers that have meaningful capital cushions above regulatory minimum capital levels. Focusing exposure on these better capitalized issuers helps minimize to a great extent the likelihood of a conversion event, or a skipped coupon payment. In addition to the seeking out those issuers with the larger capital cushions, we also favor those issuers that have, or have nearly, issued their full regulatory amount of AT1 securities, to reduce the impact that future new issue supply might have on secondary valuations.
With respect to the Funds allocation to lower investment grade and below investment grade securities, we continue to believe that these segments will, over the long term, provide a more compelling risk-adjusted return profile than higher rated preferred/hybrid securities. Lower rated securities are often overlooked by retail and institutional investors, and especially by investors with investment grade only mandates. Until recently, below investment grade preferred securities typically were not index eligible, limiting the potential investor base and frequently creating opportunities for the Fund within this particular segment of the asset class. While lower rated preferred securities may exhibit periods of higher price volatility, we believe the return potential is disproportionately higher due to inefficiencies inherent in the segment. In addition, this lower rated segment of the asset class tends to exhibit lower interest rate sensitivity than higher rated security structures. As a result, this allocation also helps to express our desire to be positioned defensively against rising interest rates. Also, please note that preferred/hybrid securities are typically rated several notches below an issuers senior unsecured debt rating. Consequently, in most instances, a BB rated preferred/hybrid security has been issued by an entity with an investment grade senior unsecured credit rating of BBB or higher. From a fundamental perspective, we do not believe that below investment grade rated preferred securities exposure our investors to the same risks found in other below investment grade categories like traditional high yield bonds or senior loans.
There is another interesting note to consider regarding recent ratings trends across the preferred/hybrid market. Over the past few years, the rating agencies have revised their methodologies for preferred securities which have resulted in a broad drift lower in average ratings for the asset class. This is primarily driven by the fact that the rating agencies no longer place a high likelihood of government support for the preferred security investor during times of crisis. In our opinion, these same rating agencies have yet to fully recognize the tremendous improvement in bank balance sheets post financial crisis, nor have they acknowledged the lower risk profile of the bank business model under the monumental amount of new regulatory oversight. At some point, we do expect rating agencies to take these factors into consideration and eventually to rate bank-issued preferred securities higher than what we observe today.
As with any fixed income asset class, preferred securities are not immune from the impact of rising interest rates. As mentioned above, we seek to minimize the impact of higher rates on the market value of the Funds portfolio by establishing a position in less interest rate sensitive securities, like fixed-to-variable rate and variable rate coupon structures. We also feel that rising interest rates are frequently the result of an improving macro-economic landscape, and one
NUVEEN | 13 |
Portfolio Managers Comments (continued)
where the current domestic economic recovery has likely gained meaningful traction. In this type of environment, risk premiums should shrink, reflecting the lower risk profile of the overall market. As a result, credit spreads should also narrow. We believe that credit spread compression in the preferred security asset class could help mitigate the negative impact of rising interest rates.
While our allocation to $1,000 par preferred securities was about equal to the JPI Blended Index as of July 31, 2016, on average during the reporting period the Fund was overweight these structures. Versus the previous JPI Blended Index, the benchmark for performance through January 31, 2016, we maintained a meaningful overweight to $1,000 par securities. The new JPI Blended Index had a larger allocation to $1,000 par securities and as of July 31, 2016, both JPI and the new JPI Blended Index had a 68% allocation to that side of the market. The Funds overweight to $1,000 par structures detracted from relative performance. In this prolonged low interest rate environment, retail investors demand for income producing securities has grown dramatically. With the single-minded focus on income, retail investors continued to drive valuations on the $25 par side of the market to increasingly higher levels. Looking at the two sides of the market another way, valuations have run so high on the $25 par side of the market that there is now a large population of these securities trading at a negative yield-to-worst. Given that valuations between the two sides of the market have bifurcated so dramatically, we do expect valuations to normalize in the near future.
Our overweight in the $1,000 par side of the market was also heavily concentrated in fixed-to-variable rate coupon structures, which, all else being equal, have lower interest rate sensitivity and lower duration extension risk compared to preferred/hybrid securities with standard fixed rate coupons. Given our outlook for gradually rising interest rates, the fixed-to-variable rate structures were better aligned with our strategy versus traditional fixed rate coupon securities. However, as of July 31, 2016 the Fund had 0.6 year longer effective duration versus the new JPI Blended Index. Despite having roughly 10% more fixed-to-variable rate exposure versus the new Blended Index at the end of the reporting period, JPIs allocation compared to the new JPI Blended Index indeed had more exposure to non-call 10-year structures versus non-call 5-year structures, the former having inherently more duration than the latter. Given that interest rates actually decreased during the reporting period, relative performance of JPI benefitted at the margin from the slightly longer duration profile. In addition, the non-call 10-year structures have greater key rate duration exposure further out the curve versus non-call 5-year structures. As a result, the flattening of the slope between 5-year U.S. Treasuries and 10-year U.S. Treasuries during the twelve-month reporting period also contributed to relative outperformance versus the new JPI Blended Index. Unfortunately, the relative performance between $1,000 par and $25 par was a much greater factor on relative performance and resulted in JPI slightly underperforming its new JPI Blended Index.
Finally, while JPI was underweight to CoCos versus the new JPI Blended Index, the Fund was actually overweight CoCo securities during the first six months of the reporting period when compared to the old JPI Blended Index. The old JPI Blended Index had no exposure to CoCos, while the Fund had an approximate 15% allocation to that segment of the market during the reporting period. Unfortunately, during the first half of the reporting period, the CoCo market was affected by several negative headlines resulting in the BofA/Merrill Lynch Contingent Capital Index posting a -1.6% total return for the six-month reporting period starting July 31, 2015 and ending January 31, 2016. During the second half of the reporting period, and with the onset of the new JPI Blended Index with its 40% allocation to CoCos, the Fund naturally transitioned from being overweight to underweight CoCos on a relative basis. While being overweight CoCO securities during the first half of the period detracted from performance, the relative underweight to CoCos during the second half of the period benefitted relative performance. For the twelve-month reporting period, the relative impact from the initial underweight and latter overweight to CoCos ended-up being inconsequential to performance.
Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (JPS) (formerly Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2)
The tables 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, 2016. For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2016 the Funds common shares at net asset value (NAV) outperformed the Barclays U.S.
14 | NUVEEN |
Aggregate Bond Index and the new JPS Blended Benchmark. The new JPS Blended Benchmark Index, which is a secondary benchmark, consists of 60% BofA/ Merrill Lynch All Capital Securities Index and 40% BofA/Merrill Lynch Contingent Capital Index.
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.
Our broad strategy during the reporting period was to reposition the Fund during and after its reorganization into higher yielding below investment grade preferred securities and more fixed-to-variable type coupon structures. We keep a risk-averse posture toward security structure and portfolio structure, which is an important core aspect of our efforts to preserve capital and provide attractive income relative to senior corporate credit. Extension risk, the risk that a securitys duration will lengthen, due to a decrease in prepayments caused by rising interest rates, is endemic to the $25 par sector. As a result, we reduced our concentrations in this sector from roughly 33% down to 20% by the end of the reporting period. We then repositioned the Fund into the fixed-to-variable capital securities sector. Overall, concentrations in below investment grade securities were increased from 10% to 32% and capital securities were increased from 63% to 79% with the objective of increasing the Funds potential for higher net earnings.
During the reporting period, the U.S. Fed raised its target funds rate by 25 basis points in December 2015. There was also a sharp correction in the S&P 500 ® Index during the January and February 2016 period. Deflation and slow growth has kept both the ECB and the Bank of Japan in accommodative positions. More recently the Bank of England has cut its key benchmark rate and has begun a quantitative easing program of its own on the heels of the UKs vote to leave the EU.
Despite the brief pause during the beginning of 2016, preferred securities performed well over the course of the reporting period. The positive total return has been aided by several factors, including the consistent decline in long-term U.S. Treasury rates, additional easy money from global central banks and constructive fundamental capital formation in the banking sector. Capital securities were the top performers for the reporting period, including General Electric Company 5% and QBE Cap Funding III Limited 7.25% being among the best. The main detractors were Catlin Insurance Company Limited 7.249% and Glen Meadows Pass Through Trust 6.505, which the market is pricing on its expectation that it will not be called when the call options become active next year but will likely switch to paying a floating rate coupon.
We positioned the Fund to play the intermediate part of the yield curve on average by moving more underweight the $25 par sector and overweight more intermediate $1,000 par sector. The Fund is positioned this way because we prefer to take more credit risk than duration risk. Additionally, we like the structural benefits of the contingent capital securities (CoCo) sector which has resettable intermediate fixed rate coupons. The CoCo sector received some good fundamental news through regulatory changes this summer whereby coupon payments should gain more certainty because the capital that EU member banks will be required to hold in order to pay the coupons was reduced. This change by the ECB gives the EU banks more cushion to absorb losses before a capital trigger can begin to limit the maximum distributable amounts. We increased the Funds concentrations in CoCo securities to approximately 30% during the reporting period in order to augment the potential for higher net earnings.
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (JPW)
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, 2016. For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2016, the Funds common shares at net asset value (NAV) outperformed the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
NUVEEN | 15 |
Portfolio Managers Comments (continued)
JPW invests at least 80% of its managed assets in income producing preferred, debt and equity securities issued by companies located anywhere in the world. Up to 50% of its managed assets may be in securities issued by non-U.S. companies, though all (100%) Fund assets will be in U.S. dollar-denominated securities. Up to 40% of its managed assets may consist of equity securities, not including preferred securities. Up to 75% of investments in debt and preferred securities that are of a type customarily rated by a credit rating agency, may be rated below investment grade, or if unrated, will be judged to be of comparable quality by NWQ. The Fund will invest at least 25% in securities issued by financial services companies.
The Funds investment objectives are to provide high current income and, secondarily, capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing in undervalued securities with attractive investment characteristics. The Funds portfolio is actively managed by NWQ and has 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 companys capital structure to determine the portfolio investment that may offer the most favorable risk-adjusted return potential. The Funds portfolio is constructed with an emphasis on seeking a sustainable level of income and an overall analysis for downside risk management.
Earlier in the reporting period, macroeconomic uncertainty driven by the economic trouble in emerging economies, falling commodity prices, along with uncertainty around the Feds hiking cycle all contributed to the significant volatility to both equity and credit markets. By the end of the reporting period however, riskier assets did recover. Common equity and high yield bonds generated a total return of 5.38% as measured by the Russell 1000 ® Value Index and 4.92% for the BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index. Investment grade corporate bonds did better with a 9.39% return as measured by the BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Index. The best performing asset class was the preferred market, with a 10.51% return as measured by the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index.
Through security selection, we reduced our exposure to common stocks and increased investment grade bonds as many stocks have reached our target prices while we saw more attractive opportunities in bonds issued by high quality companies. This move has helped us protect some downside risks when as we went through several periods of intense volatility during the reporting period. The Funds average credit quality stayed the same, with an overweight in the BBB-BB rated part of the spectrum. We increased duration as we invested in longer maturity investment grade bonds, which also helped us as rates declined during the reporting period.
During the reporting period, our preferred, investment grade bonds, equity and high yield holdings contributed to performance. Several sectors contributed to the Funds performance, in particular our holdings in the industrial sector. However, our banking sector holdings detracted from performance.
Several of our holdings performed well during the reporting period, including National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA) common stock. NSA is a self-storage real estate investment trust (REIT) that contributed to performance after posting strong results in its first year as a public company and closing its valuation discount versus other self-storage REITs. NSA has beaten and raised acquisition expectations, and its stores continue to put up solid fundamental growth.
Also positively contributing to performance was Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. common stock. The company is a leading specialty finance company focused on providing senior secured venture growth loans to high growth, innovative venture capital-backed companies in a broadly diversified variety of technology, life sciences and sustainable and renewable technology industries. The stock performed well during the reporting period as the company announced solid earnings during the reporting period.
Lastly, MGM Growth Properties contributed to performance. This REIT consists of U.S. properties operated by MGM. The master lease with MGM has a 10-year term with extension options on all properties, with cross-default and corporate parent guarantee protections. The companys earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) growth is expected to be stable in the low- to mid-single digits. We believe its high quality assets, favorable
16 | NUVEEN |
master lease terms and attractive dividend yield should offer better downside protection. However, we think the downside risks are its asset concentration (single tenant) and expected minimal external growth opportunities near-term, plus Las Vegas cyclicality. When we initiated the position at the companys IPO, we thought the incremental 150 basis point pick up in yield versus the outstanding MGM Growth Properties senior notes (which were trading at around 5% yield-to-maturity) offered an attractive risk-reward opportunity on the common stock. The stock rallied further during the second quarter of 2016 when the company announced its acquisition of the Borgata property from Boyd. This acquisition alleviated some of the companys downside risks because it provided MGM greater diversity outside Las Vegas and is incremental to MGMs rental income and accretes adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share without adding net leverage.
Positions that detracted from performance included Seagate Technology. The company designs, manufactures and markets hard disk drives for use in enterprise storage, servers, desktops, laptop computers and other consumer electronic devices. It also has a growing solid state drive and storage systems portfolio. Recent weak demand within PC markets dragged the stock price lower as earnings were expected to be negatively affected by lower volumes. However, we believe negative sentiment has already been priced into the share price and the company has other catalysts, which include growth in the enterprise space, deferring operating expenditure plans, and share buybacks, to offset recent weak stock performance.
Also detracting from performance was Gilead Sciences, Inc. common stock. The stock came under pressure because of negative political and media coverage pertaining to drug pricing. Although we wouldnt completely dismiss the potential for price controls, we feel they are unlikely. Also, most of the focus has been on off-patent drugs or newly acquired drugs that underwent significant price increases. Gilead certainly has expensive drug therapies, but they are novel in their development and treat diseases that are life threatening. As fundamentals prevail and earnings are reported we believe investors may be rewarded with a stock trading at attractive multiples of projected earnings and free cash flows, a strong management team and catalysts for future growth.
Lastly, CVR Partners LP holding detracted from performance. During the third quarter of 2015, the share price dropped sharply as the company reported a third quarter loss, no dividend and uncertainty about the merger between CVR Partners and Rentech Nitrogen. The stock rebounded but not enough to recover completely.
We have always been cognizant of the risk of an interest rate rise when making investment decisions, therefore, we think the Fund has been positioned to minimize potential rate impact through investments in shorter duration preferred securities such as those with higher coupon or fix-to-float structure as well as increasing exposure to other asset classes through security selection. Higher interest rates would decrease the call risk of bond holdings and conversely lower rates would increase the call risk of bond holdings, all other factors remaining constant. Effective duration would increase as interest rates rise.
During the reporting period, the Fund wrote covered call options on common stocks to hedge equity exposure. The options had a positive impact on performance.
NUVEEN | 17 |
Leverage
IMPACT OF THE FUNDS LEVERAGE STRATEGIES ON PERFORMANCE
One important factor impacting the returns of the Funds relative to their benchmarks was the Funds use of leverage through the use of bank borrowings. The Funds use leverage because our research has shown that, over time, leveraging provides opportunities for additional income and total return for common shareholders. However, use of leverage also can expose common shareholders to additional volatility. For example, as the prices of securities held by a Fund decline, the negative impact of these valuation changes on common share NAV and common shareholder total return is magnified by the use of leverage. Conversely, leverage may enhance common share returns during periods when the prices of securities held by a Fund generally are rising. The Funds use of leverage had a positive impact on performance during this reporting period.
JPC, JPI and JPS continued to use swap contracts to partially fix the interest cost of leverage, which as mentioned previously, is through the use of bank borrowings. During this reporting period, these swap contracts detracted from overall Fund performance.
As of July 31, 2016, the Funds percentages of leverage are shown in the accompanying table.
JPC | JPI | JPS | JPW | |||||||||||||
Effective Leverage* |
28.36 | % | 28.67 | % | 32.41 | % | 28.18 | % | ||||||||
Regulatory Leverage* |
28.36 | % | 28.67 | % | 32.41 | % | 28.18 | % |
* | Effective leverage is the Funds effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage and the leverage effects of certain derivative and other investments in a Funds portfolio that increase the Funds investment exposure. Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued or borrowings of the Fund. Both of these are part of the Funds capital structure. Regulatory leverage is subject to asset coverage limits set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940. |
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, 2015 | Draws | Paydowns | July 31, 2016 |
Average Balance
Outstanding |
Draws | Paydowns | September 28, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
JPC |
$ | 404,100,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | 404,100,000 | $ | 404,100,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | 404,100,000 | ||||||||||||||||
JPI |
$ | 225,000,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | 225,000,000 | $ | 225,000,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | 225,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
JPS |
$ | 465,800,000 | $ | 479,200,000 | $ | | $ | 945,000,000 | $ | 552,326,776 | $ | | $ | 150,000,000 | $ | 795,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
JPW |
$ | 30,000,000 | $ | 2,500,000 | $ | (5,500,000 | ) | $ | 27,000,000 | $ | 26,575,137 | $ | | $ | | $ | 27,000,000 |
Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 Borrowing Arrangements for further details.
Reverse Repurchase Agreement
Subsequent to the current fiscal period, JPS entered into a $150,000,000 reverse repurchase agreement as a means of leverage. In conjunction with receipt of the $150,000,000, the Fund paid down $150,000,000 of its outstanding Borrowings.
18 | NUVEEN |
Information
JPC, JPI AND JPS COMMON SHARE DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
The following information regarding JPCs, JPIs and JPSs distributions is as of July 31, 2016. Each Funds distribution
levels may vary over time based on each Funds investment activity and portfolio investment value changes.
During the current reporting period, each Funds distributions to common shareholders were as shown in the accompanying table.
Per Common Share Amounts | ||||||||||||
Monthly Distributions (Ex-Dividend Date) | JPC | JPI | JPS | |||||||||
August 2015 |
$ | 0.0670 | $ | 0.1625 | $ | 0.0580 | ||||||
September |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
October |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
November |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
December |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
January |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
February |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
March |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
April |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
May* |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0580 | |||||||||
June |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0590 | |||||||||
July 2016 |
0.0670 | 0.1625 | 0.0620 | |||||||||
Total Monthly Per Share Distributions |
$ | 0.8040 | $ | 1.9500 | $ | 0.7010 | ||||||
Ordinary Income Distribution** |
$ | | $ | 0.0026 | $ | | ||||||
Total Distributions from Net Investment Income |
$ | 0.8040 | $ | 1.9526 | $ | 0.7010 | ||||||
Total Distributions from Long-Term Capital Gains** |
$ | | $ | 0.1824 | $ | | ||||||
Total Distributions |
$ | 0.8040 | $ | 2.1350 | $ | 0.7010 | ||||||
Current Distribution Rate*** |
7.71 | % | 7.93 | % | 7.73 | % |
* | In connection with JPS's reorganization, the Fund declared a dividend of $0.0457 per common share with an ex-dividend date of May 17, 2016, payable on June 1, 2016 and a dividend of $0.0123 per common share with an ex-dividend date of May 4, 2016, payable on June 1, 2016. |
** | Distributions paid in December 2015. |
*** | Current distribution rate is based on the Funds current annualized monthly distribution divided by the Funds current market price. The Funds 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 Funds cumulative net ordinary income and net realized gains are less than the amount of the Funds distributions, a return of capital for tax purposes. |
JPC, JPI and JPS seek to pay regular monthly dividends out of their net investment income at a rate that reflects their 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 Funds 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 Funds net asset value. Each Fund will, over time, pay all its net investment income as dividends to shareholders.
As of July 31, 2016, JPC, JPI and JPS had positive UNII balances for tax purposes. JPC and JPI had negative UNII balances while JPS had a positive UNII balance for financial reporting purposes.
NUVEEN | 19 |
Common Share Information (continued)
All monthly dividends paid by JPC, JPI and JPS during the current reporting period, were paid from net investment income. If a portion of the Funds monthly distributions were sourced from or comprised of elements other than net investment income, including capital gains and/or a return of capital, shareholders would have received a notice to that effect. For financial reporting purposes, the composition and per share amounts of each Funds dividends for the reporting period are presented in this reports 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.
JPW DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
The following information regarding JPWs distributions is current as of July 31, 2016, the Funds fiscal and tax year end, and may differ from previously issued distribution notifications.
The Fund has a cash flow-based distribution program. Under this program, the Fund seeks to maintain an attractive and stable regular distribution based on the Funds net cash flow received from its portfolio investments. Fund distributions are not intended to include expected portfolio appreciation; however, the Fund invests in securities that make payments which ultimately may be fully or partially treated as gains or return of capital for tax purposes. This tax treatment will generally flow through to the Funds distributions, but the specific tax treatment is often not known with certainty until after the end of the Funds tax year. As a result, regular distributions throughout the year are likely to be re-characterized for tax purposes as either long-term gains (both realized and unrealized), or as a non-taxable return of capital.
The figures in the table below provide the sources (for tax purposes) of the Funds distributions as of July 31, 2016. These sources include amounts attributable to realized gains and/or returns of capital. The information shown below is for the distributions paid on common shares for all prior months in the current fiscal year. These amounts should not be used for tax reporting purposes, and the distribution sources may differ for financial reporting than for tax reporting. The final determination of the tax characteristics of all distributions paid in 2016 will be made in early 2017 and reported to you on Form 1099-DIV. More details about the tax characteristics of the Funds distributions are available on www.nuveen.com/CEFdistributions .
Data as of July 31, 2016
Fiscal YTD
Percentage of Distributions |
Fiscal YTD
Per Share Amounts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
Investment Income |
Realized
Gains |
Return of
Capital |
Total
Distributions |
Net
Investment Income |
Realized
Gains |
Return of
Capital |
||||||||||||||||||||
85.9% | 0.0% | 14.1% | $1.4140 | $1.2150 | $0.0000 | $0.1990 |
The following table provides information regarding Fund distributions and total return performance over various time periods. This information is intended to help you better understand whether Fund returns for the specified time periods were sufficient to meet Fund distributions.
Data as of July 31, 2016
Annualized | Cumulative | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inception
Date |
Latest
Monthly Per Share Distribution |
Current
Distribution on NAV |
1-Year
Return on NAV |
Since Inception
Return on NAV |
Calendar YTD
Distributions on NAV |
Calendar
YTD Return on NAV |
||||||||||||||||||||
6/25/2013 | $0.1130 | 7.29% | 8.49% | 7.91% | 4.38% | 13.50% |
20 | NUVEEN |
COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES
During August 2016 (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, 2016, 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 | JPW | |||||||||||||
Common shares cumulatively repurchased and retired |
2,826,100 | 0 | 0 | 6,500 | ||||||||||||
Common shares authorized for repurchase |
9,690,000 | 2,275,000 | 12,040,000 | 370,000 |
During the current reporting period, the following Fund repurchased and retired its common shares at a weighted average price per common share and a weighted average discount per common share as shown in the accompanying table.
JPW | ||||
Common shares repurchased and retired |
6,500 | |||
Weighted average price per common share repurchased and retired |
$14.28 | |||
Weighted average discount per common share repurchased and retired |
15.28 | % |
OTHER COMMON SHARE INFORMATION
As of July 31, 2016, 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 | JPW | |||||||||||||
Common share NAV |
$10.53 | $24.60 | $9.67 | $18.61 | ||||||||||||
Common share price |
$10.43 | $24.59 | $9.63 | $16.78 | ||||||||||||
Premium/(Discount) to NAV |
(0.95 | )% | (0.04 | )% | (0.41 | )% | (9.83 | )% | ||||||||
12-month average premium/(discount) to NAV |
(6.91 | )% | (3.97 | )% | (3.84 | )% | (12.73 | )% |
NUVEEN | 21 |
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 Funds 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 companys 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 Funds potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a funds 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 companys common stock. These and other risk considerations such as concentration and foreign securities risk are described in more detail on the Funds 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 Funds 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 companys 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 Funds potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a funds 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 companys common stock. For these and other risks, including the Funds limited term and concentration risk, see the Funds web page at www.nuveen.com/JPI.
Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (JPS) (formerly Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2)
Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Funds 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 companys 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 Funds potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a Funds 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 companys common stock. These and other risks such as concentration and foreign securities risk are described in more detail on the Funds web page at www.nuveen.com/JPS.
22 | NUVEEN |
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (JPW)
Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Funds 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 companys 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. Prices of equity securities may decline significantly over short or extended periods of time. Leverage increases return volatility and magnifies the Funds potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a funds 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 companys common stock. For these and other risks such as concentration and foreign securities risk, please see the Funds web page at www.nuveen.com/JPW.
NUVEEN | 23 |
JPC
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2016
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, 2016
Average Annual | ||||||||||||
1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | ||||||||||
JPC at Common Share NAV | 9.01% | 9.92% | 5.73% | |||||||||
JPC at Common Share Price | 23.47% | 13.24% | 7.39% | |||||||||
JPC Blended Index (Comparative Benchmark) | 3.51% | 7.06% | 5.71% | |||||||||
BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index | 10.51% | 7.67% | 3.78% |
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 Funds shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.
Common Share Price Performance Weekly Closing Price
24 | NUVEEN |
This data relates to the securities held in the Funds 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 & Poors Group, Moodys 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, while BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below-investment grade ratings. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.
Fund Allocation
(% of net assets)
Common Stocks | 5.1% | |||
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred | 60.8% | |||
Convertible Preferred Securities | 1.6% | |||
Corporate Bonds | 12.4% | |||
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred | 59.3% | |||
Repurchase Agreements | 0.6% | |||
Other Assets Less Liabilities | (0.2)% | |||
Net Assets Plus Borrowings |
139.6% | |||
Borrowings | (39.6)% | |||
Net Assets |
100% |
Portfolio Composition
(% of total investments) 1
Banks | 31.0% | |||
Insurance | 19.9% | |||
Capital Markets | 9.6% | |||
Real Estate Investment Trust | 8.8% | |||
Food Products | 5.0% | |||
Diversified Financial Services | 4.3% | |||
Industrial Conglomerates | 3.5% | |||
Other | 17.5% | |||
Repurchase Agreements | 0.4% | |||
Total |
100% |
Country Allocation
(% of total investments) 1
United States | 81.1% | |||
United Kingdom | 6.2% | |||
France | 2.8% | |||
Australia | 1.8% | |||
Switzerland | 1.8% | |||
Other | 6.3% | |||
Total |
100% |
Top Five Issuers
(% of total long-term investments) 1
Citigroup Inc. | 3.6% | |||
General Electric Company | 3.0% | |||
Wells Fargo & Company | 2.7% | |||
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank | 2.6% | |||
JPMorgan Chase & Company | 2.6% |
Credit Quality
(% of total long-term fixed-income investments)
AA | 3.0% | |||
A | 1.9% | |||
BBB | 44.5% | |||
BB or Lower | 34.3% | |||
N/R (not rated) | 16.3% | |||
Total |
100% |
1 | Excluding investments in derivatives. |
NUVEEN | 25 |
JPI
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund
Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2016
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, 2016
Average Annual | ||||||||
1-Year |
Since
Inception |
|||||||
JPI at Common Share NAV | 7.96% | 9.67% | ||||||
JPI at Common Share Price | 20.97% | 8.96% | ||||||
BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. All Capital Securities Index | 8.11% | 8.54% | ||||||
BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index | 10.51% | 6.96% | ||||||
Blended Benchmark (New Comparative Index) | 8.73% | 6.77% | ||||||
Blended Benchmark (Old Comparative Index) | 9.70% | 7.00% |
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 Funds shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.
Common Share Price Performance Weekly Closing Price
26 | NUVEEN |
This data relates to the securities held in the Funds 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 & Poors Group, Moodys 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, while BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below-investment grade ratings. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.
Fund Allocation
(% of net assets)
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred | 44.7% | |||
Corporate Bonds | 10.9% | |||
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred | 84.0% | |||
Other Assets Less Liabilities | 0.6% | |||
Net Assets Plus Borrowings |
140.2% | |||
Borrowings | (40.2)% | |||
Net Assets |
100% |
Portfolio Composition
(% of total investments) 1
Banks | 38.3% | |||
Insurance | 24.9% | |||
Capital Markets | 9.2% | |||
Diversified Financial Services | 6.5% | |||
Food Products | 4.4% | |||
Other | 16.7% | |||
Total |
100% |
Country Allocation
(% of total investments) 1
United States | 69.3% | |||
United Kingdom | 9.8% | |||
France | 5.4% | |||
Switzerland | 3.5% | |||
Australia | 3.5% | |||
Other | 8.5% | |||
Total |
100% |
Top Five Issuers
(% of total long-term investments) 1
Citigroup Inc. | 3.8% | |||
Farm Credit Bank of Texas | 3.6% | |||
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank | 3.4% | |||
General Electric Company | 3.3% | |||
Morgan Stanley | 3.1% |
Credit Quality
(% of total long-term investments) 1
AA | 3.3% | |||
A | 2.9% | |||
BBB | 50.6% | |||
BB or Lower | 39.0% | |||
N/R (not rated) | 4.2% | |||
Total |
100% |
1 | Excluding investments in derivatives. |
NUVEEN | 27 |
JPS
Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund
(formerly known as Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2)
Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2016
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, 2016
Average Annual | ||||||||||||
1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | ||||||||||
JPS at Common Share NAV | 6.77% | 9.63% | 4.61% | |||||||||
JPS at Common Share Price | 14.48% | 11.86% | 4.92% | |||||||||
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | 5.94% | 3.57% | 5.06% | |||||||||
Blended Benchmark (New Comparative Index) | 6.31% | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Blended Benchmark (Old Comparative Index) | 8.32% | 7.86% | 5.32% |
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 Funds shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.
Common Share Price Performance Weekly Closing Price
28 | NUVEEN |
This data relates to the securities held in the Funds 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 & Poors Group, Moodys 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, while BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.
Fund Allocation
(% of net assets)
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred | 30.7% | |||
Convertible Preferred Securities | 0.7% | |||
Corporate Bonds | 8.3% | |||
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred | 102.8% | |||
Investment Companies | 1.3% | |||
Repurchase Agreements | 4.3% | |||
Other Assets Less Liabilities | (0.2)% | |||
Net Assets Plus Borrowings |
147.9% | |||
Borrowings | (47.9)% | |||
Net Assets |
100% |
Portfolio Composition
(% of total investments) 1
Banks | 49.3% | |||
Insurance | 20.5% | |||
Capital Markets | 8.0% | |||
Other | 18.4% | |||
Investment Companies | 0.9% | |||
Repurchase Agreements | 2.9% | |||
Total |
100% |
Country Allocation
(% of total investments) 1
United States | 55.4% | |||
United Kingdom | 15.8% | |||
France | 7.3% | |||
Switzerland | 5.4% | |||
Netherlands | 5.2% | |||
Other | 10.9% | |||
Total |
100% |
Top Five Issuers
(% of total long-term investments) 1
General Electric Company | 3.4% | |||
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC | 3.2% | |||
Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 3.0% | |||
Citigroup Inc. | 3.0% | |||
UBS Group AG | 2.9% |
Credit Quality
(% of total long-term fixed-income investments)
AA | 3.4% | |||
A | 4.0% | |||
BBB | 60.7% | |||
BB or Lower | 31.9% | |||
Total |
100% |
1 | Excluding investments in derivatives. |
NUVEEN | 29 |
JPW
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund
Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2016
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, 2016
Average Annual | ||||||||
1-Year |
Since
Inception |
|||||||
JPW at Common Share NAV | 8.49% | 7.91% | ||||||
JPW at Common Share Price | 12.89% | 3.91% | ||||||
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | 5.94% | 4.40% | ||||||
BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index | 10.51% | 8.90% |
Since inception returns are from 6/25/13. 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 Funds shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.
Common Share Price Performance Weekly Closing Price
30 | NUVEEN |
This data relates to the securities held in the Funds 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 & Poors Group, Moodys 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, while BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below-investment grade ratings. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.
Fund Allocation
(% of net assets)
Common Stocks | 21.8% | |||
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred | 34.0% | |||
Convertible Preferred Securities | 4.5% | |||
Corporate Bonds | 64.4% | |||
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred | 11.7% | |||
Common Stock Rights | 1.6% | |||
Repurchase Agreements | 0.4% | |||
Other Assets Less Liabilities | 0.8% | |||
Net Assets Plus Borrowings |
139.2% | |||
Borrowings | (39.2)% | |||
Net Assets |
100% |
Portfolio Composition
(% of total investments) 1
Banks | 11.8% | |||
Real Estate Investment Trust | 10.4% | |||
Diversified Telecommunication Services | 6.6% | |||
Capital Markets | 6.1% | |||
Wireless Telecommunication Services | 4.7% | |||
Insurance | 4.4% | |||
Food Products | 4.3% | |||
Machinery | 4.1% | |||
Pharmaceuticals | 3.9% | |||
Consumer Finance | 3.7% | |||
Chemicals | 3.6% | |||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals | 3.3% | |||
Media | 3.0% | |||
Specialty Retail | 3.0% | |||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 2.6% | |||
Commercial Services & Supplies | 2.5% | |||
Industrial Conglomerates | 2.4% | |||
Other | 19.3% | |||
Repurchase Agreements | 0.3% | |||
Total |
100% |
Credit Quality
(% of total long-term fixed-income investments)
A | 2.5% | |||
BBB | 19.5% | |||
BB or Lower | 47.6% | |||
N/R (not rated) | 30.4% | |||
Total |
100% |
Top Five Issuers
(% of total long-term investments) 1
Frontier Communications Corporation | 3.5% | |||
Viacom Inc. | 2.3% | |||
CHS Inc. | 2.0% | |||
L Brands, Inc. | 2.0% | |||
Dish DBS Corporation | 2.0% |
Country Allocation
(% of total investments) 1
United States | 87.3% | |||
United Kingdom | 3.5% | |||
Canada | 2.9% | |||
Belgium | 1.4% | |||
Germany | 1.3% | |||
Other | 3.6% | |||
Total |
100% |
1 | Excluding investments in derivatives. |
NUVEEN | 31 |
Meeting Report
The annual meeting of shareholders was held in the offices of Nuveen Investments on January 19, 2016 for JTP, JPS and JHP; at this meeting the shareholders were asked to vote to approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, to approve Issuance of Additional Shares and to elect Board Members. The meeting was subsequently adjourned to February 19, 2016 and additionally adjourned to March 22, 2016.
The annual meeting of shareholders was held in the offices of Nuveen Investments on April 22, 2016 for JPC, JPI and JPW; at this meeting the shareholders were asked to elect Board Members.
JPC | JPI | JPW | JPS | JTP | JHP | |||||||||||||||||||
Common
Shares |
Common
Shares |
Common
Shares |
Common
Shares |
Common
Shares |
Common
Shares |
|||||||||||||||||||
To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
For |
| | | | 32,820,534 | 12,544,496 | ||||||||||||||||||
Against |
| | | | 2,295,973 | 762,105 | ||||||||||||||||||
Abstain |
| | | | 1,298,597 | 420,622 | ||||||||||||||||||
BNV |
| | | | 24,588,402 | 8,511,085 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
| | | | 61,003,506 | 22,238,308 | ||||||||||||||||||
To approve the issuance of additional common shares in connection with each Reorganization. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
For |
| | | 56,731,586 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Against |
| | 4,584,231 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Abstain |
| | | 2,384,090 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
| | | 63,699,907 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Approval of the Board Members was reached as follows: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
William C. Hunter |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
For |
80,290,626 | 19,229,027 | 3,053,388 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Withhold |
2,004,098 | 384,247 | 135,933 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
82,294,724 | 19,613,274 | 3,189,321 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Judith M. Stockdale |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
For |
80,034,232 | 19,190,176 | 3,019,380 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Withhold |
2,260,492 | 423,098 | 169,941 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
82,294,724 | 19,613,274 | 3,189,321 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Carole E. Stone |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
For |
80,180,617 | 19,182,751 | 3,011,588 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Withhold |
2,114,107 | 430,523 | 177,733 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
82,294,724 | 19,613,274 | 3,189,321 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Margaret L. Wolff |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
For |
80,205,874 | 19,197,243 | 3,019,124 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Withhold |
2,088,850 | 416,031 | 170,197 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
82,294,724 | 19,613,274 | 3,189,321 | | | |
32 | NUVEEN |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund
Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (formerly known as Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2)
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund:
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 Securities Income Fund and Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (the Funds) as of July 31, 2016, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended and the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended. The financial highlights for the periods presented through July 31, 2014, were audited by other auditors whose report dated September 25, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights. 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 conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2016, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of July 31, 2016, the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended and the changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
September 28, 2016
NUVEEN | 33 |
JPC
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund |
||
July 31, 2016 |
Shares | Description (1) | Value | ||||||||||||||||||
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 139.2% (99.6% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
COMMON STOCKS 5.1% (3.6% of Total Investments) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Air Freight & Logistics 0.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
15,600 |
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B |
$ | 1,686,360 | |||||||||||||||||
Banks 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
97,900 |
CIT Group Inc. |
3,383,424 | ||||||||||||||||||
Biotechnology 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
39,600 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. |
3,147,012 | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 0.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
119,035 |
Ares Capital Corporation |
1,802,190 | ||||||||||||||||||
151,368 |
Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. |
2,007,140 | ||||||||||||||||||
101,032 |
TPG Specialty Lending, Inc. |
1,773,112 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Capital Markets |
5,582,442 | |||||||||||||||||||
Industrial Conglomerates 0.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
136,300 |
Philips Electronics |
3,620,128 | ||||||||||||||||||
41,200 |
Siemens AG, Sponsored ADR, (2) |
4,471,930 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Industrial Conglomerates |
8,092,058 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance 0.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
55,900 |
Unum Group |
1,867,619 | ||||||||||||||||||
Media 0.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
106,355 |
National CineMedia, Inc., (3) |
1,657,011 | ||||||||||||||||||
46,435 |
Viacom Inc., Class B, (3) |
2,111,399 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Media |
3,768,410 | |||||||||||||||||||
Multiline Retail 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
83,300 |
Nordstrom, Inc. |
3,684,359 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pharmaceuticals 1.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||
138,800 |
AstraZeneca PLC, Sponsored ADR |
4,738,632 | ||||||||||||||||||
121,200 |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Sponsored ADR |
5,462,484 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Pharmaceuticals |
10,201,116 | |||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust 0.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
40,000 |
Apartment Investment & Management Company, Class A |
1,838,800 | ||||||||||||||||||
106,500 |
MGM Growth Properties LLC, Class A |
2,887,215 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Real Estate Investment Trust |
4,726,015 | |||||||||||||||||||
Software 0.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
42,000 |
Oracle Corporation |
1,723,680 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tobacco 0.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
187,015 |
Vector Group Ltd., (3) |
4,131,161 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Common Stocks (cost $50,527,720) |
51,993,656 |
34 | NUVEEN |
Shares | Description (1) | Coupon | Ratings (4) | Value | ||||||||||||||||
$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED 60.8% (43.5% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Banks 14.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
128,500 |
AgriBank FCB, (2) |
6.875% | BBB+ | $ | 13,873,990 | |||||||||||||||
15,202 |
Boston Private Financial Holdings Inc. |
6.950% | N/R | 403,614 | ||||||||||||||||
148,007 |
Citigroup Inc. |
8.125% | BB+ | 4,221,160 | ||||||||||||||||
445,498 |
Citigroup Inc. |
7.125% | BB+ | 13,400,580 | ||||||||||||||||
53,769 |
Citigroup Inc. |
6.875% | BB+ | 1,600,703 | ||||||||||||||||
172,975 |
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2) |
6.250% | BBB+ | 17,902,913 | ||||||||||||||||
63,055 |
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2) |
6.200% | BBB+ | 6,433,584 | ||||||||||||||||
38,725 |
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2) |
6.125% | BBB+ | 3,755,117 | ||||||||||||||||
219,725 |
Countrywide Capital Trust III |
7.000% | BBB | 5,594,199 | ||||||||||||||||
128,220 |
Cowen Group, Inc. |
8.250% | N/R | 3,385,008 | ||||||||||||||||
152,903 |
Fifth Third Bancorp. |
6.625% | Baa3 | 4,741,522 | ||||||||||||||||
117,760 |
First Naigara Finance Group |
8.625% | Baa3 | 3,048,806 | ||||||||||||||||
123,900 |
FNB Corporation |
7.250% | Ba2 | 4,029,228 | ||||||||||||||||
138,932 |
HSBC Holdings PLC |
8.000% | Baa1 | 3,727,546 | ||||||||||||||||
414,200 |
Huntington BancShares Inc. |
6.250% | Baa3 | 11,477,482 | ||||||||||||||||
46,421 |
PNC Financial Services |
6.125% | Baa2 | 1,407,485 | ||||||||||||||||
260,212 |
Private Bancorp Incorporated |
7.125% | N/R | 6,825,361 | ||||||||||||||||
79,430 |
Regions Financial Corporation |
6.375% | BB | 2,138,256 | ||||||||||||||||
449,744 |
Regions Financial Corporation |
6.375% | BB | 13,015,591 | ||||||||||||||||
133,300 |
TCF Financial Corporation |
7.500% | BB | 3,547,113 | ||||||||||||||||
132,000 |
U.S. Bancorp. |
6.500% | A3 | 4,048,440 | ||||||||||||||||
216,373 |
Webster Financial Corporation |
6.400% | Baa3 | 5,729,557 | ||||||||||||||||
107,000 |
Wells Fargo REIT |
6.375% | BBB+ | 2,975,670 | ||||||||||||||||
66,775 |
Western Alliance Bancorp. |
6.250% | N/R | 1,708,772 | ||||||||||||||||
187,983 |
Zions Bancorporation |
7.900% | BB | 5,073,661 | ||||||||||||||||
43,293 |
Zions Bancorporation |
6.300% | BB | 1,324,333 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Banks |
145,389,691 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 8.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
130,200 |
Apollo Investment Corporation |
6.875% | BBB | 3,503,682 | ||||||||||||||||
112,775 |
Apollo Investment Corporation |
6.625% | BBB | 2,943,428 | ||||||||||||||||
187,440 |
Capitala Finance Corporation |
7.125% | N/R | 4,777,846 | ||||||||||||||||
133,500 |
Charles Schwab Corporation |
6.000% | BBB | 3,723,315 | ||||||||||||||||
74,047 |
Charles Schwab Corporation |
5.950% | BBB | 2,035,552 | ||||||||||||||||
120,805 |
Fifth Street Finance Corporation |
6.125% | BBB | 3,087,776 | ||||||||||||||||
17,350 |
Gladstone Capital Corporation |
6.750% | N/R | 440,517 | ||||||||||||||||
43,089 |
Gladstone Investment Corporation |
7.125% | N/R | 1,114,712 | ||||||||||||||||
89,100 |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
5.500% | Ba1 | 2,411,937 | ||||||||||||||||
65,013 |
Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated |
7.000% | BBB | 1,655,881 | ||||||||||||||||
56,207 |
Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated |
7.000% | BBB | 1,428,220 | ||||||||||||||||
163,458 |
Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated |
6.250% | BBB | 4,246,639 | ||||||||||||||||
284,951 |
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. |
8.000% | N/R | 7,009,795 | ||||||||||||||||
726,900 |
Morgan Stanley |
7.125% | Ba1 | 21,923,304 | ||||||||||||||||
219,900 |
Morgan Stanley |
6.875% | Ba1 | 6,487,050 | ||||||||||||||||
67,500 |
Northern Trust Corporation |
5.850% | BBB+ | 1,865,700 | ||||||||||||||||
261,622 |
Solar Capital Limited |
6.750% | BBB | 6,619,037 | ||||||||||||||||
51,445 |
State Street Corporation |
5.350% | Baa1 | 1,423,483 | ||||||||||||||||
74,800 |
Stifel Financial Corporation |
6.250% | BB | 1,970,232 | ||||||||||||||||
139,645 |
Triangle Capital Corporation |
6.375% | N/R | 3,595,859 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Capital Markets |
82,263,965 | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer Finance 2.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
272,000 |
Discover Financial Services |
6.500% | BB | 7,251,520 | ||||||||||||||||
409,024 |
GMAC Capital Trust I |
8.125% | B+ | 10,397,390 | ||||||||||||||||
90,659 |
SLM Corporation, Series A |
6.970% | Ba3 | 4,532,950 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Consumer Finance |
22,181,860 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services 1.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||
30,291 |
KKR Financial Holdings LLC |
7.500% | A | 799,682 | ||||||||||||||||
322,399 |
KKR Financial Holdings LLC |
7.375% | BBB | 8,482,318 |
NUVEEN | 35 |
JPC | Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
Shares | Description (1) | Coupon | Ratings (4) | Value | ||||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services (continued) | ||||||||||||||||||||
141,562 |
Main Street Capital Corporation |
6.125% | N/R | $ | 3,683,443 | |||||||||||||||
125,300 |
PennantPark Investment Corporation |
6.250% | BBB | 3,152,548 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Diversified Financial Services |
16,117,991 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 1.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
135,165 |
Qwest Corporation |
7.000% | BBB | 3,531,861 | ||||||||||||||||
178,815 |
Qwest Corporation |
6.875% | BBB | 4,777,937 | ||||||||||||||||
70,600 |
Qwest Corporation |
6.625% | BBB | 1,844,778 | ||||||||||||||||
53,900 |
Verizon Communications Inc. |
5.900% | A | 1,499,498 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Diversified Telecommunication Services |
11,654,074 | |||||||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
136,900 |
Entergy Arkansas Inc., (2) |
6.450% | Baa3 | 3,439,613 | ||||||||||||||||
Food Products 3.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
249,300 |
CHS Inc. |
7.875% | N/R | 7,586,199 | ||||||||||||||||
428,392 |
CHS Inc. |
7.100% | N/R | 12,988,845 | ||||||||||||||||
444,804 |
CHS Inc., (5) |
6.750% | N/R | 13,010,517 | ||||||||||||||||
23,000 |
Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (2) |
7.875% | Baa3 | 2,438,000 | ||||||||||||||||
19,500 |
Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (2) |
7.875% | Baa3 | 2,028,610 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Food Products |
38,052,171 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance 12.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
45,878 |
Aegon N.V |
8.000% | Baa1 | 1,249,258 | ||||||||||||||||
392,846 |
Arch Capital Group Limited |
6.750% | BBB+ | 10,822,907 | ||||||||||||||||
302,283 |
Argo Group US Inc. |
6.500% | BBB | 7,974,226 | ||||||||||||||||
126,452 |
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited |
7.250% | BBB | 3,349,713 | ||||||||||||||||
408,600 |
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited |
5.950% | BBB | 11,824,884 | ||||||||||||||||
403,874 |
Axis Capital Holdings Limited |
6.875% | BBB | 10,654,196 | ||||||||||||||||
56,900 |
Delphi Financial Group, Inc., (2) |
7.376% | BB+ | 1,226,906 | ||||||||||||||||
235,211 |
Endurance Specialty Holdings Limited |
6.350% | BBB | 6,611,781 | ||||||||||||||||
38,500 |
Hanover Insurance Group |
6.350% | BB+ | 1,000,230 | ||||||||||||||||
138,124 |
Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. |
7.875% | BBB | 4,332,950 | ||||||||||||||||
561,100 |
Kemper Corporation |
7.375% | Ba1 | 15,654,690 | ||||||||||||||||
298,139 |
Maiden Holdings Limited |
8.250% | BB | 7,957,330 | ||||||||||||||||
67,000 |
Maiden Holdings Limited |
6.625% | BBB | 1,738,650 | ||||||||||||||||
233,932 |
Maiden Holdings NA Limited |
8.000% | BBB | 6,105,625 | ||||||||||||||||
265,933 |
Maiden Holdings NA Limited |
7.750% | BBB | 7,222,740 | ||||||||||||||||
100,195 |
National General Holding Company |
7.625% | N/R | 2,605,070 | ||||||||||||||||
76,400 |
National General Holding Company |
7.500% | N/R | 1,971,120 | ||||||||||||||||
153,954 |
National General Holding Company |
7.500% | N/R | 3,998,185 | ||||||||||||||||
310,872 |
Reinsurance Group of America Inc. |
6.200% | BBB | 9,525,118 | ||||||||||||||||
361,700 |
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. |
5.750% | BBB | 9,682,709 | ||||||||||||||||
204,400 |
Torchmark Corporation |
6.125% | BBB+ | 5,441,128 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Insurance |
130,949,416 | |||||||||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
206,105 |
Nustar Logistics Limited Partnership |
7.625% | Ba2 | 5,245,372 | ||||||||||||||||
40,113 |
Scorpio Tankers Inc. |
7.500% | N/R | 1,032,910 | ||||||||||||||||
76,005 |
Scorpio Tankers Inc. |
6.750% | N/R | 1,876,563 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels |
8,154,845 | |||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust 10.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||
112,344 |
AG Mortgage Investment Trust |
8.000% | N/R | 2,795,119 | ||||||||||||||||
57,165 |
Apartment Investment & Management Company |
6.875% | BB | 1,529,164 | ||||||||||||||||
74,350 |
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance |
8.625% | N/R | 1,918,230 | ||||||||||||||||
141,555 |
Arbor Realty Trust Incorporated |
7.375% | N/R | 3,619,561 | ||||||||||||||||
133,192 |
Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc. |
9.000% | N/R | 3,357,770 | ||||||||||||||||
37,399 |
Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc. |
8.450% | N/R | 954,796 | ||||||||||||||||
64,615 |
Capstead Mortgage Corporation |
7.500% | N/R | 1,640,575 | ||||||||||||||||
186,579 |
Cedar Shopping Centers Inc., Series A |
7.250% | N/R | 4,908,893 |
36 | NUVEEN |
NUVEEN | 37 |
JPC | Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
Principal
Amount (000) |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (4) | Value | |||||||||||||||
CORPORATE BONDS 12.4% (8.9% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Banks 4.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 6,000 |
Bank of America Corporation |
6.250% | N/A (6) | BB+ | $ | 6,285,000 | |||||||||||||
4,160 |
Bank of America Corporation |
6.300% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 4,533,098 | |||||||||||||||
8,570 |
Citigroup Inc. |
5.950% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 8,824,529 | |||||||||||||||
7,985 |
Citigroup Inc. |
5.875% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 8,039,857 | |||||||||||||||
5,055 |
ING Groep N.V, (7) |
6.500% | N/A (6) | BBB | 4,833,844 | |||||||||||||||
9,430 |
JPMorgan Chase & Company |
5.300% | N/A (6) | BBB | 9,708,185 | |||||||||||||||
3,550 |
Standard Chartered PLC, 144A, (7) |
6.500% | N/A (6) | BBB | 3,379,600 | |||||||||||||||
44,750 |
Total Banks |
45,604,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
Beverages 0.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,100 |
Cott Beverages Inc., (3) |
6.750% | 1/01/20 | B | 1,153,625 | |||||||||||||||
Biotechnology 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
3,500 |
AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., 144A |
7.875% | 9/01/23 | B+ | 3,389,750 | |||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 1.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
2,050 |
BGC Partners Inc. |
5.375% | 12/09/19 | BBB | 2,163,648 | |||||||||||||||
11,100 |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. |
5.375% | N/A (6) | Ba1 | 11,269,885 | |||||||||||||||
13,150 |
Total Capital Markets |
13,433,533 | ||||||||||||||||||
Chemicals 0.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,625 |
CVR Partners LP / CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp., 144A |
9.250% | 6/15/23 | B+ | 1,661,563 | |||||||||||||||
Commercial Services & Supplies 0.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,520 |
GFL Environmental Corporation, 144A |
7.875% | 4/01/20 | B | 1,569,400 | |||||||||||||||
1,775 |
GFL Environmental Corporation, 144A |
9.875% | 2/01/21 | B | 1,925,875 | |||||||||||||||
1,580 |
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, (3) |
6.500% | 11/15/23 | BB | 1,556,300 | |||||||||||||||
4,875 |
Total Commercial Services & Supplies |
5,051,575 | ||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
3,170 |
BNP Paribas, 144A, (7) |
7.625% | N/A (6) | BBB | 3,293,630 | |||||||||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
6,900 |
Frontier Communications Corporation, (3) |
11.000% | 9/15/25 | BB | 7,374,375 | |||||||||||||||
Food Products 0.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,310 |
Land O Lakes Capital Trust I, 144A, (3) |
7.450% | 3/15/28 | BB+ | 1,408,250 | |||||||||||||||
Health Care Providers & Services 0.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,565 |
Kindred Healthcare Inc., (3) |
6.375% | 4/15/22 | B | 1,443,713 | |||||||||||||||
Insurance 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
2,430 |
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, 144A |
7.450% | 10/01/33 | BBB | 2,894,412 | |||||||||||||||
Machinery 0.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||
3,200 |
Dana Financing Luxembourg Sarl, 144A |
6.500% | 6/01/26 | BB+ | 3,280,000 | |||||||||||||||
2,703 |
Meritor Inc. |
6.750% | 6/15/21 | B+ | 2,594,880 | |||||||||||||||
5,903 |
Total Machinery |
5,874,880 | ||||||||||||||||||
Media 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
5,350 |
Dish DBS Corporation, 144A |
7.750% | 7/01/26 | Ba3 | 5,547,281 | |||||||||||||||
1,470 |
Dish DBS Corporation |
5.875% | 11/15/24 | Ba3 | 1,418,550 | |||||||||||||||
6,820 |
Total Media |
6,965,831 | ||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust 0.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
3,525 |
Communications Sales & Leasing Inc. |
8.250% | 10/15/23 | BB | 3,599,905 |
38 | NUVEEN |
NUVEEN | 39 |
JPC | Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
Principal
Amount (000)/ Shares |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (4) | Value | |||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 3.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 3,270 |
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation |
4.950% | N/A (6) | Baa1 | $ | 3,335,400 | |||||||||||||
8,920 |
Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A, (7) |
7.500% | N/A (6) | BB | 9,232,200 | |||||||||||||||
3,790 |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. |
5.300% | N/A (6) | Ba1 | 3,851,588 | |||||||||||||||
5,880 |
Morgan Stanley |
5.550% | N/A (6) | Ba1 | 5,953,500 | |||||||||||||||
1,975 |
State Street Corporation |
5.250% | N/A (6) | Baa1 | 2,073,750 | |||||||||||||||
7,055 |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, (7) |
7.125% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 7,235,961 | |||||||||||||||
3,675 |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, (7) |
7.000% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 3,922,599 | |||||||||||||||
Total Capital Markets |
35,604,998 | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer Finance 2.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||
5,271 |
American Express Company |
5.200% | N/A (6) | Baa2 | 5,178,758 | |||||||||||||||
1,900 |
American Express Company |
4.900% | N/A (6) | Baa2 | 1,833,500 | |||||||||||||||
13,730 |
Capital One Financial Corporation |
5.550% | N/A (6) | Baa3 | 13,925,653 | |||||||||||||||
Total Consumer Finance |
20,937,911 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services 4.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
14,800 |
Agstar Financial Services Inc., 144A |
6.750% | N/A (6) | BB | 15,701,874 | |||||||||||||||
4,065 |
BNP Paribas, 144A, (7) |
7.375% | N/A (6) | BBB | 4,146,300 | |||||||||||||||
5,670 |
BNP Paribas, 144A |
7.195% | N/A (6) | BBB | 6,278,816 | |||||||||||||||
2,300 |
Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, 144A |
4.875% | N/A (6) | A+ | 2,328,750 | |||||||||||||||
10,243 |
Rabobank Nederland, 144A |
11.000% | N/A (6) | Baa2 | 12,522,067 | |||||||||||||||
1,530 |
Voya Financial Inc., (3) |
5.650% | 5/15/53 | Baa3 | 1,476,450 | |||||||||||||||
Total Diversified Financial Services |
42,454,257 | |||||||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities 1.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
16,265 |
Emera, Inc., (3) |
6.750% | 6/15/76 | BBB | 17,529,604 | |||||||||||||||
Food Products 3.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
23,545 |
Land O Lakes Incorporated, 144A |
8.000% | N/A (6) | BB | 24,781,113 | |||||||||||||||
6,750 |
Land OLakes Inc., 144A |
8.000% | N/A (6) | BB | 7,104,375 | |||||||||||||||
Total Food Products |
31,885,488 | |||||||||||||||||||
Industrial Conglomerates 4.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
39,281 |
General Electric Company, (5) |
5.000% | N/A (6) | AA | 42,251,626 | |||||||||||||||
Insurance 14.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
7,365 |
Aviva PLC, Reg S |
8.250% | N/A (6) | BBB | 7,947,792 | |||||||||||||||
1,205 |
AXA SA, (3) |
8.600% | 12/15/30 | A3 | 1,694,013 | |||||||||||||||
2,460 |
Cloverie PLC Zurich Insurance, Reg S |
8.250% | N/A (6) | A | 2,659,924 | |||||||||||||||
2,300 |
CNP Assurances, Reg S |
7.500% | N/A (6) | BBB+ | 2,480,320 | |||||||||||||||
29,045 |
Financial Security Assurance Holdings, 144A, (3) |
6.400% | 12/15/66 | BBB+ | 20,767,174 | |||||||||||||||
1,755 |
Friends Life Group PLC, Reg S |
7.875% | N/A (6) | A | 1,908,375 | |||||||||||||||
2,108 |
La Mondiale SAM, Reg S |
7.625% | N/A (6) | BBB | 2,261,252 | |||||||||||||||
6,590 |
Liberty Mutual Group, 144A, (3) |
7.800% | 3/15/37 | Baa3 | 7,331,375 | |||||||||||||||
9,335 |
MetLife Capital Trust IV, 144A, (3) |
7.875% | 12/15/37 | BBB | 11,570,733 | |||||||||||||||
4,160 |
MetLife Capital Trust X, 144A, (3) |
9.250% | 4/08/38 | BBB | 5,943,600 | |||||||||||||||
3,425 |
MetLife Inc. |
5.250% | N/A (6) | BBB | 3,427,740 | |||||||||||||||
1,150 |
Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust, (3) |
7.899% | 3/01/37 | Baa2 | 1,378,994 | |||||||||||||||
9,550 |
Nationwide Financial Services Inc., (3) |
6.750% | 5/15/37 | Baa2 | 9,884,250 | |||||||||||||||
6,855 |
Provident Financing Trust I, (3) |
7.405% | 3/15/38 | Baa3 | 7,705,226 | |||||||||||||||
3,315 |
Prudential Financial Inc., (3) |
5.875% | 9/15/42 | BBB+ | 3,673,849 | |||||||||||||||
13,335 |
QBE Cap Funding III Limited, 144A, (3) |
7.250% | 5/24/41 | BBB | 14,868,524 | |||||||||||||||
2,340 |
QBE Insurance Group Limited, Reg S |
6.750% | 12/02/44 | BBB | 2,571,075 | |||||||||||||||
18,955 |
Sirius International Group Limited, 144A |
7.506% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 19,026,081 | |||||||||||||||
20,553 |
Symetra Financial Corporation, 144A, (3) |
8.300% | 10/15/37 | Baa2 | 20,835,604 | |||||||||||||||
Total Insurance |
147,935,901 | |||||||||||||||||||
Machinery 0.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
2,215 |
Stanley Black & Decker Inc., (3) |
5.750% | 12/15/53 | BBB+ | 2,354,102 |
40 | NUVEEN |
Investments in Derivatives as of July 31, 2016
Call Options Written
Number of
Contracts |
Description |
Notional
Amount (11) |
Expiration
Date |
Strike
Price |
Value | |||||||||||||||
(488 | ) |
CIT Group Inc. |
$ | (1,805,600 | ) | 10/21/16 | $ | 37 | $ | (37,576 | ) | |||||||||
(413 | ) |
Nordstrom, Inc. |
(1,858,500 | ) | 10/21/16 | 45 | (90,034 | ) | ||||||||||||
(559 | ) |
Unum Group |
(2,012,400 | ) | 9/16/16 | 36 | (20,963 | ) | ||||||||||||
(1,460 | ) |
Total Call Options Written (premium received $156,444) |
$ | (5,676,500 | ) | $ | (148,573 | ) |
Interest Rate Swaps
Counterparty |
Notional
Amount |
Fund
Pay/
Floating
|
Floating
Rate Index |
Fixed Rate
(Annu
|
Fixed
Payment Frequency |
Effective Date (12) |
Optional Termination Date |
Termi
Date |
Value |
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JPMorgan
|
$ | 114,296,000 | Receive |
1-Month
USD- LIBOR-ICE |
1.462 | % | Monthly | 1/03/17 | 12/01/18 | 12/01/20 | $ | (3,127,182 | ) | $ | (4,181,580 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
JPMorgan
|
114,296,000 | Receive |
1-Month USD-
LIBOR-ICE |
1.842 | Monthly | 1/03/17 | 12/01/20 | 12/01/22 | (6,428,051 | ) | (7,956,198 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 228,592,000 | $ | (9,555,233 | ) | $ | (12,137,778 | ) |
NUVEEN | 41 |
JPC | Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Funds 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 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. |
(3) | Investment, or a portion of investment, is hypothecated as described in the Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 Borrowing Arrangements, Rehypothecation. The total value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $144,435,630. |
(4) | For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poors Group (Standard & Poors), Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) 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 & Poors, Baa by Moodys 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. |
(5) | Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives. |
(6) | Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable. |
(7) | Contingent Capital Securities (CoCos) are debt or preferred securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer, for example an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuers common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuers capital ratio falling below a specified level. As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds total investment in CoCos was $117,452,757, representing 11.5% and 8.2% of Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares and Total Investments, respectively. |
(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 $922,688,853 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings. |
(9) | Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 28.3%. |
(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 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. Other assets less liabilities also includes the value of options as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
(11) | For disclosure purposes, Notional Amount is calculated by multiplying the Number of Contracts by the Strike Price by 100. |
(12) | 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. |
ADR | American Depositary Receipt |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
USD-LIBOR-ICE | United States Dollar London Inter-Bank Offered Rate Intercontinental Exchange |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
42 | NUVEEN |
JPI
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund |
||
Portfolio of Investments |
July 31, 2016 |
Shares | Description (1) | Coupon | Ratings (2) | Value | ||||||||||||||||
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 139.6% (100.0% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED 44.7% (32.0% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Banks 14.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
143,400 |
AgriBank FCB, (3) |
6.875% | BBB+ | $ | 15,482,726 | |||||||||||||||
355,166 |
Citigroup Inc. |
7.125% | BB+ | 10,683,393 | ||||||||||||||||
44,969 |
Citigroup Inc. |
6.875% | BB+ | 1,338,727 | ||||||||||||||||
163,800 |
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (3) |
6.250% | BBB+ | 16,953,300 | ||||||||||||||||
40,797 |
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (3) |
6.200% | BBB+ | 4,162,571 | ||||||||||||||||
15,100 |
Countrywide Capital Trust III |
7.000% | BBB | 384,446 | ||||||||||||||||
117,900 |
Fifth Third Bancorp. |
6.625% | Baa3 | 3,656,079 | ||||||||||||||||
157,500 |
Huntington BancShares Inc. |
6.250% | Baa3 | 4,364,325 | ||||||||||||||||
38,600 |
PNC Financial Services |
6.125% | Baa2 | 1,170,352 | ||||||||||||||||
124,753 |
Private Bancorp Incorporated |
7.125% | N/R | 3,272,271 | ||||||||||||||||
87,100 |
Regions Financial Corporation |
6.375% | BB | 2,344,732 | ||||||||||||||||
331,800 |
Regions Financial Corporation |
6.375% | BB | 9,602,292 | ||||||||||||||||
19,600 |
U.S. Bancorp. |
6.500% | A3 | 601,132 | ||||||||||||||||
114,600 |
Wells Fargo REIT |
6.375% | BBB+ | 3,187,026 | ||||||||||||||||
46,410 |
Zions Bancorporation |
6.300% | BB | 1,419,682 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Banks |
78,623,054 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 4.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
94,900 |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
5.500% | Ba1 | 2,568,943 | ||||||||||||||||
461,300 |
Morgan Stanley |
7.125% | Ba1 | 13,912,807 | ||||||||||||||||
235,300 |
Morgan Stanley |
6.875% | Ba1 | 6,941,350 | ||||||||||||||||
71,300 |
Northern Trust Corporation |
5.850% | BBB+ | 1,970,732 | ||||||||||||||||
54,750 |
State Street Corporation |
5.350% | Baa1 | 1,514,933 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Capital Markets |
26,908,765 | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer Finance 1.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
149,800 |
Discover Financial Services |
6.500% | BB | 3,993,668 | ||||||||||||||||
156,285 |
GMAC Capital Trust I |
8.125% | B+ | 3,972,765 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Consumer Finance |
7,966,433 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
71,600 |
KKR Financial Holdings LLC |
7.375% | BBB | 1,883,796 | ||||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities 0.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
81,000 |
Entergy Arkansas Inc., (3) |
6.450% | Baa3 | 2,035,125 | ||||||||||||||||
Food Products 3.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||
267,600 |
CHS Inc. |
7.875% | N/R | 8,143,068 | ||||||||||||||||
161,100 |
CHS Inc. |
7.100% | N/R | 4,884,552 | ||||||||||||||||
141,800 |
CHS Inc. |
6.750% | N/R | 4,147,650 | ||||||||||||||||
24,000 |
Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (3) |
7.875% | Baa3 | 2,544,000 | ||||||||||||||||
20,500 |
Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (3) |
7.875% | Baa3 | 2,132,642 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Food Products |
21,851,912 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance 12.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
14,421 |
Aegon N.V |
8.000% | Baa1 | 392,684 | ||||||||||||||||
168,500 |
Arch Capital Group Limited |
6.750% | BBB+ | 4,642,175 | ||||||||||||||||
59,200 |
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited |
7.250% | BBB | 1,568,208 | ||||||||||||||||
432,500 |
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited |
5.950% | BBB | 12,516,550 | ||||||||||||||||
177,623 |
Axis Capital Holdings Limited |
6.875% | BBB | 4,685,695 | ||||||||||||||||
61,100 |
Delphi Financial Group, Inc., (3) |
7.376% | BB+ | 1,317,469 | ||||||||||||||||
147,600 |
Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. |
7.875% | BBB | 4,630,212 | ||||||||||||||||
395,100 |
Kemper Corporation |
7.375% | Ba1 | 11,023,290 | ||||||||||||||||
323,546 |
Maiden Holdings Limited |
8.250% | BB | 8,635,443 |
NUVEEN | 43 |
JPI | Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
44 | NUVEEN |
Principal
Amount (000)/ Shares |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (2) | Value | |||||||||||||||
Banks (continued) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 325 |
Citigroup Inc. |
6.250% | N/A (4) | BB+ | $ | 350,188 | |||||||||||||
8,120 |
Citigroup Inc. |
6.125% | N/A (4) | BB+ | 8,443,014 | |||||||||||||||
8,435 |
Citigroup Inc. |
5.875% | N/A (4) | BB+ | 8,492,948 | |||||||||||||||
4,540 |
Citizens Financial Group Inc. |
5.500% | N/A (4) | BB+ | 4,471,900 | |||||||||||||||
4,895 |
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank |
6.250% | N/A (4) | BBB+ | 5,298,098 | |||||||||||||||
4,265 |
Commerzbank AG, 144A |
8.125% | 9/19/23 | BBB | 4,962,029 | |||||||||||||||
2,490 |
Credit Agricole SA, 144A, (5) |
8.125% | N/A (4) | Ba1 | 2,620,725 | |||||||||||||||
4,250 |
Credit Agricole, S.A, 144A, (5) |
6.625% | N/A (4) | Ba1 | 4,050,250 | |||||||||||||||
4,351 |
HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A |
10.176% | N/A (4) | Baa1 | 6,395,970 | |||||||||||||||
3,790 |
HSBC Holdings PLC, (5) |
6.875% | N/A (4) | BBB | 3,903,700 | |||||||||||||||
7,485 |
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A, (5) |
7.700% | N/A (4) | Ba3 | 6,792,638 | |||||||||||||||
21,445 |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, (5) |
7.500% | N/A (4) | BB+ | 21,391,387 | |||||||||||||||
4,390 |
Nordea Bank AB, 144A, (5) |
6.125% | N/A (4) | BBB | 4,346,100 | |||||||||||||||
4,855 |
PNC Financial Services Inc. |
6.750% | N/A (4) | Baa2 | 5,455,806 | |||||||||||||||
5,473 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC |
7.648% | N/A (4) | BB | 6,417,093 | |||||||||||||||
3,435 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, (5) |
7.500% | N/A (4) | BB | 3,340,538 | |||||||||||||||
14,900 |
Societe Generale, 144A, (5) |
7.875% | N/A (4) | BB+ | 14,155,000 | |||||||||||||||
3,790 |
Standard Chartered PLC, 144A, (5) |
6.500% | N/A (4) | BBB | 3,608,080 | |||||||||||||||
2,695 |
SunTrust Bank Inc. |
5.625% | N/A (4) | Baa3 | 2,782,588 | |||||||||||||||
270 |
U.S. Bancorp. |
5.125% | N/A (4) | A3 | 283,840 | |||||||||||||||
4,010 |
Wachovia Capital Trust III |
5.570% | N/A (4) | BBB | 4,010,000 | |||||||||||||||
9,182 |
Wells Fargo & Company |
7.980% | N/A (4) | BBB | 9,765,516 | |||||||||||||||
11,675 |
Wells Fargo & Company |
5.875% | N/A (4) | BBB | 12,857,094 | |||||||||||||||
Total Banks |
179,421,832 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 5.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||
3,500 |
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation |
4.950% | N/A (4) | Baa1 | 3,570,000 | |||||||||||||||
9,407 |
Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A, (5) |
7.500% | N/A (4) | BB | 9,736,245 | |||||||||||||||
2,380 |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. |
5.300% | N/A (4) | Ba1 | 2,418,675 | |||||||||||||||
3,100 |
Morgan Stanley |
5.550% | N/A (4) | Ba1 | 3,138,750 | |||||||||||||||
2,105 |
State Street Corporation |
5.250% | N/A (4) | Baa1 | 2,210,250 | |||||||||||||||
7,512 |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, (5) |
7.125% | N/A (4) | BB+ | 7,704,683 | |||||||||||||||
3,865 |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, (5) |
7.000% | N/A (4) | BB+ | 4,125,401 | |||||||||||||||
Total Capital Markets |
32,904,004 | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer Finance 2.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
3,635 |
American Express Company |
5.200% | N/A (4) | Baa2 | 3,571,388 | |||||||||||||||
2,000 |
American Express Company |
4.900% | N/A (4) | Baa2 | 1,930,000 | |||||||||||||||
7,600 |
Capital One Financial Corporation |
5.550% | N/A (4) | Baa3 | 7,708,300 | |||||||||||||||
Total Consumer Finance |
13,209,688 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services 8.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
15,700 |
Agstar Financial Services Inc., 144A |
6.750% | N/A (4) | BB | 16,656,718 | |||||||||||||||
4,330 |
BNP Paribas, 144A, (5) |
7.375% | N/A (4) | BBB | 4,416,600 | |||||||||||||||
6,040 |
BNP Paribas, 144A |
7.195% | N/A (4) | BBB | 6,688,545 | |||||||||||||||
2,500 |
Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, 144A |
4.875% | N/A (4) | A+ | 2,531,250 | |||||||||||||||
10,823 |
Rabobank Nederland, 144A |
11.000% | N/A (4) | Baa2 | 13,230,506 | |||||||||||||||
1,697 |
Voya Financial Inc., (6) |
5.650% | 5/15/53 | Baa3 | 1,637,605 | |||||||||||||||
Total Diversified Financial Services |
45,161,224 | |||||||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities 2.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
10,705 |
Emera, Inc. |
6.750% | 6/15/76 | BBB | 11,537,314 | |||||||||||||||
Food Products 1.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||
8,895 |
Land O Lakes Incorporated, 144A |
8.000% | N/A (4) | BB | 9,361,988 | |||||||||||||||
1,275 |
Land OLakes Inc., 144A |
8.000% | N/A (4) | BB | 1,341,938 | |||||||||||||||
Total Food Products |
10,703,926 | |||||||||||||||||||
Industrial Conglomerates 4.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||
24,127 |
General Electric Company |
5.000% | N/A (4) | AA | 25,951,604 |
NUVEEN | 45 |
JPI | Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
Principal
Amount (000)/ Shares |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (2) | Value | |||||||||||||||
Insurance 21.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 7,215 |
Aviva PLC, Reg S |
8.250% | N/A (4) | BBB | $ | 7,785,923 | |||||||||||||
1,265 |
AXA SA |
8.600% | 12/15/30 | A3 | 1,778,362 | |||||||||||||||
2,640 |
Cloverie PLC Zurich Insurance, Reg S |
8.250% | N/A (4) | A | 2,854,553 | |||||||||||||||
2,500 |
CNP Assurances, Reg S |
7.500% | N/A (4) | BBB+ | 2,696,000 | |||||||||||||||
30,995 |
Financial Security Assurance Holdings, 144A, (6) |
6.400% | 12/15/66 | BBB+ | 22,161,424 | |||||||||||||||
2,424 |
Friends Life Group PLC, Reg S |
7.875% | N/A (4) | A | 2,635,841 | |||||||||||||||
2,299 |
La Mondiale SAM, Reg S |
7.625% | N/A (4) | BBB | 2,466,137 | |||||||||||||||
4,175 |
MetLife Capital Trust X, 144A, (6) |
9.250% | 4/08/68 | BBB | 5,965,031 | |||||||||||||||
3,655 |
MetLife Inc. |
5.250% | N/A (4) | BBB | 3,657,924 | |||||||||||||||
7,703 |
Provident Financing Trust I, (6) |
7.405% | 3/15/38 | Baa3 | 8,658,403 | |||||||||||||||
3,325 |
Prudential Financial Inc., (6) |
5.875% | 9/15/42 | BBB+ | 3,684,931 | |||||||||||||||
13,600 |
QBE Cap Funding III Limited, 144A |
7.250% | 5/24/41 | BBB | 15,164,000 | |||||||||||||||
2,335 |
QBE Insurance Group Limited, Reg S |
6.750% | 12/02/44 | BBB | 2,565,581 | |||||||||||||||
20,020 |
Sirius International Group Limited, 144A |
7.506% | N/A (4) | BB+ | 20,095,075 | |||||||||||||||
20,226 |
Symetra Financial Corporation, 144A, (6) |
8.300% | 10/15/37 | Baa2 | 20,504,108 | |||||||||||||||
Total Insurance |
122,673,293 | |||||||||||||||||||
Machinery 0.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
2,345 |
Stanley Black & Decker Inc., (6) |
5.750% | 12/15/53 | BBB+ | 2,492,266 | |||||||||||||||
Metals & Mining 1.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
6,170 |
BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A |
6.250% | 10/19/75 | A | 6,679,025 | |||||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust 2.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
12,298 |
Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust, 144A |
12.000% | N/A (4) | Ba1 | 15,618,460 | |||||||||||||||
Specialty Retail 0.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
2,850 |
Aquarius & Investments PLC fbo SwissRe, Reg S |
8.250% | N/A (4) | N/R | 3,080,260 | |||||||||||||||
U.S. Agency 0.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
752 |
Farm Credit Bank of Texas |
10.000% | N/A (4) | Baa1 | 902,400 | |||||||||||||||
Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $458,997,975) |
470,335,296 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Long-Term Investments (cost $746,254,422) |
781,528,586 | |||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings (40.2)% (7), (8) |
(225,000,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.6% (9) |
3,193,492 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares 100% |
$ | 559,722,078 |
Investments in Derivatives as of July 31, 2016
Interest Rate Swaps
Counterparty |
Notional
Amount |
Fund
Pay/
Floating
|
Floating
Rate Index |
Fixed Rate
(Annu
|
Fixed
Payment Frequency |
Effective Date (10) |
Optional Termination Date |
Termi
Date |
Value |
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JPMorgan
|
$ | 84,375,000 | Receive |
1-Month
USD- LIBOR-ICE |
1.735 | % | Monthly | 1/03/17 | 12/01/18 | 12/01/20 | $ | (3,085,601 | ) | $ | (4,093,896 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
JPMorgan
|
84,375,000 | Receive |
1-Month
USD- LIBOR-ICE |
2.188 | Monthly | 1/03/17 | 12/01/20 | 12/01/22 | (6,262,902 | ) | (7,689,443 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 168,750,000 | $ | (9,348,503 | ) | $ | (11,783,339 | ) |
46 | NUVEEN |
For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Funds 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 & Poors Group (Standard & Poors), Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) 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 & Poors, Baa by Moodys 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) | 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. |
(4) | Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable. |
(5) | Contingent Capital Securities (CoCos) are debt or preferred securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer, for example an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuers common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuers capital ratio falling below a specified level. As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds total investment in CoCos was $120,681,261, representing 21.6% and 15.4% of Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares and Total Investments, respectively. |
(6) | Investment, or a portion of investment, is hypothecated as described in the Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 Borrowing Arrangements, Rehypothecation. The value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $54,041,948. |
(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. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $539,434,563 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings. |
(8) | Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 28.8%. |
(9) | 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. |
(10) | 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. |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
USD-LIBOR-ICE | United States Dollar London Inter-Bank Offered Rate Intercontinental Exchange |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
NUVEEN | 47 |
JPS
Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund |
||
(formerly Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2) |
||
Portfolio of Investments |
July 31, 2016 |
48 | NUVEEN |
NUVEEN | 49 |
JPS | Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund | |||
(formerly Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2) | ||||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
50 | NUVEEN |
Principal
Amount (000)/ Shares |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (2) | Value | |||||||||||||||
Banks (continued) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 8,000 |
KeyCorp Capital III, (7) |
7.750% | 7/15/29 | Baa2 | $ | 9,626,184 | |||||||||||||
70,529 |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, (5) |
7.500% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 70,352,678 | |||||||||||||||
9,850 |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 144A |
6.657% | N/A (6) | Ba1 | 10,785,750 | |||||||||||||||
4,800 |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 144A |
6.413% | N/A (6) | Ba1 | 5,208,000 | |||||||||||||||
44,500 |
M&T Bank Corporation |
6.875% | N/A (6) | Baa2 | 44,833,750 | |||||||||||||||
9,100 |
M&T Bank Corporation, (4) |
6.375% | N/A (6) | Baa1 | 9,464,000 | |||||||||||||||
12,330 |
Nordea Bank AB, Reg S, (5) |
5.250% | N/A (6) | BBB | 11,811,943 | |||||||||||||||
25,390 |
Nordea Bank AB, 144A, (5) |
6.125% | N/A (6) | BBB | 25,136,100 | |||||||||||||||
29,100 |
PNC Financial Services Inc. |
6.750% | N/A (6) | Baa2 | 32,701,125 | |||||||||||||||
9,546 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC |
7.648% | N/A (6) | BB | 11,192,685 | |||||||||||||||
21,375 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, (5) |
8.000% | N/A (6) | BB | 21,241,406 | |||||||||||||||
58,786 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, (5) |
7.500% | N/A (6) | BB | 57,169,385 | |||||||||||||||
7,210 |
Skandinaviska Enskilda Bankenn AB, Reg S, (5) |
5.750% | N/A (6) | BBB | 7,079,571 | |||||||||||||||
59,900 |
Societe Generale, 144A, (5) |
8.000% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 59,151,250 | |||||||||||||||
4,500 |
Societe Generale, 144A, (5) |
7.875% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 4,275,000 | |||||||||||||||
2,450 |
Societe Generale, 144A |
1.403% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 2,315,250 | |||||||||||||||
5,000 |
Societe Generale, Reg S, (5) |
7.875% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 4,750,000 | |||||||||||||||
16,300 |
Standard Chartered PLC, 144A |
7.014% | N/A (6) | Baa3 | 17,359,500 | |||||||||||||||
32,786 |
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Reg S, (5) |
5.250% | N/A (6) | BBB+ | 32,015,528 | |||||||||||||||
3,000 |
Swedbank AB, Reg S, (5) |
5.500% | N/A (6) | BBB | 2,996,250 | |||||||||||||||
29,525 |
Wells Fargo & Company, (4) |
7.980% | N/A (6) | BBB | 31,401,314 | |||||||||||||||
Total Banks |
1,113,421,914 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 10.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
18,700 |
Charles Schwab Corporation |
7.000% | N/A (6) | BBB | 21,598,500 | |||||||||||||||
12,100 |
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation |
4.950% | N/A (6) | Baa1 | 12,342,000 | |||||||||||||||
36,300 |
Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A, (5) |
7.500% | N/A (6) | BB | 37,570,500 | |||||||||||||||
6,200 |
Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A, (5) |
6.250% | N/A (6) | BB | 5,990,812 | |||||||||||||||
14,000 |
Credit Suisse Group AG, Reg S, (5) |
7.500% | N/A (6) | BB | 14,490,000 | |||||||||||||||
15,000 |
Credit Suisse Group AG, Reg S, (5) |
6.250% | N/A (6) | BB | 14,499,600 | |||||||||||||||
3,500 |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. |
5.700% | N/A (6) | Ba1 | 3,552,500 | |||||||||||||||
6,150 |
Morgan Stanley |
5.550% | N/A (6) | Ba1 | 6,226,875 | |||||||||||||||
32,178 |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, (5) |
7.125% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 33,003,365 | |||||||||||||||
5,000 |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, (5) |
6.875% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 5,065,345 | |||||||||||||||
5,609 |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, (5) |
7.000% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 5,986,901 | |||||||||||||||
39,800 |
UBS Group AG, Reg S, (5) |
6.875% | N/A (6) | BB+ | 39,087,898 | |||||||||||||||
Total Capital Markets |
199,414,296 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services 5.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
5,000 |
BNP Paribas, Reg S, (5) |
7.375% | N/A (6) | BBB | 5,100,000 | |||||||||||||||
29,185 |
BNP Paribas, 144A, (5) |
7.375% | N/A (6) | BBB | 29,768,700 | |||||||||||||||
26,000 |
BNP Paribas, 144A, (5) |
7.625% | N/A (6) | BBB | 27,014,000 | |||||||||||||||
2,861 |
Countrywide Capital Trust III, Series B, (7) |
8.050% | 6/15/27 | BBB | 3,665,399 | |||||||||||||||
17,557 |
Rabobank Nederland, 144A |
11.000% | N/A (6) | Baa2 | 21,463,433 | |||||||||||||||
13,905 |
Voya Financial Inc. |
5.650% | 5/15/53 | Baa3 | 13,418,325 | |||||||||||||||
Total Diversified Financial Services |
100,429,857 | |||||||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities 2.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
15,000 |
Emera, Inc. |
0.000% | 6/15/76 | BBB | 16,166,250 | |||||||||||||||
1,000 |
FPL Group Capital Inc. |
6.350% | 10/01/66 | BBB | 795,500 | |||||||||||||||
7,850 |
FPL Group Capital Inc., (7) |
6.650% | 6/15/67 | BBB | 6,459,216 | |||||||||||||||
23,482 |
PPL Capital Funding Inc., (7) |
6.700% | 3/30/67 | BBB | 19,842,290 | |||||||||||||||
Total Electric Utilities |
43,263,256 | |||||||||||||||||||
Industrial Conglomerates 4.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||
88,887 |
General Electric Company |
5.000% | N/A (6) | AA | 95,609,079 | |||||||||||||||
Insurance 20.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
3,598 |
Ace Capital Trust II, (7) |
9.700% | 4/01/30 | BBB+ | 5,388,005 | |||||||||||||||
9,800 |
AIG Life Holdings Inc. |
8.500% | 7/01/30 | BBB | 12,760,502 |
NUVEEN | 51 |
JPS | Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund | |||
(formerly Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2) | ||||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
Principal
Amount (000)/ Shares |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (2) | Value | |||||||||||||||
Insurance (continued) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 4,400 |
Allstate Corporation |
5.750% | 8/15/53 | Baa1 | $ | 4,620,000 | |||||||||||||
1,200 |
Allstate Corporation, (7) |
6.500% | 5/15/57 | Baa1 | 1,332,000 | |||||||||||||||
13,605 |
American International Group, Inc., (7) |
8.175% | 5/15/58 | BBB | 17,686,500 | |||||||||||||||
1,225 |
AON Corporation |
8.205% | 1/01/27 | BBB | 1,617,000 | |||||||||||||||
16,550 |
AXA SA, (7) |
8.600% | 12/15/30 | A3 | 23,266,321 | |||||||||||||||
17,819 |
AXA SA, 144A |
6.380% | N/A (6) | Baa1 | 19,437,856 | |||||||||||||||
32,854 |
Catlin Insurance Company Limited, 144A |
7.249% | N/A (6) | BBB+ | 23,737,015 | |||||||||||||||
1,200 |
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. |
6.600% | 5/01/67 | BBB | 978,000 | |||||||||||||||
16,150 |
Glen Meadows Pass Through Trust, 144A |
6.505% | 8/15/67 | BBB | 11,984,592 | |||||||||||||||
8,100 |
Great West Life & Annuity Capital I, 144A, (7) |
6.625% | 11/15/34 | A | 9,666,726 | |||||||||||||||
12,250 |
Great West Life & Annuity Insurance Capital LP II, 144A, (7) |
7.153% | 5/16/46 | A | 10,810,625 | |||||||||||||||
11,688 |
Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., (7) |
8.125% | 6/15/68 | BBB | 12,798,360 | |||||||||||||||
20,369 |
Liberty Mutual Group, 144A |
7.000% | 3/15/37 | Baa3 | 17,822,875 | |||||||||||||||
25,841 |
Liberty Mutual Group, 144A, (7) |
7.800% | 3/15/37 | Baa3 | 28,748,113 | |||||||||||||||
3,277 |
Lincoln National Corporation |
7.000% | 5/17/66 | BBB | 2,363,536 | |||||||||||||||
11,390 |
Lincoln National Corporation, (7) |
6.050% | 4/20/67 | BBB | 8,143,850 | |||||||||||||||
26,100 |
MetLife Capital Trust IV, 144A, (7) |
7.875% | 12/15/37 | BBB | 32,350,950 | |||||||||||||||
31,700 |
MetLife Capital Trust X, 144A, (7) |
9.250% | 4/08/38 | BBB | 45,291,374 | |||||||||||||||
3,000 |
MetLife Inc. |
10.750% | 8/01/39 | BBB | 4,800,000 | |||||||||||||||
41,904 |
Nationwide Financial Services Inc., (7) |
6.750% | 5/15/37 | Baa2 | 43,370,640 | |||||||||||||||
7,243 |
Oil Insurance Limited, 144A |
3.613% | N/A (6) | Baa1 | 5,649,540 | |||||||||||||||
3,750 |
Provident Financing Trust I, (7) |
7.405% | 3/15/38 | Baa3 | 4,215,113 | |||||||||||||||
305 |
Prudential Financial Inc. |
8.875% | 6/15/38 | BBB+ | 340,075 | |||||||||||||||
27,180 |
Prudential Financial Inc., (7) |
5.625% | 6/15/43 | BBB+ | 29,102,985 | |||||||||||||||
6,225 |
Prudential Financial Inc., (7) |
5.875% | 9/15/42 | BBB+ | 6,898,856 | |||||||||||||||
1,300 |
Prudential PLC, Reg S |
7.750% | N/A (6) | A | 1,341,633 | |||||||||||||||
5,010 |
The Chubb Corporation, (7) |
6.375% | 4/15/37 | BBB+ | 4,510,503 | |||||||||||||||
5,405 |
XL Capital Ltd |
6.500% | N/A (6) | BBB | 3,729,450 | |||||||||||||||
17,200 |
XLIT Limited |
3.687% | N/A (6) | BBB | 13,416,000 | |||||||||||||||
Total Insurance |
408,178,995 | |||||||||||||||||||
Machinery 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
6,000 |
Stanley Black & Decker Inc., (7) |
5.750% | 12/15/53 | BBB+ | 6,376,800 | |||||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
24,476 |
Enterprise Products Operating LP, (4), (7) |
7.034% | 1/15/68 | Baa2 | 25,828,054 | |||||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust 0.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
3,722 |
Sovereign Capital Trusts |
7.908% | 6/13/36 | Ba1 | 3,736,717 | |||||||||||||||
Road & Rail 1.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
25,485 |
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Funding Trust I, (7) |
6.613% | 12/15/55 | A | 28,989,188 | |||||||||||||||
Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $1,945,981,628) |
|
2,025,248,156 | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Description (1), (8) | Value | ||||||||||||||||||
INVESTMENT COMPANIES 1.3% (0.9% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
966,571 |
Blackrock Credit Allocation Income Trust IV |
$ | 12,826,397 | |||||||||||||||||
648,621 |
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III |
13,076,200 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Investment Companies (cost $34,279,960) |
25,902,597 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Long-Term Investments (cost $2,695,938,311) |
|
2,833,447,134 |
52 | NUVEEN |
Principal
Amount (000) |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Value | ||||||||||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 4.3% (2.9% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS 4.3% (2.9% of Total Investments) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 85,125 |
Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 7/29/16, repurchase price $85,124,723, collateralized by $65,905,000 U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.625%, due 8/15/43, value $86,829,838 |
0.030% | 8/01/16 | $ | 85,124,510 | ||||||||||||||
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $85,124,510) |
85,124,510 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Investments (cost $2,781,062,821) 148.1% |
2,918,571,644 | |||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings (47.9)% (9), (10) |
(945,000,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Assets Less Liabilities (0.2)% (11) |
(2,752,666 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares 100% |
$ | 1,970,818,978 |
Investments in Derivatives as of July 31, 2016
Interest Rate Swaps
Counterparty |
Notional
Amount |
Fund
Pay/
Floating
|
Floating
Rate Index |
Fixed
(Annu
|
Fixed
Payment Frequency |
Effective
Date (12) |
Optional
Termination
Date |
Termi
Date |
Value |
Unrealized
Appreciation
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JPMorgan
|
$ | 227,569,000 | Receive |
1-Month
USD- LIBOR-ICE |
1.462 | % | Monthly | 1/03/17 | 12/01/18 | 12/01/20 | $ | (6,226,375 | ) | $ | (8,325,733 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
JPMorgan
|
227,569,000 | Receive |
1-Month USD-
LIBOR-ICE |
1.842 | Monthly | 1/03/17 | 12/01/20 | 12/01/22 | (12,798,569 | ) | (15,841,185 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 455,138,000 | $ | (19,024,944 | ) | $ | (24,166,918 | ) |
NUVEEN | 53 |
JPS | Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund | |||
(formerly Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2) | ||||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Funds 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 & Poors Group (Standard & Poors), Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) 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 & Poors, Baa by Moodys 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) | 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. |
(4) | Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives. |
(5) | Contingent Capital Securities (CoCos) are debt or preferred securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer, for example an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuers common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuers capital ratio falling below a specified level. As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds total investment in CoCos was $919,616,038, representing 46.7% and 31.5% of Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares and Total Investments, respectively. |
(6) | Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable. |
(7) | Investment, or a portion of investment, is hypothecated as described in the Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 Borrowing Arrangements, Rehypothecation. The value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $403,529,531. |
(8) | A copy of the most recent financial statements for the investment companies can be obtained directly from the Securities and Exchange Commission on its website at http://www.sec.gov. |
(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 $1,981,211,428 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings. |
(10) | Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 32.4%. |
(11) | 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. |
(12) | 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. |
USD-LIBOR-ICE | United States Dollar London Inter-Bank Offered Rate Intercontinental Exchange |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
54 | NUVEEN |
JPW
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund |
||
Portfolio of Investments |
July 31, 2016 |
Shares | Description (1) | Value | ||||||||||||||||||
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 138.0% (99.7% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
COMMON STOCKS 21.8% (15.7% of Total Investments) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Air Freight & Logistics 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
4,300 |
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B |
$ | 464,830 | |||||||||||||||||
Banks 1.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
27,400 |
CIT Group Inc. |
946,944 | ||||||||||||||||||
Biotechnology 1.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
11,000 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. |
874,170 | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 2.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||
31,575 |
Ares Capital Corporation |
478,046 | ||||||||||||||||||
36,338 |
Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. |
481,842 | ||||||||||||||||||
24,095 |
TPG Specialty Lending, Inc. |
422,867 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Capital Markets |
1,382,755 | |||||||||||||||||||
Chemicals 0.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||
59,800 |
CVR Partners LP |
437,138 | ||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Consumer Services 0.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
22,300 |
Stonemor Partners LP |
588,051 | ||||||||||||||||||
Industrial Conglomerates 3.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
37,800 |
Philips Electronics |
1,003,968 | ||||||||||||||||||
11,500 |
Siemens AG, Sponsored ADR, (2) |
1,248,233 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Industrial Conglomerates |
2,252,201 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
15,600 |
Unum Group |
521,196 | ||||||||||||||||||
Media 1.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
30,032 |
National CineMedia, Inc., (3) |
467,899 | ||||||||||||||||||
10,800 |
Viacom Inc., Class B |
491,076 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Media |
958,975 | |||||||||||||||||||
Multiline Retail 1.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
23,200 |
Nordstrom, Inc. |
1,026,136 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pharmaceuticals 4.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
37,700 |
AstraZeneca PLC, Sponsored ADR |
1,287,078 | ||||||||||||||||||
33,800 |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Sponsored ADR |
1,523,365 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Pharmaceuticals |
2,810,443 | |||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust 1.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||
11,100 |
Apartment Investment & Management Company, Class A |
510,267 | ||||||||||||||||||
29,600 |
MGM Growth Properties LLC, Class A |
802,456 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Real Estate Investment Trust |
1,312,723 | |||||||||||||||||||
Software 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
11,400 |
Oracle Corporation, (3) |
467,856 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tobacco 1.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
43,332 |
Vector Group Ltd. |
957,204 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Common Stocks (cost $14,626,764) |
15,000,622 |
NUVEEN | 55 |
JPW | Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
Shares | Description (1) | Coupon | Ratings (4) | Value | ||||||||||||||||
$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED 34.0% (24.6% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Banks 4.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
19,045 |
Boston Private Financial Holdings Inc. |
6.950% | N/R | $ | 505,645 | |||||||||||||||
13,800 |
Citigroup Inc. |
6.875% | BB+ | 410,826 | ||||||||||||||||
17,429 |
Cowen Group, Inc. |
8.250% | N/R | 460,126 | ||||||||||||||||
15,629 |
FNB Corporation |
7.250% | Ba2 | 508,255 | ||||||||||||||||
19,850 |
HSBC Holdings PLC |
8.000% | Baa1 | 532,576 | ||||||||||||||||
20,000 |
Huntington BancShares Inc. |
6.250% | Baa3 | 554,200 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Banks |
2,971,628 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 5.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||
17,138 |
Charles Schwab Corporation |
6.000% | BBB | 477,979 | ||||||||||||||||
16,900 |
Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated |
6.250% | BBB | 439,062 | ||||||||||||||||
45,028 |
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. |
8.000% | N/R | 1,107,688 | ||||||||||||||||
31,528 |
Morgan Stanley |
7.125% | Ba1 | 950,884 | ||||||||||||||||
18,213 |
Solar Capital Limited |
6.750% | BBB | 460,789 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Capital Markets |
3,436,402 | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer Finance 2.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
43,455 |
GMAC Capital Trust I |
8.125% | B+ | 1,104,625 | ||||||||||||||||
10,165 |
SLM Corporation, Series A |
6.970% | Ba3 | 508,250 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Consumer Finance |
1,612,875 | |||||||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
17,845 |
Entergy Arkansas Inc., (2) |
6.450% | Baa3 | 448,356 | ||||||||||||||||
Food Products 2.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
30,300 |
CHS Inc. |
7.100% | N/R | 918,696 | ||||||||||||||||
34,275 |
CHS Inc. |
6.750% | N/R | 1,002,544 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Food Products |
1,921,240 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance 4.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
20,934 |
Argo Group US Inc. |
6.500% | BBB | 552,239 | ||||||||||||||||
18,425 |
Endurance Specialty Holdings Limited |
6.350% | BBB | 517,927 | ||||||||||||||||
16,081 |
Kemper Corporation |
7.375% | Ba1 | 448,660 | ||||||||||||||||
5,227 |
Maiden Holdings NA Limited |
8.000% | BBB | 136,425 | ||||||||||||||||
19,325 |
Maiden Holdings NA Limited |
7.750% | BBB | 524,867 | ||||||||||||||||
39,300 |
National General Holding Company, (3) |
7.625% | N/R | 1,021,800 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Insurance |
3,201,918 | |||||||||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,452 |
Scorpio Tankers Inc. |
7.500% | N/R | 37,389 | ||||||||||||||||
17,500 |
Scorpio Tankers Inc. |
6.750% | N/R | 432,075 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels |
469,464 | |||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust 9.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||
12,282 |
Arbor Realty Trust Incorporated |
7.375% | N/R | 314,051 | ||||||||||||||||
14,400 |
Cedar Shopping Centers Inc., Series A |
7.250% | N/R | 378,864 | ||||||||||||||||
14,015 |
Colony Financial Inc. |
7.500% | N/R | 356,401 | ||||||||||||||||
14,000 |
Coresite Realty Corporation |
7.250% | N/R | 370,300 | ||||||||||||||||
27,300 |
Digital Realty Trust Inc. |
7.375% | Baa3 | 780,780 | ||||||||||||||||
35,115 |
Dupont Fabros Technology |
0.000% | Ba2 | 987,433 | ||||||||||||||||
18,530 |
Northstar Realty Finance Corporation |
8.875% | N/R | 476,962 | ||||||||||||||||
19,000 |
Northstar Realty Finance Corporation |
8.750% | N/R | 482,980 | ||||||||||||||||
17,725 |
Penn Real Estate Investment Trust |
8.250% | N/R | 466,522 | ||||||||||||||||
8,844 |
Penn Real Estate Investment Trust |
3.375% | N/R | 233,482 | ||||||||||||||||
10,976 |
Retail Properties of America |
7.000% | BB | 296,352 | ||||||||||||||||
15,954 |
Summit Hotel Properties Inc. |
7.875% | N/R | 426,610 | ||||||||||||||||
36,440 |
VEREIT, Inc. |
6.700% | N/R | 984,609 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Real Estate Investment Trust |
6,555,346 |
56 | NUVEEN |
NUVEEN | 57 |
JPW | Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
Principal
Amount (000) |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (4) | Value | |||||||||||||||
Commercial Services & Supplies 3.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 425 |
GFL Environmental Corporation, 144A |
7.875% | 4/01/20 | B | $ | 438,813 | |||||||||||||
525 |
GFL Environmental Corporation, 144A |
9.875% | 2/01/21 | B | 569,625 | |||||||||||||||
945 |
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company |
6.500% | 11/15/23 | BB | 930,825 | |||||||||||||||
450 |
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company |
6.000% | 4/01/24 | BB | 423,000 | |||||||||||||||
2,345 |
Total Commercial Services & Supplies |
2,362,263 | ||||||||||||||||||
Consumer Finance 2.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
450 |
Ally Financial Inc. |
5.750% | 11/20/25 | BB | 468,563 | |||||||||||||||
900 |
Navient Corporation |
8.000% | 3/25/20 | BB | 961,875 | |||||||||||||||
1,350 |
Total Consumer Finance |
1,430,438 | ||||||||||||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 7.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,650 |
CenturyLink Inc. |
7.650% | 3/15/42 | BB+ | 1,476,750 | |||||||||||||||
2,195 |
Frontier Communications Corporation |
11.000% | 9/15/25 | BB | 2,345,905 | |||||||||||||||
785 |
GCI Inc. |
6.875% | 4/15/25 | BB | 814,438 | |||||||||||||||
735 |
US West Communications Company |
6.875% | 9/15/33 | BBB | 734,401 | |||||||||||||||
5,365 |
Total Diversified Telecommunication Services |
5,371,494 | ||||||||||||||||||
Food & Staples Retailing 3.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,250 |
Rite Aid Corporation, 144A |
6.125% | 4/01/23 | B | 1,326,563 | |||||||||||||||
675 |
Whole Foods Market Inc., 144A |
5.200% | 12/03/25 | BBB | 730,449 | |||||||||||||||
1,925 |
Total Food & Staples Retailing |
2,057,012 | ||||||||||||||||||
Health Care Providers & Services 1.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
425 |
Kindred Healthcare Inc. |
6.375% | 4/15/22 | B | 392,063 | |||||||||||||||
450 |
Molina Healthcare Inc., 144A |
5.375% | 11/15/22 | BB | 459,000 | |||||||||||||||
875 |
Total Health Care Providers & Services |
851,063 | ||||||||||||||||||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 1.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,000 |
McDonalds Corporation |
4.875% | 12/09/45 | BBB+ | 1,196,018 | |||||||||||||||
Household Durables 1.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
950 |
Tempur Sealy International, Inc., 144A |
5.500% | 6/15/26 | BB | 961,286 | |||||||||||||||
Machinery 5.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
950 |
Automation Tooling Systems, Inc., 144A |
6.500% | 6/15/23 | B+ | 969,000 | |||||||||||||||
850 |
Dana Financing Luxembourg Sarl, 144A |
6.500% | 6/01/26 | BB+ | 871,250 | |||||||||||||||
730 |
Meritor Inc. |
6.750% | 6/15/21 | B+ | 700,800 | |||||||||||||||
1,350 |
Terex Corporation |
6.000% | 5/15/21 | BB | 1,373,625 | |||||||||||||||
3,880 |
Total Machinery |
3,914,675 | ||||||||||||||||||
Media 2.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
375 |
Dish DBS Corporation, 144A |
7.750% | 7/01/26 | Ba3 | 388,828 | |||||||||||||||
1,550 |
Dish DBS Corporation |
5.875% | 11/15/24 | Ba3 | 1,495,750 | |||||||||||||||
1,925 |
Total Media |
1,884,578 | ||||||||||||||||||
Metals & Mining 0.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
500 |
ArcelorMittal |
8.000% | 10/15/39 | BB+ | 530,000 | |||||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust 3.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,025 |
Communications Sales & Leasing Inc. |
8.250% | 10/15/23 | BB | 1,046,781 | |||||||||||||||
250 |
Iron Mountain Inc. |
6.000% | 8/15/23 | BB | 265,625 | |||||||||||||||
250 |
Iron Mountain Inc. |
5.750% | 8/15/24 | B | 256,798 | |||||||||||||||
475 |
Select Income REIT |
4.500% | 2/01/25 | Baa2 | 471,504 | |||||||||||||||
2,000 |
Total Real Estate Investment Trust |
2,040,708 | ||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Management & Development 2.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,250 |
Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC, 144A |
8.250% | 12/01/22 | BB | 1,327,350 |
58 | NUVEEN |
Principal
Amount (000) |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (4) | Value | |||||||||||||||
Real Estate Management & Development (continued) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 225 |
Kennedy-Wilson Holdings Incorporated |
5.875% | 4/01/24 | BB | $ | 227,250 | |||||||||||||
1,475 |
Total Real Estate Management & Development |
1,554,600 | ||||||||||||||||||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 3.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||
425 |
Amkor Technology Inc. |
6.625% | 6/01/21 | BB | 428,188 | |||||||||||||||
1,150 |
Micron Technology, Inc., 144A |
5.625% | 1/15/26 | BB | 1,020,625 | |||||||||||||||
925 |
Qorvo Inc., 144A |
7.000% | 12/01/25 | BB+ | 1,002,469 | |||||||||||||||
2,500 |
Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
2,451,282 | ||||||||||||||||||
Specialty Retail 2.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,800 |
L Brands, Inc. |
6.875% | 11/01/35 | BB+ | 1,908,900 | |||||||||||||||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 4.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||
950 |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co, 144A |
6.350% | 10/15/45 | A | 973,063 | |||||||||||||||
1,425 |
Seagate HDD Cayman |
4.875% | 6/01/27 | BBB | 1,195,395 | |||||||||||||||
900 |
Western Digital Corporation, 144A |
10.500% | 4/01/24 | BB+ | 1,014,750 | |||||||||||||||
3,275 |
Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals |
3,183,208 | ||||||||||||||||||
Wireless Telecommunication Services 4.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
900 |
Altice Financing SA, 144A |
7.500% | 5/15/26 | BB | 909,000 | |||||||||||||||
1,875 |
Viacom Inc. |
6.875% | 4/30/36 | BBB+ | 2,153,684 | |||||||||||||||
2,775 |
Total Wireless Telecommunication Services |
3,062,684 | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | 42,950 |
Total Corporate Bonds (cost $42,728,525) |
44,358,448 | |||||||||||||||||
Principal
Amount (000)/ Shares |
Description (1) | Coupon | Maturity | Ratings (4) | Value | |||||||||||||||
$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED 11.7% (8.4% of Total Investments) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Banks 5.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 900 |
Bank of America Corporation |
6.500% | N/A (5) | BB+ | $ | 982,687 | |||||||||||||
450 |
Citigroup Inc. |
5.800% | N/A (5) | BB+ | 450,000 | |||||||||||||||
100 |
Citigroup Inc. |
6.250% | N/A (5) | BB+ | 107,750 | |||||||||||||||
350 |
Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank |
6.250% | N/A (5) | BBB+ | 378,822 | |||||||||||||||
425 |
PNC Financial Services Inc. |
6.750% | N/A (5) | Baa2 | 477,594 | |||||||||||||||
450 |
Wells Fargo & Company |
5.875% | N/A (5) | BBB | 495,563 | |||||||||||||||
1,000 |
Zions Bancorporation |
7.200% | N/A (5) | BB | 1,055,000 | |||||||||||||||
Total Banks |
3,947,416 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capital Markets 0.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||
225 |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. |
5.300% | N/A (5) | Ba1 | 228,656 | |||||||||||||||
Consumer Finance 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
475 |
Capital One Financial Corporation |
5.550% | N/A (5) | Baa3 | 481,769 | |||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities 1.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
700 |
Emera, Inc. |
0.000% | 6/15/76 | BBB | 754,425 | |||||||||||||||
Food Products 3.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
1,495 |
Land O Lakes Incorporated, 144A |
8.000% | N/A (5) | BB | 1,573,487 | |||||||||||||||
575 |
Land OLakes Inc., 144A |
8.000% | N/A (5) | BB | 605,188 | |||||||||||||||
Total Food Products |
2,178,675 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||
400 |
Liberty Mutual Group, 144A |
7.800% | 3/15/37 | Baa3 | 445,000 | |||||||||||||||
Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $7,657,124) |
8,035,941 |
NUVEEN | 59 |
JPW | Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund | |||
Portfolio of Investments (continued) | July 31, 2016 |
Investments in Derivatives as of July 31, 2016
Call Options Written
Number of
Contracts |
Description |
Notional
Amount (9) |
Expiration
Date |
Strike
Price |
Value | |||||||||||||||
(138 | ) |
CIT Group Inc. |
$ | (510,600 | ) | 10/21/16 | $ | 37 | $ | (10,626 | ) | |||||||||
(569 | ) |
CVR Partners LP |
(569,000 | ) | 8/19/16 | 10 | (1,423 | ) | ||||||||||||
(116 | ) |
Nordstrom, Inc. |
(522,000 | ) | 10/21/16 | 45 | (25,288 | ) | ||||||||||||
(156 | ) |
Unum Group |
(561,600 | ) | 9/16/16 | 36 | (5,850 | ) | ||||||||||||
(979 | ) |
Total Call Options Written (premium received $62,794) |
$ | (2,163,200 | ) | $ | (43,187 | ) |
For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Funds 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 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. |
(3) | Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives. |
(4) | For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poors Group (Standard & Poors), Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) 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 & Poors, Baa by Moodys 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. |
(5) | Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable. |
(6) | 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 $54,626,684 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings. |
(7) | Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 28.3%. |
(8) | 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. Other assets less liabilities also includes the value of options as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
(9) | For disclosure purposes, Notional Amount is calculated by multiplying the Number of Contracts by the Strike Price by 100. |
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. |
ADR | American Depositary Receipt |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
60 | NUVEEN |
Assets and Liabilities |
July 31, 2016 |
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Long-term investments, at value (cost $1,338,041,220, $746,254,422, $2,695,938,311 and $90,374,323, respectively) |
$ | 1,421,254,855 | $ | 781,528,586 | $ | 2,833,447,134 | $ | 95,001,102 | ||||||||
Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value) |
6,077,118 | | 85,124,510 | 277,234 | ||||||||||||
Cash |
1,779 | | | | ||||||||||||
Cash collateral at brokers (1) |
| 8,820,000 | | | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps premiums paid |
2,582,545 | 2,434,836 | 5,141,974 | | ||||||||||||
Receivable for: |
||||||||||||||||
Dividends |
1,437,536 | 410,163 | 1,545,658 | 66,635 | ||||||||||||
Interest |
10,540,817 | 7,327,627 | 35,126,384 | 924,305 | ||||||||||||
Investments sold |
6,080,413 | 5,225,497 | 879,329 | 181,149 | ||||||||||||
Reclaims |
103,738 | 76,514 | 178,015 | | ||||||||||||
Other assets |
239,794 | 35,161 | 453,632 | 3,917 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
1,448,318,595 | 805,858,384 | 2,961,896,636 | 96,454,342 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
404,100,000 | 225,000,000 | 945,000,000 | 27,000,000 | ||||||||||||
Cash overdraft |
| 1,402,016 | | | ||||||||||||
Options written, at value (premiums received $156,444, $, $ and $62,794, respectively) |
148,573 | | | 43,187 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps |
12,137,778 | 11,783,339 | 24,166,918 | | ||||||||||||
Payable for: |
||||||||||||||||
Dividends |
6,393,839 | 3,659,332 | 12,517,005 | 413,038 | ||||||||||||
Investments purchased |
3,337,521 | 3,555,210 | 6,006,527 | 29,137 | ||||||||||||
Accrued expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest on borrowings |
58,832 | 32,758 | 129,292 | 27,501 | ||||||||||||
Management fees |
976,426 | 560,242 | 1,936,389 | 68,929 | ||||||||||||
Trustees fees |
228,619 | 32,618 | 441,383 | 164 | ||||||||||||
Other |
220,330 | 110,791 | 880,144 | 51,269 | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
427,601,918 | 246,136,306 | 991,077,658 | 27,633,225 | ||||||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares |
$ | 1,020,716,677 | $ | 559,722,078 | $ | 1,970,818,978 | $ | 68,821,117 | ||||||||
Common shares outstanding |
96,897,257 | 22,754,347 | 203,807,231 | 3,698,750 | ||||||||||||
Net asset value (NAV) per common share outstanding |
$ | 10.53 | $ | 24.60 | $ | 9.67 | $ | 18.61 | ||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares consist of: |
||||||||||||||||
Common shares, $0.01 par value per share |
$ | 968,973 | $ | 227,543 | $ | 2,038,072 | $ | 36,988 | ||||||||
Paid-in surplus |
1,186,475,534 | 541,847,349 | 2,517,218,578 | 69,756,713 | ||||||||||||
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income |
(4,105,940 | ) | (2,306,771 | ) | 7,301,841 | (417,194 | ) | |||||||||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) |
(233,702,908 | ) | (3,536,868 | ) | (669,081,418 | ) | (5,201,776 | ) | ||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
71,081,018 | 23,490,825 | 113,341,905 | 4,646,386 | ||||||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares |
$ | 1,020,716,677 | $ | 559,722,078 | $ | 1,970,818,978 | $ | 68,821,117 | ||||||||
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.
NUVEEN | 61 |
Operations |
Year Ended July 31, 2016 |
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
Term
|
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Investment Income |
||||||||||||||||
Dividends (net of tax withheld of $116,596, $33,828, $ and $8,422, respectively) |
$ | 47,026,077 | $ | 18,366,502 | $ | 36,252,356 | $ | 2,663,994 | ||||||||
Interest |
44,193,574 | 33,574,500 | 83,678,971 | 3,067,009 | ||||||||||||
Other |
373,909 | 209,689 | 472,846 | | ||||||||||||
Total investment income |
91,593,560 | 52,150,691 | 120,404,173 | 5,731,003 | ||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Management fees |
11,386,857 | 6,613,310 | 15,445,924 | 787,500 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense on borrowings |
4,951,242 | 2,756,817 | 6,572,224 | 283,633 | ||||||||||||
Custodian fees |
184,990 | 95,730 | 220,393 | 54,764 | ||||||||||||
Trustees fees |
41,332 | 20,214 | 61,467 | 2,801 | ||||||||||||
Professional fees |
104,381 | 58,395 | 121,839 | 40,365 | ||||||||||||
Shareholder reporting expenses |
197,897 | 75,739 | 300,979 | 15,704 | ||||||||||||
Shareholder servicing agent fees |
3,917 | 164 | 5,451 | 141 | ||||||||||||
Stock exchange listing fees |
31,017 | 7,889 | 38,542 | 7,889 | ||||||||||||
Investor relations expenses |
116,988 | 64,961 | 186,523 | 31,492 | ||||||||||||
Reorganization expenses |
| | 1,030,000 | | ||||||||||||
Other |
42,311 | 28,670 | 202,333 | 10,850 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses |
17,060,932 | 9,721,889 | 24,185,675 | 1,235,139 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
74,532,628 | 42,428,802 | 96,218,498 | 4,495,864 | ||||||||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) |
||||||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) from: |
||||||||||||||||
Investments and foreign currency |
(10,668,071 | ) | (4,958,896 | ) | 26,780,229 | (3,108,172 | ) | |||||||||
Options written |
675,301 | | | 191,671 | ||||||||||||
Swaps |
(201,344 | ) | (188,141 | ) | (315,121 | ) | | |||||||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of: |
||||||||||||||||
Investments and foreign currency |
30,658,823 | 12,020,430 | 14,627,646 | 3,687,179 | ||||||||||||
Options written |
(34,447 | ) | | | 7,904 | |||||||||||
Swaps |
(9,202,900 | ) | (7,177,526 | ) | (20,717,250 | ) | | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
11,227,362 | (304,133 | ) | 20,375,504 | 778,582 | |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations |
$ | 85,759,990 | $ | 42,124,669 | $ | 116,594,002 | $ | 5,274,446 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
62 | NUVEEN |
Changes in Net Assets |
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) | Preferred and Income Term (JPI) | |||||||||||||||
Year
Ended 7/31/16 |
Year
Ended 7/31/15 |
Year
Ended 7/31/16 |
Year
Ended 7/31/15 |
|||||||||||||
Operations |
||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 74,532,628 | $ | 77,143,927 | $ | 42,428,802 | $ | 44,685,722 | ||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) from: |
||||||||||||||||
Investments and foreign currency |
(10,668,071 | ) | 11,902,076 | (4,958,896 | ) | 6,053,459 | ||||||||||
Options written |
675,301 | 802,961 | | | ||||||||||||
Securities sold short |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Swaps |
(201,344 | ) | (2,050,447 | ) | (188,141 | ) | | |||||||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of: |
||||||||||||||||
Investments and foreign currency |
30,658,823 | (28,008,403 | ) | 12,020,430 | (14,799,658 | ) | ||||||||||
Options written |
(34,447 | ) | 42,318 | | | |||||||||||
Swaps |
(9,202,900 | ) | (6,433,583 | ) | (7,177,526 | ) | (6,203,119 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations |
85,759,990 | 53,398,849 | 42,124,669 | 29,736,404 | ||||||||||||
Distributions to Common Shareholders |
||||||||||||||||
From net investment income |
(77,898,962 | ) | (74,952,966 | ) | (44,427,328 | ) | (44,115,359 | ) | ||||||||
From accumulated net realized gains |
| | (4,150,107 | ) | | |||||||||||
Return of Capital |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Decrease in net assets applicable to common shares from distributions to common shareholders |
(77,898,962 | ) | (74,952,966 | ) | (48,577,435 | ) | (44,115,359 | ) | ||||||||
Capital Share Transactions |
||||||||||||||||
Common shares: |
||||||||||||||||
Issued in the Reorganizations |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions |
89,735 | | 37,720 | | ||||||||||||
Cost of shares repurchased and retired |
| (825,508 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from capital share transactions |
89,735 | (825,508 | ) | 37,720 | | |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares |
7,950,763 | (22,379,625 | ) | (6,415,046 | ) | (14,378,955 | ) | |||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares at the beginning of period |
1,012,765,914 | 1,035,145,539 | 566,137,124 | 580,516,079 | ||||||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares at the end of period |
$ | 1,020,716,677 | $ | 1,012,765,914 | $ | 559,722,078 | $ | 566,137,124 | ||||||||
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period |
$ | (4,105,940 | ) | $ | 1,637,742 | $ | (2,306,771 | ) | $ | 1,261,626 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
NUVEEN | 63 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) | Flexible Investment Income (JPW) | |||||||||||||||
Year
Ended 7/31/16 |
Year
Ended 7/31/15 |
Year
Ended 7/31/16 |
Year
Ended 7/31/15 |
|||||||||||||
Operations |
||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 96,218,498 | $ | 82,458,770 | $ | 4,495,864 | $ | 5,071,834 | ||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) from: |
||||||||||||||||
Investments and foreign currency |
26,780,229 | 2,886,183 | (3,108,172 | ) | (1,921,095 | ) | ||||||||||
Options written |
| | 191,671 | 236,521 | ||||||||||||
Securities sold short |
| | | 2,461 | ||||||||||||
Swaps |
(315,121 | ) | (2,270,269 | ) | | | ||||||||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of: |
||||||||||||||||
Investments and foreign currency |
14,627,646 | (10,869,655 | ) | 3,687,179 | (1,213,518 | ) | ||||||||||
Options written |
| | 7,904 | 11,703 | ||||||||||||
Swaps |
(20,717,250 | ) | (7,688,673 | ) | | | ||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations |
116,594,002 | 64,516,356 | 5,274,446 | 2,187,906 | ||||||||||||
Distributions to Common Shareholders |
||||||||||||||||
From net investment income |
(98,299,558 | ) | (87,983,215 | ) | (4,498,378 | ) | (5,478,707 | ) | ||||||||
From accumulated net realized gains |
| | | (1,783,583 | ) | |||||||||||
Return of capital |
| | (735,483 | ) | | |||||||||||
Decrease in net assets applicable to common shares from distributions to common shareholders |
(98,299,558 | ) | (87,983,215 | ) | (5,233,861 | ) | (7,262,290 | ) | ||||||||
Capital Share Transactions |
||||||||||||||||
Common shares: |
||||||||||||||||
Issued in the Reorganizations |
778,167,361 | | | | ||||||||||||
Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions |
98,377 | | | | ||||||||||||
Cost of shares repurchased and retired |
| | (92,957 | ) | | |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from capital share transactions |
778,265,738 | | (92,957 | ) | | |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares |
796,560,182 | (23,466,859 | ) | (52,372 | ) | (5,074,384 | ) | |||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares at the beginning of period |
1,174,258,796 | 1,197,725,655 | 68,873,489 | 73,947,873 | ||||||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares at the end of period |
$ | 1,970,818,978 | $ | 1,174,258,796 | $ | 68,821,117 | $ | 68,873,489 | ||||||||
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period |
$ | 7,301,841 | $ | 10,224,717 | $ | (417,194 | ) | $ | (555,988 | ) |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
64 | NUVEEN |
Cash Flows |
Year Ended July 31, 2016 |
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares from Operations |
$ | 85,759,990 | $ | 42,124,669 | $ | 116,594,002 | $ | 5,274,446 | ||||||||
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 |
(385,862,540 | ) | (175,814,087 | ) | (759,637,954 | ) | (55,076,321 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments |
392,869,468 | 187,072,995 | 660,623,742 | 58,262,018 | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from (Purchases of) short-term investments, net |
6,915,815 | 4,677,630 | (50,946,490 | ) | 2,375,202 | |||||||||||
Proceeds from (Payments for) swap contracts, net |
(201,344 | ) | (188,141 | ) | (315,121 | ) | | |||||||||
Premiums received for options written |
1,166,113 | | | 349,668 | ||||||||||||
Cash paid for terminated options written |
(560,937 | ) | | | (160,941 | ) | ||||||||||
Premiums received (paid) for interest rate swaps |
(2,582,545 | ) | (2,434,836 | ) | (4,089,932 | ) | | |||||||||
Amortization (Accretion) of premiums and discounts, net |
193,063 | 262,185 | 407,479 | (24,646 | ) | |||||||||||
(Increase) Decrease in: |
||||||||||||||||
Cash collateral at brokers |
| (5,940,000 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Receivable for dividends |
(149,717 | ) | 40,958 | 40,366 | 41,077 | |||||||||||
Receivable for interest |
(1,340,849 | ) | 10,269 | (7,443,498 | ) | (200,950 | ) | |||||||||
Receivable for investments sold |
(2,456,941 | ) | (4,898,940 | ) | (879,329 | ) | (181,149 | ) | ||||||||
Receivable for reclaims |
8,871 | 5,553 | (62,950 | ) | 2,364 | |||||||||||
Other assets |
8,960 | (1,934 | ) | 1,933 | 170 | |||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in: |
||||||||||||||||
Payable for investments purchased |
(6,241,813 | ) | 416,233 | 2,756,895 | (1,524,491 | ) | ||||||||||
Accrued interest on borrowings |
35,560 | 19,800 | 102,467 | 4,556 | ||||||||||||
Accrued management fees |
(9,346 | ) | (13,803 | ) | 775,260 | (3,516 | ) | |||||||||
Accrued Trustees fees |
(4,630 | ) | 3,671 | 179,994 | (37 | ) | ||||||||||
Accrued other expenses |
(3,719 | ) | (6,641 | ) | (372,650 | ) | 11,804 | |||||||||
Net realized (gain) loss from: |
||||||||||||||||
Investments and foreign currency |
10,668,071 | 4,958,896 | (26,780,229 | ) | 3,108,172 | |||||||||||
Options written |
(675,301 | ) | | | (191,671 | ) | ||||||||||
Swaps |
201,344 | 188,141 | 315,121 | | ||||||||||||
Change in net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of: |
||||||||||||||||
Investments and foreign currency |
(30,658,823 | ) | (12,020,430 | ) | (14,627,646 | ) | (3,687,179 | ) | ||||||||
Options written |
34,447 | | | (7,904 | ) | |||||||||||
Swaps |
9,202,900 | 7,177,526 | 20,717,250 | | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
76,316,097 | 45,639,714 | (62,641,290 | ) | 8,370,672 | |||||||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings |
| | 155,200,000 | 2,500,000 | ||||||||||||
Repayments of borrowings |
| | | (5,500,000 | ) | |||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in cash overdraft |
| 1,402,016 | | | ||||||||||||
Cash distributions paid to common shareholders |
(77,795,407 | ) | (48,522,819 | ) | (92,558,710 | ) | (5,277,715 | ) | ||||||||
Cost of common shares repurchased and retired |
| | | (92,957 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(77,795,407 | ) | (47,120,803 | ) | 62,641,290 | (8,370,672 | ) | |||||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash |
(1,479,310 | ) | (1,481,089 | ) | | | ||||||||||
Cash at the beginning of period |
1,481,089 | 1,481,089 | | | ||||||||||||
Cash at the end of period |
$ | 1,779 | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information* |
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
||||||||||||
Cash paid for interest on borrowings (excluding borrowing costs) |
$ | 4,915,682 | $ | 2,737,017 | $ | 6,469,757 | $ | 279,077 | ||||||||
Non-cash financing activities not included herein consists of reinvestments of common share distributions |
89,735 | 37,720 | 98,377 | |
* | See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 1 General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, Fund Reorganizations for more information of the non-cash activities related to Preferred Securities Incomes (JPS) Reorganization. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
NUVEEN | 65 |
Highlights
Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period:
Borrowings at the End of Period(j) | ||||||||
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Aggregate
Amount Outstanding (000) |
Asset
Coverage Per $1,000 |
||||||
Year Ended 7/31: |
|
|||||||
2016 |
$ | 404,100 | $ | 3,526 | ||||
2015 |
404,100 | 3,506 | ||||||
2014 |
402,500 | 3,572 | ||||||
2013(g) |
402,500 | 3,473 | ||||||
Year Ended 12/31: |
|
|||||||
2012 |
383,750 | 3,599 | ||||||
2011 |
348,000 | 3,416 | ||||||
Preferred and Income Term (JPI) |
||||||||
Year Ended 7/31: |
|
|||||||
2016 |
225,000 | 3,488 | ||||||
2015 |
225,000 | 3,516 | ||||||
2014 |
225,000 | 3,580 | ||||||
2013 |
225,000 | 3,535 |
(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 Funds 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 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. |
66 | NUVEEN |
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) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
9.01 | % | 23.47 | % | $ | 1,020,717 | 1.73 | % | 7.58 | % | N/A | N/A | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||
5.36 | 6.76 | 1,012,766 | 1.63 | 7.55 | N/A | N/A | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
11.97 | 8.50 | 1,035,146 | 1.67 | 7.73 | N/A | N/A | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
4.09 | 0.63 | 995,460 | 1.67 | *** | 7.47 | *** | N/A | N/A | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||
28.17 | 31.44 | 997,484 | 1.79 | 7.85 | N/A | N/A | 123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(2.23 | ) | 4.95 | 840,643 | 1.73 | 5.40 | 1.70 | % | 5.43 | % | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||
7.96 | 20.97 | 559,722 | 1.77 | 7.73 | N/A | N/A | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
5.30 | 4.83 | 566,137 | 1.66 | 7.80 | N/A | N/A | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
12.34 | 8.71 | 580,516 | 1.73 | 7.96 | N/A | N/A | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
13.69 | 0.41 | 570,298 | 1.72 | 7.51 | N/A | N/A | 57 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(0.23 | ) | 2.00 | 476,252 | 0.97 | *** | (0.96 | )*** | N/A | N/A | |
(c) | Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to borrowings, where applicable, as described in Note 8 Borrowing Arrangements. |
| Each ratio includes the effect of dividends expense on securities sold short and all interest expense paid and other costs related to borrowings, where applicable, as follows: |
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Ratios of Dividends Expense on
Securities Sold Short to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares(e) |
Ratios of Interest Expense
to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares |
||||||
Year Ended 7/31: |
|
|||||||
2016 |
| % | 0.50 | % | ||||
2015 |
| 0.41 | ||||||
2014 |
| 0.43 | ||||||
2013(g) |
| 0.45 | *** | |||||
Year Ended 12/31: |
|
|||||||
2012 |
| 0.52 | ||||||
2011 |
| ** | 0.43 | |||||
Preferred and Income Term (JPI) |
||||||||
Year Ended 7/31: |
|
|||||||
2016 |
| % | 0.50 | % | ||||
2015 |
| 0.41 | ||||||
2014 |
| 0.45 | ||||||
2013(i) |
| 0.48 | *** |
(d) | After expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. As of March 31, 2011, the Adviser is no longer reimbursing Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) for any fees or expenses. |
(e) | Effective for periods beginning after December 31, 2011, Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) no longer makes short sales of securities. |
(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) | For the seven months ended July 31, 2013. |
(h) | For the period July 26, 2012 (commencement of operations) through July 31, 2012. |
(i) | For the period August 29, 2012 (first utilization date of borrowings) through July 31, 2013. |
(j) | Preferred Income Term (JPI) did not utilize borrowings prior to the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013. |
N/A | The Fund does not have or no longer has a contractual reimbursement agreement with the Adviser. |
* | Rounds to less than $0.01 per share. |
** | Rounds to less than 0.01%. |
*** | Annualized. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
NUVEEN | 67 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period:
Borrowings at End of Period(i) | ||||||||
Aggregate
Amount Outstanding (000) |
Asset
Coverage Per $1,000 |
|||||||
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) |
||||||||
Year Ended 7/31: |
||||||||
2016 |
$ | 945,000 | $ | 3,086 | ||||
2015 |
465,800 | 3,521 | ||||||
2014 |
464,000 | 3,581 | ||||||
2013 |
464,000 | 3,451 | ||||||
2012 |
427,000 | 3,570 | ||||||
Flexible Investment Income (JPW) |
||||||||
Year Ended 7/31: |
||||||||
2016 |
27,000 | 3,549 | ||||||
2015 |
30,000 | 3,296 | ||||||
2014 |
30,000 | 3,465 |
68 | NUVEEN |
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) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
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 | (h) | 6.92 | (h) | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
12.83 | 13.76 | 1,197,726 | 1.69 | 7.32 | N/A | N/A | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
10.98 | (2.63 | ) | 1,137,303 | 1.71 | 7.23 | N/A | N/A | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
12.32 | 25.17 | 1,097,385 | 1.80 | 8.13 | N/A | N/A | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
8.49 | 12.89 | 68,821 | 1.91 | 6.96 | N/A | N/A | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
3.19 | (0.02 | ) | 68,873 | 1.82 | 7.15 | N/A | N/A | 122 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
14.26 | 0.80 | 73,948 | 1.70 | 7.51 | N/A | N/A | 71 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(0.99 | ) | (1.00 | ) | 66,297 | 1.40 | ** | 1.93 | ** | N/A | N/A | 3 |
(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 Funds 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. |
(c) | Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to borrowings, where applicable, as described in Note 8 Borrowing Arrangements. |
| Each ratio includes the effect of all interest expense paid and other costs related to borrowings as follows: |
Ratios of Interest Expense
to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares |
||||
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) |
||||
Year Ended 7/31: |
|
|||
2016 |
0.50 | % | ||
2015 |
0.40 | |||
2014 |
0.43 | |||
2013 |
0.47 | |||
2012 |
0.55 | |||
Flexible Investment Income (JPW) |
||||
Year Ended 7/31: |
|
|||
2016 |
0.44 | % | ||
2015 |
0.37 | |||
2014(g) |
0.33 | ** |
(d) | After expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. As of September 30, 2010, the Adviser is no longer reimbursing Preferred Securities Income (JPS), respectively, for any fees or expenses. |
(e) | For the period June 25, 2013 (commencement of operations) through July 31, 2013. |
(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) | For the period August 13, 2013 (first utilization date of borrowings) through July 31, 2014. |
(h) | 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. |
(i) | Flexible Investment Income (JPW) did not utilize borrowings prior to the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014. |
* | Rounds to less than $0.01 per share. |
** | 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.
NUVEEN | 69 |
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) (Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC)) |
| Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI) (Preferred and Income Term (JPI)) |
| Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (JPS) (Preferred Securities Income (JPS)) |
| Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (JPW) (Flexible Investment Income (JPW)) |
The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as diversified closed-end management investment companies. Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Term (JPI), Preferred Securities Income (JPS) and Flexible Investment Income (JPW) were each organized as Massachusetts business trusts on January 27, 2003, April 18, 2012, June 24, 2002 and March 28, 2013, respectively.
The end of the reporting period for the Funds is July 31, 2016, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 (the current fiscal period).
Effective May 9, 2016, in conjunction with its reorganization, Preferred Securities Income Fund (JPS) changed its name from Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2.
Investment Adviser
The Funds investment adviser is Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the Adviser), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (Nuveen). Nuveen is an operating division of TIAA Global Asset Management. 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 Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) portfolio. NAM manages the investment portfolio of Preferred and Income Term (JPI), Spectrum manages the investment portfolio of Preferred Securities Income (JPS), while NWQ manages the investment portfolio of Flexible Investment Income (JPW). The Adviser is responsible for managing Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Terms (JPI) and Preferred Securities Incomes (JPS) investments in swap contracts.
Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) investment objective is to provide high current income and total return by investing 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. At least 50% of its managed assets are rated investment grade (BBB/Baa or better by S&P, Moodys, or Fitch) at the time of investment.
Preferred and Income Terms (JPI) investment objective is to provide a high level of current income and total return. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in preferred securities and other income producing securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred and other income producing securities. The Fund will invest at least 60% of its managed assets in securities rated investment grade (BBB-/Baa3 or higher) at the time of purchase.
Effective January 31, 2016, the 40% limit to the non-U.S. issuers for Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) and Preferred and Income Term (JPI) was removed in order to allow for an increased number of contingent capital securities in each Funds portfolio.
Preferred Securities Income Funds (JPS) investment objective is high current income consistent with capital preservation. The Funds secondary investment objective is to enhance portfolio value. The Fund invests 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. The Fund invests at least 50% (80% for the period August 1, 2015 through October 18, 2015 and 65% for the period October 19, 2015 through May 8, 2016) of its managed assets in securities that,
70 | NUVEEN |
at the time of investment, are investment grade quality (BBB/Baa or better), which may include up to 10% in securities that are rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Effective May 8, 2016, the 45% limit to the non-U.S. issuers for the Fund was eliminated.
Flexible Investment Incomes (JPW) investment objectives are to provide high current income and, secondarily, capital appreciation. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its managed assets in income producing securities issued by companies located anywhere in the world. The Fund will invest in income producing securities across the capital structure in any type of debt, preferred or equity securities offered by a particular company, or debt securities issued by a government. The Fund will invest 100% of its managed assets in U.S. dollar-denominated securities, and may invest up to 50% of its managed assets in securities of non-U.S. companies. The Fund may invest up to 40% of its managed assets in equity securities (other than preferred securities). At least 25% of the aggregate market value of the Funds investments in debt and preferred securities that are of a type customarily rated by a credit rating agency will be rated investment grade, or if unrated, will be judged to be of comparable quality by NWQ The Fund will invest at least 25% of its managed assets in securities issued by financial services companies. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its managed assets in securities and other instruments that, at the time of purchase, are illiquid. The Fund may opportunistically write (sell) covered call options on the Funds portfolio of equity securities for the purpose of enhancing the Funds risk-adjusted total return over time. The Fund anticipates using leverage to help achieve its investment objectives. The Fund may utilize leverage in the form of borrowings from a financial institution or the issuance of preferred shares or other senior securities, such as commercial paper or notes.
Fund Reorganizations
Effective prior to the opening of business on May 9, 2016, certain funds were reorganized into one, larger Fund included in this report (the Reorganizations) as follows:
Target Funds | Acquiring Fund | |||
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund (JTP) |
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) | |||
(Quality Preferred Income (JTP)) |
||||
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 3 (JHP) |
||||
(Quality Preferred Income 3 (JHP)) |
For accounting and performance reporting purposes, the Acquiring Fund is the survivor.
Upon the closing of a reorganization, the Target Funds transfer their assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for common shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Target Funds. The Target Funds are then liquidated, dissolved and terminated in accordance with their Declaration of Trust. Shareholders of the Target Funds become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund. Holders of common shares of the Target Funds receive newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, the aggregate net asset value (NAV) of which is equal to the aggregate NAV of the common shares of the Target Funds held immediately prior to the reorganizations (including for this purpose fractional Acquiring Fund shares to which shareholders would be entitled). Details of Preferred Securities Incomes (JPS) Reorganizations are further described in Note 9 Fund Reorganizations.
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. 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 paydown gains and losses, if any. Other income is comprised of fees earned in connection with the rehypothecation of pledged collateral as further described in Note 8 Borrowing Arrangements, Rehypothecation.
NUVEEN | 71 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
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
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.
Dividends to common shareholders are declared monthly. For Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Term (JPI) and Preferred Securities Income (JPS) 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.
Subject to approval and oversight by the Funds Board of Trustees (the Board), Flexible Investment Income (JPW) seeks to establish a distribution rate that roughly corresponds to the cash flows from its investment strategies through regular distributions (a Cash Flow-Based Distribution Program). The Fund seeks to establish a relatively stable common share distribution rate that roughly corresponds to the Funds net cash flows after expense from its investments over an extended period of time. Actual net cash flows the Fund receives may differ from the Funds distribution rate over shorter time periods over a specific timeframe. The portion of distributions paid attributed to net unrealized gains, if any, is distributed from the Funds assets and is treated by shareholders as a non-taxable distribution (Return of Capital) for tax purposes. In the event that total distributions during a calendar year exceed the Funds total return on net asset value (NAV), the difference will reduce NAV per share. If the Funds total return on NAV exceeds total distributions during a calendar year, the excess will be reflected as an increase in NAV per share. The final determination of the source and character of all distributions for the fiscal year is made after the end of the fiscal year and is reflected in the financial statements contained in the annual report as of July 31 each year.
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 Derivative Association, Inc. (ISDA) master agreements or other similar arrangements (netting agreements). Generally, the right to offset in netting 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 reporting 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 entitys 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.
72 | NUVEEN |
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 managements 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 securitys 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 obligors 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 an independent 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 NAVs on valuation date and are generally classified as Level 1.
The value of exchange-traded options are based on the mean of the closing bid and ask prices and are generally classified as Level 1. Options traded in the over-the-counter (OTC) market are valued using an evaluated mean price and are generally classified as Level 2.
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 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 priority 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 Funds 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 securitys 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 obligors 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.
NUVEEN | 73 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
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 Funds fair value measurements as of the end of the reporting period:
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Long-Term Investments*: |
||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks |
$ | 47,521,726 | $ | 4,471,930 | ** | $ | | $ | 51,993,656 | |||||||
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred |
541,097,940 | 79,211,133 | ** | | 620,309,073 | |||||||||||
Convertible Preferred Securities |
13,019,825 | 3,298,488 | ** | | 16,318,313 | |||||||||||
Corporate Bonds |
| 126,702,609 | | 126,702,609 | ||||||||||||
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred |
| 605,931,204 | | 605,931,204 | ||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments: |
||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements |
| 6,077,118 | | 6,077,118 | ||||||||||||
Investments in Derivatives: |
||||||||||||||||
Options Written |
(148,573 | ) | | | (148,573 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps*** |
| (12,137,778 | ) | | (12,137,778 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 601,490,918 | $ | 813,554,704 | $ | | $ | 1,415,045,622 | ||||||||
Preferred and Income Term (JPI) | ||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Investments*: |
||||||||||||||||
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred |
$ | 177,872,167 | $ | 72,178,633 | ** | $ | | $ | 250,050,800 | |||||||
Corporate Bonds |
| 61,142,490 | | 61,142,490 | ||||||||||||
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred |
| 470,335,296 | | 470,335,296 | ||||||||||||
Investments in Derivatives: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps*** |
| (11,783,339 | ) | | (11,783,339 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 177,872,167 | $ | 591,873,080 | $ | | $ | 769,745,247 | ||||||||
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) | ||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Investments*: |
||||||||||||||||
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred |
$ | 437,610,458 | $ | 166,896,191 | ** | $ | | $ | 604,506,649 | |||||||
Convertible Preferred Securities |
14,153,956 | | | 14,153,956 | ||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds |
| 163,635,776 | | 163,635,776 | ||||||||||||
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred |
| 2,025,248,156 | | 2,025,248,156 | ||||||||||||
Investment Companies |
25,902,597 | | | 25,902,597 | ||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments: |
||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements |
| 85,124,510 | | 85,124,510 | ||||||||||||
Investments in Derivatives: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps*** |
| (24,166,918 | ) | | (24,166,918 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 477,667,011 | $ | 2,416,737,715 | $ | | $ | 2,894,404,726 | ||||||||
Flexible Investment Income (JPW) | ||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Investments*: |
||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks |
$ | 13,752,389 | $ | 1,248,233 | ** | $ | | $ | 15,000,622 | |||||||
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred |
22,966,308 | 448,356 | ** | | 23,414,664 | |||||||||||
Convertible Preferred Securities |
2,194,545 | 885,500 | ** | | 3,080,045 | |||||||||||
Corporate Bonds |
| 44,358,448 | | 44,358,448 | ||||||||||||
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred |
| 8,035,941 | | 8,035,941 | ||||||||||||
Common Stock Rights |
| 1,111,382 | ** | | 1,111,382 | |||||||||||
Short-Term Investments: |
||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements |
| 277,234 | | 277,234 | ||||||||||||
Investments in Derivatives: |
||||||||||||||||
Options Written |
(43,187 | ) | | | (43,187 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 38,870,055 | $ | 56,365,094 | $ | | $ | 95,235,149 |
* | Refer to the Funds Portfolio of Investments for industry classifications. |
** | Refer to the Funds Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 2. |
*** | Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Funds Portfolio of Investments. |
The Board is responsible for the valuation process and has appointed the oversight of the daily valuation process to the Advisers 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 Advisers
74 | NUVEEN |
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 instruments 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 U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the Funds 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:
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) | Value |
% of Total
Investments |
||||||
Country: |
||||||||
United Kingdom |
$ | 88,013,838 | 6.2 | % | ||||
France |
39,723,793 | 2.8 | ||||||
Australia |
26,267,520 | 1.8 | ||||||
Switzerland |
25,914,786 | 1.8 | ||||||
Other |
90,504,096 | 6.3 | ||||||
Total non-U.S. securities |
$ | 270,424,033 | 18.9 | % | ||||
Preferred and Income Term (JPI) | ||||||||
Country: |
||||||||
United Kingdom |
$ | 76,952,727 | 9.8 | % | ||||
France |
42,362,660 | 5.4 | ||||||
Switzerland |
27,501,141 | 3.5 | ||||||
Australia |
27,072,303 | 3.5 | ||||||
Other |
66,170,977 | 8.5 | ||||||
Total non-U.S. securities |
$ | 240,059,808 | 30.7 | % |
NUVEEN | 75 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) | Value |
% of Total
Investments |
||||||
Country: |
||||||||
United Kingdom |
$ | 461,597,536 | 15.8 | % | ||||
France |
211,446,152 | 7.3 | ||||||
Switzerland |
158,805,272 | 5.4 | ||||||
Netherlands |
152,867,336 | 5.2 | ||||||
Other |
317,975,643 | 10.9 | ||||||
Total non-U.S. securities |
$ | 1,302,691,939 | 44.6 | % | ||||
Flexible Investment Income (JPW) | ||||||||
Country: |
||||||||
United Kingdom |
$ | 3,343,019 | 3.5 | % | ||||
Canada |
2,731,863 | 2.9 | ||||||
Belgium |
1,378,041 | 1.4 | ||||||
Germany |
1,248,233 | 1.3 | ||||||
Other |
3,365,857 | 3.6 | ||||||
Total non-U.S. securities |
$ | 12,067,013 | 12.7 | % |
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 derivatives 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 Funds 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 |
||||||||||
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation |
$ | 6,077,118 | $ | (6,077,118 | ) | $ | | ||||||
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) |
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation |
85,124,510 | (85,124,510 | ) | | |||||||||
Flexible Investment Income (JPW) |
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation |
277,234 | (277,234 | ) | |
* | 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 Funds 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.
76 | NUVEEN |
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.
Options Transactions
The purchase of options involves the risk of loss of all or a part of the cash paid for the options (the premium). The market risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium paid. The counterparty credit risk of purchasing options, however, needs also to take into account the current value of the option, as this is the performance expected from the counterparty. When a Fund purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium paid (the premium plus commission) is recognized as a component of Options purchased, at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When a Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the net premium received (the premium less commission) is recognized as a component of Options written, at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and is subsequently adjusted to reflect the current value of the written option until the option is exercised or expires or the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. The changes in the value of options purchased and/or written during the fiscal period are recognized as a component of Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of options purchased and/or written on the Statement of Operations. When an option is exercised or expires or the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, the difference between the net premium received and any amount paid at expiration or on executing a closing purchase transaction, including commission, is recognized as a component of Net realized gain (loss) from options purchased and/or written on the Statement of Operations. The Fund, as a writer of an option has no control over whether the underlying instrument may be sold (called) or purchased (put) and as a result bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the market value of the instrument underlying the written option. There is also the risk the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market.
During the current fiscal period, Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) and Flexible Investment Income (JPW) wrote covered call options on common stocks to hedge equity exposure.
The average notional amount of outstanding options written during the current fiscal period, was as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||
Average notional amount of outstanding options written* |
$ | (8,107,700 | ) | $ | (2,473,260 | ) |
* | The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period. |
The following table presents the fair value of all options written 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 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity price | Options | | $ | | Options written, at value | $ | (148,573 | ) | ||||||||||
Flexible Investment Income (JPW) | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity price | Options | | $ | | Options written, at value | $ | (43,187 | ) |
The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on options written 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 Options Written |
Change in Net
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Options Written |
||||||||
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) | Equity price | Options | $ | 675,301 | $ | (34,447 | ) | |||||
Flexible Investment Income (JPW) | Equity price | Options | 191,671 | 7,904 |
NUVEEN | 77 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
Interest Rate Swap Contracts
Interest rate swap contracts involve a Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds contractual rights and obligations under the contracts. For an OTC swap that is not cleared through a clearing house (OTC Uncleared), the net amount recorded on these transactions, for each counterparty, is recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a component of Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps (, net).
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 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 representing changes in the prior days mark-to-market of the swap contract. If the Fund has unrealized appreciation, the clearing broker will credit the Funds account with an amount equal to the appreciation. Conversely, if the Fund has unrealized depreciation, the clearing broker will debit the Funds 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 (, net) 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 paid and/or received on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
During the current fiscal period, Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Term (JPI) and Preferred Securities Income (JPS) continued to use swap contracts to partially fix the interest cost of leverage, which as mentioned previously, the Funds use through the use of bank borrowings.
The average notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
||||||||||
Average notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding* |
$ | 228,592,000 | $ | 168,750,000 | $ | 305,978,000 |
* | The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period. |
78 | NUVEEN |
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 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate | Swaps (OTC Uncleared) | | $ | | Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps* | $ | (12,137,778 | ) | ||||||||||
Preferred and Income Term (JPI) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate | Swaps (OTC Uncleared) | | $ | | Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps* | $ | (11,783,339 | ) | ||||||||||
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate | Swaps (OTC Uncleared) | | $ | | Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps* | $ | (24,166,918 | ) |
* | Some swap contracts require a counterparty to pay or receive a premium, which is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities 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** |
Amounts
Netted on Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
Net
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Interest Rate Swaps |
Collateral
Pledged to (from) Counterparty |
Net
Exposure |
|||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
$ | | $ | (12,137,778 | ) | $ | | $ | (12,137,778 | ) | $ | 8,834,616 | $ | (3,303,162 | ) | ||||||||||
Preferred and Income Term (JPI) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
$ | | $ | (11,783,339 | ) | $ | | $ | (11,783,339 | ) | $ | 8,820,000 | $ | (2,963,339 | ) | ||||||||||
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
$ | | $ | (24,166,918 | ) | $ | | $ | (24,166,918 | ) | $ | 17,711,374 | $ | (6,455,544 | ) |
** | Represents gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the counterparty as reported in the Funds Portfolio of Investments. |
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 |
||||||||
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC) | Interest rate | Swaps | $ | (201,344 | ) | $ | (9,202,900 | ) | ||||
Preferred and Income Term (JPI) | Interest rate | Swaps | (188,141 | ) | (7,177,526 | ) | ||||||
Preferred Securities Income (JPS) | Interest rate | Swaps | (315,121 | ) | (20,717,250 | ) |
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 Funds 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.
NUVEEN | 79 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
4. Fund Shares
Common Share Transactions
Transactions in common shares during the Funds current and prior fiscal period were as follows:
Preferred Income
Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred and Income
Term (JPI) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended
7/31/16 |
Year Ended
7/31/15 |
Year Ended
7/31/16 |
Year Ended 7/31/15 |
|||||||||||||||||
Common shares: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchased and retired |
| (88,813 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||
Issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions |
8,729 | | 1,570 | | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Price per share repurchased and retired |
$ | | $ | 9.27 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||
Discount per share repurchased and retired |
| % | 12.73 | % | | % | | % |
Preferred Securities
Income (JPS) |
Flexible Investment
Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended
7/31/16 |
Year Ended 7/31/15 |
Year Ended 7/31/16 |
Year Ended 7/31/15 |
|||||||||||||||||
Common shares: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Issued in the Reorganizations |
83,403,764 | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Repurchased and retired |
| | (6,500 | ) | | |||||||||||||||
Issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions |
10,454 | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Price per share repurchased and retired |
$ | | $ | | $ | 14.28 | $ | | ||||||||||||
Discount per share repurchased and retired |
| % | | % | 15.28 | % | | % |
5. Investment Transactions
Long-term purchases and sales (including maturities but excluding derivative transactions, where applicable) during the current fiscal period, were as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Purchases |
$ | 385,862,540 | $ | 175,814,087 | $ | 759,637,954 | $ | 55,076,321 | ||||||||
Sales and maturities |
392,869,468 | 187,072,995 | 660,623,742 | 58,262,018 |
Transactions in options written for the following Funds during the current fiscal period were as follows:
Preferred Income
Opportunities (JPC) |
Flexible Investment
Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Number of
Contracts |
Premiums
Received |
Number of
Contracts |
Premiums
Received |
|||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding, beginning of period |
4,219 | $ | 226,569 | 1,249 | $ | 65,738 | ||||||||||||||
Options written |
15,907 | 1,166,113 | 5,130 | 349,668 | ||||||||||||||||
Options terminated in closing purchase transactions |
(13,894 | ) | (853,238 | ) | (4,027 | ) | (243,383 | ) | ||||||||||||
Options exercised |
(208 | ) | (34,935 | ) | (59 | ) | (9,909 | ) | ||||||||||||
Options expired |
(4,564 | ) | (348,065 | ) | (1,314 | ) | (99,320 | ) | ||||||||||||
Options outstanding, end of period |
1,460 | $ | 156,444 | 979 | $ | 62,794 |
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.
80 | NUVEEN |
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.
As of July 31, 2016, the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments (excluding investments in derivatives, where applicable), as determined on a federal income tax basis, were as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
(JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Cost of investments |
$ | 1,346,061,670 | $ | 745,678,235 | $ | 2,800,165,223 | $ | 90,552,842 | ||||||||
Gross unrealized: |
||||||||||||||||
Appreciation |
$ | 90,359,678 | $ | 42,128,463 | $ | 181,587,555 | $ | 5,497,681 | ||||||||
Depreciation |
(9,089,375 | ) | (6,278,112 | ) | (63,181,134 | ) | (772,187 | ) | ||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments |
$ | 81,270,303 | $ | 35,850,351 | $ | 118,406,421 | $ | 4,725,494 |
Permanent differences, primarily due to bond premium amortization adjustments, complex securities character adjustments, distribution reallocations, federal taxes paid, investments in partnerships, expiration of capital loss carryforwards, nondeductible reorganization expenses, reorganization adjustments and treatment of notional principal contracts, resulted in reclassifications among the Funds components of common share net assets as of July 31, 2016, the Funds tax year end, as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Paid-in-surplus |
$ | (98,640,698 | ) | $ | 694 | $ | 74,365,303 | $ | (55 | ) | ||||||
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income |
(2,377,348 | ) | (1,569,871 | ) | (841,816 | ) | 141,308 | |||||||||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) |
101,018,046 | 1,569,177 | (73,523,487 | ) | (141,253 | ) |
The tax components of undistributed net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains as of July 31, 2016, the Funds tax year end, were as follows:
The tax character of distributions paid during the Funds tax years ended July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015, was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:
2016 |
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
||||||||||||
Distributions from net ordinary income 2 |
$ | 77,898,377 | $ | 44,433,768 | $ | 92,646,305 | $ | 4,547,281 | ||||||||
Distributions from net long-term capital gains 3 |
| 4,143,412 | | | ||||||||||||
Return of capital |
| | | 735,483 | ||||||||||||
2015 |
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
||||||||||||
Distributions from net ordinary income 2 |
$ | 74,600,924 | $ | 44,012,972 | $ | 87,622,036 | $ | 6,521,833 | ||||||||
Distributions from net long-term capital gains |
| | | 740,458 | ||||||||||||
Return of capital |
| | | |
2 | Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest, net short-term capital gains if any. |
3 | The Funds designate as long-term capital gain dividend, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 852(b)(3), the amount necessary to reduce earnings and profits of the Funds related to net capital gain to zero for the tax year ended July 31, 2016. |
NUVEEN | 81 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
As of July 31, 2016, 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.
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) 4 |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Expiration: |
||||||||||||||||
July 31, 2017 |
$ | 204,895,930 | $ | | $ | 318,462,924 | $ | | ||||||||
July 31, 2018 |
9,385,427 | | 321,212,384 | | ||||||||||||
July 31, 2019 |
| | 10,696,373 | | ||||||||||||
Not subject to expiration |
19,456,396 | 3,580,539 | | 5,299,726 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 233,737,753 | $ | 3,580,539 | $ | 650,371,681 | $ | 5,299,726 |
4 | A portion of JPSs capital loss carryforward is subject to an annual limitation under the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. |
As of July 31, 2016, the Funds tax year end, $146,504,371 of Preferred Securities Incomes (JPS) capital loss carryforward was written off due to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations.
As of July 31, 2016, the Funds tax year end, the following Funds capital loss carryforwards expired as follows:
Preferred
Income
Opportunities
(JPC) |
Preferred
Securities
Income
(JPS) |
|||||||
Expired capital loss carryforwards |
$ | 98,640,698 | $ | 232,620,226 |
During the Funds tax year ended July 31, 2016, the following Fund utilized capital loss carryforwards as follows:
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
||||
Utilized capital loss carryforwards |
$ | 23,698,469 |
7. Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Management Fees
Each Funds 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 Preferred Securities Income (JPS). During the current fiscal period, Preferred Securities Income (JPS) paid Spectrum commissions of $275,838.
Each Funds 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 Funds 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* |
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
||||||||||||
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 |
82 | NUVEEN |
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 Managed Asset Breakpoint Level* | Effective 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 trusts 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 funds that constitute eligible assets. Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds and assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with the Advisers assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011. As of July 31, 2016, the complex-level fee rate for each of the Funds was 0.1610%. |
Other Transactions with Affiliates
The Funds pays no compensation directly to those of their 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 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.
8. Borrowing Arrangements
Borrowings
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Term (JPI), Preferred Securities Income (JPS), and Flexible Investment Income (JPW) have each entered into a committed financing agreement (collectively, Borrowings) which permit the Funds to borrow on a secured basis as a means of leverage. Each Funds maximum commitment amount under these Borrowings is as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Maximum commitment amount |
$ | 404,100,000 | $ | 225,000,000 | $ | 945,000,000 | $ | 35,000,000 |
As a result of the Reorganization, Preferred Securities Income (JPS) amended its Borrowings and increased its maximum commitment amount from $465.8 million to $945 million.
As of the end of the reporting period, each Funds outstanding balance on its Borrowings was as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Outstanding balance on Borrowings |
$ | 404,100,000 | $ | 225,000,000 | $ | 945,000,000 | $ | 27,000,000 |
For Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Term (JPI) and Preferred Securities Income (JPS) interest is charged on these Borrowings at 1-Month LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) plus 0.85% per annum (0.75% per annum for Preferred Securities Income (JPS) effective February 26, 2016) on the amounts borrowed and 0.50% per annum on the undrawn balance if the undrawn portion of the Borrowings on a particular day is more than
NUVEEN | 83 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
20% of the maximum commitment amount. Flexible Investment Incomes (JPW) interest is charged on the Borrowings at a rate equal to the 1-month LIBOR plus 0.70% per annum on the amount borrowed and 0.15% per annum on the undrawn balance if the undrawn portion of the Borrowings on a particular day is more than 40% of the maximum commitment amount.
During the current fiscal period, the average daily balance outstanding and average annual interest rate on each Funds Borrowings were as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
Flexible
Investment Income (JPW) |
|||||||||||||
Average daily balance outstanding |
$ | 404,100,000 | $ | 225,000,000 | $ | 552,326,776 | $ | 26,575,137 | ||||||||
Average annual interest rate |
1.21 | % | 1.21 | % | 1.16 | % | 1.06 | % |
In order to maintain these Borrowings, the Funds must meet certain collateral, asset coverage and other requirements. Borrowings outstanding are fully secured by securities held in each Funds portfolio of investments (Pledged Collateral).
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 borrowings on the Statement of Operations.
Rehypothecation
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Term (JPI) and Preferred Securities Income (JPS) 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 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 1 ⁄ 3 % 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, Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Term (JPI) and Preferred Securities Income (JPS) each had Hypothecated Securities as follows:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
||||||||||
Hypothecated Securities |
$ | 144,435,630 | $ | 54,041,948 | $ | 403,529,531 |
Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC), Preferred and Income Term (JPI) and Preferred Securities Income (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:
Preferred
Income Opportunities (JPC) |
Preferred
and Income Term (JPI) |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
||||||||||
Rehypothecation Fees |
$ | 373,909 | $ | 209,689 | $ | 472,846 |
9. Fund Reorganizations
The Reorganizations were structured to qualify as tax-free reorganizations under the Internal Revenue Code for federal income tax purposes, and the Target Funds shareholders recognized no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result. Prior to the closing of each of the Reorganizations, the Target Funds distributed all of their net investment income and capital gains, if any. Such a distribution may be taxable to the Target Funds shareholders for federal income tax purposes.
84 | NUVEEN |
Investments
The cost, fair value and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the investments of the Target Funds as of the date of the Reorganizations, were as follows:
Quality
Preferred Income (JTP) |
Quality
Preferred Income 3 (JHP) |
|||||||
Cost of investments |
$ | 769,793,192 | $ | 295,420,741 | ||||
Fair value of investments |
787,463,443 | 300,767,053 | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments |
17,670,251 | 5,346,312 |
For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Acquiring Fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from the Target Funds were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Acquiring Funds realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.
Common Shares
The common shares outstanding, net assets applicable to common shares and NAV per common share outstanding immediately before and after the Reorganizations were as follows:
Target Funds Prior to Reorganizations |
Quality
Preferred Income (JTP) |
Quality
Preferred Income 3 (JHP) |
||||||
Common shares outstanding |
64,658,447 | 23,670,657 | ||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares |
$562,581,184 | $215,586,177 | ||||||
NAV per common share outstanding |
$8.70 | $9.11 |
Acquiring Fund Prior to Reorganizations |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
|||
Common shares outstanding |
120,393,013 | |||
Net assets applicable to common shares |
$1,123,273,505 | |||
NAV per common share outstanding |
$9.33 |
Acquiring Fund Post Reorganizations |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
|||
Common shares outstanding |
203,796,777 | |||
Net assets applicable to common shares |
$1,901,440,866 | |||
NAV per common share outstanding |
$9.33 |
Pro Forma Results of Operations
The beginning of the Target Funds current fiscal period was August 1, 2015. Assuming the Reorganizations had been completed on August 1, 2015, the beginning of the Acquiring Funds current fiscal period, the pro forma results of operations for the current fiscal period, are as follows:
Acquiring Fund Pro Forma Results from Operations |
Preferred
Securities Income (JPS) |
|||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 138,905,433 | ||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) |
(11,494,330 | ) | ||
Change in net assets resulting from operations |
127,411,103 |
Because the combined investment portfolios for the Reorganizations have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the Reorganizations were completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of the Target Funds that have been included in the Statement of Operations for the Acquiring Fund since the Reorganizations were consummated.
NUVEEN | 85 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
Cost and Expenses
In connection with the Reorganizations, the Acquiring Fund incurred certain associated costs and expenses. Such amounts were included as components of Accrued other expenses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Reorganization expenses on the Statement of Operations.
10. Subsequent Events
Borrowings
Subsequent to the current fiscal period, Preferred Securities Income (JPS) entered into a $150,000,000 reverse repurchase agreement as a means of leverage. In conjunction with receipt of the $150,000,000 the Fund paid down the outstanding balance on its Borrowings to $795,000,000.
86 | NUVEEN |
Fund Information (Unaudited)
Board of Trustees | ||||||||||
William Adams IV* | Margo Cook* | Jack B. Evans | William C. Hunter | David J. Kundert | Albin F. Moschner | |||||
John K. Nelson | William J. Schneider | Judith M. Stockdale | Carole E. Stone | Terence J. Toth | Margaret L. Wolff |
* | Interested Board Member. |
Fund Manager Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 |
Custodian
State Street
Bank
Boston, MA 02111 |
Legal Counsel Chapman and Cutler LLP Chicago, IL 60603 |
Independent Registered
KPMG LLP
Randolph Drive Chicago, IL 60601 |
Transfer Agent and
State Street Bank & Trust Company Nuveen Funds P.O. Box 43071 Providence, RI 02940-3071 (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 | JPW | |||||||||||||
% QDI |
58.19% | 77.13% | 50.27% | 35.03% | ||||||||||||
% DRD |
41.93% | 49.84% | 26.89% | 32.05% |
The Funds hereby designate their percentages of dividends paid from net ordinary income as dividends qualifying as Interest-Related Dividends as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 871(k) for the taxable year ended July 31, 2016:
JPC | JPI | JPS | JPW | |||||||||||||
% of Interest-Related Dividends |
26% | 21% | 35% | 42% |
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 SECs 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 Nuveens 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 Funds 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 its 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 | JPW | |||||||||||||
Common shares repurchased |
| | | 6,500 |
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.
NUVEEN | 87 |
Used in this Report (Unaudited)
∎ | Average Annual Total Return: This is a commonly used method to express an investments performance over a particular, usually multi-year time period. It expresses the return that would have been necessary each year to equal the investments 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. |
∎ | Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: An unmanaged index that includes all investment-grade, publicly issued, fixed-rate, dollar denominated, nonconvertible debt issues and commercial mortgage-backed securities with maturities of at least one year and outstanding par values of $150 million or more. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees. |
∎ | Barclays USD Capital Securities Index: The Barclays USD Capital Securities component of the Barclays Global Capital Securities Index generally includes Tier 2/Lower Tier 2 bonds, perpetual step-up debt, step-up preferred securities, and term preferred securities. The index returns assume reinvestment of dividends, but do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees. |
∎ | Basel III: A comprehensive set of reform measures designed to improve the regulation, supervision and risk management within the banking sector. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published the first version of Basel III in late 2009, giving banks approximately three years to satisfy all requirements. Largely in response to the credit crisis, banks are required to maintain proper leverage ratios and meet certain capital requirements. |
∎ | BofA/Merrill Lynch Core Plus Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index: An index that tracks the performance of fixed rate U.S. dollar denominated preferred securities issued in the U.S. domestic market. Index returns do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees. |
∎ | BofA/Merrill Lynch 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 Moodys, S&P, and Fitch) and must have an investment grade rated country of risk (based on an average of Moodys, 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. |
∎ | BofA/Merrill Lynch 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. |
∎ | BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Index: An unmanaged index comprised of U.S. dollar denominated investment grade, fixed rate corporate debt securities publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market with at least one year remaining term to final maturity and at least $250 million outstanding. The index returns assume reinvestment of dividends, but do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees. |
∎ | BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index: An index that tracks the performance of U.S. Dollar-denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees. |
88 | NUVEEN |
∎ | 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 CoCos governing documents, usually reference a decline in the issuers 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 issuers 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 issuers 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 markets 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 issuers 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. |
∎ | Effective Leverage: Effective leverage is a funds effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage (see below) and the leverage effects of certain derivative investments in the funds 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 Index (Comparative Benchmark): A blended return consisting of 82.5% of the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index and 17.5% of the Barclays USD Capital Securities Index. The index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees. |
∎ | JPI Blended Benchmark Index (Old JPI Blended Index): A blended return consisting of the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index and the Barclays USD Capital Securities Index. The JPI Blended Benchmark Index is comprised of a 65% weighting in the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index, and a 35% weighting in the Barclays USD Capital Securities Index. Benchmark returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees. |
∎ | JPI Blended Benchmark Index (New JPI Blended Index): The New JPI Blended Index is a blended return consisting of 60% BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 40% BofA/Merrill Lynch Contingent Capital Index. Benchmark returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees. |
∎ | JPS Blended Benchmark (Old Comparative Index): A blended return consisting of: 1) 55% of the BofA/Merrill Lynch Preferred Securities Fixed Rate Index, an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of fixed rate U.S. dollar denominated preferred securities issued in the U.S. domestic market; and 2) 45% of the Barclays Tier 1 Capital Securities Index, an unmanaged index that includes securities that can generally be viewed as hybrid fixed-income securities that either receive regulatory capital treatment or a degree of equity credit from a rating agency. Index returns do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees. |
∎ |
JPS Blended Benchmark (New Comparative Index): A blended return consisting of: 1) 40% of the BofA/Merrill Lynch Contingent Capital 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 BofA/Merrill Lynch All Capital Securities Index (IOCS), a subset of the BofA/Merrill Lynch 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 |
NUVEEN | 89 |
Glossary of Terms Used in this Report (Unaudited) (continued)
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 funds 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 funds Net Assets divided by its number of shares outstanding. |
∎ | Option-adjusted spread (OAS): An option-adjusted spread is a more meaningful spread statistic for mortgage-backed securities, which experience cash flows over multiple time periods, and for which the borrower has the option to re-pay principal at any time. OAS is based on modeled forecasts for voluntary repayments, as well as discounted cash flows, to arrive at a market-weighted spread over a known Treasury benchmark. |
∎ | Regulatory Leverage: Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued by or borrowings of a fund. Both of these are part of a funds capital structure. Regulatory leverage is subject to asset coverage limits set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940. |
∎ | Russell 1000 ® Value Index: An index that measures the performance of those Russell 1000 ® Index companies with lower price-to-book- ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000 ® Value Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000 ® Index. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees. |
∎ | S&P 500 ® Index: An unmanaged index generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees. |
90 | NUVEEN |
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, youll 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 youll 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 Funds 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.
NUVEEN | 91 |
Management Agreement Approval Process (Unaudited)
The Board of Trustees of each Fund (the Board, and each Trustee a Board Member ), including the Board Members who are not parties to the Funds advisory or sub-advisory agreements or interested persons of any such parties (the Independent Board Members ), is responsible for overseeing the performance of the investment adviser and the sub-adviser(s) to the respective Fund and determining whether to continue such Funds advisory agreement (the Investment Management Agreement ) between the Fund and Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the Adviser ) and the sub-advisory agreement(s) (each, a Sub-Advisory Agreement and, together with the Investment Management Agreement, the Advisory Agreements ) between: in the case of Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Preferred Income Opportunities Fund ), (a) the Adviser and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ( NAM ), and (b) the Adviser and NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC ( NWQ ); in the case of Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (the Preferred and Income Fund ), the Adviser and NAM; in the case of Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (the Preferred Securities Fund ), the Adviser and Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. ( Spectrum and, together with NAM and NWQ, the Sub-Advisers ); and in the case of Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (the Flexible Investment Fund ), the Adviser and NWQ. Following an initial term with respect to each Fund upon its commencement of operations, the Board reviews each Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement on behalf of such Fund and votes to determine whether the respective Advisory Agreement should be renewed. Accordingly, at an in-person meeting held on May 24-26, 2016 (the May Meeting ), the Board, including a majority of the Independent Board Members, considered and approved the existing Advisory Agreements for the Funds.
During the year, the Board and its Committees met regularly to receive materials and discuss a variety of topics impacting the Funds including, among other things, overall market conditions and market performance, Fund investment performance, brokerage execution, valuation of securities, compliance matters, securities lending, leverage matters, risk management and ongoing initiatives. The Board had established several standing Committees, including the Open-end Fund Committee and Closed-end Fund Committee which permit the Board Members to delve further into the topics particularly relevant to the respective product line and enhance the Boards effectiveness and oversight of the Funds. The Board also seeks to meet with each Sub-Adviser and its investment team at least once over a multiple year rotation through site visits. The information and knowledge the Board gained throughout the year from the Board and Committee meetings, site visits and the related materials were relevant to the Boards evaluation of the Advisory Agreements, and the Board took such information into account in its review of the Advisory Agreements.
In addition to the materials received throughout the year, the Board received additional materials prepared specifically for its annual review of the Advisory Agreements in response to a request by independent legal counsel on behalf of the Independent Board Members. The materials addressed a variety of topics, including a description of the services provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers (each, a Fund Adviser ); a review of fund performance with a detailed focus on any performance outliers; an analysis of the investment teams; an analysis of the fees and expense ratios of the Funds, including information comparing such fees and expenses to that of a peer group; an assessment of shareholder services for the Funds and of the performance of certain service providers; a review of initiatives instituted or continued during the past year; and a review of premium/discount trends and leverage management as well as information regarding the profitability of the Fund Advisers, the compensation of portfolio managers, and compliance and risk matters.
As part of its annual review, the Board held a separate meeting on April 12-13, 2016 to review the Funds investment performance and consider an analysis by the Adviser of each Sub-Adviser examining, among other things, the applicable teams assets under management, investment performance, investment approach, and the stability and structure of the Sub-Advisers organization and investment team. During the review, the Independent Board Members requested and received additional information from management. Throughout the year and throughout their review of the Advisory Agreements, the Independent Board Members were assisted by independent legal counsel. The Independent Board Members met separately with independent legal counsel without management present and received a memorandum from such counsel outlining their fiduciary duties and legal standards in reviewing the Advisory Agreements. The Independent Board Members review of the Advisory Agreements reflected an ongoing process that incorporated the information and considerations that occurred over the years, including the most recent year, as well
92 | NUVEEN |
as the information specifically furnished for the renewal process. In deciding to renew the Advisory Agreements, the Independent Board Members did not identify a particular factor as controlling, but rather the decision reflected the comprehensive consideration of all the information presented. The following summarizes the principal factors, but not all the factors, the Board considered in its review of 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 Advisers services provided to the respective Fund and the initiatives undertaken during the past year by the Adviser. The Board recognized the comprehensive set of services the Adviser provided to manage and operate the Nuveen funds, including (a) product management (such as setting dividends, positioning the product in the marketplace, maintaining and enhancing shareholder communications and reporting to the Board); (b) investment services (such as overseeing the sub-advisers and other service providers; analyzing investment performance and risks; overseeing risk management and disclosure; developing and interpreting investment policies; assisting in the development of products; helping to prepare financial statements and marketing disclosures; and overseeing trade execution); (c) fund administration (such as helping to prepare fund tax returns and complete other tax compliance matters; and helping to prepare regulatory filings and shareholder reports); (d) fund Board administration (such as preparing Board materials and organizing and providing assistance for Board meetings); (e) compliance (such as helping to devise and maintain the funds compliance program and related testing); (f) legal support (such as helping to prepare registration statements and proxy statements, interpreting regulations and policies and overseeing fund activities); and (g) providing leverage management.
The Board reviewed the continued investment the Adviser had made in its business to continue to strengthen the breadth and quality of its services to the benefit of the Nuveen funds. The Board noted the Advisers additional staffing in key areas that support the funds and the Board, including in investment services, operations, closed-end fund/structured products, fund governance, compliance, fund administration, product management and information technology. Among the enhancements to its services, the Board recognized the Advisers (a) expanded activities and support required as a result of regulatory developments, including in areas of compliance and reporting; (b) expanded efforts to support leverage management with a goal of seeking the most effective structure for fund shareholders given appropriate risk levels and regulatory constraints; (c) increased support for dividend management; (d) continued investment in its technical capabilities as the Adviser continued to build out a centralized fund data platform, enhance mobility and remote access capabilities, rationalize and upgrade software platforms, and automate certain regulatory liquidity determinations; (e) continued efforts to rationalize the product line through mergers, liquidations and re-positioning of Nuveen funds with the goal of increasing efficiencies, reducing costs, improving performance and addressing shareholder needs; (f) continued efforts to develop new lines of business designed to enhance the Nuveen product line and meet investor demands; and (g) continued commitment to enhance risk oversight, including the formation of the operational risk group to provide operational risk assessment, the access to platforms which provide better risk reporting to support investment teams, and the development of a new team to initially review new products and major product initiatives. The Board also recognized the Advisers efforts to renegotiate certain fees of other service providers which culminated in reduced expenses for all funds for custody and accounting services without diminishing the breadth and quality of the services provided. The Board considered the Chief Compliance Officers report regarding the Advisers compliance program, the Advisers continued development, execution and management of its compliance program, and the additions to the compliance team to support the continued growth of the Nuveen fund family and address regulatory developments.
The Board also considered information highlighting the various initiatives that the Adviser had implemented or continued during the year to enhance or support the closed-end fund product line. The Board noted the Advisers continued efforts during 2015 (a) to rationalize the product line through mergers designed to help reduce product overlap, offer shareholders the potential for lower fees and enhanced investor acceptance, and address persistent discounts in the secondary market; (b) to oversee and manage leverage as the Adviser facilitated the rollover of existing facilities and conducted negotiations for improved terms and pricing to reduce leverage costs; (c) to conduct capital management services including share repurchases and/or share issuances throughout the year and monitoring market conditions to capitalize on such opportunities for the closed-end funds; and (d) to implement data-driven market analytics which, among other things,
NUVEEN | 93 |
Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)
provided a better analysis of the shareholder base, enhanced the ability to monitor the closed-end funds versus peers and helped to understand trading discounts. The Board also considered the quality and breadth of Nuveens investment relations program through which Nuveen seeks to build awareness of, and educate investors and financial advisers with respect to, Nuveen closed-end funds which may help to build an active secondary market for the closed-end fund product line.
As noted, the Adviser also oversees the Sub-Advisers who primarily provide the portfolio advisory services to the respective Funds. The Board recognized the skill and competency of the Adviser in monitoring and analyzing the performance of the Sub-Advisers and managing the sub-advisory relationships. The Board noted that the Adviser recommended the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreements.
Based on their review, the Independent Board Members found that, overall, the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the respective Fund under each applicable Advisory Agreement were satisfactory.
B. | The Investment Performance of the Funds and Fund Advisers |
The Board considered the long-term and short-term performance history of the Nuveen funds. As noted above, the Board reviewed fund performance at its quarterly meetings throughout the year and took into account the information derived from the discussions with representatives of the Adviser about fund performance at these meetings. The Board also considered the Advisers analysis of fund performance with particular focus on any performance outliers and the factors contributing to such performance and any steps the investment team had taken to address performance concerns. The Board reviewed, among other things, each Funds investment performance both on an absolute basis and in comparison to peer funds (the Performance Peer Group ) and to recognized and/or customized benchmarks (i.e., generally benchmarks derived from multiple recognized benchmarks) for the quarter, one-, three- and five-year periods ending December 31, 2015 (or for such shorter periods available for the Preferred and Income Fund and the Flexible Investment Fund, which did not exist for part of the foregoing time frame), as well as performance information reflecting the first quarter of 2016.
In evaluating performance information, the Board recognized the following factors may impact the performance data as well as the consideration to be given to particular performance data:
| The performance data reflected a snapshot in time, in this case as of the end of the most recent calendar year or quarter. A different performance period, however, could generate significantly different results. |
| Long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme had the ability to disproportionately affect long-term performance. |
| Shareholders evaluate performance based on their own holding period which may differ from the performance period reviewed by the Board, leading to different performance results. |
| The Board recognized the difficulty in establishing appropriate peer groups and benchmarks for certain funds. The Board noted that management classified the Performance Peer Groups as low, medium and high in relevancy and took the relevancy of the Performance Peer Group into account when considering the comparative performance data. If the Performance Peer Group differed somewhat from a fund, the Board recognized that the comparative performance data may be of limited value. The Board also recognized that each fund operated pursuant to its own investment objective(s), parameters and restrictions which may differ from that of the Performance Peer Group or benchmark and that these variations lead to differences in performance results. Further, for funds that utilized leverage, the Board understood that leverage during different periods could provide both benefits and risks to a portfolio as compared to an unlevered benchmark. |
In addition to the foregoing, the Independent Board Members continued to recognize the importance of secondary market trading for the shares of closed-end funds. At the quarterly meetings as well as the May Meeting, the Independent Board Members (either at the Board level or through the Closed-end Fund Committee) reviewed, among other things, the premium or discount to net asset value of the Nuveen closed-end funds as of a specified date and over various periods as well as in comparison to the premium/discount average in their respective Lipper peer category. At the May Meeting and/or prior meetings, the Independent Board Members (either at the Board level or through the Closed-end Fund Committee) reviewed, among other things, an analysis by the Adviser of the key economic, market and competitive trends that affected the
94 | NUVEEN |
closed-end fund market and Nuveen closed-end funds and considered any actions proposed periodically by the Adviser to address trading discounts of certain closed-end funds, including, among other things, share repurchases, fund reorganizations, adjusting fund investment mandates and strategies, and increasing fund awareness to investors. The Independent Board Members considered the evaluation of the premium and discount levels of the closed-end funds to be a continuing priority in their oversight of the closed-end funds.
With respect to any Nuveen funds for which the Board has identified performance concerns, the Board monitors such funds closely until performance improves, discusses with the Adviser the reasons for such results, considers those steps necessary or appropriate to address such issues, and reviews the results of any efforts undertaken. The Board was aware, however, that shareholders chose to invest or remain invested in a fund knowing that the Adviser and the applicable sub-adviser(s) manage the fund, knowing the funds investment strategy and seeking exposure to that strategy (even if the strategy was out of favor in the marketplace) and knowing the funds fee structure.
For the Preferred Income Opportunities Fund, the Board noted that, although the Fund ranked in the third quartile in its Performance Peer Group in the five-year period and the fourth quartile in the three-year period, the Fund was in the second quartile in the one-year period. Although the Fund underperformed its benchmark in the one-year period, the Fund outperformed its benchmark in the three- and five-year periods. The Board determined that the Funds performance was satisfactory.
For the Preferred and Income Fund, the Board noted that the Fund ranked in its Performance Peer Group in the second quartile for the three-year period and first quartile in the one-year period and outperformed its benchmark in the one- and three-year periods. The Board determined that the Funds performance had been satisfactory.
For the Preferred Securities Fund, the Board noted that, although the Fund ranked in the fourth quartile in the three-year period in its Performance Peer Group, the Fund ranked in the second quartile in the one-year period and third quartile in the five-year period and, although the Fund underperformed its benchmark in the one-year period, the Fund outperformed its benchmark in the three- and five-year periods. The Board determined that the Funds performance was satisfactory.
For the Flexible Investment Fund, the Board noted that the Fund ranked in its Performance Peer Group in the third quartile and narrowly underperformed its benchmark in the one-year period. Although the Funds performance history was too short for a meaningful assessment of performance, the Board was satisfied with the Funds progress.
C. | Fees, Expenses and Profitability |
1. | Fees and Expenses |
The Board evaluated the management fees and other fees and expenses of each Fund. The Board reviewed, among other things, the gross and net management fees and net total expenses of each Fund (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) in absolute terms and also in comparison to the fee and expense levels of a comparable universe of funds (the Peer Universe ) selected by an independent third-party fund data provider. The Independent Board Members also reviewed the methodology regarding the construction of the applicable Peer Universe.
In their evaluation of the management fee schedule, the Independent Board Members considered the fund-level and complex-wide breakpoint schedules, as described in further detail below.
In reviewing the comparative fee and expense information, the Independent Board Members recognized that various factors such as the limited size and particular composition of the Peer Universe (including the inclusion of other Nuveen funds in the peer set); expense anomalies; changes in the funds comprising the Peer Universe from year to year; levels of reimbursement or fee waivers; the timing of information used; the differences in the type and use of leverage; and differences in services provided can impact the usefulness of the comparative data in helping to assess the appropriateness of a funds fees and expenses. In addition, in reviewing a funds fees and expenses compared to the fees and expenses of its peers (excluding leverage costs and leveraged assets), the Board generally considered a funds expenses and fees 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. The Board reviewed the net expense ratio in recognition that the net expense ratio generally best represented the net experience of the shareholders of a fund as it directly reflected the costs of investing in the respective fund. The Board noted
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Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)
that the majority of the Nuveen funds had a net expense ratio near or below the average of the respective peers. For funds with a net expense ratio of 6 basis points or higher than their respective peer average, the Independent Board Members reviewed the reasons for the outlier status and were satisfied with the explanation for the difference or with any steps taken to address the difference.
The Independent Board Members noted that the Preferred Income Opportunities Fund had a net management fee slightly higher than its peer average but a net expense ratio below its peer average; the Preferred and Income Fund had a net management fee higher than its peer average but a net expense ratio in line with its peer average; the Preferred Securities Fund had a net management fee slightly higher than its peer average but a net expense ratio below its peer average; and the Flexible Investment Fund had a net management fee and net expense ratio higher than its respective peer average (and the Independent Board Members noted that the higher expense ratio was generally due to the Funds small size compared to its peers and higher custodian costs associated with implementing a new trading system).
Based on their review of the fee and expense information provided, the Independent Board Members determined that each Funds 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 |
The Board also reviewed information regarding the fee rates for other types of clients advised or sub-advised by the respective Fund Adviser. For the Adviser and/or its affiliated sub-advisers, such other clients may include: separately managed accounts (such as retail, institutional or wrap accounts), hedge funds, other investment companies that are not offered by Nuveen but are sub-advised by one of Nuveens affiliated sub-advisers, foreign investment companies offered by Nuveen, and collective investment trusts.
The Board recognized that each Fund other than the Preferred Securities Fund had at least one affiliated sub-adviser ( i.e. , NAM and/or NWQ). With respect to affiliated sub-advisers, including NAM and NWQ, the Board reviewed, among other things, the range of advisory fee rates and average fee rate assessed for the different types of clients. The Board reviewed information regarding the different types of services provided to the Funds compared to that provided to these other clients which typically did not require the same breadth of day-to-day services required for registered funds. The Board further considered information regarding the differences in, among other things, investment policies, investor profiles, and account sizes between the Nuveen funds and the other types of clients. In addition, the Independent Board Members also recognized that the management fee rates of the foreign funds advised by the Adviser may also vary due to, among other things, differences in the client base, governing bodies, operational complexities and services covered by the management fee. The Independent Board Members recognized that the foregoing variations resulted in different economics among the product structures and culminated in varying management fees among the types of clients and funds.
The Board also was aware that, since the Funds had at least one sub-adviser, each Funds management fee reflected two components, the fee retained by the Adviser for its services and the fee the Adviser paid to the sub-adviser(s). The Board noted that many of the administrative services provided to support the Funds by the Adviser may not be required to the same extent or at all for the institutional clients or other clients. In general, the Board noted that higher fee levels reflected higher levels of service provided by the Fund Adviser, increased investment management complexity, greater product management requirements and higher levels of business risk or some combination of the foregoing. Given the inherent differences in the various products, particularly the extensive services provided to the Funds, the Independent Board Members concluded such facts justify the different levels of fees.
With respect to Spectrum, the unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Independent Board Members considered the pricing schedule that such Sub-Adviser charges for other clients. The Independent Board Members noted that the fee rate paid to Spectrum for its sub-advisory services was reasonable in relation to the fees of other clients. The Independent Board Members also noted that the fees paid to Spectrum were the result of arms-length negotiations.
3. | Profitability of Fund Advisers |
In conjunction with their review of fees, the Independent Board Members also considered the profitability of Nuveen for its advisory activities on an absolute basis and in comparison to other investment advisers. The Independent Board Members
96 | NUVEEN |
reviewed, among other things, Nuveens adjusted operating margins, the 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) of Nuveen for each of the last two calendar years. The Independent Board Members reviewed an analysis of the key drivers behind the changes in revenues and expenses that impacted profitability in 2015. The Independent Board Members also noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Funds are paid by the Adviser, however, the Board recognized that NAM and NWQ are affiliated with Nuveen. In their review, the Independent Board Members recognized that profitability data is rather subjective as various allocation methodologies may be reasonable to employ but yet yield different results. The Board also reviewed the results of certain alternative methodologies. The Board considered the allocation methodology employed to prepare the profitability data as well as a summary of the refinements to the methodology that had been adopted over the years which may limit some of the comparability of Nuveens revenue margins over time. Two Independent Board Members also served as point persons for the Board throughout the year to review and discuss the methodology employed to develop the profitability analysis and any proposed changes thereto and to keep the Board apprised of such changes during the year. In reviewing the profitability data, the Independent Board Members noted that Nuveens operating margin as well as its margins for its advisory activities to the Nuveen funds for 2015 were consistent with such margins for 2014.
The Board also considered Nuveens adjusted operating margins compared to that of other comparable investment advisers (based on asset size and composition) with publicly available data. The Independent Board Members recognized, however, the limitations of the comparative data as the other advisers may have a different business mix, employ different allocation methodologies, have different capital structure and costs, may not be representative of the industry or other factors that limit the comparability of the profitability information. Nevertheless, the Independent Board Members noted that Nuveens adjusted operating margins appeared comparable to the adjusted margins of the peers.
Further, as the Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen which in turn is an operating division of TIAA Global Asset Management, the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America ( TIAA-CREF ), the Board reviewed a balance sheet for TIAA-CREF reflecting its assets, liabilities and capital and contingency reserves for the last two calendar years to have a better understanding of the financial stability and strength of the TIAA-CREF complex, together with Nuveen.
Based on the information provided, the Independent Board Members noted that the Adviser appeared to be sufficiently profitable to operate as a viable investment management firm and to honor its obligations as a sponsor of the Nuveen funds.
With respect to the Sub-Advisers, the Independent Board Members also considered the profitability of each Sub-Adviser from its relationship with the Nuveen funds. With respect to sub-advisers affiliated with Nuveen, including 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, 2015. With respect to NAM, the Independent Board Members also reviewed profitability analysis reflecting the revenues, expenses and revenue margin (pre- and post-tax) by asset type for such Sub-Adviser for the calendar year ending December 31, 2015. Similarly, with respect to sub-advisers unaffiliated with Nuveen, including Spectrum, the Independent Board Members considered information regarding the profitability of such sub-advisers in providing services to the applicable Nuveen funds. The Independent Board Members considered Spectrums revenues, expenses and profitability margins (pre-tax and after-tax) for its advisory activities with the applicable Nuveen funds for the 2014 and 2015 calendar years.
In evaluating the reasonableness of the compensation, the Independent Board Members also considered other amounts paid to a Fund Adviser by the Funds as well as indirect benefits (such as soft dollar arrangements), if any, the Fund Adviser and its affiliates received or were expected to receive that were directly attributable to the management of a Fund. See Section E below for additional information on indirect benefits a Fund Adviser may receive as a result of its relationship with the Funds.
Based on their review, the Independent Board Members determined that the Advisers and each Sub-Advisers levels of profitability were reasonable in light of the respective services provided.
D. | Economies of Scale and Whether Fee Levels Reflect These Economies of Scale |
The Independent Board Members recognized that as the assets of a particular fund or the Nuveen complex in the aggregate increase over time, economies of scale may be realized with respect to the management of the funds, and the Independent Board Members considered the extent to which these economies are shared with the funds and their shareholders. Although
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Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)
the Independent Board Members recognized that economies of scale are difficult to measure with precision, the Board noted that there were several acceptable means to share economies of scale, including through breakpoints in the management fee schedule reducing the fee rates as asset levels grow, fee waiver and expense limitation agreements and the Advisers investment in its business which can enhance the services provided to the funds. With respect to breakpoints, the Independent Board Members noted that, subject to certain exceptions, the funds in the Nuveen complex pay a management fee to the Adviser which is generally comprised of a fund-level component and complex-level component. The fund-level fee component declines as the assets of the particular fund grow and the complex-level fee component declines when eligible assets of all the funds in the Nuveen complex combined grow. 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. The complex-wide fee arrangement was designed to capture economies of scale achieved when total fund complex assets increase, even if the assets of a particular fund are unchanged or decrease. The approach reflected the notion that some of Nuveens costs were attributable to services provided to all its funds in the complex, and therefore all funds should benefit if these costs were spread over a larger asset base.
The Independent Board Members reviewed the breakpoint and complex-wide schedules and the material savings achieved from fund-level breakpoints and complex-wide fee reductions for the 2015 calendar year.
In addition, the Independent Board Members recognized the Advisers ongoing investment in its business to expand or enhance the services provided to the Nuveen funds. The Independent Board Members noted, among other things, the additions to groups who play a key role in supporting the funds including in closed-end funds/structured products, fund administration, operations, fund governance, investment services, compliance, product management and technology. The Independent Board Members also recognized the investments in systems necessary to manage the funds including in areas of risk oversight, information technology and compliance.
Based on their review, the Independent Board Members concluded that the current fee structure was acceptable and reflected economies of scale to be shared with shareholders when assets under management increase.
E. | Indirect Benefits |
The Independent Board Members received and considered information regarding other additional benefits the respective Fund Adviser or its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationship with the Funds, including compensation paid to affiliates and research received in connection with brokerage transactions (i.e., soft dollar arrangements). In this regard, the Independent Board Members noted any revenues received by affiliates of the Adviser for serving as co-manager in initial public offerings of new closed-end funds and as underwriter on shelf offerings for certain existing funds.
In addition to the above, the Independent Board Members considered that the Funds portfolio transactions are allocated by the applicable Sub-Adviser(s) and that NAM and NWQ may benefit from research received through soft-dollar arrangements. The Board noted, however, that with respect to transactions in fixed income securities, such securities generally trade on a principal basis and do not generate soft dollar credits. Although the Board recognized that NAM and NWQ may benefit from soft dollar arrangements if they do not have to pay for this research out of their own assets, the Board also recognized that any such research may benefit the applicable Funds to the extent it enhances the ability of such Sub-Advisers to manage the respective Funds.
With respect to Spectrum, such Sub-Adviser has not participated in soft dollar arrangements with respect to Fund portfolio transactions. The Board, however, noted that Spectrum served as its own broker for portfolio transactions for the Nuveen funds it sub-advised and therefore may receive some indirect compensation.
Based on their review, the Independent Board Members concluded that any indirect benefits received by a Fund Adviser as a result of its relationship with the applicable Funds were reasonable and within acceptable parameters.
F. | Other Considerations |
The Independent 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 Advisers fees were reasonable in light of the services provided to each applicable Fund and that the Advisory Agreements be renewed.
98 | NUVEEN |
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 twelve, effective July 1, 2016. None of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Funds (referred to herein as independent trustees) 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.
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Board Members & Officers (Unaudited) (continued)
100 | NUVEEN |
NUVEEN | 101 |
Board Members & Officers (Unaudited) (continued)
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(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 June 22, 2016, Ms. Cook and Mr. Moschner were appointed as Board members, effective July 1, 2016. |
(3) | Interested person as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of his position with Nuveen Investments, Inc. 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. |
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Serving Investors for Generations | ||||||||||||||
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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 equity and fixed-income solutions designed to be integral components of a well-diversified core portfolio. | ||||||||||||||
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Focused on meeting investor needs.
Nuveen helps secure the long-term goals of individual investors and the advisors who serve them. As an operating division of TIAA Global Asset Management, Nuveen provides access to investment expertise from leading asset managers and solutions across traditional and alternative asset classes. Built on more than a century of industry leadership, Nuveens teams of experts align with clients specific financial needs and goals, demonstrating commitment to advisors and investors through market perspectives and wealth management and portfolio advisory services. Nuveen manages more than $239 billion in assets as of June 30, 2016. |
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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/cef |
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Distributed by Nuveen Securities, LLC | 333 West Wacker Drive | Chicago, IL 60606 | www.nuveen.com/cef
EAN-C-0716D 19244-INV-Y-09/17
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 15. Indemnification
Section 4 of Article XII of the Registrants Declaration of Trust provides as follows: Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 4, every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a Covered Person), shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof. No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person: (a) against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office; (b) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust; or (c) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication (as provided in paragraph (a) or (b)) and resulting in a payment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition or a reasonable determination, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that he did not engage in such conduct: (i) by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter); or (ii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel. The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel other than Covered Persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law. Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this Section 4 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 4, provided that either: (a) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances; or (b) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of the readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification. As used in this Section 4, a Disinterested Trustee is one (x) who is not an Interested Person of the Trust (including anyone, as such Disinterested Trustee, who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), and (y) against whom none of such actions, suits or other proceedings or another action, suit pending. As used in this Section 4, the words claim, action, suit or proceeding shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words liability and expenses shall include without limitation, attorneys fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
The trustees and officers of the Registrant are covered by the Mutual Fund Professional Liability policy in the aggregate amount of $70,000,000 against liability and expenses of claims of wrongful acts arising out of their position with the Registrant and other Nuveen funds, except for matters that involve willful acts, bad faith, gross negligence and willful disregard of duty (i.e., where the insured did not act in good faith for a purpose he or she
C-1
reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the Registrant or where he or she had reasonable cause to believe this conduct was unlawful). The policy has a $2,500,000 deductible for operational failures and $1,000,000 deductible for all other claims.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 16. Exhibits.
(1)(a) | Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated January 27, 2003. (1) | |
(1)(b) | Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated May 7 , 2007 is filed herewith. | |
(1)(c) | Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated April 2, 2012 is filed herewith. | |
(2) | By-Laws of Registrant, Amended and Restated as of November 18, 2009 is filed herewith. | |
(3) | Not applicable. | |
(4) | Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization is filed herewith as Appendix A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration Statement. | |
(5) | Not applicable. | |
(6)(a) | Investment Management Agreement, dated October 1, 2014 is filed herewith. | |
(6)(b) | Renewal of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 28, 2015 is filed herewith. | |
(6)(c) | Renewal of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 27, 2016 is filed herewith. | |
(6)(d) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated October 1, 2014 is filed herewith. | |
(6)(e) | Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2015 is filed herewith. | |
(6)(f) | Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2016 is filed herewith. | |
(6)(g) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated October 1, 2014 is filed herewith. | |
(6)(h) | Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2015 is filed herewith. | |
(6)(i) | Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2016 is filed herewith. | |
(7) | Not applicable. | |
(8) | Nuveen Open-End and Closed-End Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors and Trustees, Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2013 is filed herewith. | |
(9)(a) | Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between the Nuveen Investment Companies and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated July 15, 2015 is filed herewith. | |
(9)(b) | Appendix A to Custodian Agreement, dated July 15, 2015, updated as of April 14, 2016 is filed herewith. | |
(10) | Not applicable. |
C-2
(11) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel.* | |
(12)(a) | Form of Opinion and Consent of Vedder Price P.C. supporting the tax matters discussed in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.* | |
(13)(a) | Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 7, 2002. (2) | |
(13)(b) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated February 24, 2011 is filed herewith. | |
(13)(c) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 1, 2011 is filed herewith. | |
(13)(d) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 15, 2015 is filed herewith. | |
(13)(e) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 29, 2015 is filed herewith. | |
(13)(f) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated April 28, 2016 is filed herewith. | |
(14) | Consent of Independent Auditor is filed herewith. | |
(15) | Not applicable. | |
(16) | Powers of Attorney are filed herewith. | |
(17) | Form of Proxy is filed herein and appears following the Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration Statement. |
* | To be filed by amendment. |
(1) | Filed on January 1, 2003 as an exhibit to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated by reference herein. |
(2) | Filed on March 25, 2003 as an exhibit to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated by reference herein. |
Item 17. Undertakings.
(1) The undersigned Registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through the use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act, the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
(2) The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.
(3) The undersigned Registrant agrees that an executed opinion of counsel supporting the tax matters discussed in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission following the closing of the Reorganization.
C-3
SIGNATURES
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed on behalf of the Registrant, in the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, on the 13 th day of December, 2016.
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund | ||
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
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Gifford R. Zimmerman | ||
Vice President and Secretary |
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
Capacity |
Date |
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/s/ Cedric H. Antosiewicz |
Chief Administrative Officer | December 13, 2016 | ||||
Cedric H. Antosiewicz | (principal executive officer) | |||||
/s/ Stephen D. Foy |
Vice President and Controller | December 13, 2016 | ||||
Stephen D. Foy | (principal financial and accounting officer) | |||||
William J. Schneider* | Chairman of the Board and Trustee | ) | ||||
) | ||||||
William Adams IV* | Trustee | ) | ||||
) | ||||||
Margo L. Cook* | Trustee | ) | ||||
) | ||||||
Jack B. Evans* | Trustee | ) | ||||
) | By: /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman | |||||
William C. Hunter* | Trustee | ) | Gifford R. Zimmerman | |||
) | Attorney-in-Fact | |||||
David J. Kundert* | Trustee | ) | December 13, 2016 | |||
) | ||||||
Albin F. Moschner* | Trustee | ) | ||||
) | ||||||
John K. Nelson* | Trustee | ) | ||||
) | ||||||
Judith M. Stockdale* | Trustee | ) | ||||
) | ||||||
Carole E. Stone* | Trustee | ) | ||||
) | ||||||
Terence J. Toth* | Trustee | ) | ||||
) | ||||||
Margaret L. Wolff* | Trustee | ) |
* | An original power of attorney authorizing, among others, Mark L. Winget, Kevin J. McCarthy and Gifford R. Zimmerman, to execute this registration statement, and amendments thereto, for each of the trustees of the Registrant on whose behalf this registration statement is filed, has been executed and is incorporated by reference herein. |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Name of Exhibit |
|
(1)(b) | Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated May 7, 2007. | |
(1)(c) | Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated April 2, 2012. | |
(2) | By-Laws of Registrant, Amended and Restated as of November 18, 2009. | |
(6)(a) | Investment Management Agreement, dated October 1, 2014. | |
(6)(b) | Renewal of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 28, 2015. | |
(6)(c) | Renewal of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 27, 2016. | |
(6)(d) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated October 1, 2014. | |
(6)(e) | Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2015. | |
(6)(f) | Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2016. | |
(6)(g) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated October 1, 2014. | |
(6)(h) | Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2015. | |
(6)(i) | Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2016. | |
(8) | Nuveen Open-End and Closed-End Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors and Trustees, Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2013. | |
(9)(a) | Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between the Nuveen Investment Companies and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated July 15, 2015. | |
(9)(b) | Appendix A to Custodian Agreement, dated July 15, 2015, updated as of April 14, 2016. | |
(13)(b) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated February 24, 2011. | |
(13)(c) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 1, 2011. | |
(13)(d) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 15, 2015. | |
(13)(e) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 29, 2015. | |
(13)(f) | Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated April 28, 2016. | |
(14) | Consent of Independent Auditor. | |
(16) | Powers of Attorney. |
Exhibit (1)(b)
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
This Declaration of Trust establishing the Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund, made on the 27th day of January 2003 by the initial Trustee hereunder, is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as of this 7th day of May 2007 in order to change the name of the Trust from Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income. Fund to Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund.
WHEREAS, the Trustee desires to establish a trust fund for the purposes of carrying on the business of a management investment company; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of such purposes, the Trustee and any successor Trustees elected in accordance with Article V hereof are acquiring and may hereafter acquire assets and properties which they will hold and manage as trustees of a Massachusetts business trust with transferable shares in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees and any successor Trustees elected in accordance with Article V hereof hereby declare that they will hold all cash, securities and other assets and properties, which they may from time to time acquire in any manner as Trustees hereunder, IN TRUST, that they will manage and dispose of the same upon the following terms and conditions for the pro rata benefit of the holders from time to time of shares of beneficial interest in this Trust as hereinafter set forth.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND DEFINITIONS
Section 1. Name . This Trust shall be known as the Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund, and the Trustees shall conduct the business of the Trust under that name or any other name as they may from time to time determine.
Section 2. Definitions . Whenever used herein, unless otherwise required by the context or specifically provided:
(a) The Trust refers to the Massachusetts voluntary association established by this Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 182;
(b) Trustee or Trustees refers to each signatory to this Declaration of Trust so long as such signatory shall continue in office in accordance with the terms hereof, and all other individuals who at the time in question have been duly elected or appointed and qualified in accordance with Article V hereof and are then in office;
(c) Shares mean the shares of beneficial interest described in Article IV hereof and include fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares;
(d) Shareholder means a record owner of Shares;
(e) The 1940 Act refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940 (and any successor statute) and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, all as amended from time to time;
(f) The terms Affiliated Person, Assignment, Commission, Interested Person, Principal Underwriter and vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings given them in the 1940 Act;
(g) Declaration of Trust or Declaration shall mean this Declaration of Trust as amended or restated from time to time; and
(h) By-Laws shall mean the By-laws of the Trust as amended from time to time.
ARTICLE II
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF TRUST
The Trust is a voluntary association (commonly known as a business trust) of the type referred to in Chapter 182 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Trust is not intended to be, shall not be deemed to be, and shall not be treated as, a general or a limited partnership, joint venture, corporation or joint stock company, nor shall the Trustees or Shareholders or any of them for any purpose be deemed to be, or be treated in any way whatsoever as though they were, liable or responsible hereunder as partners or joint venturers. The purpose of the Trust is to engage in, operate and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company and to do any and all acts or things as are necessary,
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convenient, appropriate incidental or customary in connection therewith, including, without limitation, the following:
to hold, invest, and reinvest its funds, and in connection therewith to hold part of all of its funds in cash, and to purchase or otherwise sell, assign, negotiate, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of or turn to account or realize upon securities and other negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligations and evidences of indebtedness created or issued by any person, firms, associations, corporations, syndicates, combinations, and other negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligation and evidences of indebtedness; and to exercise, as owner or holder of any securities or other instruments, all rights, powers, and privileges in respect thereof; and to do any and all acts and things for the preservation, protection and improvement of any and all such securities or other instruments, and, in general, to conduct the business of a closed-end investment company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act; and
To engage in any lawful act or activity for which business trusts may be organized under Massachusetts law.
The Trust set forth in this instrument shall be deemed made in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and it is created under and is to be governed by and construed and administered according to the laws of said Commonwealth. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a business trust, and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may exercise all powers which are ordinarily exercised by such a trust. No provision of this Declaration shall be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the 1940 Act, or of any valid rule, regulation or order of the Commission thereunder.
The enumeration herewith of the objects and purposes of the Trust shall be construed as powers as well as objects and purposes and shall not be deemed to exclude by inference any powers, objects or purposes which the Trust may lawfully pursue or exercise.
ARTICLE III
REGISTERED AGENT; PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
The name of the registered agent of the Trust is CT Corporation System at 101 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The principal place of business of the Trust is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The
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Trustees may, without the approval of Shareholders, change the registered agent of the Trust and the principal place of business of the Trust.
ARTICLE IV
BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Section 1. Shares of Beneficial Interest . The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into such transferable Shares of beneficial interest, of such classes or series, and of such designations and par values (if any), and with such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as shall be determined by the Trustees in their sole discretion, without Shareholder approval, from time to time. The number of Shares is unlimited and each Share shall be fully paid and nonassessable. There shall be no cumulative voting. Subject to any provision in a Statement (as defined in Section 2 below) to the contrary, the Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their sole discretion and without obtaining any prior authorization or vote of the Shareholders of the Trust or of the Shareholders of any series or class of Shares, to create and establish (and to change in any manner) Shares or any series or classes thereof with such preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges as the Trustees may from time to time determine; to divide or combine the Shares or the Shares of any series or classes thereof into a greater or lesser number including, without limitation, such a division or combination accomplished by means of a stock split or a reverse stock split, without thereby changing their proportionate beneficial interest in the Trust; to classify or reclassify any issued Shares into one or more series or classes of Shares; to abolish any one or more series or classes of Shares; and to take such other action with respect to the Shares as the Trustees may deem desirable. The Shares shall initially be divided into one class, a class of an unlimited number of common Shares, $0.01 par value (the Common Shares) having the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions described below. The Trust may also, from time to time, issue a class of an unlimited number of preferred Shares, $0.01 par value (the Preferred Shares), having the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions described below.
(a) Common Shares.
(i) Subject to the rights of the holders of the Preferred Shares, if any, in the event of the termination of the Trust the holders of the Common Shares shall be entitled to receive pro rata the net distributable assets of the Trust.
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(ii) The holders of the Common Shares shall not, as such holders, have any right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any Common Shares or securities of the Trust which it may hereafter issue or sell, other than such right, if any, as the Trustees in their discretion may determine.
(iii) Subject to the rights of the holders of the Preferred Shares, if any, dividends or other distributions, when, as and if declared by the Trustees, shall be shared equally by the holders of Common Shares on a share for share basis. The Trustees may direct that any dividends or other distributions or any portion thereof as declared and distributed shall be paid in cash to the holder, or, alternatively, may direct that any such dividends be reinvested in full and fractional Shares of the Trust if such holder elects to have them reinvested.
(iv) The Trustees may hold as treasury shares (of the same or some other series), reissue for such consideration and on such terms as they may determine, or cancel any Common Shares of any series reacquired by the Trust at their discretion from time to time. Shares shall not entitle the Shareholder to any title in or to the whole or any part of the Trust.
(v) Common Shares may be issued from time to time, without the vote of the Shareholders (or, if the Trustees in their sole discretion deem advisable, with a vote of Shareholders), either for cash or for such other consideration (which may be in any one or more instances a certain specified consideration or certain specified considerations) and on such terms as the Trustees, from time to time, may deem advisable, and the Trust may in such manner acquire other assets (including the acquisition of assets subject to, and in connection with the assumption of liabilities).
(vi) The Trust may issue Common Shares in fractional denominations to the same extent as its whole Shares, and Shares in fractional denominations shall be Common Shares having proportionately to the respective fractions represented thereby all the rights of whole Shares, including, without limitation, the right to vote, the right to receive dividends and distributions and the right to participate upon termination of the Trust, but excluding the right to receive a certificate representing fractional Shares.
(b) Preferred Shares. If the Trust issues Preferred Shares, such Shares shall be issued from time to time in one or more classes or series with
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such distinctive serial designations and (i) may have such voting powers, full or limited; (ii) may be subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (iii) may be entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or noncumulative) at such rate or rates, on such conditions, and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes of Shares; (iv) may have such rights upon the termination of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Trust; (v) may be made convertible into, or exchangeable for, Shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of Shares of the Trust, at such price or prices or at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments; and (vi) shall have such other relative, participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, all as shall hereafter be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such Preferred Shares from time to time adopted by the Trustees (or a Committee thereof) in accordance with Section 2 of this Article IV. Any of such matters may be made dependent upon facts ascertainable outside this Declaration of Trust, or outside the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such Preferred Shares.
Section 2. Establishment of Class or Series of Shares . The establishment and designation of any class or series of Shares, including any Preferred Shares issued hereunder, shall be effective upon the adoption of a resolution by a majority of the then Trustees (or a Committee thereof) setting forth such establishment and designation and the relative rights and preferences of the Shares of such class or series as set forth in a written statement either executed by the President or a Vice President of the Trust, or executed by a majority of the Trustees then in office (the Statement). At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of any particular class or series previously established and designated, the Trustees (or a Committee thereof) may by a majority vote abolish that class or series and the establishment and designation thereof. Notwithstanding any provision of this Declaration of Trust to the contrary, no such Statement establishing and designating any class or series of Shares shall constitute an amendment to or a part of this Declaration of Trust.
Section 3. Ownership Of Shares . The ownership and transfer of Shares shall be recorded on the books of the Trust or its transfer or similar agent. No certificates certifying the ownership of Preferred Shares shall be issued except as the Trustees may otherwise determine from time to time. The Trustees may make such rules as they consider appropriate for the issuance of Share certificates, transfer of Shares and similar matters. The record
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books of the Trust, as kept by the Trust or any transfer or similar agent of the Trust, shall be conclusive as to who are the holders of the Shares and as to the number of Shares held from time to time by each Shareholder.
Section 4. No Preemptive Rights, Etc . The holders of Shares of any class or series shall not, as such holders, have any right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any Shares or securities of the Trust which it may hereafter issue or sell, other than such right, if any, as the Trustees in their discretion may determine. The holders of Shares of any class or series shall have no appraisal rights with respect to their Shares and, except as otherwise determined by resolution of the Trustees in their sole discretion, shall have no exchange or conversion rights with respect to their Shares.
Section 5. S tatus of Shares and Limitation of Personal Liability . Shares shall be deemed to be personal property giving only the rights provided in this instrument. Every Shareholder by virtue of having become a Shareholder shall be held to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms of this Declaration of Trust and to have become a party thereto. The death of a Shareholder during the continuance of the Trust shall not operate to terminate the same nor entitle the representative of any deceased Shareholder to an accounting or to take any action in court or elsewhere against the Trust or the Trustees, but only to the rights of said decedent under this Trust. Ownership of property shall not entitle the Shareholder to any title in or to the whole or any part of the Trust Property or right to call for a partition or division of the same or for an accounting. Neither the Trustees, nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind any Shareholder personally or to call upon any Shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the Shareholder may at any time personally agree to pay by way of subscription for any Shares or otherwise.
ARTICLE V
THE TRUSTEES
Section 1. Management of the Trust . The business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed by the Trustees, and they shall have all powers necessary and desirable to carry out that responsibility.
Section 2. Qualification and Number . Each Trustee shall be a natural person. A Trustee need not be a shareholder, a citizen of the United States, or a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By the vote or consent of the initial Trustee, or by a majority vote or consent of the Trustees as may subsequently then be in office, the Trustees may fix the number of Trustees
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at a number not less than two (2) nor more than fifteen (15) and may fill the vacancies created by any such increase in the number of Trustees. Except as determined from time to time by resolution of the Trustees, no decrease in the number of Trustees shall have the effect of removing any Trustee from office prior to the expiration of his term, but the number of Trustees may be decreased in conjunction with the removal of a Trustee pursuant to Section 4 of Article V.
Section 3. Term and Election . Each Trustee shall hold office until the next meeting of Shareholders called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such Trustee or of a successor to such Trustee, and until his successor is elected and qualified, and any Trustee who is appointed by the Trustees in the interim to fill a vacancy as provided hereunder shall have the same remaining term as that of his predecessor, if any, or such term as the Trustees may determine. Any vacancy resulting from a newly created Trusteeship or the death, resignation, retirement, removal, or incapacity of a Trustee may be filled by the affirmative vote or consent of a majority of the Trustees then in office.
Section 4. Resignation and Removal . Any Trustee may resign his trust or retire as a Trustee (without need for prior or subsequent accounting except in the event of removal) by an instrument in writing signed by him and delivered or mailed to the Chairman, if any, the President or the Secretary and such resignation or retirement shall be effective upon such delivery, or at a later date according to the terms of the instrument. Any Trustee may be removed from office only for Cause (as hereinafter defined) and only (i) by action of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Shares of the class or classes of Shares that elected such Trustee, or (ii) by written instrument, signed by at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the remaining Trustees, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective. Cause shall require willful misconduct, dishonesty, fraud or a felony conviction.
Section 5. Vacancies . The death, declination, resignation, retirement, removal, or incapacity, of the Trustees, or any one of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled as provided herein, or the number of Trustees as fixed is reduced, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees, and during the period during which any such vacancy shall occur, only the Trustees then in office shall be counted for the purposes of the existence of a quorum or any action to be taken by such Trustees.
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Section 6. Ownership of Assets of the Trust . The assets of the Trust shall be held separate and apart from any assets now or hereafter held in any capacity other than as Trustee hereunder by the Trustees or any successor Trustees. All of the assets of the Trust shall at all times be considered as automatically vested in the Trustees as shall be from time to time in office. Upon the resignation, retirement, removal, incapacity or death of a Trustee, such Trustee shall automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the Trust property, and the right, title and interest of such Trustee in the Trust property shall vest automatically in the remaining Trustees. Such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective without the execution or delivery of any conveyancing or other instruments. No Shareholder shall be deemed to have a severable ownership in any individual asset of the Trust or any right of partition or possession thereof.
Section 7. Voting Requirements . In addition to the voting requirements imposed by law or by any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, the provisions set forth in this Article V may not be amended, altered or repealed in any respect, nor may any provision inconsistent with this Article V be adopted, unless such action is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares, provided however that if there are then Preferred Shares outstanding, then such vote shall be by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares and outstanding Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class. In the event the holders of Common Shares or the holders of Preferred Shares, as the case may be, are required by law or by any other provision of this Declaration of Trust to approve such an action by a class vote of such holders, such action must be approved by the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of such holders or such lower percentage as may be required by law or by any other provision of this Declaration of Trust.
ARTICLE VI
POWERS OF TRUSTEES
Section 1. Powers . The Trustees in all instances shall have full, absolute and exclusive power, control and authority over the Trust assets and the business and affairs of the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole and absolute owners thereof in their own right. The Trustees shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts and to make and execute any and all contracts and instruments that they may consider necessary or appropriate in connection with the management of the Trust. The enumeration of any specific power herein shall not be construed as limiting
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the aforesaid powers. In construing the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, there shall be a presumption in favor of the grant of power and authority to the Trustees. Subject to any applicable limitation in this Declaration or any Statement relating to the issuance of Preferred Shares, the Trustees shall have power and authority:
(a) To invest and reinvest in, to buy or otherwise acquire, to hold, for investment or otherwise, to sell or otherwise dispose of, to lend or to pledge, to trade in or deal in securities or interests of all kinds, however evidenced, or obligations of all kinds, however evidenced, or rights, warrants, or contracts to acquire such securities, interests, or obligations, of any private or public company, corporation, association, general or limited partnership, trust or other enterprise or organization, foreign or domestic, or issued or guaranteed by any national or state government, foreign or domestic, or their agencies, instrumentalities or subdivisions (including but not limited to, bonds, debentures, bills, time notes and all other evidences of indebtedness); negotiable or non-negotiable instruments; any and all options and futures contracts; derivatives or structured securities; government securities and money market instruments (including but not limited to, bank certificates of deposit, finance paper, commercial paper, bankers acceptances, and all kinds of repurchase agreements) and, without limitation, all kinds and types of financial instruments;
(b) To adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with this Declaration of Trust providing for the conduct of the business of the Trust and to amend and repeal them to the extent that they do not reserve that right to the Shareholders;
(c) To elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such agents as they consider appropriate;
(d) To employ one or more banks or trust companies as custodian of any assets of the Trust subject to any conditions set forth in this Declaration of Trust or in the By-Laws;
(e) To retain one or more transfer agents and shareholder servicing agents;
(f) To provide for the distribution of interests of the Trust either through a principal underwriter in the manner hereinafter provided for or by the Trust itself or both;
(g) To set record dates for any purposes;
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(h) To delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officers of the Trust and to any investment adviser, investment subadviser, transfer agent, custodian or underwriter or other independent contractor of agent;
(i) Subject to Article IX, Section 1 hereof, to merge, or consolidate the Trust with any other corporation, association, trust or other organization; or to sell, convey, transfer, or lease all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust;
(j) To vote or give assent, or exercise any rights of ownership, with respect to stock or other securities or property; and to execute and deliver proxies or powers of attorney to such person or persons as the Trustees shall deem proper, granting to such person or persons such power and discretion with relation to securities or property as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(k) To exercise powers and rights of subscription or otherwise which in any manner arise out of ownership of securities;
(1) To hold any security or property in a form not indicating any trust, whether in bearer, unregistered or other negotiable form; or either in their or the Trusts name or in the name of a custodian or a nominee or nominees;
(m) To authorize the issuance from time to time of one or more classes or series of Shares, and to issue, sell, repurchase, retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, transfer and otherwise deal in Shares and in any options, warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or any other interests in the Trust other than Shares;
(n) To set apart, from time to time, out of any funds of the Trust a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose, and to abolish any such reserve;
(o) To consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization, consolidation or merger of any corporation or issuer, any security or property of which is held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase, or sale of property by such corporation or issuer, and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect to any security held in the Trust;
(p) To compromise, arbitrate, or otherwise adjust claims in favor of or against the Trust or any matter in controversy including, but not limited to, claims for taxes;
(q) To make distributions of income and of capital gains to shareholders;
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(r) To borrow money; to issue notes, paper or other evidences of indebtedness; to pay interest or other fees in connection with any borrowing or indebtedness; and to pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate the assets of the Trust;
(s) To lend money or other assets of the Trust;
(t) To establish, from time to time, a minimum total investment for shareholders, and to require the redemption of the Shares of any shareholders whose investment is less than such minimum upon such terms as shall be established by the Trustees;
(u) To join with other security holders in acting through a committee, depositary, voting trustee or otherwise, and in that connection to deposit any security with, or transfer any security to, any such committee, depositary or trustee, and to delegate to them such power and authority with relation to any security (whether or not so deposited or transferred) as the Trustees shall deem proper, and to agree to pay, and to pay, such portion of the expenses and compensation of such committee, depositary or trustee as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(v) To purchase and pay for out of Trust property such insurance as they may deem necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the business of the Trust, including, without limitation, insurance policies insuring the assets of the Trust and payment of distributions and principal on its portfolio investments, and insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents, investment advisers or managers, principal underwriters, or independent contractors of the Trust individually against all claims and liabilities of every nature arising by reason of holding, being or having held any such office or position, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted by any such person as Shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee, agent, investment adviser or manager, principal underwriter, or independent contractor, whether or not any such action may be determined to constitute negligence, and whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability; and
(w) To pay pensions for faithful service, as deemed appropriate by the Trustees, and to adopt, establish and carry out pension, profit-sharing, share bonus, share purchase, savings, thrift and other retirement, incentive and benefit plans, trusts and provisions, including the purchasing of life insurance and annuity contracts as a means of providing such retirement and other benefits, for any or all of the Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust.
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Any determination made by or pursuant to the direction of the Trustees in good faith and consistent with the provisions of this Declaration of Trust shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Trust and every holder at any time of Shares, including, but not limited to the following matters: the amount of the assets, obligations, liabilities and expenses of the Trust; the amount of the net income of the Trust from dividends, capital gains, interest or other sources for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends or distributions; the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges were created shall have been paid or discharged); the market value, or any quoted price to be applied in determining the market value, of any security or any other asset owned or held by the Trust; the fair value of any security for which quoted prices are not readily available, or of any other asset owned or held by the Trust; the number of Shares of the Trust issued or issuable; the net asset value per Share; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and depositing of securities and other assets by the Trust; any question as to whether any transaction constitutes a purchase of securities on margin, a short sale of securities, a borrowing, or an underwriting of the sale of, or participation in any underwriting or selling group in connection with the public distribution of, any securities, and any matter relating to the issue, sale, redemption, repurchase, and/or other acquisition or disposition of Shares of the Trust. No provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any Trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability to the Trust or to its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Section 2. Manner of Acting, By-Laws. The By-Laws shall make provision from time to time for the manner in which the Trustees may take action, including, without limitation, at meetings within or without Massachusetts, including meetings held by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment, or by written consents, the quorum and notice, if any, that shall be required for any meeting or other action, and the delegation of some or all of the power and authority of the Trustees to any one or more committees which they may appoint from their own number, and terminate, from time to time.
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ARTICLE VII
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
The Trustees shall have the power to reimburse themselves from the Trust property for their expenses and disbursements, to pay reasonable compensation to themselves from the Trust property, and to incur and pay out of the Trust property any other expenses which in the opinion of the Trustees are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the purposes of this Declaration of Trust, or to exercise any of the powers of the Trustees hereunder.
ARTICLE VIII
INVESTMENT ADVISER, PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS AND TRANSFER AGENT
Section 1. Investment Adviser . The Trust may enter into a written contract with one or more persons (which term shall include any firm corporation, trust or association), hereinafter referred to as the Investment Adviser, to act as investment adviser to the Trust and as such to perform such functions as the Trustees may deem reasonable and proper, including, without limitation, investment advisory, management, research, valuation of assets, clerical and administrative functions. Any such contract shall be subject to the approval of those persons required by the 1940 Act to approve such contract, and shall be terminable at any time upon not more than 60 days notice by resolution of the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares.
Subject to the provisions of Section 4 of this Article VIII, any such contract may be made with any firm or corporation in which any Trustee of the Trust may be interested. The compensation of the Investment Adviser may be based upon a percentage of the net proceeds of the initial public offering of the Shares after payment of underwriting discounts and organization and offering costs, a percentage of the income or gross realized or unrealized gain of the Trust, or a combination thereof, or otherwise, as may be provided in such contract.
Upon the termination of any contract with Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. or any corporation affiliated with Nuveen Investments, acting as investment adviser or manager, the Trustees are hereby authorized to promptly change the name of the Trust to a name which does not include Nuveen or any approximation or abbreviation thereof.
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The Trustees may, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, including those relating to shareholder approval, authorize the investment adviser to employ one or more sub-advisers from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the investment adviser, and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the investment adviser and sub-adviser.
Section 2. Principal Underwriter . The Trust may enter into a written contract or contracts with an underwriter or underwriters or distributor or distributors whereby the Trust may either agree to sell Shares to the other party or parties to the contract or appoint such other party or parties its sales agent or agents for such Shares. Any such contract may provide that the Trust shall pay such other party or parties such amounts as the Trustees may in their discretion deem reasonable and proper, and may also provide that such other party or parties may enter into selected dealer agreements with registered securities dealers to further the purpose of the distribution of the Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 4 of this Article VIII, any such contract may be made with any firm or corporation, including, without limitation, the Investment Adviser or an affiliate of the Investment Advisor, or any firm or corporation in which any Trustee of the Trust or the Investment Adviser may be interested.
Section 3. Transfer Agent . The Trustees may in their discretion from time to time enter into one or more transfer agency and shareholder service contract(s,) whereby the other party shall undertake, to furnish the Trustees with transfer agency and shareholder services. The contract shall be on such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine not inconsistent with the provisions of this Declaration or Trust or of the By-Laws. Such services may be provided by one or more entities.
Section 4. Parties To Contract . Any contract of the character described in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII or in Article X hereof may be entered into with any corporation, firm, partnership, trust or association, including, without limitation, the investment adviser, any investment sub-adviser or an affiliate of the investment adviser or investment sub-adviser, although one or more of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may be an officer, director, trustee, shareholder, or member of such other party to the contract, or otherwise interested in such contract and no such contract shall be invalidated or rendered voidable by reason of the existence of any such relationship, nor shall any person holding such relationship be liable merely by reason of such relationship for any loss or expense to the Trust under or by reason of said contract or accountable for any profit realized directly or indirectly therefrom, provided that the contract when entered into was not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article VIII, Article X, or the By-
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Laws. The same person (including a firm, corporation, partnership, trust or association) may be the other party to contracts entered into pursuant to Sections 1, 2 and 3 above or Article X, and any individual may be financially interested or otherwise affiliated with persons who are parties to any or all of the contracts mentioned in this Section 4.
ARTICLE IX
SHAREHOLDERS VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS
Section 1. Voting Powers . The Shareholders shall have power to vote only: (a) for the election or removal of Trustees as provided in Article V, (b) with respect to any investment advisory or management contract as provided in Article VIII, Sections 1 and 5, (c) with respect to any termination of the Trust or any series or class thereof to the extent and as provided in Article XIII, Section 1, (d) with respect to any amendment of this Declaration of Trust to the extent and as provided in Article XIII, Section 4, (e) with respect to a merger or consolidation of the Trust or any series or class thereof with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or a reorganization of the Trust or class or series thereof, or a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any series thereof (other than in the regular course of the Trust1s investment activities) to the extent and as provided in this Article IX, Section 1, (f) to the same extent as the shareholders of a Massachusetts business corporation as to whether or not a court action, proceeding or claim should be brought or maintained derivatively or as a class action on behalf of the Trust or the shareholders, provided, however that a shareholder of a particular class or series shall not be entitled to bring any derivative or class action on behalf of any other class or series of the Trust, and (g) with respect to such additional matters relating to the Trust as may be required by law, the 1940 Act, this Declaration of Trust, the By-Laws of the Trust, any Statement relating to the issuance of classes or series of shares, or any registration of the Trust with the Commission or any State, or otherwise as the Trustees may consider necessary or desirable.
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares shall be required to approve, adopt or authorize (i) a conversion of the Trust from a closed-end investment company to an open-end investment company, (ii) a merger or consolidation of the Trust or a series or class of the Trust with any corporation, association, Trust or other organization or a reorganization of the Trust or a series of class of the Trust, (iii) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust (other than in the regular course of the Trust1s investment activities), or (iv) a termination of the Trust or a class
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or a series of the Trust (other than a termination by the Trustees as provided for in Section 1 of Article XIII hereof), unless in each and every case such action has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Shares shall be required, provided however, that if there are then Preferred Shares outstanding, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares and outstanding Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, shall be required unless in each and every case such action has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, shall be required; provided further, that where only a particular class or series is effected, only the required vote by the applicable class or series shall be required, and provided further that except as may otherwise be required by law, if there are then Preferred Shares outstanding, in the case of the conversion of the Trust from a closed-end investment company to an open-end investment company, or in the case of any of the foregoing transactions constituting a plan or reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) which adversely affects the Preferred Shares within the meaning of Section 18(a)(2)(D) of the 1940 Act, approval, adoption or authorization of the action in question will also require the affirmative vote of the holders of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the Preferred Shares voting as a separate class; provided, however, that such separate class vote shall be a majority vote if the action in question has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring approval of Shareholders for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise whereby the Trust issues Shares in connection with the acquisition of assets (including those subject to liabilities) from any other investment company or similar entity).
In addition to the voting requirements imposed by law or by any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, the provisions set forth in this Article IX may not be amended, altered or repealed in any respect, nor may any provision inconsistent with this Article IX be adopted, unless such action is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders or at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares, or if there are then outstanding Preferred Shares, by the affirmative vote of the holders
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or at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares, and outstanding Preferred Shares, voting as a single class. In the event the holders of Common Shares or the holders of Preferred Shares, as the case may be, are required by law to approve such an action by a class vote of such holders, such action must be approved by the, holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of (such holders or such lower percentage as may be required by law. Any series of a class which is adversely affected in a manner different from other series of the same class shall together with any other series of the same class adversely affected in the same manner, be treated as a separate class under this Section 1.
Section 2. Meetings. Meetings of the Shareholders may be called and held from time to time for the purpose of taking action upon any matter requiring the vote or authority of the Shareholders as herein provided or upon any other matter deemed by the Trustees to be necessary or desirable. Meetings of the Shareholders shall be held at such place within the United States as shall be fixed by the Trustees, and stated in the notice of the meeting. Meetings of the Shareholders may be called by the Trustees and shall be called by the Trustees upon the written request of Shareholders owning at least one-tenth of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote. Shareholders shall be entitled to at least ten days written notice of any meeting, except where the meeting is an adjourned meeting and the date, time and place of the meeting were announced at the time of the adjournment.
Section 3. Quorum and Action. (a) The Trustees shall set in the By-Laws the quorum required for the transaction of business by the Shareholders at a meeting, which quorum shall in no event be less than thirty percent (30%) of the Shares entitled to vote at such meeting. If a quorum is present when a duly called or held meeting is convened, the Shareholders present may continue to transact business until adjournment, even though the withdrawal of a number of Shareholders originally present leaves less than the proportion or number otherwise required for a quorum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to elect any of the Trustees by class vote of such holders, the holders of 33 1/3% of such Shares entitled to vote at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of such an election.
(b) The Shareholders shall take action by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority, except in the case of the election of Trustees which shall only require a plurality, of the Shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at a meeting of Shareholders at which a quorum is present, except as may be otherwise required by, any provision of this Declaration of
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Trust, any resolution of the Trustees which authorizes the issuance of Preferred Shares, or the By-Laws.
Section 4. Voting. Each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote, except that Shares held in the treasury of the Trust shall not be voted. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees or on any other matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders. Shares may be voted in person or by proxy. Until Shares are issued, the Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action required or permitted by law, this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws of the Trust to be taken by Shareholders.
Section 5. Action by Written Consent in Lieu of Meeting of Shareholders. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Shareholders may be taken without a meeting by written action signed by all of the Shareholders entitled to vote on that action. The written action is effective when it has been signed by all of those Shareholders, unless a different effective time is provided in the written action.
ARTICLEX
CUSTODIAN
All securities and cash of the Trust shall be held by one or more custodians and subcustodians, each meeting the requirements for a custodian contained in the 1940 Act, or shall otherwise be held in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Trustees may also authorize the custodian to employ one or more sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the custodian, and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the custodian and such sub-custodians, and approved by the Trustees, provided that in every case such sub-custodian shall meet the requirements for a custodian contained in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and in any applicable state Securities or blue sky laws.
ARTICLE XI
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Trustees may in their sole discretion from time to time declare and pay such dividends and distributions to shareholders as they may deem necessary or desirable, after providing for actual and accrued expenses and
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liabilities (including such reserves as the Trustees may establish) determined in accordance with this Declaration of Trust and good accounting practices.
ARTICLE XII
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Limitation of Liability. No personal liability for any debt or obligation of the Trust shall attach to any Trustee of the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, a Trustee shall not be responsible for or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing of any officer, agent, employee, investment adviser, sub-adviser, principal underwriter or custodian of the Trust, nor shall any Trustee be responsible or liable for the act or omission of any other Trustee. Nothing contained herein shall protect any Trustee against any liability to which such Trustee would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross, negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate, Share or undertaking and every other act or thing whatsoever executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees or any of them in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively deemed to have been executed or done only in or with respect to their or his capacity as Trustees or Trustee and neither such Trustees or Trustee nor the Shareholders shall be personally liable thereon.
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking made or issued by the Trustees or by any officers or officer shall give notice that this Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shall recite that the same was executed or made by or on behalf of the Trust by them as Trustees or Trustee or as officers or officer and not individually and that the obligations of such instrument are not binding upon any of them or the Shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust, and may contain such further recitals as they or he may deem appropriate, but the omission thereof shall not operate to bind any Trustees or Trustee or officers or officer or Shareholders or Shareholder individually.
All persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust shall look only to the assets of the Trust for payment under such credit, contract or claim; and neither the Shareholders nor the Trustees, nor any of the Trusts officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
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Section 2. Trustees Good Faith Action, Expert Advice, No Bond or Surety. The exercise by the Trustees of their powers and discretions hereunder shall be binding upon everyone interested. A Trustee shall be liable only for his own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and for nothing else, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Declaration of Trust and their duties as Trustees hereunder, and shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice or for failing to follow such advice. In discharging their duties, the Trustees, when acting in good faith, shall be entitled to rely upon the books of account of the Trust and upon written reports made to the Trustees by any officer appointed by them, any independent public accountant and (with respect to the subject matter of the contract involved) any officer, partner or responsible employee of any other party to any contract entered into hereunder. The Trustees shall not be required to give any bond as such, nor any surety if a bond is required.
Section 3. Liability of Third Persons Dealing with Trustees. No person dealing with the Trustees shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction made or to be made by the Trustees or to see to the application of any payments made or property transferred to the Trust or upon its order.
Section 4. Indemnification. Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 4, every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a Covered Person), shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof.
No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:
(a) against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office;
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(b) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust; or
(c) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication (as provided in paragraph (a) or (b)) and resulting in a payment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition or a reasonable determination, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that he did not engage in such conduct:
(i) by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter); or
(ii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel.
The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel other than Covered Persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this Section 4 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 4, provided that either:
(a) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances; or
(b) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of the readily available facts (as opposed to a
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full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 4, a Disinterested Trustee is one (x) who is not an Interested Person of the Trust (including anyone, as such Disinterested Trustee, who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), and (y) against whom none of such actions, suits or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending.
As used in this Section 4, the words claim, action, suit or proceeding shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words liability and expenses shall include without limitation, attorneys fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
Section 5. Shareholders . No personal liability for any debt or obligation of the Trust shall attach to any Shareholder or former Shareholder of the Trust. In case any Shareholder or former Shareholder of the Trust shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder and not because of his acts or omissions, or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets of the Trust to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability; provided, however, there shall be no liability or obligation of the Trust arising hereunder to reimburse any Shareholder for taxes paid by reason of such Shareholders ownership of any Share or for losses suffered by reason of any changes in value of any Trust assets. The Trust shall, upon request by the Shareholder or former Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Termination of Trust . (a) Unless terminated as provided herein, the Trust shall continue, without limitation of time. Except as may be set forth in any Statement relating to the issuance of Preferred Shares, the Trust, or any class or series thereof may be terminated at any time by the Trustees by written notice to the Shareholders without a vote of the
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shareholders of the Trust, or the class or series as the case may be, or by the affirmative vote of the shareholders entitled to vote at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares, in the case of the termination of the Trust, or by the effected class or series as the case may be in the event of the termination of a class or series, unless such action has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Shares or the applicable class or series as the case may be, shall be required, provided however that if there are then outstanding Preferred Shares, such vote with respect to the termination of the Trust shall be by the affirmative vote of the shareholders entitled to vote at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares and Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, unless such action has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and Preferred Shares voting as a single class shall be required.
Upon termination of the Trust or any series or class thereof, after paying or otherwise providing for all charges, taxes, expenses and liabilities, whether due or accrued or anticipated, as may be determined by the Trustees, the Trust shall, in accordance with such procedures as the Trustees consider appropriate, reduce the remaining assets of the Trust or the applicable series or class to distributable form in cash or other securities, or any combination thereof, and distribute the proceeds to the holders of Preferred Shares, if any, in the manner set forth by resolution of the Trustees, and to the holders of Common Shares held by such holders on the date of termination in the event of a termination of the Trust, or to Shareholders of the applicable series or class, as the case may be.
Section 2. Filing of Copies, References, Headings . The original or a copy of this instrument, each amendment hereto and any Statement authorized by Article III, Section 2 hereof shall be kept in the office of the Trust where it may be inspected by any Shareholder. A copy of this Declaration and of each amendment and Statement shall be filed by the Trustees with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as any other governmental office where such filing may from time to time be required, provided, however, that the failure to so file will not invalidate this Declaration or an properly authorized amendment or Statement. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a certificate by an
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officer or Trustee of the Trust as to whether or not any such amendments have been made or Statements authorized and as to any matters in connection with the Trust hereunder, and with the same effect as if it were the original, may rely on a copy certified by an officer or Trustee of the Trust to be a copy of this instrument or of any such amendments or Statements. In this instrument or in any such amendment, references to this instrument, and all expressions like herein, hereof and hereunder, shall be deemed to refer to this instrument as a whole and as amended or affected by any such amendment. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only, and in case of any conflict, the text of this instrument, rather than the headings, shall control. This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
Section 3. Trustees May Resolve Ambiguities . The Trustees may construe any of the provisions of this Declaration insofar as the same may appear to be ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions hereof, and any such construction hereof by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive as to the meaning to be given to such provisions.
Section 4. Amendments . Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Declaration of Trust, this Declaration of Trust may be amended at any time by an instrument in writing signed by a majority of the then Trustees with the consent of shareholders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of Shares entitled to vote. In addition, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary contained in this Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may amend this Declaration of Trust without the vote or consent of shareholders (i) at any time if the Trustees deem it necessary in order for the Trust or any series or class thereby to meet the requirements of applicable Federal or State laws or regulations, or the requirements of the regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, (ii) change the name of the Trust or to supply any omission, cure any ambiguity or cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision contained herein, or (iii) for any reason at any time before a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering the initial public offering of Shares has become effective.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, have executed this instrument as of this 7th day of May 2007.
/s/ Timothy R. Schwertfeger |
/s/ Robert P. Bremner |
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Timothy R. Schwertfeger, as Trustee | Robert P. Bremner as Trustee | |||
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |||
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | |||
/s/ Lawrence H. Brown |
/s/ Jack B. Evans |
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Lawrence H. Brown, as Trustee | Jack B. Evans, as Trustee | |||
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |||
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | |||
/s/ William C. Hunter |
/s/ David J. Kundert |
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William C. Hunter, as Trustee | David J. Kundert, as Trustee | |||
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |||
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | |||
/s/ William J. Schneider |
/s/ Judith M. Stockdale |
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William J. Schneider, as Trustee | Judith M. Stockdale, as Trustee | |||
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |||
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | |||
/s/ Carole E. Stone |
/s/ Eugene S. Sunshine |
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Carole E. Stone, as Trustee | Eugene S. Sunshine, as Trustee | |||
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |||
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 |
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STATE OF ILLINOIS | ) | |||
) | SS. | |||
COUNTY OF COOK | ) |
Then personally appeared the above-named persons who are known to me to be Trustees of the Trust whose names and signatures are affixed to the foregoing instrument and who acknowledged the same to be their free act and deed, before me this 7th day of May 2007.
SEAL |
|
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/s/ Virginia Corcoran |
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Notary Public | ||||
My Commission Expires: 10/27/09 |
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Exhibit (1)(c)
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(formerly known as Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund, until
May 7, 2007 and as Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund until
April 2, 2012
This Declaration of Trust establishing the Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund, made on the 27th day of January 2003 by the initial Trustee thereunder, as amended and restated in its entirety as of the 7th day of May 2007, in order to change the name of the Trust from Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund to Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund is hereby amended and restated in its entirety effective as of the 2nd day of April 2012 in order to change the name of the Trust from Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund to Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund.
WHEREAS, the Trustee desires to establish a trust fund for the purposes of carrying on the business of a management investment company; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of such purposes, the Trustee and any successor Trustees elected in accordance with Article V hereof are acquiring and may hereafter acquire assets and properties which they will hold and manage as trustees of a Massachusetts business trust with transferable shares in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees and any successor Trustees elected in accordance with Article V hereof hereby declare that they will hold all cash, securities and other assets and properties, which they may from time to time acquire in any manner as Trustees hereunder, IN TRUST, that they will manage and dispose of the same upon the following terms and conditions for the pro rata benefit of the holders from time to time of shares of beneficial interest in this Trust as hereinafter set forth.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND DEFINITIONS
Section 1. Name . This Trust shall be known as the Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund, and the Trustees shall conduct the business of the Trust under that name or any other name as they may from time to time determine.
Section 2. Definitions . Whenever used herein, unless otherwise required by the context or specifically provided:
(a) The Trust refers to the Massachusetts voluntary association established by this Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 182;
(b) Trustee or Trustees refers to each signatory to this Declaration of Trust so long as such signatory shall continue in office in accordance with the terms hereof, and all other individuals who at the time in question have been duly elected or appointed and qualified in accordance with Article V hereof and are then in office;
(c) Shares mean the shares of beneficial interest described in Article IV hereof and include fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares;
(d) Shareholder means a record owner of Shares;
(e) The 1940 Act refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940 (and any successor statute) and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, all as amended from time to time;
(f) The terms Affiliated Person, Assignment, Commission, Interested Person, Principal Underwriter and vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings given them in the 1940 Act;
(g) Declaration of Trust or Declaration shall mean this Declaration of Trust as amended or restated from time to time; and
(h) By-Laws shall mean the By-laws of the Trust as amended from time to time.
ARTICLE II
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF TRUST
The Trust is a voluntary association (commonly known as a business trust) of the type referred to in Chapter 182 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Trust is not intended to be, shall not be deemed to be, and shall not be treated as, a general or a limited partnership, joint venture, corporation or joint stock company, nor shall the Trustees or Shareholders or any of them for any purpose be deemed to be, or be treated in any way whatsoever as though they were, liable or responsible hereunder as partners or joint venturers. The purpose of the Trust is to
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engage in, operate and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company and to do any and all acts or things as are necessary, convenient, appropriate incidental or customary in connection therewith, including, without limitation, the following:
to hold, invest, and reinvest its funds, and in connection therewith to hold part of all of its funds in cash, and to purchase or otherwise sell, assign, negotiate, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of or turn to account or realize upon securities and other negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligations and evidences of indebtedness created or issued by any person, firms, associations, corporations, syndicates, combinations, and other negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligation and evidences of indebtedness; and to exercise, as owner or holder of any securities or other instruments, all rights, powers, and privileges in respect thereof; and to do any and all acts and things for the preservation, protection and improvement of any and all such securities or other instruments, and, in general, to conduct the business of a closed-end investment company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act; and
To engage in any lawful act or activity for which business trusts may be organized under Massachusetts law.
The Trust set forth in this instrument shall be deemed made in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and it is created under and is to be governed by and construed and administered according to the laws of said Commonwealth. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a business trust, and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may exercise all powers which are ordinarily exercised by such a trust. No provision of this Declaration shall be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the 1940 Act, or of any valid rule, regulation or order of the Commission thereunder.
The enumeration herewith of the objects and purposes of the Trust shall be construed as powers as well as objects and purposes and shall not be deemed to exclude by inference any powers, objects or purposes which the Trust may lawfully pursue or exercise.
ARTICLE III
REGISTERED AGENT; PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
The name of the registered agent of the Trust is CT Corporation System at 101 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The principal place of
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business of the Trust is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The Trustees may, without the approval of Shareholders, change the registered agent of the Trust and the principal place of business of the Trust.
ARTICLE IV
BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Section 1. Shares of Beneficial Interest . The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into such transferable Shares of beneficial interest, of such classes or series, and of such designations and par values (if any), and with such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as shall be determined by the Trustees in their sole discretion, without Shareholder approval, from time to time. The number of Shares is unlimited and each Share shall be fully paid and nonassessable. There shall be no cumulative voting. Subject to any provision in a Statement (as defined in Section 2 below) to the contrary, the Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their sole discretion and without obtaining any prior authorization or vote of the Shareholders of the Trust or of the Shareholders of any series or class of Shares, to create and establish (and to change in any manner) Shares or any series or classes thereof with such preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges as the Trustees may from time to time determine; to divide or combine the Shares or the Shares of any series or classes thereof into a greater or lesser number including, without limitation, such a division or combination accomplished by means of a stock split or a reverse stock split, without thereby changing their proportionate beneficial interest in the Trust; to classify or reclassify any issued Shares into one or more series or classes of Shares; to abolish any one or more series or classes of Shares; and to take such other action with respect to the Shares as the Trustees may deem desirable. The Shares shall initially be divided into one class, a class of an unlimited number of common Shares, $0.01 par value (the Common Shares) having the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions described below. The Trust may also, from time to time, issue a class of an unlimited number of preferred Shares, $0.01 par value (the Preferred Shares), having the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions described below.
(a) Common Shares.
(i) Subject to the rights of the holders of the Preferred Shares, if any, in the event of the termination of the Trust the holders of the Common Shares shall be entitled to receive pro rata the net distributable assets of the Trust.
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(ii) The holders of the Common Shares shall not, as such holders, have any right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any Common Shares or securities of the Trust which it may hereafter issue or sell, other than such right, if any, as the Trustees in their discretion may determine.
(iii) Subject to the rights of the holders of the Preferred Shares, if any, dividends or other distributions, when, as and if declared by the Trustees, shall be shared equally by the holders of Common Shares on a share for share basis. The Trustees may direct that any dividends or other distributions or any portion thereof as declared and distributed shall be paid in cash to the holder, or, alternatively, may direct that any such dividends be reinvested in full and fractional Shares of the Trust if such holder elects to have them reinvested.
(iv) The Trustees may hold as treasury shares (of the same or some other series), reissue for such consideration and on such terms as they may determine, or cancel any Common Shares of any series reacquired by the Trust at their discretion from time to time. Shares shall not entitle the Shareholder to any title in or to the whole or any part of the Trust.
(v) Common Shares may be issued from time to time, without the vote of the Shareholders (or, if the Trustees in their sole discretion deem advisable, with a vote of Shareholders), either for cash or for such other consideration (which may be in any one or more instances a certain specified consideration or certain specified considerations) and on such terms as the Trustees, from time to time, may deem advisable, and the Trust may in such manner acquire other assets (including the acquisition of assets subject to, and in connection with the assumption of liabilities).
(vi) The Trust may issue Common Shares in fractional denominations to the same extent as its whole Shares, and Shares in fractional denominations shall be Common Shares having proportionately to the respective fractions represented thereby all the rights of whole Shares, including, without limitation, the right to vote, the right to receive dividends and distributions and the right to participate upon termination of the Trust, but excluding the right to receive a certificate representing fractional Shares.
(b) Preferred Shares. If the Trust issues Preferred Shares, such Shares shall be issued from time to time in one or more classes or series with such distinctive serial designations and (i) may have such voting powers, full
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or limited; (ii) may be subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (iii) may be entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or noncumulative) at such rate or rates, on such conditions, and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes of Shares; (iv) may have such rights upon the termination of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Trust; (v) may be made convertible into, or exchangeable for, Shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of Shares of the Trust, at such price or prices or at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments; and (vi) shall have such other relative, participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, all as shall hereafter be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such Preferred Shares from time to time adopted by the Trustees (or a Committee thereof) in accordance with Section 2 of this Article IV. Any of such matters may be made dependent upon facts ascertainable outside this Declaration of Trust, or outside the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such Preferred Shares.
Section 2. Establishment of Class or Series of Shares . The establishment and designation of any class or series of Shares, including any Preferred Shares issued hereunder, shall be effective upon the adoption of a resolution by a majority of the then Trustees (or a Committee thereof) setting forth such establishment and designation and the relative rights and preferences of the Shares of such class or series as set forth in a written statement either executed by the President or a Vice President of the Trust, or executed by a majority of the Trustees then in office (the Statement). At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of any particular class or series previously established and designated, the Trustees (or a Committee thereof) may by a majority vote abolish that class or series and the establishment and designation thereof. Notwithstanding any provision of this Declaration of Trust to the contrary, no such Statement establishing and designating any class or series of Shares shall constitute an amendment to or a part of this Declaration of Trust.
Section 3. Ownership Of Shares . The ownership and transfer of Shares shall be recorded on the books of the Trust or its transfer or similar agent. No certificates certifying the ownership of Preferred Shares shall be issued except as the Trustees may otherwise determine from time to time. The Trustees may make such rules as they consider appropriate for the issuance of Share certificates, transfer of Shares and similar matters. The record books of the Trust, as kept by the Trust or any transfer or similar agent of
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the Trust, shall be conclusive as to who are the holders of the Shares and as to the number of Shares held from time to time by each Shareholder.
Section 4. No Preemptive Rights, Etc . The holders of Shares of any class or series shall not, as such holders, have any right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any Shares or securities of the Trust which it may hereafter issue or sell, other than such right, if any, as the Trustees in their discretion may determine. The holders of Shares of any class or series shall have no appraisal rights with respect to their Shares and, except as otherwise determined by resolution of the Trustees in their sole discretion, shall have no exchange or conversion rights with respect to their Shares.
Section 5. Status of Shares and Limitation of Personal Liability . Shares shall be deemed to be personal property giving only the rights provided in this instrument. Every Shareholder by virtue of having become a Shareholder shall be held to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms of this Declaration of Trust and to have become a party thereto. The death of a Shareholder during the continuance of the Trust shall not operate to terminate the same nor entitle the representative of any deceased Shareholder to an accounting or to take any action in court or elsewhere against the Trust or the Trustees, but only to the rights of said decedent under this Trust. Ownership of property shall not entitle the Shareholder to any title in or to the whole or any part of the Trust Property or right to call for a partition or division of the same or for an accounting. Neither the Trustees, nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind any Shareholder personally or to call upon any Shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the Shareholder may at any time personally agree to pay by way of subscription for any Shares or otherwise.
ARTICLE V
THE TRUSTEES
Section 1. Management of the Trust . The business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed by the Trustees, and they shall have all powers necessary and desirable to carry out that responsibility.
Section 2. Qualification and Number . Each Trustee shall be a natural person. A Trustee need not be a shareholder, a citizen of the United States, or a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By the vote or consent of the initial Trustee, or by a majority vote or consent of the Trustees as may subsequently then be in office, the Trustees may fix the number of Trustees at a number not less than two (2) nor more than fifteen (15) and may fill the vacancies created by any such increase in the number of Trustees. Except as
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determined from time to time by resolution of the Trustees, no decrease in the number of Trustees shall have the effect of removing any Trustee from office prior to the expiration of his term, but the number of Trustees may be decreased in conjunction with the removal of a Trustee pursuant to Section 4 of Article V.
Section 3. Term and Election . Each Trustee shall hold office until the next meeting of Shareholders called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such Trustee or of a successor to such Trustee, and until his successor is elected and qualified, and any Trustee who is appointed by the Trustees in the interim to fill a vacancy as provided hereunder shall have the same remaining term as that of his predecessor, if any, or such term as the Trustees may determine. Any vacancy resulting from a newly created Trusteeship or the death, resignation, retirement, removal, or incapacity of a Trustee may be filled by the affirmative vote or consent of a majority of the Trustees then in office.
Section 4. Resignation and Removal . Any Trustee may resign his trust or retire as a Trustee (without need for prior or subsequent accounting except in the event of removal) by an instrument in writing signed by him and delivered or mailed to the Chairman, if any, the President or the Secretary and such resignation or retirement shall be effective upon such delivery, or at a later date according to the terms of the instrument. Any Trustee may be removed from office only for Cause (as hereinafter defined) and only (i) by action of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Shares of the class or classes of Shares that elected such Trustee, or (ii) by written instrument, signed by at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the remaining Trustees, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective. Cause shall require willful misconduct, dishonesty, fraud or a felony conviction.
Section 5. Vacancies . The death, declination, resignation, retirement, removal, or incapacity, of the Trustees, or any one of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled as provided herein, or the number of Trustees as fixed is reduced, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees, and during the period during which any such vacancy shall occur, only the Trustees then in office shall be counted for the purposes of the existence of a quorum or any action to be taken by such Trustees.
Section 6. Ownership of Assets of the Trust . The assets of the Trust shall be held separate and apart from any assets now or hereafter held in any
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capacity other than as Trustee hereunder by the Trustees or any successor Trustees. All of the assets of the Trust shall at all times be considered as automatically vested in the Trustees as shall be from time to time in office. Upon the resignation, retirement, removal, incapacity or death of a Trustee, such Trustee shall automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the Trust property, and the right, title and interest of such Trustee in the Trust property shall vest automatically in the remaining Trustees. Such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective without the execution or delivery of any conveyancing or other instruments. No Shareholder shall be deemed to have a severable ownership in any individual asset of the Trust or any right of partition or possession thereof.
Section 7. Voting Requirements . In addition to the voting requirements imposed by law or by any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, the provisions set forth in this Article V may not be amended, altered or repealed in any respect, nor may any provision inconsistent with this Article V be adopted, unless such action is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares, provided however that if there are then Preferred Shares outstanding, then such vote shall be by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares and outstanding Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class. In the event the holders of Common Shares or the holders of Preferred Shares, as the case may be, are required by law or by any other provision of this Declaration of Trust to approve such an action by a class vote of such holders, such action must be approved by the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of such holders or such lower percentage as may be required by law or by any other provision of this Declaration of Trust.
ARTICLE VI
POWERS OF TRUSTEES
Section 1. Powers . The Trustees in all instances shall have full, absolute and exclusive power, control and authority over the Trust assets and the business and affairs of the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole and absolute owners thereof in their own right. The Trustees shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts and to make and execute any and all contracts and instruments that they may consider necessary or appropriate in connection with the management of the Trust. The enumeration of any specific power herein shall not be construed as limiting the aforesaid powers. In construing the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, there shall be a presumption in favor of the grant of power and
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authority to the Trustees. Subject to any applicable limitation in this Declaration or any Statement relating to the issuance of Preferred Shares, the Trustees shall have power and authority:
(a) To invest and reinvest in, to buy or otherwise acquire, to hold, for investment or otherwise, to sell or otherwise dispose of, to lend or to pledge, to trade in or deal in securities or interests of all kinds, however evidenced, or obligations of all kinds, however evidenced, or rights, warrants, or contracts to acquire such securities, interests, or obligations, of any private or public company, corporation, association, general or limited partnership, trust or other enterprise or organization, foreign or domestic, or issued or guaranteed by any national or state government, foreign or domestic, or their agencies, instrumentalities or subdivisions (including but not limited to, bonds, debentures, bills, time notes and all other evidences of indebtedness); negotiable or non-negotiable instruments; any and all options and futures contracts; derivatives or structured securities; government securities and money market instruments (including but not limited to, bank certificates of deposit, finance paper, commercial paper, bankers acceptances, and all kinds of repurchase agreements) and, without limitation, all kinds and types of financial instruments;
(b) To adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with this Declaration of Trust providing for the conduct of the business of the Trust and to amend and repeal them to the extent that they do not reserve that right to the Shareholders;
(c) To elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such agents as they consider appropriate;
(d) To employ one or more banks or trust companies as custodian of any assets of the Trust subject to any conditions set forth in this Declaration of Trust or in the By-Laws;
(e) To retain one or more transfer agents and shareholder servicing agents;
(f) To provide for the distribution of interests of the Trust either through a principal underwriter in the manner hereinafter provided for or by the Trust itself or both;
(g) To set record dates for any purposes;
(h) To delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officers of the Trust and to any investment adviser, investment subadviser,
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transfer agent, custodian or underwriter or other independent contractor of agent;
(i) Subject to Article IX, Section 1 hereof, to merge, or consolidate the Trust with any other corporation, association, trust or other organization; or to sell, convey, transfer, or lease all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust;
(j) To vote or give assent, or exercise any rights of ownership, with respect to stock or other securities or property; and to execute and deliver proxies or powers of attorney to such person or persons as the Trustees shall deem proper, granting to such person or persons such power and discretion with relation to securities or property as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(k) To exercise powers and rights of subscription or otherwise which in any manner arise out of ownership of securities;
(l) To hold any security or property in a form not indicating any trust, whether in bearer, unregistered or other negotiable form; or either in their or the Trusts name or in the name of a custodian or a nominee or nominees;
(m) To authorize the issuance from time to time of one or more classes or series of Shares, and to issue, sell, repurchase, retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, transfer and otherwise deal in Shares and in any options, warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or any other interests in the Trust other than Shares;
(n) To set apart, from time to time, out of any funds of the Trust a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose, and to abolish any such reserve;
(o) To consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization, consolidation or merger of any corporation or issuer, any security or property of which is held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase, or sale of property by such corporation or issuer, and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect to any security held in the Trust;
(p) To compromise, arbitrate, or otherwise adjust claims in favor of or against the Trust or any matter in controversy including, but not limited to, claims for taxes;
(q) To make distributions of income and of capital gains to shareholders;
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(r) To borrow money; to issue notes, paper or other evidences of indebtedness; to pay interest or other fees in connection with any borrowing or indebtedness; and to pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate the assets of the Trust;
(s) To lend money or other assets of the Trust;
(t) To establish, from time to time, a minimum total investment for shareholders, and to require the redemption of the Shares of any shareholders whose investment is less than such minimum upon such terms as shall be established by the Trustees;
(u) To join with other security holders in acting through a committee, depositary, voting trustee or otherwise, and in that connection to deposit any security with, or transfer any security to, any such committee, depositary or trustee, and to delegate to them such power and authority with relation to any security (whether or not so deposited or transferred) as the Trustees shall deem proper, and to agree to pay, and to pay, such portion of the expenses and compensation of such committee, depositary or trustee as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(v) To purchase and pay for out of Trust property such insurance as they may deem necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the business of the Trust, including, without limitation, insurance policies insuring the assets of the Trust and payment of distributions and principal on its portfolio investments, and insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents, investment advisers or managers, principal underwriters, or independent contractors of the Trust individually against all claims and liabilities of every nature arising by reason of holding, being or having held any such office or position, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted by any such person as Shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee, agent, investment adviser or manager, principal underwriter, or independent contractor, whether or not any such action may be determined to constitute negligence, and whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability; and
(w) To pay pensions for faithful service, as deemed appropriate by the Trustees, and to adopt, establish and carry out pension, profit-sharing, share bonus, share purchase, savings, thrift and other retirement, incentive and benefit plans, trusts and provisions, including the purchasing of life insurance and annuity contracts as a means of providing such retirement and other benefits, for any or all of the Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust.
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Any determination made by or pursuant to the direction of the Trustees in good faith and consistent with the provisions of this Declaration of Trust shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Trust and every holder at any time of Shares, including, but not limited to the following matters: the amount of the assets, obligations, liabilities and expenses of the Trust; the amount of the net income of the Trust from dividends, capital gains, interest or other sources for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends or distributions; the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges were created shall have been paid or discharged); the market value, or any quoted price to be applied in determining the market value, of any security or any other asset owned or held by the Trust; the fair value of any security for which quoted prices are not readily available, or of any other asset owned or held by the Trust; the number of Shares of the Trust issued or issuable; the net asset value per Share; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and depositing of securities and other assets by the Trust; any question as to whether any transaction constitutes a purchase of securities on margin, a short sale of securities, a borrowing, or an underwriting of the sale of, or participation in any underwriting or selling group in connection with the public distribution of, any securities, and any matter relating to the issue, sale, redemption, repurchase, and/or other acquisition or disposition of Shares of the Trust. No provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any Trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability to the Trust or to its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Section 2. Manner of Acting, By-Laws . The By-Laws shall make provision from time to time for the manner in which the Trustees may take action, including, without limitation, at meetings within or without Massachusetts, including meetings held by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment, or by written consents, the quorum and notice, if any, that shall be required for any meeting or other action, and the delegation of some or all of the power and authority of the Trustees to any one or more committees which they may appoint from their own number, and terminate, from time to time.
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ARTICLE VII
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
The Trustees shall have the power to reimburse themselves from the Trust property for their expenses and disbursements, to pay reasonable compensation to themselves from the Trust property, and to incur and pay out of the Trust property any other expenses which in the opinion of the Trustees are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the purposes of this Declaration of Trust, or to exercise any of the powers of the Trustees hereunder.
ARTICLE VIII
INVESTMENT ADVISER, PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS AND
TRANSFER AGENT
Section 1. Investment Adviser . The Trust may enter into a written contract with one or more persons (which term shall include any firm corporation, trust or association), hereinafter referred to as the Investment Adviser, to act as investment adviser to the Trust and as such to perform such functions as the Trustees may deem reasonable and proper, including, without limitation, investment advisory, management, research, valuation of assets, clerical and administrative functions. Any such contract shall be subject to the approval of those persons required by the 1940 Act to approve such contract, and shall be terminable at any time upon not more than 60 days notice by resolution of the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares.
Subject to the provisions of Section 4 of this Article VIII, any such contract may be made with any firm or corporation in which any Trustee of the Trust may be interested. The compensation of the Investment Adviser may be based upon a percentage of the net proceeds of the initial public offering of the Shares after payment of underwriting discounts and organization and offering costs, a percentage of the income or gross realized or unrealized gain of the Trust, or a combination thereof, or otherwise, as may be provided in such contract.
Upon the termination of any contract with Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. or any corporation affiliated with Nuveen Investments, acting as investment adviser or manager, the Trustees are hereby authorized to promptly change the name of the Trust to a name which does not include Nuveen or any approximation or abbreviation thereof.
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The Trustees may, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, including those relating to shareholder approval, authorize the investment adviser to employ one or more sub-advisers from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the investment adviser, and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the investment adviser and sub-adviser.
Section 2. Principal Underwriter . The Trust may enter into a written contract or contracts with an underwriter or underwriters or distributor or distributors whereby the Trust may either agree to sell Shares to the other party or parties to the contract or appoint such other party or parties its sales agent or agents for such Shares. Any such contract may provide that the Trust shall pay such other party or parties such amounts as the Trustees may in their discretion deem reasonable and proper, and may also provide that such other party or parties may enter into selected dealer agreements with registered securities dealers to further the purpose of the distribution of the Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 4 of this Article VIII, any such contract may be made with any firm or corporation, including, without limitation, the Investment Adviser or an affiliate of the Investment Advisor, or any firm or corporation in which any Trustee of the Trust or the Investment Adviser may be interested.
Section 3. Transfer Agent . The Trustees may in their discretion from time to time enter into one or more transfer agency and shareholder service contract(s,) whereby the other party shall undertake, to furnish the Trustees with transfer agency and shareholder services. The contract shall be on such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine not inconsistent with the provisions of this Declaration or Trust or of the By-Laws. Such services may be provided by one or more entities.
Section 4. Parties To Contract . Any contract of the character described in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII or in Article X hereof may be entered into with any corporation, firm, partnership, trust or association, including, without limitation, the investment adviser, any investment sub-adviser or an affiliate of the investment adviser or investment sub-adviser, although one or more of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may be an officer, director, trustee, shareholder, or member of such other party to the contract, or otherwise interested in such contract and no such contract shall be invalidated or rendered voidable by reason of the existence of any such relationship, nor shall any person holding such relationship be liable merely by reason of such relationship for any loss or expense to the Trust under or by reason of said contract or accountable for any profit realized directly or indirectly therefrom, provided that the contract when entered into was not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article VIII, Article X, or the By-
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Laws. The same person (including a firm, corporation, partnership, trust or association) may be the other party to contracts entered into pursuant to Sections 1, 2 and 3 above or Article X, and any individual may be financially interested or otherwise affiliated with persons who are parties to any or all of the contracts mentioned in this Section 4.
ARTICLE IX
SHAREHOLDERS VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS
Section 1. Voting Powers . The Shareholders shall have power to vote only: (a) for the election or removal of Trustees as provided in Article V, (b) with respect to any investment advisory or management contract as provided in Article VIII, Sections 1 and 5, (c) with respect to any termination of the Trust or any series or class thereof to the extent and as provided in Article XIII, Section 1, (d) with respect to any amendment of this Declaration of Trust to the extent and as provided in Article XIII, Section 4, (e) with respect to a merger or consolidation of the Trust or any series or class thereof with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or a reorganization of the Trust or class or series thereof, or a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any series thereof (other than in the regular course of the Trusts investment activities) to the extent and as provided in this Article IX, Section 1, (f) to the same extent as the shareholders of a Massachusetts business corporation as to whether or not a court action, proceeding or claim should be brought or maintained derivatively or as a class action on behalf of the Trust or the shareholders, provided, however that a shareholder of a particular class or series shall not be entitled to bring any derivative or class action on behalf of any other class or series of the Trust, and (g) with respect to such additional matters relating to the Trust as may be required by law, the 1940 Act, this Declaration of Trust, the By-Laws of the Trust, any Statement relating to the issuance of classes or series of shares, or any registration of the Trust with the Commission or any State, or otherwise as the Trustees may consider necessary or desirable.
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares shall be required to approve, adopt or authorize (i) a conversion of the Trust from a closed-end investment company to an open-end investment company, (ii) a merger or consolidation of the Trust or a series or class of the Trust with any corporation, association, Trust or other organization or a reorganization of the Trust or a series of class of the Trust, (iii) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust (other than in the regular course of the Trusts investment activities), or (iv) a termination of the Trust or a class
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or a series of the Trust (other than a termination by the Trustees as provided for in Section 1 of Article XIII hereof), unless in each and every case such action has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Shares shall be required, provided however, that if there are then Preferred Shares outstanding, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares and outstanding Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, shall be required unless in each and every case such action has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, shall be required; provided further, that where only a particular class or series is effected, only the required vote by the applicable class or series shall be required, and provided further that except as may otherwise be required by law, if there are then Preferred Shares outstanding, in the case of the conversion of the Trust from a closed-end investment company to an open-end investment company, or in the case of any of the foregoing transactions constituting a plan or reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) which adversely affects the Preferred Shares within the meaning of Section 18(a)(2)(D) of the 1940 Act, approval, adoption or authorization of the action in question will also require the affirmative vote of the holders of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the Preferred Shares voting as a separate class; provided, however, that such separate class vote shall be a majority vote if the action in question has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring approval of Shareholders for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise whereby the Trust issues Shares in connection with the acquisition of assets (including those subject to liabilities) from any other investment company or similar entity).
In addition to the voting requirements imposed by law or by any other provision of this Declaration of Trust, the provisions set forth in this Article IX may not be amended, altered or repealed in any respect, nor may any provision inconsistent with this Article IX be adopted, unless such action is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders or at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares, or if there are then outstanding Preferred Shares, by the affirmative vote of the holders or at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the outstanding
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Common Shares, and outstanding Preferred Shares, voting as a single class. In the event the holders of Common Shares or the holders of Preferred Shares, as the case may be, are required by law to approve such an action by a class vote of such holders, such action must be approved by the, holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of (such holders or such lower percentage as may be required by law. Any series of a class which is adversely affected in a manner different from other series of the same class shall together with any other series of the same class adversely affected in the same manner, be treated as a separate class under this Section 1.
Section 2. Meetings . Meetings of the Shareholders may be called and held from time to time for the purpose of taking action upon any matter requiring the vote or authority of the Shareholders as herein provided or upon any other matter deemed by the Trustees to be necessary or desirable. Meetings of the Shareholders shall be held at such place within the United States as shall be fixed by the Trustees, and stated in the notice of the meeting. Meetings of the Shareholders may be called by the Trustees and shall be called by the Trustees upon the written request of Shareholders owning at least one-tenth of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote. Shareholders shall be entitled to at least ten days written notice of any meeting, except where the meeting is an adjourned meeting and the date, time and place of the meeting were announced at the time of the adjournment.
Section 3. Quorum and Action. (a) The Trustees shall set in the By-Laws the quorum required for the transaction of business by the Shareholders at a meeting, which quorum shall in no event be less than thirty percent (30%) of the Shares entitled to vote at such meeting. If a quorum is present when a duly called or held meeting is convened, the Shareholders present may continue to transact business until adjournment, even though the withdrawal of a number of Shareholders originally present leaves less than the proportion or number otherwise required for a quorum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to elect any of the Trustees by class vote of such holders, the holders of 33 1/3% of such Shares entitled to vote at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of such an election.
(b) The Shareholders shall take action by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority, except in the case of the election of Trustees which shall only require a plurality, of the Shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at a meeting of Shareholders at which a quorum is present, except as may be otherwise required by, any provision of this Declaration of Trust, any resolution of the Trustees which authorizes the issuance of Preferred Shares, or the By-Laws.
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Section 4. Voting . Each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote, except that Shares held in the treasury of the Trust shall not be voted. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees or on any other matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders. Shares may be voted in person or by proxy. Until Shares are issued, the Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action required or permitted by law, this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws of the Trust to be taken by Shareholders.
Section 5. Action by Written Consent in Lieu of Meeting of Shareholders . Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Shareholders may be taken without a meeting by written action signed by all of the Shareholders entitled to vote on that action. The written action is effective when it has been signed by all of those Shareholders, unless a different effective time is provided in the written action.
ARTICLE X
CUSTODIAN
All securities and cash of the Trust shall be held by one or more custodians and subcustodians, each meeting the requirements for a custodian contained in the 1940 Act, or shall otherwise be held in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Trustees may also authorize the custodian to employ one or more sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the custodian, and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the custodian and such sub-custodians, and approved by the Trustees, provided that in every case such sub-custodian shall meet the requirements for a custodian contained in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and in any applicable state Securities or blue sky laws.
ARTICLE XI
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Trustees may in their sole discretion from time to time declare and pay such dividends and distributions to shareholders as they may deem necessary or desirable, after providing for actual and accrued expenses and liabilities (including such reserves as the Trustees may establish) determined in accordance with this Declaration of Trust and good accounting practices.
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ARTICLE XII
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Limitation of Liability . No personal liability for any debt or obligation of the Trust shall attach to any Trustee of the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, a Trustee shall not be responsible for or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing of any officer, agent, employee, investment adviser, sub-adviser, principal underwriter or custodian of the Trust, nor shall any Trustee be responsible or liable for the act or omission of any other Trustee. Nothing contained herein shall protect any Trustee against any liability to which such Trustee would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross, negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate, Share or undertaking and every other act or thing whatsoever executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees or any of them in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively deemed to have been executed or done only in or with respect to their or his capacity as Trustees or Trustee and neither such Trustees or Trustee nor the Shareholders shall be personally liable thereon.
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking made or issued by the Trustees or by any officers or officer shall give notice that this Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shall recite that the same was executed or made by or on behalf of the Trust by them as Trustees or Trustee or as officers or officer and not individually and that the obligations of such instrument are not binding upon any of them or the Shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust, and may contain such further recitals as they or he may deem appropriate, but the omission thereof shall not operate to bind any Trustees or Trustee or officers or officer or Shareholders or Shareholder individually.
All persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust shall look only to the assets of the Trust for payment under such credit, contract or claim; and neither the Shareholders nor the Trustees, nor any of the Trusts officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
Section 2. Trustees Good Faith Action, Expert Advice, No Bond or Surety . The exercise by the Trustees of their powers and discretions hereunder shall be binding upon everyone interested. A Trustee shall be liable only for his own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and for nothing else, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other
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experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Declaration of Trust and their duties as Trustees hereunder, and shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice or for failing to follow such advice. In discharging their duties, the Trustees, when acting in good faith, shall be entitled to rely upon the books of account of the Trust and upon written reports made to the Trustees by any officer appointed by them, any independent public accountant and (with respect to the subject matter of the contract involved) any officer, partner or responsible employee of any other party to any contract entered into hereunder. The Trustees shall not be required to give any bond as such, nor any surety if a bond is required.
Section 3. Liability of Third Persons Dealing with Trustees . No person dealing with the Trustees shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction made or to be made by the Trustees or to see to the application of any payments made or property transferred to the Trust or upon its order.
Section 4. Indemnification . Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 4, every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a Covered Person), shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof.
No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:
(a) against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office;
(b) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust; or
(c) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication (as provided in paragraph (a) or (b)) and resulting in a payment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either a determination
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that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition or a reasonable determination, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that he did not engage in such conduct:
(i) by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter); or
(ii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel.
The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel other than Covered Persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this Section 4 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 4, provided that either:
(a) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances; or
(b) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of the readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 4, a Disinterested Trustee is one (x) who is not an Interested Person of the Trust (including anyone, as such Disinterested Trustee, who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), and (y) against whom none of such actions, suits
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or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending.
As used in this Section 4, the words claim, action, suit or proceeding shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words liability and expenses shall include without limitation, attorneys fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
Section 5. Shareholders . No personal liability for any debt or obligation of the Trust shall attach to any Shareholder or former Shareholder of the Trust. In case any Shareholder or former Shareholder of the Trust shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder and not because of his acts or omissions, or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets of the Trust to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability; provided, however, there shall be no liability or obligation of the Trust arising hereunder to reimburse any Shareholder for taxes paid by reason of such Shareholders ownership of any Share or for losses suffered by reason of any changes in value of any Trust assets. The Trust shall, upon request by the Shareholder or former Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Termination of Trust . (a) Unless terminated as provided herein, the Trust shall continue, without limitation of time. Except as may be set forth in any Statement relating to the issuance of Preferred Shares, the Trust, or any class or series thereof may be terminated at any time by the Trustees by written notice to the Shareholders without a vote of the shareholders of the Trust, or the class or series as the case may be, or by the affirmative vote of the shareholders entitled to vote at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares, in the case of the termination of the Trust, or by the effected class or series as the case may be in the event of the termination of a class or series, unless such action has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Shares or the
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applicable class or series as the case may be, shall be required, provided however that if there are then outstanding Preferred Shares, such vote with respect to the termination of the Trust shall be by the affirmative vote of the shareholders entitled to vote at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding Common Shares and Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, unless such action has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of Trustees fixed in accordance with this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and Preferred Shares voting as a single class shall be required.
Upon termination of the Trust or any series or class thereof, after paying or otherwise providing for all charges, taxes, expenses and liabilities, whether due or accrued or anticipated, as may be determined by the Trustees, the Trust shall, in accordance with such procedures as the Trustees consider appropriate, reduce the remaining assets of the Trust or the applicable series or class to distributable form in cash or other securities, or any combination thereof, and distribute the proceeds to the holders of Preferred Shares, if any, in the manner set forth by resolution of the Trustees, and to the holders of Common Shares held by such holders on the date of termination in the event of a termination of the Trust, or to Shareholders of the applicable series or class, as the case may be.
Section 2. Filing of Copies, References, Headings . The original or a copy of this instrument, each amendment hereto and any Statement authorized by Article III, Section 2 hereof shall be kept in the office of the Trust where it may be inspected by any Shareholder. A copy of this Declaration and of each amendment and Statement shall be filed by the Trustees with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as any other governmental office where such filing may from time to time be required, provided, however, that the failure to so file will not invalidate this Declaration or an properly authorized amendment or Statement. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a certificate by an officer or Trustee of the Trust as to whether or not any such amendments have been made or Statements authorized and as to any matters in connection with the Trust hereunder, and with the same effect as if it were the original, may rely on a copy certified by an officer or Trustee of the Trust to be a copy of this instrument or of any such amendments or Statements. In this instrument or in any such amendment, references to this instrument, and all expressions like herein, hereof and hereunder, shall be deemed to refer to this instrument as a whole and as amended or affected by any such amendment. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only, and in case of any conflict, the text of this instrument, rather than the
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headings, shall control. This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
Section 3. Trustees May Resolve Ambiguities . The Trustees may construe any of the provisions of this Declaration insofar as the same may appear to be ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions hereof, and any such construction hereof by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive as to the meaning to be given to such provisions.
Section 4. Amendments . Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Declaration of Trust, this Declaration of Trust may be amended at any time by an instrument in writing signed by a majority of the then Trustees with the consent of shareholders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of Shares entitled to vote. In addition, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary contained in this Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may amend this Declaration of Trust without the vote or consent of shareholders (i) at any time if the Trustees deem it necessary in order for the Trust or any series or class thereby to meet the requirements of applicable Federal or State laws or regulations, or the requirements of the regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, (ii) change the name of the Trust or to supply any omission, cure any ambiguity or cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision contained herein, or (iii) for any reason at any time before a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering the initial public offering of Shares has become effective.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, have executed this instrument as of this 8 th day of March 2012.
/s/ John P. Amboian |
/s/ Robert P. Bremner |
|
John P. Amboian, | Robert P. Bremner | |
as Trustee | as Trustee | |
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | |
/s/ Jack B. Evans |
/s/ William C. Hunter |
|
Jack B. Evans, | William C. Hunter, | |
as Trustee | as Trustee | |
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | |
/s/ David J. Kundert |
|
|
David J. Kundert | William J. Schneider, | |
as Trustee | as Trustee | |
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | |
/s/ Judith M. Stockdale |
/s/ Carole E. Stone |
|
Judith M. Stockdale, | Carole E. Stone, | |
as Trustee | as Trustee | |
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | |
/s/ Virginia L. Stringer |
/s/ Terence J. Toth |
|
Virginia L. Stringer | Terence J. Toth, | |
as Trustee | as Trustee | |
333 West Wacker Drive | 333 West Wacker Drive | |
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Chicago, Illinois 60606 |
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Exhibit 2
BY-LAWS
OF
NUVEEN TAXABLE CLOSED-END FUNDS
ORGANIZED AS
MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUSTS
(Amended and Restated as of November 18, 2009)
ARTICLE I
DECLARATION OF TRUST
AND
OFFICES
Section 1.1. The Trust; Declaration of Trust . These are the By-Laws, of each Nuveen Taxable Closed-End Fund listed on Exhibit A, each a Massachusetts business trust established by its own Declaration of Trust (each such fund being referred to individually as the Trust ). The Trust shall be subject to the Declaration of Trust, as from time to time in effect (the Declaration of Trust ).
Section 1.2. Registered Agent . The registered agent of the Trust in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be CT Corporation System, 150 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or such other agent as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees.
Section 1.3 Other Offices . The Trust may have such other offices and places of business within or without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the Board of Trustees shall determine.
ARTICLE II
SHAREHOLDERS
Section 2.1. Place of Meetings . Meetings of the Shareholders may be held at such place or places within or without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees and stated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 2.2. Regular Meeting . Regular meetings of the Shareholders for the election of Trustees and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held on an annual or other less frequent periodic basis at such date and time as the Board of Trustees by resolution shall designate, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Section 2.3. Special Meeting . Special meetings of the Shareholders for any purpose or purposes may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Administrative Officer or at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the Trustees, and must be called at the written request, stating the purpose or purposes of the meeting, of Shareholders entitled to cast at least l0 percent of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting.
Section 2.4. Notice of Meetings . Notice of all meetings stating the time, place and purpose or purposes of the meeting shall be delivered to each Shareholder not less than ten (10) nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting, except where the meeting is an adjourned meeting and the date, time and place of the meeting were announced at the time of the adjournment. For any matter to be properly before any regular or special meeting, the matter must be (i) specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Administrative Officer or at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the Trustees or (ii) brought before the meeting by a Shareholder in the manner specified in Section 2.5 of these By-Laws.
Section 2.5. Requirements for Matters to be Considered . (a) With the exception of Shareholder nominations for Trustee and Shareholder proposals submitted in accordance with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act ) (or any successor provision thereto), only matters proposed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Administrative Officer or at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the Trustees may be included in the Trusts proxy materials.
(b) In addition to any other requirements under applicable law and the Declaration of Trust and these By-Laws, any proposal to elect any person
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nominated by Shareholders for election as Trustee and any other proposals by Shareholders may only be brought before a regular meeting if timely written notice (the Shareholder Notice ) is provided to the Secretary. Unless a greater or lesser period is required under applicable law, to be timely, the Shareholder Notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Trust not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the first anniversary date of the date on which the Trust first mailed its proxy materials for the prior years annual meeting; provided, however, if and only if the annual meeting is not scheduled to be held within a period that commences thirty (30) days before the first anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year and ends thirty (30) days after such anniversary date (an annual meeting date outside such period being referred to herein as an Other Annual Meeting Date), such Shareholder Notice must be given in the manner provided herein by the later of the close of business on (i) the date forty-five (45) days prior to such Other Annual Meeting Date or (ii) the tenth (10th) business day following the date such Other Annual Meeting Date is first publicly announced or disclosed.
Any Shareholder desiring to nominate any person or persons (as the case may be) for election as a Trustee or Trustees of the Trust shall deliver, as part of such Shareholder Notice: (i) a statement in writing setting forth (A) the name, age, date of birth, business address, residence address and nationality of the person or persons to be nominated; (B) the class or series and number of all Shares of the Trust owned of record or beneficially by each such person or persons, as reported to such Shareholder by such nominee(s); (C) any other information regarding each such person required by paragraphs (a), (d), (e) and (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K or paragraph (b) of Item 22 of Rule 14a-101 (Schedule 14A) under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision thereto); (D) any other information regarding the person or persons to be nominated that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for election of Trustees pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (E) whether such Shareholder believes any nominee is or will be an interested person of the Trust (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act )) and, if not an interested person, information regarding each nominee that will be sufficient for the Trust to make such determination; and (ii) the written and signed consent of the person or persons to be nominated to be named as nominees and to serve as Trustees if elected. In addition, the Trustees may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as they may reasonably require or deem necessary to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a Trustee.
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Without limiting the foregoing, any Shareholder who gives a Shareholder Notice of any matter proposed to be brought before a Shareholder meeting (whether or not involving nominees for Trustees) shall deliver, as part of such Shareholder Notice: (i) the description of and text of the proposal to be presented; (ii) a brief written statement of the reasons why such Shareholder favors the proposal; (iii) such Shareholders name and address as they appear on the Trusts books; (iv) any other information relating to the Shareholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies with respect to the matter(s) proposed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (v) the class or series and number of all Shares of the Trust beneficially owned and of record by such Shareholder; (vi) any material interest of such Shareholder in the matter proposed (other than as a Shareholder); (vii) a representation that the Shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the Shareholder meeting to act on the matter(s) proposed; (viii) if the proposal involves nominee(s) for Trustees, a description of all arrangements or understandings between the Shareholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by the Shareholder; and (ix) in the case of a Shareholder (a Beneficial Owner ) that holds Shares entitled to vote at the meeting through a nominee or street name holder of record, evidence establishing such Beneficial Owners indirect ownership of, and entitlement to vote, Shares at the meeting of Shareholders. As used in this Section 2.5, Shares beneficially owned shall mean all Shares which such person is deemed to beneficially own pursuant to Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act.
(c) For purposes of this Section 2.5, a matter shall be deemed to have been publicly announced or disclosed if such matter is disclosed in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service, in a document publicly filed by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or in a Web site accessible to the public maintained by the Trust or by its investment adviser.
(d) In no event shall an adjournment or postponement (or a public announcement thereof) of a meeting of Shareholders commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of notice as provided in this Section 2.5.
(e) The person presiding at any annual or special meeting, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall have the power and duty to determine whether notice of nominees and other matters proposed to be brought before a meeting has been duly given in the manner provided in this Section 2.5 and, if not so given, shall
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direct and declare at the meeting that such nominees and other matters shall not be considered.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.5 or otherwise in these By-Laws, unless required by applicable law, no matter shall be considered at or brought before any annual or special meeting unless such matter has been deemed a proper matter for Shareholder action by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Administrative Officer or at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the Trustees.
Section 2.6. Quorum and Action. (a) The holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (the Shares ) entitled to vote at a meeting are a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is present when a duly called or held meeting is convened, the Shareholders present may continue to transact business until adjournment, even though the withdrawal of a number of Shareholders originally present leaves less than the proportion or number otherwise required for a quorum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when the holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to elect any of the Trusts Trustees by class vote of such holders, the holders of 33 1/3% of the Shares entitled to vote at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of such an election.
(b) The Shareholders shall take action by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority, except in the case of the election of Trustees which shall only require a plurality, of the voting power of the Shares present and entitled to vote at a meeting of Shareholders at which a quorum is present, except as may be otherwise required by the 1940 Act , the Declaration of Trust, any resolution of the Trustees which authorizes the issuance of Preferred Shares or the written statement setting forth the relative rights and preferences of the Preferred Shares.
Section 2.7. Voting . At each meeting of the Shareholders, every, holder of Shares then entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy and, except as otherwise provided by the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust or any resolution of the Trustees which authorizes the issuance of Preferred Shares, shall have one vote for each Share registered in his name.
Section 2.8. Proxy Representation . A Shareholder may cast or authorize the casting of a vote by filing a written appointment of a proxy with an officer of the Trust at or before the meeting at which the appointment is to be effective. The placing of a Shareholders name on a proxy pursuant to telephonic or electronically transmitted instructions obtained pursuant to procedures which are reasonably designed to verify that such instructions have been authorized by such Shareholder, shall constitute execution of such proxy by or on behalf of
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such Shareholder. The appointment of a proxy is valid for eleven months, unless a longer period is expressly provided in the appointment. No appointment is irrevocable unless the appointment is coupled with an interest in the Shares or in the Trust. Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of a proxy may be substituted for or used in lieu of the original proxy for any and all purposes for which the original proxy could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original proxy.
Section 2.9. Adjourned Meetings . Any meeting of Shareholders may by announcement by the person presiding thereat, be adjourned to a designated time and place by the vote of the holders of a majority of the Shares present and entitled to vote thereon with respect to the matter to be adjourned whether or not a quorum is so present. An adjourned meeting may reconvene as designed, and when a quorum is present any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
Section 2.10. Action by Written Consent in Lieu of Meeting of Shareholders . See Section 6.3 of these By-Laws.
ARTICLE III
TRUSTEES
Section 3.1. Qualifications, Number, Vacancies and Classes. (a) Each Trustee shall be a natural person. A Trustee need not be a Shareholder, a citizen of the United States, or a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The number of Trustees of the Trust and the filling of vacancies shall be as provided in the Declaration of Trust.
(b) The Trustees shall be classified by resolution into the following three classes to be elected by the holders of the outstanding Common Shares and outstanding Preferred Shares, if any, voting together as a single class, each to serve for three year terms (with the exception of the initial appointment or election of Trustees as provided below): Class I, Class II and Class III. Upon their initial election or appointment, such resolution electing or appointing the Trustees shall designate the Class of Trustees designated to serve for a term expiring at the first succeeding annual meeting subsequent to their election, the Class of Trustees designated to serve for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual meeting subsequent to their election, and the Class of Trustees designated to serve for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting subsequent to their election. At each subsequent annual meeting, the Trustees chosen to succeed those whose terms are expiring shall be identified as being of the same class as the Trustees whom they succeed and shall be elected
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for a term expiring at the time of the third succeeding annual meeting subsequent to their election or thereafter in each case when their respective successors are elected and qualified.
(c) Upon or prior to the issuance of any Preferred Shares, the Trustees shall designate by resolution two Trustees to be appointed to serve as Trustees elected solely by the holders of the outstanding Preferred Shares (the Preferred Trustees). The Preferred Trustees shall initially be elected or appointed to the Board of Trustees for a term expiring at the first succeeding annual meeting subsequent to their election or appointment. At each subsequent annual meeting at which holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to vote, the Preferred Trustees shall be elected for a term expiring at the time of the next succeeding annual meeting subsequent to their election held for the election of Trustees of Class I, Class II or Class III or thereafter when their respective successors are elected and qualified.
(d) The Trustees shall only be elected at annual meetings, except as provided in the Declaration of Trust.
Section 3.2. Powers . The business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. All powers of the Trust may be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Trustees, except those conferred on or reserved to the Shareholders by statute, the Declaration of Trust or these By-Laws.
Section 3.3. Investment Policies . It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees to ensure that the purchase, sale, retention and disposal of portfolio securities and the other investment practices of the Trust are at all times consistent with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions with respect to securities investments and otherwise of the Trust filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and as required by the 1940 Act, unless such duty is delegated to an investment adviser pursuant to a written contract, as provided in the Declaration of Trust. The Trustees, however, may delegate the duty of management of the assets of the Trust and may delegate such other of their powers and duties to the Executive Committee or any other committee, or to an individual or corporate investment adviser to act as investment adviser or subadviser pursuant to a written contract.
Section 3.4. Meetings . Regular meetings of the Trustees may be held without notice at such times as the Trustees shall fix. Special meetings of the Trustees may be called by the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Administrative Officer, and shall be called at the written request of two or more Trustees. Unless waived by each Trustee, three days notice of special meetings
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shall be given to each Trustee in person, by mail, by telephone, or by telegram or cable, or by any other means that reasonably may be expected to provide similar notice. Notice of special meetings need not state the purpose or purposes thereof. Meetings of the Trustees may be held at any place within or outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A conference among Trustees by any means of communication through which the Trustees may simultaneously hear each other during the conference constitutes a meeting of the Trustees or of a committee of the Trustees, if the notice requirements have been met (or waived) and if the number of Trustees participating in the conference would be sufficient to constitute a quorum at such meeting. Participation in such meeting by that means constitutes presence in person at the meeting.
Section 3.5. Quorum and Action . A majority of the Trustees currently holding office, or in the case of a meeting of a committee of the Trustees, a majority of the members of such committee, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting. If a quorum is present when a duly called or held meeting is convened, the Trustees present may continue to transact business until adjournment, even though the withdrawal of a number of Trustees originally present leaves less than the proportion or number otherwise required for a quorum. At any duly held meeting at which a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority of the Trustees present shall be the act of the Trustees or the committee, as the case may be, on any question, except where the act of a greater number is required by these By-Laws or by the Declaration of Trust.
Section 3.6. Action by Written Consent in Lieu of Meetings of Trustees . See Section 6.3 of these By-Laws.
Section 3.7. Committees . The Trustees, by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees, may designate from their members an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee (whose function shall be to advise the Trustees as to the selection of and review of the work of the independent public accountants of the Trust) and any other committee or committees, each such committee to consist of two or more Trustees and to have such powers and authority (to the extent permitted by law) as may be provided in such resolution. Any such committee may be terminated at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 4.1. Number and Qualifications . The officers of the Trust shall include a Chief Administrative Officer, a Controller, one or more Vice Presidents
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(one of whom may be designated Executive Vice President), a Treasurer, and a Secretary. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. Unless otherwise determined by the Trustees, each officer shall be appointed by the Trustees for a term which shall continue until the meeting of the Trustees following the next regular meeting of Shareholders and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until his death, or until he shall have resigned or have been removed, as hereinafter provided in these By-Laws. The Trustees may from time to time elect, or delegate to the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Administrative Officer, or both, the power to appoint, such officers (including one or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Treasurers and one or more Assistant Secretaries) and such agents as may be necessary or desirable for the business of the Trust. Such other officers shall hold office for such terms as may be prescribed by the Trustees or by the appointing authority. The Chairman of the Board is not deemed to be an officer of the Trust by virtue of serving as Board Chair.
Section 4.2. Resignations . Any officer of the Trust may resign at any time by giving written notice of his resignation to the Trustees, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Administrative Officer or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective shall not be specified therein, immediately upon its receipt, and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 4.3. Removal . An officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by a resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees present at a duly convened meeting of the Trustees.
Section 4.4. Vacancies . A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or any other cause, may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the Trustees, or in the manner determined by the Trustees.
Section 4.5. The Chairman of the Board . The Chairman of the Board shall be elected from among the Trustees. He shall:
(a) when present, preside at all meetings of the Trustees and of the Shareholders;
(b) see that all orders and resolutions of the Trustees are carried into effect; and
(c) maintain records of and, whenever necessary, certify all proceedings of the Trustees and the Shareholders.
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In the absence of the Chief Administrative Officer or in the event of his disability, or inability to act or to continue to act, the Chairman of the Board shall perform the duties of the Chief Administrative Officer and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chief Administrative Officer.
Section 4.6. The Chief Administrative Officer . The Chief Administrative Officer shall be the chief executive and operating officer of the Trust and, subject to the Chairman of the Board, he shall have general authority over and general management and control of the business and affairs of the Trust. In general, he shall discharge all duties incident to the office of the chief executive and operating officer of the Trust and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Trustees from time to time. The Chief Administrative Officer shall be authorized to do or cause to be done all things necessary or appropriate, including preparation, execution and filing of any documents, to effectuate the registration from time to time of the Common Shares or Preferred Shares of the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. He shall perform all duties incident to the office of Chief Administrative Officer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees or by these By-Laws. Despite the fact that he/she is not a Trustee, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board or in the event of his disability, or inability to act or to continue to act, the Chief Administrative Officer shall perform the duties of the Chairman of the Board and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman of the Board.
Section 4.7. Executive Vice-President . In the case of the absence or inability to act of the Chief Administrative Officer and the Chairman of the Board, the Executive Vice-President shall perform the duties of the Chief Administrative Officer and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chief Administrative Officer . The Executive Vice-President shall perform all duties incident to the office of Executive Vice-President and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees, the Chief Administrative Officer or these By-Laws.
Section 4.8. Vice Presidents . Each Vice-President shall perform all such duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Administrative Officer .
Section 4.9. Controller . The Controller shall:
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(a) keep accurate financial records for the Trust;
(b) render to the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Administrative Officer and the Trustees, whenever requested, an account of all transactions by and of the financial condition of the Trust; and
(c) in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of Controller and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Administrative Officer .
Section 4.10 . Treasurer . The Treasurer shall:
(a) have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all the funds and securities of the Trust, except those which the Trust has placed in the custody of a bank or trust company pursuant to a written agreement designating such bank or trust company as custodian of the property of the Trust, as required by Section 6.6 of these By-Laws;
(b) deposit all money, drafts, and checks in the name of and to the credit of the Trust in the banks and depositories designated by the Trustees;
(c) endorse for deposit all notes, checks, and drafts received by the Trust making proper vouchers therefor:
(d) disburse corporate funds and issue checks and drafts in the name of the Trust, as ordered by the Trustees; and
(e) in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Administrative Officer .
Section 4.11. Secretary . The Secretary shall:
(a) keep or cause to be kept in one or more books provided for the purpose, the minutes of all meetings of the Trustees, the committees of the Trustees and the Shareholders;
(b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws and as required by statute;
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(c) be custodian of the records of the Trust;
(d) see that the books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by statute to be kept and filed are properly kept and filed; and
(e) in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Administrative Officer .
Section 4.12. Salaries . The salaries of all officers shall be fixed by the Trustees and the Trustees have the authority by majority vote to reimburse expenses and to establish reasonable compensation of all Trustees for services to the Trust as Trustees, officers, or otherwise.
ARTICLE V
SHARES
Section 5.1. Share Certificates. No certificates representing Common Shares or Preferred Shares shall be issued except as the Trustees may otherwise authorize.
Section 5.2. Books and Records; Inspection. The Trust shall keep at its principal executive office, or at another place or places within the United States determined by the Trustees, a share register not more than one year old, containing the names and addresses of the shareholders and the number of Shares held by each Shareholder. The Trust shall also keep, at its principal executive office, or at another place or places within the United States determined by the Trustees, a record of the dates on which certificates representing Shares were issued.
Section 5.3. Share Transfers. Upon compliance with any provisions restricting the transferability of Shares that may be set forth in the Declaration of Trust, these By-Laws, or any resolution or written agreement in respect thereof, transfers of Shares of the Trust shall be made only on the books of the Trust by the registered holder thereof, or by his attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney duly executed and filed with an officer of the Trust, or with a transfer agent or a registrar and on surrender of any certificate or certificates for such Shares properly endorsed and the payment of all taxes thereon. Except as may be otherwise provided by law or these By-Laws, the person in whose name Shares stand on the books of the Trust shall be deemed the owner thereof
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for all purposes as regards the Trust; provided that whenever any transfer of Shares shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, such fact, if known to an officer of the Trust, shall be so expressed in the entry of transfer.
Section 5.4. Regulations . The Trustees may make such additional rules and regulations, not inconsistent with these By-Laws, as they may deem expedient concerning the issue, certification, transfer and registration of Shares of the Trust. They may appoint, or authorize any officer or officers to appoint, one or more transfer agents or one or more transfer clerks and one or more registrars and may require all certificates for Shares to bear the signature or signatures of any of them.
Section 5.5. Lost, Destroyed or Mutilated Certificates . The holder of any certificate representing Shares of the Trust shall immediately notify the Trust of any loss, destruction or mutilation of such certificate, and the Trust may issue a new certificate in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it which the owner thereof shall allege to have been lost or destroyed or which shall have been mutilated, and the Trustees may, in their discretion, require such owner or his legal representatives to give to the Trust a bond in such sum, limited or unlimited, and in such form and with such surety or sureties as the Trustees in their absolute discretion shall determine, to indemnify the Trust against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss or destruction of any such certificate, or the issuance of a new certificate. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustees, in their absolute discretion, may refuse to issue any such new certificate, except as otherwise required by law.
Section 5.6. Record Date; Certification of Beneficial Owner . (a) The Trustees may fix a date not more than ninety (90) days before the date of a meeting of Shareholders as the date for the determination of the holders of Shares entitled to notice of and entitled to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
(b) The Trustees may fix a date for determining Shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or distribution or allotment of any rights or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of Shares.
(c) In the absence of such fixed record date, (i) the date for determination of Shareholders entitled to notice of and entitled to vote at a meeting of Shareholders shall be the later of the close of business on the day on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the thirtieth day before the meeting, and (ii) the date for determining Shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or distribution or an allotment of any rights or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of Shares shall be
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the close of business on the day on which the resolution of the Trustees is adopted.
(d) A resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees present may establish a procedure whereby a Shareholder may certify in writing to the Trust that all or a portion of the Shares registered in the name of the Shareholder are held for the account of one or more beneficial owners. Upon receipt by the Trust of the writing, the persons specified as beneficial owners, rather than the actual Shareholders, are deemed the Shareholders for the purposes specified in the writing.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 6.1. Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Trust shall be as fixed by the Trustees of the Trust.
Section 6.2. Notice and Waiver of Notice . (a) Any notice of a meeting required to be given under these By-Laws to Shareholders or Trustees, or both, may be waived by any such person (i) orally or in writing signed by such person before, at or after the meeting or (ii) by attendance at the meeting in person or, in the case of a Shareholder, by proxy.
(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices required by these By-Laws shall be printed or written, and shall be delivered either personally, by telecopy, telegraph or cable, or by mail or courier or delivery service, and, if mailed, shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the Shareholder or Trustee at his address as it appears on the records of the Trust.
Section 6.3 Action by Written Consent in Lieu of Meeting. (a) An action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Shareholders may be taken without a meeting by written action signed by all of the Shareholders entitled to vote on that action. The written action is effective when it has been signed by all of those Shareholders, unless a different effective time is provided in the written action.
(b) An action which is required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of Trustees and which also requires subsequent Shareholder approval may be taken by written action signed by all of the Trustees. An action which is required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Trustees or a Committee of the Trustees but which does not require Shareholder approval may be taken by written action signed by the number of Trustees that would be required to take
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the same action at a meeting of the Trustees or Committee, as the case may be, at which all Trustees were present. The written action is effective when signed by the required number of Trustees, unless a different effective time is provided in the written action. When written action is taken by less than all Trustees, all Trustees shall be notified immediately of this text and effective date.
Section 6.4 Reports to Shareholders. The books of account of the Trust shall be examined by an independent firm of public accountants at the close of each annual period of the Trust and at such other times, if any, as may be directed by the Trustees. A report to the Shareholders based upon such examination shall be mailed to each Shareholder of the Trust of record at his address as the same appears on the books of the Trust. Each such report shall show the assets and liabilities of the Trust as of the annual or other period covered by the report and the securities in which the funds of the Trust were then invested; such report shall also show the Trusts income and expenses for the period from the end of the Trusts preceding fiscal year to the close of the annual or other period covered by the report and any other information required by the 1940 Act, and shall set forth such other matters as the Trustees or such independent firm of public accountants shall determine.
Section 6.5 Approval of Firm of Independent Public Accountants. At any regular meeting of the Shareholders of the Trust there may be submitted, for ratification or rejection, the name of the firm of independent public accountants which has been selected for the fiscal year in which such meeting is held by a majority of those members of the Trustees who are not investment advisers of, or affiliated persons of an investment adviser of, or officers or employees of, the Trust, as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act.
Section 6.6 Custodian. All securities and cash of the Trust shall be held by a custodian meeting the requirements for a custodian contained in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and in any applicable state securities or blue sky laws. The Trust shall enter into a written contract with the custodian regarding the powers, duties and compensation of the custodian with respect to the cash and securities of the Trust held by the custodian. Said contract and all amendments thereto shall be approved by the Trustees of the Trust. The Trust shall upon the resignation or inability to serve of the custodian obtain a successor custodian and require that the cash and securities owned by the Trust be delivered to the successor custodian.
Section 6.7 Prohibited Transactions. No officer or Trustee of the Trust or of its investment adviser shall deal for or on behalf of the Trust with himself, as principal or agent, or with any corporation or partnership in which he has a financial interest. This prohibition shall not prevent: (a) officers or Trustees of the Trust from having a financial interest in the Trust, its principal underwriter
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or its investment adviser; (b) the purchase of securities for the portfolio of the Trust or the sale of securities owned by the Trust through a securities dealer, one or more of whose partners, officers or Trustees is an officer or Trustee of the Trust, provided such transactions are handled in the capacity of broker only and provided commission charged do not exceed customary brokerage charges for such service; (c) the purchase or sale of securities for the portfolio of the Trust pursuant to a rule under the 1940 Act or pursuant to an exemptive order of the Securities and Exchange Commission; or (d) the employment of legal counsel, registrar, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, or custodian having a partner, officer or director who is an officer or Trustee of the Trust, provided only customary fees are charged for services rendered to or for the benefit of the Trust.
Section 6.8 Bonds. The Trustees may require any officer, agent or employee of the Trust to give a bond to the Trust, conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties, with one or more sureties and in such amount as may be satisfactory to the Trustee. The Trustees shall, in any event, require the Trust to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company, authorized to do business in the place where the bond is issued, against larceny and embezzlement, covering each officer and employee of the Trust, who may singly, or jointly with others, have access to securities or funds of the Trust, either directly or through authority to draw upon such funds or to direct generally the disposition of such securities, such bond or bonds to be in such reasonable form and amount as a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act shall approve not less than once every twelve months, with due consideration to all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the value of the aggregate assets of the Trust to which any such officer or employee may have access, the type and terms of the arrangements made for the custody and safekeeping of such assets, and the nature of the securities in the Trusts portfolio, and as meet all requirements which the Securities and Exchange Commission may prescribe by order, rule or regulation.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS
Section 7.1 . These By-Laws may be amended or repealed, or new By-Laws may be adopted, by a vote of a majority of the Trustees at any meeting thereof provided that notice of such meeting shall have been given if required by these By-Laws, which notice, if required, shall state that amendment or repeal of the By-Laws or adoption of new By-Laws, is one of the purposes of such meeting, or by action of the Trustees by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
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Exhibit A
NUVEEN TAXABLE CLOSED-END FUNDS
(Organized as Massachusetts Business Trusts)
Nuveen Senior Income Fund
Nuveen Senior Income Fund 2 TERMINATED TRUST 8/7/13
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund 2 TERMINATED TRUST 5/22/13
Nuveen Real Estate Growth and Income Fund TERMINATED TRUST 4/16/14
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 3
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 4 TERMINATED TRUST 5/28/14
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund name changed on 5/7/2007 to Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund, name changed on 3/29/12 to Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund 2, name changed on 5/7/2007 to Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund 2, name changed on 3/29/12 to Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Opportunity Fund TERMINATED TRUST 8/7/13
Nuveen Diversified Dividend and Income Fund
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund (formerly, Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend and Total Return Fund)
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund (formerly, Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund 2)
Nuveen Equity Premium Income Fund, (formerly, Nuveen Premium Income Strategy Fund), 12/22/14 name changed to Nuveen S&P 500 Buy Write Income Fund
Nuveen Equity Premium Opportunity Fund REORGANIZED 12/22/14
Nuveen Equity Premium Income Fund 2, name changed to Equity Premium and Growth Fund on 9-12-05, on 12/22/14 changed name to Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund 2 TERMINATED TRUST 8/7/13
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Floating Rate Fund (formerly, Nuveen Quality Floating Rate Dividend Fund)- LIQUIDATED 6/27/12
Nuveen Equity Premium Advantage Fund REORGANIZED 12/22/14
Nuveen Emerging Companies Fund TERMINATED TRUST 5/28/14
DATE ESTABLISHED: | ||||
Nuveen Global Government Enhanced Income Fund |
4-13-06 | |||
Name changed to Nuveen Global Income Opportunities Fund on 10/9/12, REORGANIZED 11/24/14 |
||||
Nuveen Global Value Opportunities Fund |
5-17-06 | |||
Name changed to Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund on 1/27/14 |
||||
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund |
11-14-06 |
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Nuveen Multi-Currency Short-Term Government Income Fund |
2/14/07 | |||
Fund name changed on 2/22/07 from Nuveen International Short-Term Government Income Fund, name changed on 10/9/12 to Nuveen Diversified Currency Opportunities Fund, REORGANIZED 11/24/14 |
||||
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund |
2/22/07 | |||
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund |
9-10-09 | |||
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund 2 |
12-16-09 | |||
Nuveen Energy MLP Total Return Fund |
9-27-2010 | |||
Nuveen Short Duration Credit Opportunities Fund |
1-3-2011 | |||
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund |
1-10-2012 | |||
Nuveen Active Allocation Real Return Fund (formerly, Nuveen Real Return Active Allocation Fund) |
4-2-2012 | |||
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund |
4-18-2012 | |||
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund |
3-28-2013 | |||
Nuveen All Cap Energy MLP Opportunities Fund |
7-25-2013 | |||
Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund |
4-30-2014 | |||
Nuveen Dow 30 SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund |
5-20-2014 | |||
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund |
5-20-2014 | |||
Nuveen Global High Income Fund |
8-5-2014 | |||
Nuveen Technology Opportunities Fund |
10-23-2014 | |||
Nuveen High Income 2020 Target Term Fund |
4-13-15 | |||
Nuveen High Income December 2018 Target Term Fund |
7-13-15 | |||
Nuveen High Income November 2021 Target Term Fund (formerly, Nuveen High Income December 2020 Target Term Fund) |
7-13-15 | |||
Nuveen High Income December 2022 Target Term Fund |
7-13-15 | |||
Nuveen High Income December 2019 Target Term Fund |
2-10-16 |
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Exhibit (6)(a)
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this 1st day of October 2014, by and between NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND, a Massachusetts business trust (the Fund), and NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Adviser).
W I T N E S S E T H
In consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, it is hereby agreed by and between
the parties hereto as follows:
1. The Fund hereby employs the Adviser to act as the investment adviser for, and to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund in accordance with the Funds investment objective and policies and limitations, and to administer the Funds affairs to the extent requested by and subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for the period and upon the terms herein set forth. The investment of the Funds assets shall be subject to the Funds policies, restrictions and limitations with respect to securities investments as set forth in the Funds then current registration statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and all applicable laws and the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the management of registered closed-end, non-diversified management investment companies.
The Adviser accepts such employment and agrees during such period to render such services, to furnish office facilities and equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services (other than such services, if any, provided by the Funds transfer agent) for the Fund, to permit any of its officers or employees to serve without compensation as trustees or officers of the Fund if elected to such positions, and to assume the obligations herein set forth for the compensation herein provided. The Adviser shall, for all purposes herein provided, be deemed to be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, shall have no authority to act for nor represent the Fund in any way, nor otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund.
2. For the services and facilities described in Section 1, the Fund will pay to the Adviser, at the end of each calendar month, an investment management fee equal to the sum of a Fund-Level Fee and a Complex-Level Fee.
A. The Fund-Level Fee shall be computed by applying the following annual rate to the average total daily managed assets of the Fund:
Average Total Daily Managed Assets* |
Rate | |||
For the first $500 million |
0.6800 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6550 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6300 | % | ||
For the next $500 million |
0.6050 | % | ||
Over $2 billion |
0.5800 | % |
* |
Managed assets for this purpose means the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than Fund liabilities incurred for the express |
purpose of creating effective leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Funds use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Funds financial statements for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles). |
B. The Complex-Level Fee for each Fund shall be computed by applying the Complex-Level Fee Rate (as applied to a specific Fund, the Fund-Specific Complex-Level Fee Rate), expressed as a daily equivalent, to the daily net assets of the Fund. The Complex-Level Fee Rate shall be determined based upon the total daily net assets of all Eligible Funds, as defined below (with such daily net assets to include in the case of Eligible Funds whose advisory fees are calculated by reference to net assets that include net assets attributable to preferred stock issued by or borrowings by the Eligible Fund such leveraging net assets), pursuant to the annual fee schedule shown below in this section, with the following exclusions (as adjusted, Complex-Level Assets):
(i) in the case of Eligible Funds that invest in other Eligible Funds (Funds of Funds), that portion of the net assets of such Funds of Funds attributable to investments in such other Eligible Funds;
(ii) that portion of the net assets of each Eligible Fund comprising the daily Fund Asset Limit Amount (as defined below)..
The Complex-Level Fee Rate shall be calculated in such a manner that it results in the effective rate at the specified Complex-Level Asset amounts shown in the following annual fee schedule:
Complex-Level Asset Breakpoint Level ($ million) |
Effective Rate
at Breakpoint Level (%) |
|||
55,000 |
0.2000 | |||
56,000 |
0.1996 | |||
57,000 |
0.1989 | |||
60,000 |
0.1961 | |||
63,000 |
0.1931 | |||
66,000 |
0.1900 | |||
71,000 |
0.1851 | |||
76,000 |
0.1806 | |||
80,000 |
0.1773 | |||
91,000 |
0.1691 | |||
125,000 |
0.1599 | |||
200,000 |
0.1505 | |||
250,000 |
0.1469 | |||
300,000 |
0.1445 |
C. Eligible Funds, for purposes of the Agreement, shall mean all Nuveen-branded
2
closed-end and open-end registered investment companies organized in the United States. Any open-end or closed-end funds that subsequently become a Nuveen-branded fund because either (a) Nuveen Investments, Inc. or its affiliates acquire the investment adviser to such funds (or the advisers parent), or (b) Nuveen Investments, Inc. or its affiliates acquire the funds advisers rights under the management agreement for such fund (in either case, such acquisition an Acquisition and such fund an Acquired Fund), will be evaluated by both Nuveen management and the Nuveen Funds Board, on a case-by-case basis, as to whether or not the assets of such Acquired Funds would be included in Complex-Level Assets and, if so, whether there would be a basis for any adjustments to the complex-level breakpoint schedule and/or its application.
D. The Fund Asset Limit Amount as of any calculation date shall for each Fund be equal to the lesser of (i) the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount (defined below), and (ii) the Eligible Funds current net assets. The Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount for an Eligible Fund shall be determined as follows:
i. In the case of Nuveen-branded Funds that qualified as Eligible Funds on or prior to June 30, 2010, as well as Eligible Funds launched thereafter that are not Acquired Funds, the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount shall be equal to zero, except to extent that such Fund may later participate in a subsequent Fund consolidation as described in (iii) below;
ii. In the case of Acquired Funds, the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount is equal to the product of (i) 1 minus the Aggregate Eligible Asset Percentage (defined below), and (ii) an Acquired Funds net assets as of the effective date of such Funds Acquisition;
iii. In the event of a consolidation or merger of one or more Eligible Funds, the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amount of the combined fund will be equal to the sum of the Initial Fund Asset Limit Amounts of each individual Eligible Fund.
E. Following are additional definitions of terms used above:
i. Acquisition Assets: With respect to an Acquisition, the aggregate net assets as of the effective date of such Acquisition of all Acquired Funds.
ii. Aggregate Eligible Asset Amount: With respect to an Acquisition, that portion of the aggregate net assets of Acquired Funds as of the effective date of such Acquisition that is included in Complex-Level Assets. With respect to the series of First American Investment Funds, Inc. that became Acquired Funds as of December 31, 2010, the Aggregate Eligible Asset Amount is $2 billion.
iii. Aggregate Eligible Asset Percentage: The ratio of the Aggregate Eligible Asset Amount to Acquisition Assets.
iv. Fund-Specific Complex-Level Fee Rate: The Complex-Level Fee Rate applicable to a specific Eligible Fund. In the case of Eligible Funds that are Funds
3
of Funds, the Fund-Specific Complex-Level Fee Rate is zero percent (0%). For all other Eligible Funds, the Fund-Specific Complex-Level Fee Rate is the annual fee rate calculated as the sum of (i) the Complex-Level Fee Rate plus (ii) the product of (a) the difference between 0.20% and the Complex-Level Fee Rate; and (b) the ratio of the Funds Fund Asset Limit Amount to such Funds net assets.
F. For the month and year in which this Agreement becomes effective, or terminates, there shall be an appropriate proration on the basis of the number of days that the Agreement shall have been in effect during the month and year, respectively. The services of the Adviser to the Fund under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Adviser shall be free to render similar services or other services to others so long as its services hereunder are not impaired thereby.
3. The Adviser shall arrange for officers or employees of the Adviser to serve, without compensation from the Fund, as trustees, officers or agents of the Fund, if duly elected or appointed to such positions, and subject to their individual consent and to any limitations imposed by law.
4. Subject to applicable statutes and regulations, it is understood that officers, trustees, or agents of the Fund are, or may be, interested in the Adviser as officers, directors, agents, shareholders or otherwise, and that the officers, directors, shareholders and agents of the Adviser may be interested in the Fund otherwise than as trustees, officers or agents.
5. The Adviser shall not be liable for any loss sustained by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security, whether or not such purchase, sale or retention shall have been based upon the investigation and research made by any other individual, firm or corporation, if such recommendation shall have been selected with due care and in good faith, except loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its obligations and duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
6. The Adviser currently manages other investment accounts and funds, including those with investment objectives similar to the Fund, and reserves the right to manage other such accounts and funds in the future. Securities considered as investments for the Fund may also be appropriate for other investment accounts and funds that may be managed by the Adviser. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the Adviser will attempt to allocate equitably portfolio transactions among the portfolios of its other investment accounts and funds purchasing securities whenever decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund and one or more of such other accounts or funds simultaneously. In making such allocations, the main factors to be considered by the Adviser will be the respective investment objectives of the Fund and such other accounts and funds, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment by the Fund and such other accounts and funds, the size of investment commitments generally held by the Fund and such accounts and funds, and the
4
opinions of the persons responsible for recommending investments to the Fund and such other accounts and funds.
7. This Agreement shall continue in effect until August 1, 2015, unless and until terminated by either party as hereinafter provided, and shall continue in force from year to year thereafter, but only as long as such continuance is specifically approved, at least annually, in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment, and may be terminated at any time without the payment of any penalty by the Fund or by the Adviser upon no less than sixty (60) days written notice to the other party. The Fund may effect termination by action of the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, accompanied by appropriate notice.
This Agreement may be terminated, at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Fund, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, in the event that it shall have been established by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Adviser, or any officer or director of the Adviser, has taken any action which results in a breach of the covenants of the Adviser set forth herein.
Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the right of the Adviser to receive payments on any unpaid balance of the compensation, described in Section 2, earned prior to such termination.
8. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder shall not be thereby affected.
9. Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party at such address as such other party may designate for receipt of such notice.
5
10. The Funds Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Agreement is executed on behalf of the Fund by the Funds officers as officers and not individually and the obligations imposed upon the Fund by this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Funds Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.
11. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with applicable federal law and (except as to Section 10 hereof which shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Massachusetts) the laws of the State of Illinois.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund and the Adviser have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year above written.
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
By: |
/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy |
|||||
Vice President | ||||||
Attest: |
/s/ Mark L. Winget |
|||||
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC | ||||||
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
|||||
Managing Director | ||||||
Attest: |
/s/ Mark L. Winget |
6
Exhibit (6)(b)
NUVEEN CLOSED-END FUNDS
RENEWAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
This Agreement made this 28th day of July 2015 by and between the funds listed on Schedule A (the Nuveen Closed-End Funds), and Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Adviser);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto are the contracting parties under each certain Investment Management Agreement (the Agreements) pursuant to which the Adviser furnishes investment management and other services to each Fund; and
WHEREAS, each Agreement terminates August 1, 2015 unless continued in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors/Trustees, at meetings held May 11-13, 2015, called for the purpose of reviewing each Agreement, have approved each Agreement and its continuance until August 1, 2016 in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in each Agreement the parties hereto do hereby continue each Agreement in effect until August 1, 2016 and ratify and confirm the Agreements in all respects.
On behalf of The Nuveen Closed-End Funds Listed on Schedule A |
||||
By: |
/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy |
|||
Vice President | ||||
ATTEST: | ||||
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
||||
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC | ||||
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
|||
Managing Director | ||||
ATTEST: | ||||
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
Schedule A
TICKER SYMBOLS |
||||
Diversified Real Asset Income Fund | DRA | |||
Nuveen All Cap Energy MLP Opportunities Fund | JMLP | |||
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund | NEA | |||
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund | NUW | |||
Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund | NAZ | |||
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund | NBB | |||
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund | NBD | |||
Nuveen California AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund | NKX | |||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 | NVX | |||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3 | NZH | |||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund | NAC | |||
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund 2 | NCB | |||
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc. | NCA | |||
Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio | NXC | |||
Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund | NTC | |||
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund | JCE | |||
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund | JQC | |||
Nuveen Diversified Dividend and Income Fund | JDD | |||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund | NAD | |||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 | NXZ | |||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3 | NZF | |||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund | NVG | |||
Nuveen Dow 30 SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund | DIAX | |||
Nuveen Energy MLP Total Return Fund | JMF | |||
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Value Fund | NEV | |||
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund | JPW | |||
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund | JFR | |||
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund | JRO | |||
Nuveen Georgia Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 | NKG | |||
Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund | JGV | |||
Nuveen Global High Income Fund | JGH | |||
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Term Fund | NID | |||
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Quality Municipal Term Fund | NIQ | |||
Nuveen Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. | NQM | |||
Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund | NMY | |||
Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund | NMT | |||
Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund | NUM | |||
Nuveen Missouri Premium Income Municipal Fund | NOM | |||
Nuveen Minnesota Municipal Income Fund | NMS | |||
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund 2 | JMT | |||
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund | JLS | |||
Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund | JMM | |||
Nuveen Municipal Advantage Fund, Inc. | NMA | |||
Nuveen Municipal High Income Opportunity Fund | NMZ | |||
Nuveen Municipal Income Fund, Inc. | NMI | |||
Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc. | NMO | |||
Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. | NIO | |||
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. | NUV | |||
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund | QQQX | |||
Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund | NXJ | |||
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Value Fund | NJV | |||
Nuveen New York AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund | NRK |
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund | NAN | |||
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund 2 | NYV | |||
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund, Inc. | NNY | |||
Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio | NXN | |||
Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund | NNC | |||
Nuveen Ohio Quality Income Municipal Fund | NUO | |||
Nuveen Pennsylvania Investment Quality Municipal Fund | NQP | |||
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Value Fund | NPN | |||
Nuveen Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc. | NPP | |||
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund | JPI | |||
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund | JPC | |||
Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc. | NPF | |||
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc. | NPM | |||
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 4, Inc. | NPT | |||
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc. | NPI | |||
Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc. | NQU | |||
Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. | NQI | |||
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2 | JPS | |||
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 3 | JHP | |||
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund | JTP | |||
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund | JRI | |||
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund | JRS | |||
Nuveen S&P 500 Buy-Write Income Fund | BXMX | |||
Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund | SPXX | |||
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund | NIM | |||
Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. | NQS | |||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2 | NXQ | |||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3 | NXR | |||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio | NXP | |||
Nuveen Senior Income Fund | NSL | |||
Nuveen Short Duration Credit Opportunities Fund | JSD | |||
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund | JTD | |||
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund | JTA | |||
Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund | NTX | |||
Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund | NPV |
Exhibit (6)(c)
NUVEEN CLOSED-END FUNDS
RENEWAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
This Agreement made this 27th day of July 2016 by and between the funds listed on Schedule A (the Nuveen Closed-End Funds), and Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Adviser);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto are the contracting parties under each certain Investment Management Agreement (the Agreements) pursuant to which the Adviser furnishes investment management and other services to each Fund; and
WHEREAS, each Agreement terminates August 1, 2016 unless continued in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors/Trustees, at meetings held May 24-26, 2016, called for the purpose of reviewing each Agreement, have approved each Agreement and its continuance until August 1, 2017 in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in each Agreement the parties hereto do hereby continue each Agreement in effect until August 1, 2017 and ratify and confirm the Agreements in all respects.
On behalf of The Nuveen Closed-End Funds | ||||||
Listed on Schedule A | ||||||
By: |
/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy |
|||||
Vice President | ||||||
ATTEST: | ||||||
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
||||||
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC | ||||||
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
|||||
Managing Director | ||||||
ATTEST: | ||||||
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
Schedule A
TICKER SYMBOLS |
||||
Diversified Real Asset Income Fund | DRA | |||
Nuveen All Cap Energy MLP Opportunities Fund | JMLP | |||
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc. | NCA | |||
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund | JCE | |||
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund | JQC | |||
Nuveen Diversified Dividend and Income Fund | JDD | |||
Nuveen Dow 30SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund | DIAX | |||
Nuveen Energy MLP Total Return Fund | JMF | |||
Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund | NVG | |||
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund | NZF | |||
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund | JPW | |||
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund | JFR | |||
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund | JRO | |||
Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund | JGV | |||
Nuveen Global High Income Fund | JGH | |||
Nuveen High Income 2020 Target Term Fund | JHY | |||
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. | NUV | |||
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund | QQQX | |||
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund, Inc. | NNY | |||
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund | JPI | |||
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund | JPC | |||
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2 | JPS | |||
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund | JRI | |||
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund | JRS | |||
Nuveen S&P 500 Buy-Write Income Fund | BXMX | |||
Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund | SPXX | |||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio | NXP | |||
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund | JTD | |||
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund | JTA |
Exhibit (6)(d)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT effective as of this 1st day of October 2014 by and between Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a registered investment adviser (Manager), and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a federally registered investment adviser (Sub-Adviser).
WHEREAS, Manager serves as the investment manager for the Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Fund), a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement between Manager and the Fund (as such agreement may be modified from time to time, the Management Agreement); and
WHEREAS, Manager desires to retain Sub-Adviser as its agent to furnish investment advisory services for a certain designated portion of the Funds investment portfolio, upon the terms and conditions hereafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Appointment . Manager hereby appoints Sub-Adviser to provide certain sub-investment advisory services to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. Sub-Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the services herein set forth for the compensation herein provided.
2. Services to be Performed . Subject always to the supervision of Funds Board of Trustees and the Manager, Sub-Adviser will furnish an investment program in respect of, make investment decisions for, and place all orders for the purchase and sale of securities for the portion of the Funds investment portfolio allocated to the Sub-Adviser by the Manager, all on behalf of the Fund. In the performance of its duties, Sub-Adviser will satisfy its fiduciary duties to the Fund, will monitor the Funds investments, and will comply with the provisions of the Funds Declaration of Trust and By-laws, as amended from time to time, and the stated investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund. Manager will provide Sub-Adviser with current copies of the Funds Declaration of Trust, By-laws, prospectus and any amendments thereto, and any objectives, policies or limitations not appearing therein as they may be relevant to Sub-Advisers performance under this Agreement. Sub-Adviser and Manager will each make its officers and employees available to the other from time to time at reasonable times to review investment policies of the Fund and to consult with each other regarding the investment affairs of the Fund. Sub-Adviser will report to the Board of Trustees and to Manager with respect to the implementation of such program.
The Sub-Adviser will vote all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities which assets of the Funds investment portfolio allocated by the Adviser to the Sub- Adviser are invested, consistent with its proxy voting guidelines and based upon the best interests of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser will maintain appropriate records detailing its voting of proxies on behalf of the Fund and upon reasonable request will provide a report setting forth the
proposals voted on and how the Funds shares were voted, including the name of the corresponding issuers.
Sub-Adviser is authorized to select the brokers or dealers that will execute the purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Fund, and is directed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain best execution, which includes most favorable net results and execution of the Funds orders, taking into account all appropriate factors, including price, dealer spread or commission, size and difficulty of the transaction and research or other services provided. Sub- Adviser may select itself as a broker, in an agency capacity, to execute transactions in portfolio securities for the Fund in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Funds Board of Trustees from time to time. It is understood that the Sub-Adviser will not be deemed to have acted unlawfully, or to have breached a fiduciary duty to the Fund, or be in breach of any obligation owing to the Fund under this Agreement, or otherwise, solely by reason of its having caused the Fund to pay a member of a securities exchange, a broker or a dealer (including the Sub-Advisers internal broker-dealer) a commission for effecting a securities transaction for the Fund in excess of the amount of commission another member of an exchange, broker or dealer would have charged if the Sub-Adviser determined in good faith that the commission paid was reasonable in relation to the brokerage or research services provided by such member, broker or dealer, viewed in terms of that particular transaction or the Sub-Advisers overall responsibilities with respect to its accounts, including the Fund, as to which it exercises investment discretion. In addition, if in the judgment of the Sub-Adviser, the Fund would be benefited by supplemental services, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to pay spreads or commissions to brokers or dealers furnishing such services in excess of spreads or commissions that another broker or dealer may charge for the same transaction, provided that the Sub-Adviser determined in good faith that the commission or spread paid was reasonable in relation to the services provided. The Sub-Adviser will properly communicate to the officers and trustees of the Fund such information relating to transactions for the Fund as they may reasonably request. In no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to the Manager, Sub-Adviser or any affiliated person of either the Fund, Manager, or Sub-Adviser, except as may be permitted under the 1940 Act;
Sub-Adviser further agrees that it:
(a) | will use the same degree of skill and care in providing such services as it uses in providing services to fiduciary accounts for which it has investment responsibilities; |
(b) | will conform to all applicable Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission in all material respects and in addition will conduct its activities under this Agreement in accordance with any applicable regulations of any governmental authority pertaining to its investment advisory activities; |
(c) |
will report regularly to Manager and to the Board of Trustees of the Fund and will make appropriate persons available for the purpose of reviewing with representatives of Manager and the Board of Trustees on a regular basis at reasonable times the management of the Fund, including, without limitation, review of the general investment strategies of the Fund with respect to preferred securities, the performance of the Funds investment portfolio allocated to preferred securities in relation to standard industry indices and general conditions |
2
affecting the marketplace and will provide various other reports from time to time as reasonably requested by Manager; and |
(d) | will monitor the pricing of portfolio securities, and events relating to the issuers of those securities and the markets in which the securities trade in the ordinary course of managing the portfolio securities of the Fund, and will notify Manager promptly of any issuer-specific or market events or other situations that occur (particularly those that may occur after the close of a foreign market in which the securities may primarily trade but before the time at which the Funds securities are priced on a given day) that may materially impact the pricing of one or more securities in Sub-Advisers portion of the portfolio. In addition, Sub-Adviser will assist Manager in evaluating the impact that such an event may have on the net asset value of the Fund and in determining a recommended fair value of the affected security or securities; and |
(e) | will prepare such books and records with respect to the Funds securities transactions for the portion of the Funds investment portfolio allocated to preferred securities as requested by the Manager and will furnish Manager and Funds Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Board or Manager may reasonably request. |
3. Expenses . During the term of this Agreement, Sub-Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement other than the cost of securities (including brokerage commissions, if any) purchased for the Fund.
4. Compensation . For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement, Manager will pay the Sub-Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser agrees to accept as full compensation therefor, a portfolio management fee equal to the percentage of the investment management fee payable by the Fund to the Manager with respect to the Sub-Advisers allocation of Fund average daily net assets (including net assets attributable to any preferred shares and the principal amount of borrowings pursuant to the Management Agreement), as set forth in the following table:
Average Daily Net Assets |
Percentage of Management Fee | |||
Up To $125,000,000 |
50.0 | % | ||
Next $25,000,000 |
47.5 | % | ||
Next $25,000,000 |
45.0 | % | ||
Next $25,000,000 |
42.5 | % | ||
Over $200,000,000 |
40.0 | % |
The portfolio management fee shall accrue on each calendar day, and shall be payable monthly on the first business day of the next succeeding calendar month. The daily fee accrual shall be computed by multiplying the fraction of one divided by the number of days in the calendar year by the applicable annual rate of fee, and multiplying this product by the net assets of the Fund allocated to the Sub-Advisor, determined in the manner established by the Funds Board of
3
Trustees, as of the close of business on the last preceding business day on which the Funds net asset value was determined.
For the month and year in which this Agreement becomes effective or terminates, there shall be an appropriate proration on the basis of the number of days that the Agreement is in effect during the month and year, respectively.
Manager shall not agree to amend the financial terms of the Management Agreement to the detriment of the Sub-Adviser by operation of this Section 4 without the express written consent of the Sub-Adviser.
5. Services to Others . Manager understands, and has advised Funds Board of Trustees, that Sub-Adviser now acts, or may in the future act, as an investment adviser to fiduciary and other managed accounts, and as investment adviser or sub-investment adviser to one or more other investment companies that are not a series of the Fund, provided that whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of Sub-Adviser have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by Sub-Adviser to be equitable to each. Manager recognizes, and has advised Funds Board of Trustees, that in some cases this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position that the Fund may obtain in a particular security. It is further agreed that, on occasions when the Sub- Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of the Fund as well as other accounts, it may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, but will not be obligated to, aggregate the securities to be so sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other accounts in order to obtain favorable execution and lower brokerage commissions. In addition, Manager understands, and has advised Funds Board of Trustees, that the persons employed by Sub-Adviser to assist in Sub-Advisers duties under this Agreement will not devote their full such efforts and service to the Fund. It is also agreed that the Sub- Adviser may use any supplemental research obtained for the benefit of the Fund in providing investment advice to its other investment advisory accounts or for managing its own accounts.
6. Limitation of Liability . The Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for, and Manager will not take any action against the Sub-Adviser to hold Sub-Adviser liable for, any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund (including, without limitation, by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security) in connection with the performance of the Sub-Advisers duties under this Agreement, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Adviser in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
7. Term; Termination; Amendment . This Agreement shall become effective with respect to the Fund as of the date hereof and shall remain in full force until August 1, 2015 unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. This Agreement shall continue in force from year to year thereafter with respect to the Fund, but only as long as such continuance is specifically approved for the Fund at least annually in the manner required by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; provided, however, that if the continuation of this Agreement is not approved for the Fund, the Sub-Adviser may continue to serve in such capacity
4
for the Fund in the manner and to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment and may be terminated at any time without the payment of any penalty by the Manager on no less than sixty (60) days written notice to the Sub-Adviser. This Agreement may be terminated by the Sub- Adviser without payment of any penalty on no less than sixty (60) days prior written notice to the Manager. This Agreement may also be terminated by the Fund with respect to the Fund by action of the Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Fund on no less than sixty (60) days written notice to the Sub-Adviser by the Fund.
This Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Fund at any time without the payment of any penalty by the Manager, the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund in the event that it shall have been established by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Sub-Adviser or any officer or director of the Sub-Adviser has taken any action that results in a breach of the covenants of the Sub-Adviser set forth herein.
The terms assignment and vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the right of the Sub-Adviser to receive payments on any unpaid balance of the compensation described in Section 4 earned prior to such termination. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event the Management Agreement between the Manager and the Fund is terminated, assigned or not renewed.
8. Notice . Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party
If to the Manager: |
If to the Sub-Adviser: |
|
Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 Attention: Thomas S. Schreier, Jr.
With a copy to: |
Nuveen Asset Management, LLC 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 Attention: William T. Huffman
With a copy to: |
|
Nuveen Investments, Inc. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 Attention: General Counsel |
Nuveen Asset Management, LLC 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 Attention: General Counsel |
or such address as such party may designate for the receipt of such notice.
5
9. Limitations on Liability . All parties hereto are expressly put on notice of the Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust and all amendments thereto, a copy of which is on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the limitation of shareholder and trustee liability contained therein. The obligations of the Fund entered in the name or on behalf thereof by any of the Trustees, representatives or agents are made not individually but only in such capacities and are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers, or shareholders of the Fund individually but are binding upon only the assets and property of the Fund, and persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the assets of the Fund and those assets belonging to the subject Fund, for the enforcement of any claims.
10. Miscellaneous . The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not be affected thereby. This Agreement will be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
11. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with applicable federal law and (except as to Section 9 hereof which shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Massachusetts) the laws of the State of Illinois.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Manager and the Sub-Adviser have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company |
NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company |
|||||||
By: |
/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy |
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
|||||
Title: | Managing Director | Title: | Managing Director |
6
Exhibit (6)(e)
NUVEEN CLOSED-END FUNDS
NOTICE OF CONTINUANCE OF INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
WHEREAS, Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager ) and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Adviser) have entered into Sub-Advisory Agreements (the Agreements), pursuant to which the Sub-Adviser furnishes investment advisory services to the funds listed on Schedule A (the Funds); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Agreements, the Agreements shall continue in force from year to year, provided that such continuance is specifically approved for each Fund (as defined in each Agreement) at least annually in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
NOW THEREFORE, this Notice memorializes between the parties that the Board of Directors/Trustees of each Fund, including the independent Directors/Trustees, at a meeting called in part for the purpose of reviewing the Agreement, have approved the continuance of the Agreement with respect to each Fund until August 1, 2016, in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Dated as of July 28, 2015
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC | ||
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
|
Its: | Managing Director |
ATTEST: |
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC | ||
By: |
/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy |
|
Its: | Managing Director |
ATTEST: |
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
Schedule A
Fund/ticker |
Date of
Contract |
Date of
Renewal |
||
Diversified Real Asset Income Fund (DRA) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (NEA) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund (NUW) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund (NAZ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund (NBB) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund (NBD) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen California AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (NKX) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 (NVX) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3 (NZH) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NAC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund 2 (NCB) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc. (NCA) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NXC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund (NTC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (JCE) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NAD) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 (NXZ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3 (NZF) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund (NVG) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Dow 30 SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund (DIAX) |
12-5-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Value Fund (NEV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Georgia Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 (NKG) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Global High Income Fund (JGH) |
11-7-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Term Fund (NID) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Quality Municipal Term Fund (NIQ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. (NQM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund (NMY) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund (NMT) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund (NUM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Missouri Premium Income Municipal Fund (NOM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Minnesota Municipal Income Fund (NMS) |
10-6-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund (JLS) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund 2 (JMT) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund (JMM) |
11-19-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Municipal Advantage Fund, Inc. (NMA) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Municipal High Income Opportunity Fund (NMZ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (NMI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc. (NMO) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (NIO) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. (NUV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (QQQX) |
12-5-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NRK) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Value Fund (NJV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen New York AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (NRK) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NAN) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund 2 (NYV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund, Inc. (NNY) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NXN) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 |
Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund (NNC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Ohio Quality Income Municipal Fund (NUO) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Pennsylvania Investment Quality Municipal Fund (NQP) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Value Fund (NPN) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc. (NPP) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (JPC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (NPF) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc. (NPM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 4, Inc. (NPT) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc. (NPI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.(NQU) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. (NQI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund (JRI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (SPXX) |
12-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund (NIM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. (NQS) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2 (NXQ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3 (NXR) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NXP) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund (JTD) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund (NTX) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 | ||
Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund (NPV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-15 |
Exhibit (6)(f)
NUVEEN CLOSED-END FUNDS
NOTICE OF CONTINUANCE OF INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
WHEREAS, Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager) and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Adviser) have entered into Sub-Advisory Agreements (the Agreements), pursuant to which the Sub-Adviser furnishes investment advisory services to the funds listed on Schedule A (the Funds); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Agreements, the Agreements shall continue in force from year to year, provided that such continuance is specifically approved for each Fund (as defined in each Agreement) at least annually in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
NOW THEREFORE, this Notice memorializes between the parties that the Board of Directors/Trustees of each Fund, including the independent Directors/Trustees, at a meeting called in part for the purpose of reviewing the Agreement, have approved the continuance of the Agreement with respect to each Fund until August 1, 2017, in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Dated as of July 28, 2016
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC | ||
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
|
Its: | Managing Director |
ATTEST: |
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC | ||
By: |
/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy |
|
Its: | Executive Vice President |
ATTEST: |
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
Schedule A
Fund/ticker |
Date of
Contract |
Date of
Renewal |
||
Diversified Real Asset Income Fund (DRA) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (NEA) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund (NUW) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund (NAZ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund (NBB) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund (NBD) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen California AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (NKX) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 (NVX) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3 (NZH) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NAC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund 2 (NCB) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc. (NCA) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NXC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund (NTC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (JCE) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NAD) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Dow 30 SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund (DIAX) |
12-5-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (NVG) |
4-11-16 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (NZF) |
4-11-16 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Value Fund (NEV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Georgia Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 (NKG) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Global High Income Fund (JGH) |
11-7-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen High Income 2020 Target Term Fund (JHY) |
6-10-15 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Term Fund (NID) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Quality Municipal Term Fund (NIQ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. (NQM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund (NMY) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund (NMT) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund (NUM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Missouri Premium Income Municipal Fund (NOM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Minnesota Municipal Income Fund (NMS) |
10-6-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund (JLS) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund 2 (JMT) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund (JMM) |
11-19-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Municipal High Income Opportunity Fund (NMZ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (NMI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc. (NMO) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. (NUV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (QQQX) |
12-5-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NXJ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Value Fund (NJV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen New York AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (NRK) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NAN) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund 2 (NYV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund, Inc. (NNY) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NXN) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund (NNC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Ohio Quality Income Municipal Fund (NUO) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 |
Nuveen Pennsylvania Investment Quality Municipal Fund (NQP) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Value Fund (NPN) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc. (NPP) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (JPC) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (NPF) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc. (NPM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc. (NPI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund (JRI) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (SPXX) |
12-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund (NIM) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. (NQS) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2 (NXQ) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3 (NXR) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NXP) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund (JTD) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund (NTX) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 | ||
Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund (NPV) |
10-1-14 | 8-1-16 |
Exhibit (6)(g)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT effective as of this 1st day of October 2014 by and between Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a registered investment adviser (Manager), and NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a federally registered investment adviser (Sub-Adviser).
WHEREAS, Manager serves as the investment manager for the Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (the Fund), a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement between Manager and the Fund (as such agreement may be modified from time to time, the Management Agreement); and
WHEREAS, Manager desires to retain Sub-Adviser as its agent to furnish investment advisory services for a certain designated portion of the Funds investment portfolio, upon the terms and conditions hereafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Appointment . Manager hereby appoints Sub-Adviser to provide certain sub-investment advisory services to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. Sub-Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the services herein set forth for the compensation herein provided.
2. Services to be Performed . Subject always to the supervision of Funds Board of Trustees and the Manager, Sub-Adviser will furnish an investment program in respect of, make investment decisions for, and place all orders for the purchase and sale of securities for the portion of the Funds investment portfolio allocated to the Sub-Adviser by the Manager, all on behalf of the Fund. In the performance of its duties, Sub-Adviser will satisfy its fiduciary duties to the Fund, will monitor the Funds investments, and will comply with the provisions of the Funds Declaration of Trust and By-laws, as amended from time to time, and the stated investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund. Manager will provide Sub-Adviser with current copies of the Funds Declaration of Trust, By-laws, prospectus and any amendments thereto, and any objectives, policies or limitations not appearing therein as they may be relevant to Sub-Advisers performance under this Agreement. Sub-Adviser and Manager will each make its officers and employees available to the other from time to time at reasonable times to review investment policies of the Fund and to consult with each other regarding the investment affairs of the Fund. Sub-Adviser will report to the Board of Trustees and to Manager with respect to the implementation of such program.
The Sub-Adviser will vote all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities which assets of the Funds investment portfolio allocated by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser are invested, consistent with its proxy voting guidelines and based upon the best interests of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser will maintain appropriate records detailing its voting of
proxies on behalf of the Fund and upon reasonable request will provide a report setting forth the proposals voted on and how the Funds shares were voted, including the name of the corresponding issuers.
Sub-Adviser is authorized to select the brokers or dealers that will execute the purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Fund, and is directed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain best execution, which includes most favorable net results and execution of the Funds orders, taking into account all appropriate factors, including price, dealer spread or commission, size and difficulty of the transaction and research or other services provided. Sub-Adviser may select itself as a broker, in an agency capacity, to execute transactions in portfolio securities for the Fund in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Funds Board of Trustees from time to time. It is understood that the Sub-Adviser will not be deemed to have acted unlawfully, or to have breached a fiduciary duty to the Fund, or be in breach of any obligation owing to the Fund under this Agreement, or otherwise, solely by reason of its having caused the Fund to pay a member of a securities exchange, a broker or a dealer (including the Sub-Advisers internal broker-dealer) a commission for effecting a securities transaction for the Fund in excess of the amount of commission another member of an exchange, broker or dealer would have charged if the Sub-Adviser determined in good faith that the commission paid was reasonable in relation to the brokerage or research services provided by such member, broker or dealer, viewed in terms of that particular transaction or the Sub-Advisers overall responsibilities with respect to its accounts, including the Fund, as to which it exercises investment discretion. In addition, if in the judgment of the Sub-Adviser, the Fund would be benefited by supplemental services, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to pay spreads or commissions to brokers or dealers furnishing such services in excess of spreads or commissions that another broker or dealer may charge for the same transaction, provided that the Sub-Adviser determined in good faith that the commission or spread paid was reasonable in relation to the services provided. The Sub-Adviser will properly communicate to the officers and trustees of the Fund such information relating to transactions for the Fund as they may reasonably request. In no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to the Manager, Sub-Adviser or any affiliated person of either the Fund, Manager, or Sub-Adviser, except as may be permitted under the 1940 Act;
Sub-Adviser further agrees that it:
(a) | will use the same degree of skill and care in providing such services as it uses in providing services to fiduciary accounts for which it has investment responsibilities; |
(b) | will conform to all applicable Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission in all material respects and in addition will conduct its activities under this Agreement in accordance with any applicable regulations of any governmental authority pertaining to its investment advisory activities; |
(c) |
will report regularly to Manager and to the Board of Trustees of the Fund and will make appropriate persons available for the purpose of reviewing with representatives of Manager and the Board of Trustees on a regular basis at reasonable times the management of the Fund, including, without limitation, review of the general investment strategies of the Fund with respect to preferred |
2
securities, the performance of the Funds investment portfolio allocated to preferred securities in relation to standard industry indices and general conditions affecting the marketplace and will provide various other reports from time to time as reasonably requested by Manager; and |
(d) | will monitor the pricing of portfolio securities, and events relating to the issuers of those securities and the markets in which the securities trade in the ordinary course of managing the portfolio securities of the Fund, and will notify Manager promptly of any issuer-specific or market events or other situations that occur (particularly those that may occur after the close of a foreign market in which the securities may primarily trade but before the time at which the Funds securities are priced on a given day) that may materially impact the pricing of one or more securities in Sub-Advisers portion of the portfolio. In addition, Sub-Adviser will assist Manager in evaluating the impact that such an event may have on the net asset value of the Fund and in determining a recommended fair value of the affected security or securities; and |
(e) | will prepare such books and records with respect to the Funds securities transactions for the portion of the Funds investment portfolio allocated to preferred securities as requested by the Manager and will furnish Manager and Funds Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Board or Manager may reasonably request. |
3. Expenses . During the term of this Agreement, Sub-Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement other than the cost of securities (including brokerage commissions, if any) purchased for the Fund.
4. Compensation . For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement, Manager will pay the Sub-Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser agrees to accept as full compensation therefor, a portfolio management fee equal to the percentage of the investment management fee payable by the Fund to the Manager with respect to the Sub-Advisers allocation of Fund average daily net assets (including net assets attributable to any preferred shares and the principal amount of borrowings pursuant to the Management Agreement), as set forth in the following table:
Average Daily Net Assets |
Percentage of Management Fee | |||
Up To $125,000,000 |
50.0 | % | ||
Next $25,000,000 |
47.5 | % | ||
Next $25,000,000 |
45.0 | % | ||
Next $25,000,000 |
42.5 | % | ||
Over $200,000,000 |
40.0 | % |
The portfolio management fee shall accrue on each calendar day, and shall be payable monthly on the first business day of the next succeeding calendar month. The daily fee accrual shall be
3
computed by multiplying the fraction of one divided by the number of days in the calendar year by the applicable annual rate of fee, and multiplying this product by the net assets of the Fund allocated to the Sub-Advisor, determined in the manner established by the Funds Board of Trustees, as of the close of business on the last preceding business day on which the Funds net asset value was determined.
For the month and year in which this Agreement becomes effective or terminates, there shall be an appropriate proration on the basis of the number of days that the Agreement is in effect during the month and year, respectively.
Manager shall not agree to amend the financial terms of the Management Agreement to the detriment of the Sub-Adviser by operation of this Section 4 without the express written consent of the Sub-Adviser.
5. Services to Others . Manager understands, and has advised Funds Board of Trustees, that Sub-Adviser now acts, or may in the future act, as an investment adviser to fiduciary and other managed accounts, and as investment adviser or sub-investment adviser to one or more other investment companies that are not a series of the Fund, provided that whenever the Fund and one or more other investment advisory clients of Sub-Adviser have available funds for investment, investments suitable and appropriate for each will be allocated in a manner believed by Sub-Adviser to be equitable to each. Manager recognizes, and has advised Funds Board of Trustees, that in some cases this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position that the Fund may obtain in a particular security. It is further agreed that, on occasions when the Sub-Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of the Fund as well as other accounts, it may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, but will not be obligated to, aggregate the securities to be so sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other accounts in order to obtain favorable execution and lower brokerage commissions. In addition, Manager understands, and has advised Funds Board of Trustees, that the persons employed by Sub-Adviser to assist in Sub-Advisers duties under this Agreement will not devote their full such efforts and service to the Fund. It is also agreed that the Sub-Adviser may use any supplemental research obtained for the benefit of the Fund in providing investment advice to its other investment advisory accounts or for managing its own accounts.
6. Limitation of Liability . The Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for, and Manager will not take any action against the Sub-Adviser to hold Sub-Adviser liable for, any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund (including, without limitation, by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security) in connection with the performance of the Sub-Advisers duties under this Agreement, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Adviser in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
7. Term: Termination; Amendment . This Agreement shall become effective with respect to the Fund as of the date hereof and shall remain in full force until August 1, 2015 unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. This Agreement shall continue in force from
4
year to year thereafter with respect to the Fund, but only as long as such continuance is specifically approved for the Fund at least annually in the manner required by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; provided, however, that if the continuation of this Agreement is not approved for the Fund, the Sub-Adviser may continue to serve in such capacity for the Fund in the manner and to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment and may be terminated at any time without the payment of any penalty by the Manager on no less than sixty (60) days written notice to the Sub-Adviser. This Agreement may be terminated by the Sub-Adviser without payment of any penalty on no less than sixty (60) days prior written notice to the Manager. This Agreement may also be terminated by the Fund with respect to the Fund by action of the Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Fund on no less than sixty (60) days written notice to the Sub-Adviser by the Fund.
This Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Fund at any time without the payment of any penalty by the Manager, the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund in the event that it shall have been established by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Sub-Adviser or any officer or director of the Sub-Adviser has taken any action that results in a breach of the covenants of the Sub-Adviser set forth herein.
The terms assignment and vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities shall have the meanings set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the right of the Sub-Adviser to receive payments on any unpaid balance of the compensation described in Section 4 earned prior to such termination. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event the Management Agreement between the Manager and the Fund is terminated, assigned or not renewed.
8. Notice . Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party
If to the Manager: | If to the Sub-Adviser: | |
Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC | NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC | |
333 West Wacker Drive | 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1600 | |
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Los Angeles, CA 90067 | |
Attention: Mr. William Adams IV | Attention: Mr. John Conlin | |
With a copy to: | With a copy to: | |
Nuveen Investments, Inc. | NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC | |
333 West Wacker Drive | 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1600 | |
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | Los Angeles, CA 90067 | |
Attention: General Counsel | Attention: General Counsel |
5
or such address as such party may designate for the receipt of such notice.
9. Limitations on Liability . All parties hereto are expressly put on notice of the Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust and all amendments thereto, a copy of which is on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the limitation of shareholder and trustee liability contained therein. The obligations of the Fund entered in the name or on behalf thereof by any of the Trustees, representatives or agents are made not individually but only in such capacities and are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers, or shareholders of the Fund individually but are binding upon only the assets and property of the Fund, and persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the assets of the Fund and those assets belonging to the subject Fund, for the enforcement of any claims.
10. Miscellaneous . The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not be affected thereby. This Agreement will be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
11. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with applicable federal law and (except as to Section 9 hereof which shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Massachusetts) the laws of the State of Illinois.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Manager and the Sub-Adviser have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company |
NWQ INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company |
|||||||
By: | /s/ Kevin J. McCarthy | By: | /s/ Avi Mizrachi | |||||
Title: | Managing Director | Title: | Managing Director |
6
Exhibit (6)(h)
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTICE OF CONTINUANCE OF INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager) and NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Adviser) have entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the Agreement) and continued to August 1, 2015, pursuant to which the Sub-Adviser furnishes investment advisory services to Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund, formerly known as Nuveen Multi-Strategy Income and Growth Fund; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Agreement shall continue in force from year to year after the initial effective period, provided that such continuance is specifically approved (as defined in the Agreement) at least annually in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
NOW THEREFORE, this Notice memorializes between the parties that the Board of Trustees of Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund, including the independent Trustees, at a meeting called in part for the purpose of reviewing the Agreement, have approved the continuance of the Agreement until August 1, 2016, in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Dated as of July 28, 2015
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC | ||||
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
|||
Managing Director | ||||
ATTEST: | ||||
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
||||
NWQ INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC |
||||
By: | /s/ Avi Mizrachi | |||
Its: | Managing Director | |||
ATTEST: | ||||
/s/ Jolie P. Twiss |
Exhibit (6)(i)
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTICE OF CONTINUANCE OF INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Manager) and NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Sub-Adviser) have entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 (the Agreement) and continued to August 1, 2016, pursuant to which the Sub-Adviser furnishes investment advisory services to Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Agreement shall continue in force from year to year after the initial effective period, provided that such continuance is specifically approved (as defined in the Agreement) at least annually in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
NOW THEREFORE, this Notice memorializes between the parties that the Board of Trustees of Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund, including the independent Trustees, at a meeting called in part for the purpose of reviewing the Agreement, have approved the continuance of the Agreement until August 1, 2017, in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Dated as of July 28, 2016
NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC | ||||
By: |
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman |
|||
Managing Director | ||||
ATTEST: | ||||
/s/ Virginia ONeal |
||||
NWQ INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC |
||||
By: | /s/ Avi Mizrachi | |||
Its: | Managing Director | |||
ATTEST: | ||||
/s/ Vanessa Tinoco |
Exhibit (8)
NUVEEN OPEN-END AND CLOSED-END FUNDS
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES
(As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2013)
December 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 PURPOSE OF PLAN; RESTATEMENT EFFECTIVE DATE |
1 | |||
1.1 Purpose of Plan |
1 | |||
1.2 Effective Date |
1 | |||
1.3 Grandfather Rule for Pre-2005 Accounts |
1 | |||
SECTION 2 DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONSTRUCTION |
1 | |||
2.1 Definitions |
1 | |||
2.2 Plurals and Gender |
3 | |||
2.3 Headings |
3 | |||
2.4 Separate Agreement |
3 | |||
SECTION 3 DEFERRALS |
4 | |||
3.1 Deferral Election |
4 | |||
3.2 Payment Reduction |
4 | |||
3.3 Effect of Election. |
4 | |||
3.4 Unforeseeable Emergencies |
4 | |||
SECTION 4 ACCOUNTS |
4 | |||
4.1 Crediting of Deferrals. |
4 | |||
4.2 Valuation of Account |
5 | |||
SECTION 5 DISTRIBUTIONS FROM ACCOUNT |
7 | |||
5.1 Participants Payment Election. |
7 | |||
5.2 Irrevocability |
7 | |||
5.3 Death Prior to Complete Distribution of Account |
7 | |||
5.4 Unforeseeable Emergency |
7 | |||
5.5 Designation of Beneficiary |
8 | |||
5.6 Domestic Relations Orders |
8 | |||
5.7 Compliance With Conflicts of Interest Laws |
8 | |||
SECTION 6 AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION |
8 | |||
6.1 Amendments |
8 | |||
6.2 Termination |
8 | |||
SECTION 7 MISCELLANEOUS |
9 | |||
7.1 Rights of Creditors |
9 | |||
7.2 Agents |
9 | |||
7.3 Incapacity |
9 | |||
7.4 Statement of Account |
10 | |||
7.5 Governing Law |
10 | |||
7.6 Non-Guarantee of Status |
10 | |||
7.7 Counsel |
10 | |||
7.8 Interests Not Transferable |
10 |
i
7.9 Entire Agreement |
10 | |||
7.10 Powers of Administrator |
10 | |||
7.11 Participant Litigation |
11 | |||
7.12 Successors and Assigns |
11 | |||
7.13 Severability |
11 | |||
7.14 Section 409A |
11 |
ii
NUVEEN OPEN-END AND CLOSED-END FUNDS
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES
(As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2013)
SECTION 1 | PURPOSE OF PLAN; RESTATEMENT EFFECTIVE DATE |
1.1 Purpose of Plan . The Board of each Participating Fund maintains this Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors and Trustees. The purpose of the Plan is to allow the independent directors and trustees of the Participating Funds to defer receipt of all or a portion of the compensation they earn for their service to the Participating Funds in lieu of receiving current payments of such compensation, and to treat any deferred amount as though an equivalent dollar amount had been invested in shares of one or more Eligible Funds. Each Board intends that the Plan shall be maintained at all times on an unfunded basis for federal income tax purposes under the Code. The Plan is not covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
1.2 Effective Date . This amendment and restatement of the Plan, which is intended to implement the requirements of Section 409A, is generally effective January 1, 2013.
1.3 Grandfather Rule for Pre-2005 Accounts . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the terms of the Pre-2005 Plan shall apply to the portion (if any) of a Participants Account as of December 31, 2004, including credited earnings and losses with respect thereto (the Grandfathered Account); provided, however, that with respect to any election change otherwise allowable thereunder, (i) such change may be made only during such annual enrollment periods as the Administrator shall establish, and (ii) if a change in the Participants payment election would result in the commencement of payment in a given Plan Year, the change may in no event be made later than the end of the annual enrollment period occurring prior to the first day of such Plan Year. With the exception of this Section 1.3 the provisions of this amended and restated Plan shall not apply to such Grandfathered Account. The Pre-2005 Plan shall be deemed to constitute a separate plan for purposes of Section 409A.
SECTION 2 | DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONSTRUCTION |
2.1 Definitions . The following terms as used in this Plan shall have the following meanings:
(a) Account shall mean the aggregation of a Participants Plan Year Accounts.
(b) Administrator shall mean the Boards or such other person or persons as the Boards may from time to time designate, provided that no Participant may serve as Administrator.
(c) Beneficiary shall mean such person or persons designated pursuant to Section 5.5 hereof to receive benefits after the death of a Participant.
(d) Board shall mean the Board of Directors or the Board of Trustees of the respective Participating Funds.
(e) Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
(f) Compensation shall mean the retainer and fees paid to a Participant (prior to reduction for Deferrals made under this Plan) for serving as a member of the Board of any Participating Fund or as a member of any committee or subcommittee of such Board.
(g) Deferral shall mean the amount or amounts of a Participants Compensation deferred under the provisions of Section 3.
(h) Deferral Election shall mean the Participants election under Section 3.1 to defer all or a portion of his or her Compensation.
(i) Designated Fund shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a).
(j) Eligible Fund means an open-end fund managed by Nuveen and designated by the Boards as a fund that may be chosen by a Participant as a fund in which the Participants Account may be deemed to be invested.
(k) Net Asset Value shall mean the per share value of an open-end fund, as determined as set forth in such funds registration statement under the 1940 Act, governing instruments and otherwise in accordance with law.
(l) Nuveen shall mean Nuveen Investments, Inc. and its affiliates.
(m) Participant shall mean a member of a Board who is not an interested person of a Participating Fund or of Nuveen, as such term is defined under Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act).
(n) Participating Fund shall mean an open-end or closed-end fund managed by Nuveen that either (i) was a Participating Fund as of September 30, 2012, or (ii) has at least $270,000,000 in assets under management. A fund described in the foregoing clause (ii) shall become a Participating Fund on the first Quarterly Date as of which the criterion described in such clause (ii) is satisfied, and its status as a Participating Fund shall continue even if its assets under management should subsequently fall below $270,000,000. For purposes of this definition, a Quarterly Date means the first day of a calendar quarter. Participating Funds shall be listed on Exhibit A to the Plan, which shall be revised from time to time by the Administrator; provided, however, that failure to list a Participating Fund on Exhibit A shall not affect its status as a Participating Fund. The Administrator shall report to the Board on a quarterly basis any changes to Exhibit A.
(o) Payment Election shall mean an election pursuant to Section 5.1.
(p) Plan shall mean this Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors and Trustees, as amended from time to time.
(q) Plan Year shall mean the 12-month period beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
(r) Plan Year Account shall mean the book entry account described in Section 4.1(a).
(s) Plan Year Subaccount shall mean, with respect to a Participating Fund, the portion of a Plan Year Account attributable to Compensation deferred from such Participating Fund.
(t) Pre-2005 Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect prior to January 1, 2005.
(u) Section 409A shall mean Section 409A of the Code, as interpreted by regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
(v) Separation from Service means a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A. A Separation from Service with respect to any Participating Fund shall occur on the date as of which there is a complete termination of a Participants relationship as a director (or independent contractor or employee) with respect to such Participating Fund, with no reasonable anticipation (as determined in good faith by the Administrator) of the Participant being reappointed to the Board of such Participating Fund.
(w) Unforeseeable Emergency means a severe financial hardship of the Participant resulting from an illness or accident of the Participant or his or her spouse or dependent (as defined in Section 152(a) of the Code), loss of the Participants property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by insurance), or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the Participants control. Circumstances that may constitute an Unforeseeable Emergency include the imminent foreclosure of or eviction from the Participants primary residence; the need to pay for medical expenses, including nonrefundable deductibles, as well as for the costs of prescription drug medication; and the need to pay for the funeral expenses of a spouse or a dependent (as defined in Section 152(a) of the Code). The purchase of a home and the payment of college tuition generally are not Unforeseeable Emergencies. Whether the Participant is faced with an Unforeseeable Emergency permitting an emergency withdrawal shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, based on the relevant facts and circumstances and applying regulations and other guidance under Section 409A.
(x) Valuation Date shall mean the last business day of each calendar quarter and any other day upon which Nuveen makes a valuation of the Account.
2.2 Plurals and Gender . Where appearing in this Plan the singular shall include the plural and the masculine shall include the feminine, and vice versa, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
2.3 Headings . The headings and subheadings in this Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and are to be ignored in any construction of the provisions hereof.
2.4 Separate Agreement . This Plan shall be construed as a separate agreement between each Participant and each of the Participating Funds.
SECTION 3 DEFERRALS |
3.1 Deferral Election . A Participant may elect to defer all or a specified percentage of the Compensation earned in a Plan Year by such Participant for serving as a member of the Board of any Participating Fund or as a member of any committee or subcommittee thereof. Reimbursement of expenses of attending meetings of the Board, committees of the Board or subcommittees of such committees may not be deferred. Such election shall be made by executing before the first day of such Plan Year such election notice as the Administrator may prescribe; provided, however, that upon first becoming eligible to participate in the Plan by reason of appointment to a Board, a Participant may file a Deferral Election not later than 30 days after the effective date of such appointment, which election shall apply to Compensation earned in the portion of the Plan Year commencing the day after such election is filed and ending on the last day of such Plan Year.
3.2 Payment Reduction . While a Deferral Election is in effect, deferrals described in Section 3.1 shall be withheld, based upon the percentage elected, from each payment of Compensation to which the Participant would otherwise have been entitled but for his Deferral Election.
3.3 Effect of Election . A Deferral Election pursuant to Section 3.1 shall apply only to the Plan Year for which it is made and shall be irrevocable except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 3.4.
3.4 Unforeseeable Emergencies . In the event of a Participants Unforeseeable Emergency on account of which the Participant receives a withdrawal pursuant to Section 5.4, the Participants Deferral Election shall be canceled.
SECTION 4 ACCOUNTS |
4.1 Crediting of Deferrals .
(a) The Administrator shall establish a book entry account (Plan Year Account) consisting of one or more Plan Year Subaccounts, to which will be credited an amount equal to the Participants Deferrals of Compensation from each respective Participating Fund under this Plan with respect to such Plan Year. The requirement to maintain separate Plan Year Subaccounts shall be deemed satisfied if the Administrator maintains (i) separate Plan Year Accounts and (ii) adequate records to enable the portions of each Plan Year Account attributable to the respective Plan Year Subaccounts to be calculated at any time.
(b) Any Compensation from a Participating Fund for a Plan Year earned by a Participant which he has elected to defer pursuant to the Plan will be credited to the corresponding Plan Year Subaccount on the date such Compensation otherwise would have been payable to such Participant.
(c) The obligations to pay the amounts in a Participants Plan Year Subaccounts associated with a Participating Fund shall be the sole obligation of that Participating Fund.
(d) Plan Year Subaccounts shall be debited to reflect any distributions from such subaccounts. Such debits shall be allocated to the Plan Year Subaccount as of the date such distributions are made.
4.2 Valuation of Account .
(a) Each Board shall from time to time designate one or more open-end funds managed by Nuveen as Eligible Funds. A Participant, on his Deferral Election form, shall have the right to select from the then-current list of Eligible Funds one or more funds in which his Account shall be deemed invested as set forth in this Section 4.2 (Designated Funds). A Participant shall designate whether his election pursuant to this Section 4.2(a), or change in election pursuant to Section 4.2(b), is to apply to his entire Account or to one or more Plan Year Accounts as specified in the election. A Participant may designate an Eligible Fund even if he is not a member of the Board of that Eligible Fund. Except as provided below, amounts credited to a Participants Account shall be treated as though such amounts had been invested and reinvested in shares of the Participants Designated Funds, initially calculated as follows:
(i) the product of
(A) the amount of such Deferrals and
(B) the percentage of such Deferrals to be deemed invested in that Designated Fund, divided by
(ii) the Designated Funds Net Asset Value per share as of the date such amount is so credited.
(b) As of the last day of each calendar year, by written election delivered to the Administrator not less than 15 days prior to the end of such year, each Participant may direct that the Designated Funds in which his or her Account is deemed invested be changed. Any election to change such investment direction shall indicate the dollar amount or percentage of the balance in such Account (determined based on the then current Net Asset Value of each Designated Fund in which the Account is deemed invested immediately prior to giving effect to such investment change) to be invested in each such Designated Fund. The number of shares of each Designated Fund to be deemed held in the Participants Account following such investment change shall be calculated as follows:
(i) the product of
(A) the balance in such Account and
(B) the percentage of such balance to be deemed invested in that Designated Fund divided by
(ii) the Designated Funds Net Asset Value per share as of the last day of such calendar year.
(c) If a Designated Fund shall pay a stock dividend on, or split, combine, reclassify or substitute other securities by merger, consolidation or otherwise for its outstanding shares, the Participants Account shall be adjusted as though shares of such Designated Fund were actually held by the Account in order to preserve rights substantially proportionate to the rights deemed held immediately prior to such event.
(d) On each payment date of dividends or capital gains distributions declared on shares of any Designated Fund in which a Participants Account is deemed invested, the Account will be
credited with book adjustments representing all dividends or capital gains distributions which would have been realized had such account been invested in shares of such Designated Fund and such dividend or capital gains distribution had been received and reinvested.
(e) The value of a Plan Year Subaccount on any Valuation Date shall be the sum of (i) the number of shares of each Designated Fund deemed to be held in the Plan Year Subaccount as provided by the preceding paragraphs, multiplied by (ii) the Net Asset Value per share of such Designated Fund on the Valuation Date.
(f) On each date upon which a distribution of less than the entire balance is to be charged to a Participants Plan Year Subaccount, the amount of such distribution shall, unless the Participant otherwise specifies in accordance with rules established by the Administrator, be allocated among all of the Designated Funds in which the Plan Year Subaccount is deemed to be invested in proportion to the aggregate value of the number of deemed shares of each such Designated Fund, and the number of deemed shares of each such Designated Fund shall then be reduced by the portion of the distribution allocated to such Designated Fund divided by the Net Asset Value per share of such Designated Fund on the date on which the distribution is charged.
(g) Unless and until each Board otherwise determines, the Eligible Funds shall include only one or more open-end funds managed by Nuveen. Open-end funds that cease to be managed by Nuveen shall automatically cease to be Eligible Funds, unless one of the Boards otherwise determines with respect to Participants that are members of such Board. The Boards may at any time remove any open-end fund from the list of Eligible Funds, or may add any open-end fund (whether or not managed by Nuveen), for Participants who are members of that Board. If an Eligible Fund is removed from the list of Eligible Funds for any reason then no further deferrals shall be deemed invested in such fund and, unless the Board otherwise determines, the Administrator shall give each Participant whose Account is deemed to be invested in such Eligible Fund a reasonable period to submit a new designation, and any Participant who fails to submit a new designation shall be subject to the provisions of the last sentence of Section 4.2(h) below.
(h) As of each Valuation Date, income, gain and loss equivalents (determined as if the Account were invested in the manner set forth under Section 4.2(a) above) attributable to the period following the next preceding Valuation Date shall be credited to and/or deducted from the Participants Plan Year Subaccounts. Except as provided below, the Participants Plan Year Subaccounts shall receive a return in accordance with his investment designations, provided such designations conform to the provisions of this Section. If:
(i) the Participant does not furnish the Administrator with a written designation,
(ii) the written designation from the Participant is unclear, or
(iii) less than all of the Participants Account is covered by such written designation,
then the Participants Account shall receive no return until such time as the Participant shall provide the Administrator with instructions.
SECTION 5 DISTRIBUTIONS FROM ACCOUNT
5.1 Participants Payment Election .
(a) Simultaneously with the filing of a Deferral Election for a Plan Year pursuant to Section 3.1, a Participant shall elect on such form as the Administrator may prescribe the time and manner in which the corresponding Plan Year Account shall be distributed. Such election shall specify (i) whether each Plan Year Subaccount within the Plan Year Account is to be paid in a lump sum, in 20 substantially equal quarterly installments, or in five substantially equal annual installments, and (ii) the date on which such lump-sum payment is to be made and/or such installments are to commence. For purposes of clause (ii) of the preceding sentence a Participant may specify either (i) the time of the Participants Separation from Service, (ii) a specific date (irrespective of whether such date is before or after the Participants Separation from Service), or (iii) the earlier of the Participants Separation from Service or a specific date. In the event of a Participants Separation from Service from some but not all of the Participating Funds to which the Participants Plan Year Account is attributable, to the extent a Participants Payment Election relates to his or her Separation from Service it shall affect only the Plan Year Subaccounts attributable to the Participating Funds from which the Participant has incurred a Separation from Service.
(b) A Participants Payment Election shall apply only to the Plan Year Account for which it is made.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5, the balance in a Participants Plan Year Account shall be paid in accordance with the Participants valid Payment Election made for such Plan Year Account pursuant to this Section 5.
5.2 Irrevocability . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5, a Participants Payment Election shall be irrevocable.
5.3 Death Prior to Complete Distribution of Account . If a Participant dies prior to the commencement of the distribution of the amounts credited to his Account, the balance of such Account shall be distributed to his Beneficiary in a lump sum as soon as practicable after the Participants death. If a Participant dies after the commencement of such distributions, but prior to the complete distribution of his Account, the balance of the amounts credited to his Account shall be distributed to his Beneficiary over the remaining period during which such amounts were otherwise distributable to the Participant under Section 5.1 hereof.
5.4 Unforeseeable Emergency . In the event of a Participants Unforeseeable Emergency, such Participant may request an emergency withdrawal from his or her Account. Any such request shall be subject to the approval of the Administrator, which approval shall not be granted to the extent that such need may be relieved (i) through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise or (ii) by liquidation of the Participants assets (to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship). A Participant may withdraw all or a portion of his or her Account due to an Unforeseeable Emergency; provided, however, that the withdrawal shall not exceed the amount reasonably needed to satisfy the need created by the Unforeseeable Emergency.
5.5 Designation of Beneficiary . For the purposes of Section 5.3 hereof, the Participants Beneficiary shall be the person or persons so designated by the Participant in a written instrument submitted to the Administrator. Subject to rules established by the Administrator, a Participant may designate multiple or alternative Beneficiaries, and may change his Beneficiary at any time without the consent of any prior Beneficiary; provided that no change of a Beneficiary shall be effective unless and until actually received, in proper form, by the Administrator during the Participants life. The Administrators determination of the person eligible to receive the Account of a deceased Participant, if made in good faith, shall be final and binding on all parties. If a Participant fails to properly designate a Beneficiary or if his Beneficiary predeceases him, his Beneficiary shall be his estate.
5.6 Domestic Relations Orders . If any judgment, decree or order (including approval of a property settlement agreement) which (i) relates to the provision of child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights to a spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent of a Participant, and (ii) is made pursuant to a state or foreign domestic relations law (including a community property law) directs assignment of a portion of a Participants Account to a spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent of a Participant, such amount may be paid in a lump-sum cash payment at the request of the person to whom assignment is directed to be made as soon as administratively possible after the Administrators receipt of the signed order, as long as the order (or a written direction to the Administrator of how to interpret the order, signed by the Participant and the person to whom the order directs assignment) clearly specifies the amount of the Account assigned and the timing of payment to the person to whom the assignment is made.
5.7 Compliance With Conflicts of Interest Laws . Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, payment of a Participants Account shall be accelerated to the extent (and only to the extent) reasonably necessary to avoid the violation of an applicable Federal, state, or local conflicts of interest law.
SECTION 6 AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
6.1 Amendments . The Boards reserve the right to amend, in whole or in part, and in any manner, any or all of the provisions of this Plan by action of the Boards, except that no amendment shall reduce the balance in any Participants Account, or (unless necessary to comply with the 1940 Act or other applicable law) significantly delay the time at which such balance is payable without the consent of the Participant affected.
6.2 Termination.
(a) | In General . Each Board may terminate this Plan at any time by action of the Board. If one Board elects to terminate the Plan with respect to the Participants who are members of such Board, the Plan shall remain in effect with respect to Participants who are members of one or more other Boards. Upon termination, payment of each Participants then current Account value shall be made in such manner as the Administrator shall determine consistent with the requirements of Section 409A. |
(b) | Liquidating Fund Termination . |
(i) | Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, in the event a Participating Fund liquidates in a corporate dissolution taxed under Section 331 of the Code, or with the approval of a bankruptcy court pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 503(b)(1)(A) (a Liquidating Fund), the Board of such Participating Fund may terminate and liquidate this Plan (a Liquidating Fund Termination) pursuant to the corporate dissolution exception of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix)(A) with respect to Accounts attributable to the deferral of Compensation from such Participating Fund (Affected Accounts) by current or former members of the Board of such Participating Fund (Affected Participants). |
(ii) | In the event of a Liquidating Fund Termination, the value of the Affected Accounts of the Affected Participants shall be paid in a lump sum no later than the last day of the calendar year in which the Liquidating Fund Termination occurs or, if later, the last day of the first calendar year in which the payment is administratively feasible. |
(iii) | Except as set forth above, a Liquidating Fund Termination shall not otherwise affect the Plan, and in particular shall have no effect on any Accounts other than the Affected Accounts. |
SECTION 7 MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 Rights of Creditors .
(a) This Plan is unfunded. With respect to the payment of amounts credited to a Participants Account, the Participant and his Beneficiaries have the status of unsecured creditors of the Participating Fund to which such Account relates. The Plan shall not be construed as conferring on a Participant any right, title, interest, or claim in or to any specific asset, reserve, account, or property or any kind possessed by the Participating Funds. To the extent that a Participant or any other person acquires a right to receive payments from the Participating Funds, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor.
(b) This Plan is executed on behalf of each Participating Fund by an officer of that Participating Fund as such and not individually. Any obligation of a Participating Fund hereunder shall be an unsecured obligation of that Participating Fund and not of any other person.
7.2 Agents . Each Participating Fund may employ agents and provide for such clerical, legal, actuarial, accounting, advisory or other services as it deems necessary to perform its duties under this Plan. Each Participating Fund shall bear the cost of such services and all other expenses it incurs in connection with the administration of this Plan.
7.3 Incapacity . If the Administrator shall receive evidence satisfactory to it that a Participant or any Beneficiary entitled to receive any benefit under the Plan is, at the time when such benefit becomes payable, a minor, or is physically or mentally incompetent to receive such benefit and to give a valid release therefor, and that another person or an institution is then maintaining or has custody of the Participant or Beneficiary and that no guardian, committee or other representative of the estate of the Participant or Beneficiary shall have been duly appointed, a Participating Fund may make payment of such benefit otherwise payable to the Participant or Beneficiary to such other person or institution, including a custodian under a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or corresponding legislation (who shall be an adult, a guardian of the minor or a trust company), and the release of such other person or institution shall be a valid and complete discharge for the payment of such benefit.
7.4 Statement of Account . The Administrator will furnish each Participant with a statement setting forth the value of such Participants Plan Year Accounts as of the end of each calendar year and all credits to and payments from such Plan Year Accounts during such year. Such statements will be furnished no later than 60 days after the end of each calendar year.
7.5 Governing Law . This Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.
7.6 Non-Guarantee of Status . Nothing contained in this Plan shall be construed as a contract or guarantee of the right of a Participant to be, or remain as, a director or a trustee of a fund, or to receive any, or any particular rate of, Compensation.
7.7 Counsel . Each Board may consult with legal counsel with respect to the meaning or construction of this Plan, its obligations or duties hereunder or with respect to any action or proceeding or any question of law, and it shall be fully protected with respect to any action taken or omitted by it in good faith pursuant to the advice of legal counsel.
7.8 Interests Not Transferable . A Participants and Beneficiaries interests in the Account may not be anticipated, sold, encumbered, pledged, mortgaged, charged, transferred, alienated, assigned nor become subject to execution, garnishment or attachment and any attempt to do so by any person shall be deemed null and void; no Participating Fund shall recognize the rights of any party under this Plan except those of the Participant or his Beneficiary; provided that this Section 7.8 shall not preclude a Participating Fund from offsetting any amount payable to a Participant hereunder by any amount owed by such Participant to that Participating Fund or to Nuveen.
7.9 Entire Agreement . This Plan contains the entire understanding between each Participating Fund and the Participants with respect to the payment of non-qualified deferred compensation by a Participating Fund to the Participants.
7.10 Powers of Administrator . In addition to other powers specifically set forth herein, the Administrator shall have all power and authority necessary or convenient for the administration of this Plan, including without limitation the authority to:
(a) construe and interpret the Plan, and resolve any inconsistency or ambiguity with respect to any of its terms;
(b) decide all questions of eligibility and determine the amount, manner and time of payment of any benefits hereunder;
(c) prescribe rules and procedures to be followed by Participants or Beneficiaries in making any election or taking any action provided for herein, which rules and procedures may alter any provision of the Plan that is administrative or ministerial in nature without the necessity for an amendment;
(d) allocate Accounts among the Eligible Funds;
(e) maintain all the necessary records for the administration of the Plan;
(f) delegate any of it duties or powers under the Plan to any other person acting under its supervision; and
(g) do all other acts which the Administrator deems necessary or proper to accomplish and implement its responsibilities under the Plan.
Any rule or procedure adopted by the Administrator, or any decision, ruling or determination made by the Administrator, in good faith shall be final, binding and conclusive on all Participating Funds, Participants, Beneficiaries and all persons claiming through them. The authority of the Administrator may be exercised by such person as the Chief Executive Officer of the Administrator may designate or, in the absence of a specific designation, by those officers and employees of the Administrator whose normal duties include payment of compensation to independent directors and trustees.
7.11 Participant Litigation . In any action or proceeding regarding the Participants or their Beneficiaries or any other persons having or claiming to have an interest in this Plan shall not be necessary parties and shall not be entitled to any notice or process. Any final judgment which is not appealed or appealable and may be entered in any such action or proceeding shall be binding and conclusive on the parties hereto and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in this Plan. To the extent permitted by law, if a legal action is begun against either Board, any Participating Fund, the Administrator, or any of their respective officers, directors, trustees, employees or agents (an indemnified party), by or on behalf of any person and such action results adversely to such person or if a legal action arises because of conflicting claims to a Participants or other persons benefits, the costs to the indemnified party of defending the action will be charged to the amounts, if any, which were involved in the action or were payable to the Participant or other person concerned. To the extent permitted by applicable law, acceptance of participation in this Plan shall constitute a release of each of the indemnified parties from any and all liability and obligation not involving willful misconduct or gross neglect.
7.12 Successors and Assigns . This Plan shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Participating Funds and their successors and assigns and to the Participants and their heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives.
7.13 Severability . In the event any one or more provisions of this Plan are held to be invalid or unenforceable, such illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof and such other provisions shall remain in full force and effect unaffected by such invalidity or unenforceability.
7.14 Section 409A . This Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A, and shall be administered and interpreted in accordance with such intent. If the Boards (or the Administrator, to the extent the Boards delegate such authority to the Administrator) determine that any provision of the Plan is or might be inconsistent with the requirements of Section 409A, they shall attempt in good faith to make such changes to the Plan as may be necessary or appropriate to avoiding a Participants becoming subject to adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Participating Fund listed on Appendix A has caused this amended and restated Plan to be executed by one of its duly authorized officers, this day of , 2013.
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PLAN B |
EXHIBIT A
NUVEEN OPEN-END AND CLOSED-END FUNDS DEFERRED COMPENSATION
PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES
PARTICIPATING FUNDS |
Participating funds 1 : Funds from which director compensation can be deferred 2 : A UM ³ $270MM 3 : funds do not lose Participating status from a subsequent loss of assets 4 : list updated each quarter, with new funds that have surpassed the $270MM threshold
Current List of Participating Funds
Nuveen All-American Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen S&P 500 Buy-Write Income Fund |
Nuveen Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Dow 30SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund |
Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund |
Nuveen Dividend Value Fund |
Nuveen Equity Index Fund |
Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund |
Nuveen High Income Bond Fund |
Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund |
Nuveen Core Bond Fund |
Nuveen Large Cap Growth Opportunities Fund |
Nuveen Mid Cap Growth Opportunities Fund |
Nuveen Mid Cap Index Fund |
Nuveen Mid Cap Value Fund |
Nuveen Minnesota Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Minnesota Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Real Estate Securities Fund |
Nuveen Small Cap Select Fund |
Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund |
Nuveen Short Term Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Tactical Market Opportunities Fund |
Nuveen Strategic Income Fund |
Nuveen Gresham Diversified Commodity Strategy Fund |
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund |
Nuveen Diversified Dividend and Income Fund |
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund |
Nuveen Global High Income Fund |
Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund |
Nuveen High Income December 2018 Target Term Fund |
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 3 |
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund |
Nuveen Energy MLP Total Return Fund |
Nuveen All Cap Energy MLP Opportunities Fund |
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund |
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund |
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2 |
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund |
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund |
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund |
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund |
Nuveen Short Duration Credit Opportunities Fund |
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund |
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund |
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund |
Nuveen Kentucky Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Missouri Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund |
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund |
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund |
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund |
Nuveen North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc. |
Nuveen California Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen California High Yield Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Santa Barbara Dividend Growth Fund |
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund |
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Value Fund |
Nuveen Michigan Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen New York Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Ohio Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap Fund |
Nuveen Large Cap Value Fund |
Nuveen High Yield Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Term Fund |
Nuveen Tradewinds International Value Fund |
Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. |
Nuveen California AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund |
Nuveen Municipal Advantage Fund, Inc. |
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Bond Fund |
Nuveen NWQ Multi-Cap Value Fund |
Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc. |
Exhibit A - Page 1
PLAN B |
Municipal Total Return Managed Accounts Portfolio
Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Municipal High Income Opportunity Fund
Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc.
Nuveen Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Preferred Securities Fund
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 4, Inc.
Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Pennsylvania Investment Quality Municipal Fund
Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Real Asset Income Fund
Nuveen New York AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen NWQ Small-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen Short Duration High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Senior Income Fund
Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Ohio Quality Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Value Opportunities Fund
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen NWQ Large-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3
Nuveen Nasdaq 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund
Nuveen International Growth Fund
Nuveen Symphony Credit Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Symphony Floating Rate Income Fund
Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund
Nuveen Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth Fund
Nuveen Small Cap Value Fund
Nuveen Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen High Income November 2021 Target Term Fund
Nuveen High Income December 2019 Target Term Fund
Nuveen NWQ Flexible Income Fund
Exhibit A - Page 2
PLAN B |
EXHIBIT B
NUVEEN OPEN-END AND CLOSED-END FUNDS DEFERRED COMPENSATION
PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES
ELIGIBLE FUNDS |
E ligible fund s 1 : funds in which deferred compensation can be deemed invested 2 : selected from equity and taxable income open-end funds 3 : municipal funds are not included as they are tax-exempt and would therefore not be appropriate in a tax-advantaged deferred compensation plan 4 : deferred compensation is not actually invested in these funds; investments track the performance of these funds 5 : updated annually
Current List of Eligible Funds
Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund
Nuveen Dividend Value Fund
Nuveen High Income Bond Fund
Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Nuveen International Growth Fund
Nuveen Mid Cap Growth Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Multi-Manager Large-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Large-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Multi-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Small-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen Real Asset Income Fund
Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund
Nuveen Santa Barbara Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Strategy Balanced Allocation Fund
Nuveen Symphony Credit Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Symphony Floating Rate Income Fund
Nuveen Symphony Large-Cap Growth Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds International Value Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Value Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth Fund
Exhibit B - Page 1
Exhibit (9)(a)
Execution Version
A MENDED AND R ESTATED M ASTER C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
This Agreement is made as of July 15, 2015 (this Agreement ), between each management investment company identified on Appendix A and each management investment company which becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof (in each case, a Fund ), including, if applicable, each series of the Fund identified on Appendix A and each series which becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof, and S TATE S TREET B ANK AND T RUST C OMPANY , a Massachusetts trust company (the Custodian ).
W ITNESSETH :
W HEREAS , the Funds and the Custodian have entered into an Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2005 (as amended and in effect, the Master Custodian Agreement);
W HEREAS , the Funds and the Custodian desire to replace the Master Custodian Agreement with this Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement;
W HEREAS , each Fund desires for the Custodian to provide certain custodial services relating to securities and other assets of the Fund; and
W HEREAS , the Custodian is willing to provide the services upon the terms contained in this Agreement;
S ECTION 1. D EFINITIONS . In addition to terms defined in Section 4.1 (Rule 17f-5 and Rule 17f-7 related definitions) or elsewhere in this Agreement, (a) terms defined in the UCC have the same meanings herein as therein and (b) the following other terms have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
1940 Act means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
Board means, in relation to a Fund, the board of directors, trustees or other governing body of the Fund.
Client Publications means the general client publications of State Street Bank and Trust Company available from time to time to clients and their investment managers.
Deposit Account Agreement means the Deposit Account Agreement and Disclosure, as may be amended from time to time, issued by the Custodian and available on the Custodians internet customer portal, my.statestreet.com.
Domestic securities means securities held within the United States.
Foreign securities means securities held primarily outside of the United States.
Held outside of the United States means not held within the United States.
Held within the United States means (a) in relation to a security or other financial asset, the security or other financial asset (i) is a certificated security registered in the name of the Custodian or its sub-custodian, agent or nominee or is endorsed to the Custodian or its sub-custodian, agent or nominee or in blank and the security certificate is located within the United States, (ii) is an uncertificated security or other financial asset registered in the name of the Custodian or its sub-custodian, agent or nominee at an office located in the United States, or (iii) has given rise to a security entitlement of which the Custodian or its sub-custodian, agent or nominee is the entitlement holder against a U.S. Securities System or another securities intermediary for which the securities intermediarys jurisdiction is within the United States, and (b) in relation to cash, the cash is maintained in a deposit account denominated in U.S. dollars with the banking department of the Custodian or with another bank or trust companys office located in the United States.
Investment Advisor means, in relation to a Portfolio, the investment manager or investment advisor of the Portfolio.
On book currency means (a) U.S. dollars or (b) a foreign currency that, when credited to a deposit account of a customer maintained in the banking department of the Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian, the Custodian maintains on its books as an amount owing as a liability by the Custodian to the customer.
Portfolio means (a) in relation to a Fund that is a series organization, a series of the Fund and (b) in relation to a Fund that is not a series organization, the Fund itself.
Portfolio Interests means beneficial interests in a Portfolio.
Proper Instructions means instructions in accordance with Section 9 received by the Custodian from a Fund, the Funds Investment Advisor, or an individual or organization duly authorized by the Fund or the Investment Advisor. The term includes standing instructions.
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Series organization means an organization that, pursuant to the statute under which the organization is organized, has the following characteristics: (a) the organic record of the organization provides for creation by the organization of one or more series (however denominated) with respect to specified property of the organization, and provides for records to be maintained for each series that identify the property of or associated with the series, (b) debt incurred or existing with respect to the activities of, or property of or associated with a particular series is enforceable against the property of or associated with the series only, and not against the property of or associated with the organization or of other series of the organization, and (c) debt incurred or existing with respect to the activities or property of the organization is enforceable against the property of the organization only, and not against the property of or associated with any series of the organization.
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Tax or Taxes means any withholding or capital gains tax, stamp duty, levy, impost, charge, assessment, deduction or related liability, including any addition to tax, penalty or interest imposed on or in respect of (i) cash or securities, (ii) the transactions effected under this Agreement, or (iii) the Fund.
UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as in effect from time to time.
Underlying Portfolios means a group of investment companies as defined in Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act.
Underlying Shares means shares or other securities, issued by a U.S. issuer, of Underlying Portfolios and other registered investment companies (as defined in Section 3(a)(1) of the 1940 Act), whether or not in the same group of investment companies (as defined in Section 12(d)(1)(G)(ii) of the 1940 Act).
Underlying Transfer Agent means State Street Bank and Trust Company or such other organization which may from time to time be appointed by the Fund to act as a transfer agent for the Underlying Portfolios and with respect to which the Custodian is provided with Proper Instructions.
U.S. Securities System means a securities depository or book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury or a clearing corporation as defined in Section 8-102 of the UCC.
S ECTION 2. | E MPLOYMENT OF C USTODIAN . |
S ECTION 2.1 G ENERAL . Each Fund hereby employs the Custodian as a custodian of (a) securities and cash of each of the Portfolios and (b) other assets of each of the Portfolios that the Custodian agrees to treat as financial assets. Each Fund, on behalf of each of its Portfolios, agrees to deliver to the Custodian (i) all securities and cash of the Portfolios, (ii) all other assets of each Portfolio that the Fund desires the Custodian, and the Custodian is willing, to treat as a financial asset and (iii) all cash and other proceeds of the securities and financial assets held in custody under this Agreement. The holding of confirmation statements that identify Underlying Shares as being recorded in the Custodians name on behalf of the Portfolios will be custody for purposes of this Section 2.1. This Agreement does not require the Custodian to accept an asset for custody hereunder or to treat any asset that is not a security as a financial asset.
S ECTION 2.2 S UB - CUSTODIANS . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall on behalf of a Fund appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities located in the United States and designated in the Proper Instructions to act as a sub-custodian for the purposes of effecting such transactions as may be designated by the Fund in the Proper Instructions. The Custodian may place and maintain each Funds foreign securities with foreign banking institution sub-custodians employed by the Custodian or foreign securities depositories, all in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 4 and 5. An entity acting in the
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capacity of Underlying Transfer Agent is not an agent or sub-custodian of the Custodian for purposes of this Agreement.
S ECTION 2.3 R ELATIONSHIP . With respect to securities and other financial assets, the Custodian is a securities intermediary and the Portfolio is the entitlement holder. With respect to cash maintained in a deposit account and denominated in an on book currency, the Custodian is a bank and the Portfolio is the banks customer. If cash is maintained in a deposit account with a bank other than the Custodian and the cash is denominated in an on book currency, the Custodian is that banks customer. The Custodian agrees to treat the claim to the cash as a financial asset for the benefit of the Portfolio . The Custodian does not otherwise agree to treat cash as financial asset. The duties of the Custodian as securities intermediary and bank set forth in the UCC are varied by the terms of this Agreement to the extent that the duties may be varied by agreement under the UCC.
S ECTION 3. | A CTIVITIES OF THE C USTODIAN WITH R ESPECT TO P ROPERTY H ELD IN THE U NITED S TATES . |
S ECTION 3.1 H OLDING S ECURITIES . The Custodian may deposit and maintain securities or other financial assets of a Portfolio in a U.S. Securities System in compliance with the conditions of Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Portfolio and into which account or accounts may be transferred cash or securities and other financial assets, including securities and financial assets maintained in a U.S. Securities System. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for the account of each Portfolio all securities and other financial assets held by the Custodian in the United States, including all domestic securities of the Portfolio, other than (a) securities or other financial assets maintained in a U.S. Securities System and (b) Underlying Shares maintained pursuant to Section 3.6 in an account of an Underlying Transfer Agent. The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion appoint any other bank or trust company, qualified under the 1940 Act to act as a custodian, as the Custodians agent to carry out such of the provisions of this Section as the Custodian may from time to time direct. The appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its duties hereunder. The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion remove the bank or trust company as the Custodians agent.
S ECTION 3.2 R EGISTRATION OF S ECURITIES . Domestic securities or other financial assets held by the Custodian and that are not bearer securities shall be registered in the name of the applicable Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of a Fund on behalf of the Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian, or in the name or nominee name of any agent or any sub-custodian permitted hereby. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement shall be in street name or other good delivery form. However, if a Fund directs the Custodian to maintain securities or other financial assets in street name, the Custodian shall utilize best efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on the securities and other financial assets and to notify the Fund of relevant issuer actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.
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S ECTION 3.3 B ANK A CCOUNTS . The Custodian shall open and maintain upon the terms of the Deposit Account Agreement a separate deposit account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Custodian shall credit to the deposit account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by the Custodian from or for the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a deposit account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the 1940 Act. Funds held by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by the Custodian to its credit as Custodian in the banking department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that (a) every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the 1940 Act and (b) each such bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio of a Fund be approved by vote of a majority of the Funds Board. The funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
S ECTION 3.4 C OLLECTION OF I NCOME . Subject to the domestic securities or other financial assets held in the United States being registered as provided in Section 3.2, the Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to the securities and other financial assets and to which a Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business. The Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, the securities are held by the Custodian or its agent. The Custodian shall present for payment all income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest when due on securities and other financial assets held hereunder. The Custodian shall credit income to the Portfolio as such income is received or in accordance with the Custodians then current payable date income schedule. Any credit to the Portfolio in advance of receipt may be reversed when the Custodian determines that payment will not occur in due course, and the Portfolio may be charged at the Custodians applicable rate for time credited.
S ECTION 3.5 D ELIVERY O UT . The Custodian shall release and deliver out domestic securities and other financial assets of a Portfolio held in a U.S. Securities System, or in an account at the Underlying Transfer Agent, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, specifying the domestic securities or financial assets held in the United States to be delivered out and the person or persons to whom delivery is to be made. The Custodian shall pay out cash of a Portfolio upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, specifying the amount of the payment and the person or persons to whom the payment is to be made.
S ECTION 3.6 D EPOSIT OF F UND A SSETS WITH THE U NDERLYING T RANSFER A GENT . Underlying Shares of a Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, shall be deposited and held in an account or accounts maintained with an Underlying Transfer Agent. The Custodians only responsibilities with respect to the Underlying Shares shall be limited to the following:
1) |
Upon receipt of a confirmation or statement from an Underlying Transfer Agent that the Underlying Transfer Agent is holding or maintaining Underlying Shares |
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in the name of the Custodian (or a nominee of the Custodian) for the benefit of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall identify by book-entry that the Underlying Shares are being held by it as custodian for the benefit of the Portfolio. |
2) | Upon receipt of Proper Instructions to purchase Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall pay out cash of the Portfolio as so directed to purchase the Underlying Shares and record the payment from the account of the Portfolio on the Custodians books and records. |
3) | Upon receipt of Proper Instructions for the sale or redemption of Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall transfer the Underlying Shares as so directed to sell or redeem the Underlying Shares, record the transfer from the account of the Portfolio on the Custodians books and records and, upon the Custodians receipt of the proceeds of the sale or redemption, record the receipt of the proceeds for the account of such Portfolio on the Custodians books and records. |
S ECTION 3.7 P ROXIES . The Custodian shall cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of domestic securities or other financial assets held in the United States of a Portfolio, if the securities or other financial assets are registered otherwise than in the name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without indication of the manner in which the proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to the securities or other financial assets.
S ECTION 3.8 C OMMUNICATIONS . Subject to the domestic securities or other financial assets held in the United States being registered as provided in Section 3.2, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities and other financial assets being held for the Portfolio. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities and other financial assets whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party or its agent making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall also transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian regarding any class action or other collective litigation relating to Portfolio securities or other financial assets issued in the United States and then held, or previously held, during the relevant class-action period during the term of this Agreement by the Custodian for the account of the Fund for the Portfolio, including, but not limited to, opt-out notices and proof-of-claim forms. The Custodian does not support class-action participation by a Fund beyond such forwarding of written information received by the Custodian.
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S ECTION 4. | P ROVISIONS R ELATING TO R ULES 17 F -5 AND 17 F -7 . |
S ECTION 4.1. D EFINITIONS . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
Country Risk means all factors reasonably related to the systemic risk of holding Foreign Assets in a particular country. The factors include but are not limited to risks arising from the countrys political environment, economic and financial infrastructure (including any Eligible Securities Depository operating in the country); prevailing or developing custody, tax and settlement practices; nationalization, expropriation or other government actions; currency restrictions, devaluations or fluctuations; market conditions affecting the orderly execution of securities transactions or the value of assets; the regulation of the banking and securities industries, including changes in market rules; and laws and regulations applicable to the safekeeping and recovery of Foreign Assets held in custody in that country.
Covered Foreign Country means a country listed on Schedule A, which list of countries may be amended from time to time at the request of any Fund and with the agreement of the Foreign Custody Manager.
Eligible Foreign Custodian has the meaning set forth in Section (a)(1) of Rule 17f-5.
Eligible Securities Depository has the meaning set forth in section (b)(1) of Rule 17f-7.
Foreign Assets means, in relation to a Portfolio, any of the Portfolios securities or other investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States, and any cash and cash equivalents that are reasonably necessary to effect transactions of the Portfolio in those investments.
Foreign Custody Manager has the meaning set forth in section (a)(3) of Rule 17f-5.
Foreign Securities System means an Eligible Securities Depository listed on Schedule B.
Rule 17f-5 means Rule 17f-5 promulgated under the 1940 Act.
Rule 17f-7 means Rule 17f-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act.
S ECTION 4.2. T HE C USTODIAN AS F OREIGN C USTODY M ANAGER .
4.2.1 D ELEGATION . Each Fund, by resolution adopted by its Board, hereby delegates to the Custodian, subject to Section (b) of Rule 17f-5, the responsibilities set forth in this Section 4.2 with respect to Foreign Assets of the Portfolios held outside the United States. The Custodian hereby accepts such delegation. By giving at least 30 days prior written notice to the Fund, the Foreign Custody Manager may withdraw its acceptance of the delegated responsibilities generally or with respect to a Covered Foreign Country designated in the notice. Following the withdrawal, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility in its capacity as Foreign Custody Manager to the Fund generally or, as the case may be, with respect to the Covered Foreign Country so designated.
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4.2.2 E XERCISE OF C ARE AS F OREIGN C USTODY M ANAGER . The Foreign Custody Manager shall exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of the Foreign Assets would exercise in performing the delegated responsibilities.
4.2.3 F OREIGN C USTODY A RRANGEMENTS . The Foreign Custody Manager shall be responsible for performing the delegated responsibilities only with respect to Covered Foreign Countries. The Foreign Custody Manager shall list on Schedule A for a Covered Foreign Country each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager to maintain the Foreign Assets of the Portfolios with respect to the Covered Foreign Country. The list of Eligible Foreign Custodians may be amended from time to time upon notice in the sole discretion of the Foreign Custody Manager. This Agreement constitutes a Proper Instruction by a Fund, on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, to open an account, and to place and maintain Foreign Assets, for the Portfolio in each applicable Covered Foreign Country. The Fund, on behalf of the Portfolios, shall satisfy the account opening requirements for the Covered Foreign Country, and the delegation with respect to the Portfolio for the Covered Foreign Country will not be considered to have been accepted by the Custodian until that satisfaction. If the Foreign Custody Manager receives from the Fund Proper Instructions directing the Foreign Custody Manager to close the account, the delegation shall be considered withdrawn, and the Custodian shall immediately cease to be the Foreign Custody Manager with respect to the Portfolio for the Covered Foreign Country.
4.2.4 S COPE OF D ELEGATED R ESPONSIBILITIES : Subject to the provisions of this Section 4.2, the Foreign Custody Manager may place and maintain Foreign Assets in the care of an Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in each applicable Covered Foreign Country. The Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that (a) the Foreign Assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Foreign Assets will be held by the Eligible Foreign Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1) and (b) the contract between the Foreign Custody Manager and the Eligible Foreign Custodian governing the foreign custody arrangements will satisfy the requirements of Rule 17f-5(c)(2). The Foreign Custody Manager shall establish a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Foreign Assets with the Eligible Foreign Custodian and (ii) the performance of the contract governing the custody arrangements. If the Foreign Custody Manager determines that the custody arrangements with an Eligible Foreign Custodian are no longer appropriate, the Foreign Custody Manager shall so notify the Fund.
4.2.5 R EPORTING R EQUIREMENTS . The Foreign Custody Manager shall (a) report the withdrawal of Foreign Assets from an Eligible Foreign Custodian and the placement of Foreign Assets with another Eligible Foreign Custodian by providing to the Funds Board an amended Schedule A at the end of the calendar quarter in which the action has occurred, and (b) after the occurrence of any other material change in the foreign custody arrangements of the Portfolios described in this Section 4.2, make a written report to the Board containing a notification of the change.
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4.2.6 R EPRESENTATIONS . The Foreign Custody Manager represents to each Fund that it is a U.S. Bank as defined in Section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5. Each Fund represents to the Custodian that its Board has (a) determined that it is reasonable for the Board to rely on the Custodian to perform the responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Agreement to the Custodian as the Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios and (b) considered and determined to accept such Country Risk as is incurred by placing and maintaining the Foreign Assets of each Portfolio in each Covered Foreign Country.
4.2.7 T ERMINATION BY A P ORTFOLIO OF THE C USTODIAN AS F OREIGN C USTODY M ANAGER . By giving at least 30 days prior written notice to the Custodian, a Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, may terminate the delegation to the Custodian as the Foreign Custody Manager for the Portfolio. Following the termination, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility in its capacity as Foreign Custody Manager to the Portfolio.
S ECTION 4.3 M ONITORING OF E LIGIBLE S ECURITIES D EPOSITORIES . The Custodian shall (a) provide the Fund or its Investment Advisor with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Eligible Securities Depositories set forth on Schedule B in accordance with Section (a)(1)(i)(A) of Rule 17f-7 and (b) monitor such risks on a continuing basis and promptly notify the Fund or its Investment Advisor of any material change in such risks, in accordance with Section (a)(1)(i)(B) of Rule 17f-7.
S ECTION 5. | A CTIVITIES OF THE C USTODIAN WITH R ESPECT TO P ROPERTY H ELD O UTSIDE THE U NITED S TATES . |
S ECTION 5.1. H OLDING S ECURITIES . Foreign securities and other financial assets held outside of the United States shall be maintained in a Foreign Securities System in a Covered Foreign Country through arrangements implemented by the Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian, as applicable, in the Covered Foreign Country. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Portfolios the foreign securities and other financial assets held by each Eligible Foreign Custodian or Foreign Securities System. The Custodian may hold foreign securities and other financial assets for all of its customers, including the Portfolios, with any Eligible Foreign Custodian in an account that is identified as the Custodians account for the benefit of its customers; provided however, that (a) the records of the Custodian with respect to foreign securities or other financial assets of a Portfolio maintained in the account shall identify those securities and other financial assets as belonging to the Portfolio and (b) to the extent permitted and customary in the market in which the account is maintained, the Custodian shall require that securities and other financial assets so held by the Eligible Foreign Custodian be held separately from any assets of the Eligible Foreign Custodian or of other customers of the Eligible Foreign Custodian.
S ECTION 5.2. R EGISTRATION OF F OREIGN S ECURITIES . Foreign securities and other financial assets held outside of the United States maintained in the custody of an Eligible Foreign Custodian and that are not bearer securities shall be registered in the name of the applicable Portfolio or in the name of the Custodian or in the name of any Eligible Foreign Custodian or in the name of any nominee of any of the foregoing. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio agrees to
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hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of the foreign securities or other financial assets. The Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian reserves the right not to accept securities or other financial assets on behalf of a Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement unless the form of the securities or other financial assets and the manner in which they are delivered are in accordance with local market practice.
S ECTION 5.3. I NDEMNIFICATION BY E LIGIBLE F OREIGN C USTODIANS . Each contract pursuant to which the Custodian employs an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall, to the extent possible, require the Eligible Foreign Custodian to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian from and against any loss, cost or expense arising out of or in connection with the Eligible Foreign Custodians performance of its obligations. At a Funds election, a Portfolio shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against an Eligible Foreign Custodian as a consequence of any such loss, cost or expense if and to the extent that the Portfolio has not been made whole for the loss, cost or expense. In no event shall the Custodian be obligated to bring suit in its own name or to allow suit to be brought in its name.
S ECTION 5.4 B ANK A CCOUNTS .
5.4.1 G ENERAL . The Custodian shall identify on its books as for the account of the applicable Portfolio the amount of cash (including cash denominated in foreign currencies) deposited with the Custodian. The Custodian shall maintain cash deposits in on book currencies on its balance sheet. The Custodian shall be liable for such balances. If the Custodian is unable to maintain, or market practice does not facilitate the maintenance for the Portfolio of a cash balance in a currency as an on book currency, a deposit account shall be opened and maintained by the Custodian outside the United States on behalf of the Portfolio with an Eligible Foreign Custodian. The Custodian shall not maintain the cash deposit on its balance sheet. The Eligible Foreign Custodian will be liable for such balance directly to the Portfolio. All deposit accounts referred to in this Section shall be subject only to draft or order by the Custodian or, if applicable, the Eligible Foreign Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Cash maintained in a deposit account and denominated in an on book currency will be maintained under and subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Custodian will not have any deposit liability for deposits in any currency that is not an on book currency.
5.4.2 N ON -U.S. B RANCH AND N ON -U.S. D OLLAR D EPOSITS . In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Custodian shall not be required to repay any deposit made at a non-U.S. branch of the Custodian or any deposit made with the Custodian and denominated in a non-U.S. dollar currency, if repayment of the deposit or the use of assets denominated in the non-U.S. dollar currency is prevented, prohibited or otherwise blocked due to (a) an act of war, insurrection or civil strife; (b) any action by a non-U.S. government or instrumentality or authority asserting governmental, military or police power of any kind, whether such authority be recognized as a de facto or a de jure government, or by any entity, political or revolutionary movement or otherwise that usurps, supervenes or otherwise materially impairs the normal operation of civil authority; or (c) the closure of a non-U.S. branch in order to prevent, in the reasonable judgment of the Custodian, harm to the employees or property of the Custodian.
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S ECTION 5.5. C OLLECTION OF I NCOME . The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all income and other payments with respect to the Foreign Assets held hereunder to which a Portfolio shall be entitled. If extraordinary measures are required to collect the income or payment, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to such measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures. The Custodian shall credit income to the applicable Portfolio as such income is received or in accordance with the Custodians then current payable date income schedule. Any credit to the Portfolio in advance of receipt may be reversed when the Custodian determines that payment will not occur in due course, and the Portfolio may be charged at the Custodians applicable rate for time credited. Income on securities or other financial assets loaned other than from the Custodians securities lending program shall be credited as received.
S ECTION 5.6. T RANSACTIONS IN F OREIGN C USTODY A CCOUNT .
5.6.1 D ELIVERY O UT . The Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall release and deliver foreign securities or other financial assets held outside of the United States owned by a Portfolio and held by the Custodian or such Eligible Foreign Custodian, or in a Foreign Securities System account, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, specifying the foreign securities to be delivered and the person or persons to whom delivery is to be made. The Custodian shall pay out, or direct the respective Eligible Foreign Custodian or the respective Foreign Securities System to pay out, cash of a Portfolio only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying the amount of the payment and the person or persons to payment is to be made.
5.6.2 M ARKET C ONDITIONS . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, settlement and payment for Foreign Assets received for the account of the Portfolios and delivery of Foreign Assets maintained for the account of the Portfolios may be effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or processing practices and procedures in the country or market in which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering Foreign Assets to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) with the expectation of receiving later payment for the Foreign Assets from such purchaser or dealer.
5.6.3 S ETTLEMENT P RACTICES . The Custodian shall provide to each Board the information with respect to custody and settlement practices in countries in which the Custodian employs an Eligible Foreign Custodian described on Schedule C at the time or times set forth on the Schedule. The Custodian may revise Schedule C from time to time, but no revision shall result in a Board being provided with substantively less information than had been previously provided on Schedule C.
S ECTION 5.7 S HAREHOLDER OR B ONDHOLDER R IGHTS . The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder and bondholder rights with respect to foreign securities and other financial assets held outside the United States, subject always to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where the securities or other financial assets are issued. The Custodian may utilize Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. or another proxy service firm of recognized standing as its
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delegate to provide proxy services for the exercise of shareholder and bondholder rights. Local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of a Fund to exercise shareholder and bondholder rights.
S ECTION 5.8. C OMMUNICATIONS . The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials received by the Custodian through Eligible Foreign Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities and other financial asset assets being held outside the United States for the account of a Portfolio. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials so received by the Custodian from issuers of foreign securities whose tender or exchange is sought or from the party or its agent making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall also transmit promptly to the Fund all written information received by the Custodian through Eligible Foreign Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities or other financial assets issued outside of the United States and being held for the account of the Portfolio regarding any class action or other collective litigation relating to the Portfolios foreign securities or other financial assets issued outside the United States and then held, or previously held, during the relevant class-action period during the term of this Agreement by the Custodian via an Eligible Foreign Custodian for the account of the Fund for the Portfolio, including, but not limited to, opt-out notices and proof-of-claim forms. The Custodian does not support class-action participation by a Fund beyond such forwarding of written information received by the Custodian.
S ECTION 6. F OREIGN E XCHANGE .
S ECTION 6.1. G ENERALLY . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which for purposes of this section may also include security trade advices, the Custodian shall facilitate the processing and settlement of foreign exchange transactions. Such foreign exchange transactions do not constitute part of the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement.
S ECTION 6.2. F UND E LECTIONS . Each Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) may elect to enter into and execute foreign exchange transactions with third parties that are not affiliated with the Custodian, with State Street Global Markets, which is the foreign exchange division of State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliated companies ( SSGM ), or with a sub-custodian. Where the Fund or its Investment Advisor gives Proper Instructions for the execution of a foreign exchange transaction using an indirect foreign exchange service described in the Client Publications, the Fund (or its Investment Advisor) instructs the Custodian, on behalf of the Fund, to direct the execution of such foreign exchange transaction to SSGM or, when the relevant currency is not traded by SSGM, to the applicable sub-custodian. The Custodian shall not have any agency (except as contemplated in preceding sentence), trust or fiduciary obligation to the Fund, its Investment Advisor or any other person in connection with the execution of any foreign exchange transaction. The Custodian shall have no responsibility under this Agreement for the selection of the counterparty to, or the method of execution of, any foreign exchange transaction entered into by the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) or the reasonableness of the execution rate on any such transaction.
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S ECTION 6.3. F UND A CKNOWLEDGEMENT Each Fund acknowledges that in connection with all foreign exchange transactions entered into by the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) with SSGM or any sub-custodian, SSGM and each such sub-custodian:
(i) | shall be acting in a principal capacity and not as broker, agent or fiduciary to the Fund or its Investment Advisor; |
(ii) | shall seek to profit from such foreign exchange transactions, and are entitled to retain and not disclose any such profit to the Fund or its Investment Advisor; and |
(iii) | shall enter into such foreign exchange transactions pursuant to the terms and conditions, including pricing or pricing methodology, (a) agreed with the Fund or its Investment Advisor from time to time or (b) in the case of an indirect foreign exchange service, (i) as established by SSGM and set forth in the Client Publications with respect to the particular foreign exchange execution services selected by the Fund or the Investment Advisor or (ii) as established by the sub-custodian from time to time. |
S ECTION 6.4. T RANSACTIONS BY S TATE S TREET . The Custodian or its affiliates, including SSGM, may trade based upon information that is not available to the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf), and may enter into transactions for its own account or the account of clients in the same or opposite direction to the transactions entered into with the Fund (or its Investment Manager), and shall have no obligation, under this Agreement, to share such information with or consider the interests of their respective counterparties, including, where applicable, the Fund or the Investment Advisor.
S ECTION 6A. C ONTRACTUAL S ETTLEMENT S ERVICES (P URCHASE /S ALES ) .
S ECTION 6A.1 G ENERAL . The Custodian shall, in accordance with the terms set out in this Section 6A, debit or credit the appropriate deposit account of each Portfolio on a contractual settlement basis in connection with the purchase of securities or other financial assets for the Portfolio or the receipt of the proceeds of the sale or redemption of securities or other financial assets.
S ECTION 6A.2 P ROVISION OF S ERVICES . The services described in Section 6A.1 (the Contractual Settlement Services ) shall be provided for the securities and other financial assets and in such markets as the Custodian may advise from time to time. The Custodian may terminate or suspend any part of the provision of the Contractual Settlement Services at its sole discretion immediately upon notice to the applicable Fund on behalf of each Portfolio, including, without limitation, in the event of force majeure events affecting settlement, any disorder in markets, or other changed external business circumstances affecting the markets or the Fund.
S ECTION 6A.3 P URCHASE C ONSIDERATION . The consideration payable in connection with a purchase transaction shall be debited from the appropriate deposit account of the Portfolio as of the time and date that funds would ordinarily be required to settle the transaction in the applicable market. The Custodian shall promptly recredit the amount at the time that the Portfolio or the Fund notifies the Custodian by Proper Instruction that the transaction has been
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canceled.
S ECTION 6A.4 S ALES AND R EDEMPTIONS . A provisional credit of an amount equal to the net sale price for a sale or redemption of securities or other financial assets shall be made to the account of the Portfolio as if the amount had been received as of the close of business on the date on which good funds would ordinarily be immediately available in the applicable market. The provisional credit will be made conditional upon the Custodian having received Proper Instructions with respect to, or reasonable notice of, the transaction, as applicable; and the Custodian or its agent having possession of the securities of other financial assets (excluding financial assets subject to any third party lending arrangement entered into by a Portfolio) associated with the transaction in good deliverable form and not being aware of any facts which would lead the Custodian or its agent to believe that the transaction will not settle in the time period ordinarily applicable to such transactions in the applicable market.
S ECTION 6A.5. R EVERSALS OF P ROVISIONAL C REDITS OR D EBITS . The Custodian shall have the right to reverse any provisional credit or debit given in connection with the Contractual Settlement Services at any time when the Custodian believes, in its reasonable judgment, that such transaction will not settle in accordance with its terms or amounts due pursuant thereto, will not be collectable or where the Custodian has not been provided Proper Instructions with respect thereto, as applicable. The Portfolio shall be responsible for any costs or liabilities resulting from such reversal. Upon such reversal, a sum equal to the credited or debited amount shall become immediately payable by the Portfolio to the Custodian and may be debited from any deposit or other account held for benefit of the Portfolio.
S ECTION 7. T AX S ERVICES .
(a) Each Fund will provide documentary evidence of its tax domicile, organisational specifics and other documentation and information as may be required by the Custodian from time to time for tax purposes, including, without limitation, information relating to any special ruling or treatment to which the Fund may be entitled that is not applicable to the general nationality and category of person to which the Fund belongs under general laws and treaty obligations and documentation and information required in relation to countries where the Fund engages or proposes to engage in investment activity or where Portfolio assets are or will be held. The provision of such documentation and information shall be deemed to be a Proper Instruction, which the Custodian shall be entitled to rely and act upon. In giving such documentation and information, each Fund represents and warrants that it is true and correct in all material respects and that it will promptly provide the Custodian with all necessary corrections or updates upon becoming aware of any changes or inaccuracies in the documentation or information supplied.
(b) Each Fund shall be liable for all taxes (including Taxes) relating to its investment activity, including with respect to any cash or securities held by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund or any transactions related thereto. Subject to compliance by the Client with its obligations under Section 7(a), the Custodian shall withhold (or cause to be withheld) the amount of any Tax which is required to be withheld under applicable law in connection with the collection on behalf of the Fund pursuant to this Agreement of any dividend, interest income or other distribution
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with respect to any security and the proceeds or income from the sale or other transfer of any security held by the Custodian. If any Taxes become payable with respect to any prior payment made to the Fund by the Custodian or otherwise, the Custodian may apply any credit balance in the Funds deposit account to the extent necessary to satisfy such Tax obligation. The Fund shall remain liable for any tax deficiency. The Custodian is not liable for any tax obligations relating to the Portfolio or the Fund, other than those Tax services as set out specifically in this Section. The Fund agrees that the Custodian is not, and shall not be deemed to be, providing tax advice or tax counsel.
(c) The Custodian will provide tax relief services in relation to designated markets as may be specified from time to time in the Client Publications. Subject to the preceding sentence and compliance by the Fund with its obligations under Section 7(a), the Custodian will apply for a reduction of withholding tax and refund of any tax paid or tax credits which apply in each applicable market in respect of income payments on securities for the benefit of the Fund. Unless otherwise informed by the Fund, the Custodian shall be entitled to apply categorical treatment of the Fund according to its nationality, particulars of its organisation and other relevant details supplied by the Fund.
S ECTION 8. P AYMENTS FOR S ALES OR R EDEMPTIONS OF P ORTFOLIO I NTERESTS .
S ECTION 8.1 P AYMENT FOR P ORTFOLIO I NTERESTS I SSUED . The Custodian shall receive from the distributor of Portfolio Interests of a Fund or from the Funds transfer agent (the Transfer Agent ) and deposit into the account of the Portfolio such payments as are received for Portfolio Interests issued or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the Transfer Agent of any receipt of the payments by the Custodian.
S ECTION 8.2 P AYMENT FOR P ORTFOLIO I NTERESTS R EDEEMED . Upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, the Custodian shall set aside funds of a Portfolio to the extent available for payment to holders of Portfolio Interests who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption of their Portfolio Interests. The Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming interest holders. If the Custodian furnishes a check to a holder in payment for the redemption of the holders Portfolio Interests and the check is drawn on the Custodian, the Custodian shall honor the check so long as the check is presented to the Custodian in accordance with the Deposit Account Agreement and such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the Custodian.
S ECTION 9. P ROPER I NSTRUCTIONS .
S ECTION 9. 1 F ORM AND S ECURITY P ROCEDURES . Proper Instructions may be in writing signed by the authorized individual or individuals or may be in a tested communication or in a communication utilizing access codes effected between electro-mechanical or electronic devices or may be by such other means and utilizing such intermediary systems and utilities as may be agreed to from time to time by the Custodian and the individual or organization giving the instruction, provided that the Fund has followed any security procedures agreed to from time to
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time by the applicable Fund and the Custodian including, but not limited to, the security procedures selected by the Fund by reference to the form of Funds Transfer Addendum hereto, the terms of which are part of this Agreement. The Custodian may agree to accept oral instructions, and in such case oral instructions will be considered Proper Instructions. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing, but the Funds failure to do so shall not affect the Custodians authority to rely on the oral instructions.
Section 9.2 R ELIANCE ON O FFICER S C ERTIFICATE . Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian an officers certificate setting forth the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all individuals authorized to give Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund. The certificate may be accepted and conclusively relied upon by the Custodian and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of a similar certificate to the contrary and the Custodian has had a reasonable time to act thereon.
Section 9.3 U NTIMELY P ROPER I NSTRUCTIONS . If the Custodian is not provided with reasonable time to execute a Proper Instruction (including any Proper Instruction not to execute, or any other modification to, a prior Proper Instruction), the Custodian will use good faith efforts to execute the Proper Instruction but will not be responsible or liable if the Custodians efforts are not successful (including any inability to change any actions that the Custodian had taken pursuant to the prior Proper Instruction). The inclusion of a statement of purpose or intent (or any similar notation) in a Proper Instruction shall not impose any additional obligations on the Custodian or condition or qualify its authority to effect the Proper Instruction. The Custodian will not assume a duty to ensure that the stated purpose or intent is fulfilled and will have no responsibility or liability when it follows the Proper Instruction without regard to such purpose or intent.
S ECTION 10. A CTIONS P ERMITTED WITHOUT E XPRESS A UTHORITY .
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the applicable Fund on behalf of each Portfolio:
1) | Make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling securities or other financial assets relating to its duties under this Agreement; provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio; |
2) | Surrender securities or other financial assets in temporary form for securities or other financial assets in definitive form; |
3) | Endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments; and |
4) | In general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the securities |
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and other financial assets of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed by the applicable Board. |
S ECTION 11. | D UTIES OF C USTODIAN WITH R ESPECT TO THE B OOKS OF A CCOUNT AND C ALCULATION OF N ET A SSET V ALUE AND N ET I NCOME . |
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to any organization appointed by the Board of a Portfolio of a Fund to keep the books of account of the Portfolio and compute the net asset value per Portfolio Interest of the outstanding Portfolio Interests or, if directed in writing to do so by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of account and compute such net asset value per Portfolio Interest. If and as so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as described in the Funds currently effective prospectus ( Prospectus ) and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among its various components. Each Fund acknowledges and agrees that, with respect to investments maintained with the Underlying Transfer Agent, the Underlying Transfer Agent is the sole source of information on the number of Portfolio Interests held by it on behalf of a Portfolio and that the Custodian has the right to rely on holdings information furnished by the Underlying Transfer Agent to the Custodian in performing its duties under this Agreement, including without limitation, the duties set forth in this Section 11 and in Section 12; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be obligated to reconcile information as to purchases and sales of Underlying Shares contained in trade instructions and confirmations received by the Custodian and to report promptly any discrepancies to the Underlying Transfer Agent. If and as so directed, the calculations of the net asset value per Portfolio Interest and the daily income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from time to time in the Prospectus.
S ECTION 12. R ECORDS .
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement in such manner as will meet the obligations of each Fund under the 1940 Act, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of the SEC. The Custodian shall, at the Funds request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations. In the event that the Custodian is requested or authorized by a Fund, or required by subpoena, administrative order, court order or other legal process, applicable law or regulation, or required in connection with any investigation, examination or inspection of the Fund by state or federal regulatory agencies, to produce the records of the Fund or the Custodians personnel as witnesses, the Fund agrees to pay the Custodian for the Custodians time and expenses, as well as the fees and expenses of the Custodians counsel, incurred in responding to such request, order or requirement.
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S ECTION 13. F UND S I NDEPENDENT A CCOUNTANTS ; R EPORTS .
S ECTION 13.1 O PINIONS . The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as a Fund with respect to a Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Funds independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Funds Form N-1A or Form N-2, as applicable, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements thereof.
S ECTION 13.2 R EPORTS . Upon reasonable request of a Fund, the Custodian shall provide the Fund with a copy of the Custodians Service Organizational Control (SOC) 1 reports prepared in accordance with the requirements of AT section 801, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization (formerly Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16). The Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Fund with such reports as the Fund may reasonably request or otherwise reasonably require to fulfill its duties under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act or similar legal and regulatory requirements.
S ECTION 14. C USTODIAN S S TANDARD OF C ARE ; E XCULPATION .
14.1 S TANDARD OF C ARE . In carrying out the provisions of this Agreement, the Custodian shall act in good faith and without negligence and willful misconduct and shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care.
14.2 R ELIANCE ON P ROPER I NSTRUCTIONS . The Custodian shall be entitled conclusively to rely and act upon Proper Instructions until the Custodian has received notice of any change from the Fund and has had a reasonable time to act thereon. The Custodian may act on a Proper Instruction if it reasonably believes that it contains sufficient information and may refrain from acting on any Proper Instructions until such time that it has determined, in its sole discretion, that is has received any required clarification or authentication of Proper Instructions. The Custodian may rely upon and shall be protected in acting upon any Proper Instruction or any other instruction, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the applicable Fund.
14.3 O THER R ELIANCE . The Custodian is authorized and instructed to rely upon the information that the Custodian receives from the Fund or any third party on behalf of the Fund. The Custodian shall have no responsibility to review, confirm or otherwise assume any duty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any information supplied to it by or on behalf of any Fund. The Custodian shall have no liability in respect of any loss, cost or expense incurred or sustained by the Fund arising from the performance of the Custodians duties hereunder in reliance upon records that were maintained for the Fund by any individual or organization, other than the Custodian, prior to the Custodians appointment as custodian hereunder. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to the advice.
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14.4 L IABILITY FOR F OREIGN C USTODIANS . The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of an Eligible Foreign Custodian to the same extent as if the action or omission were performed by the Custodian itself, taking into account the facts and circumstances and the established local market practices and laws prevailing in the particular jurisdiction in which the Fund elects to invest.
14.5 I NSOLVENCY AND C OUNTRY R ISK . The Custodian shall in no event be liable for (a) the insolvency of any Eligible Foreign Custodian, (b) the insolvency of any depositary bank maintaining in a deposit account cash denominated in any currency other than an on book currency, or (c) any loss, cost or expense incurred or sustained by a Fund or Portfolio resulting from or caused by Country Risk.
14.6 F ORCE M AJEURE AND T HIRD P ARTY A CTIONS . The Custodian shall be without responsibility or liability to any Fund or Portfolio for: (a) events or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian, including, without limitation, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the closure of any currency or securities market or system, power or other mechanical or technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications disruptions, work stoppages, natural disasters, acts of war, revolution, riots or terrorism or other similar force majeure events or acts; (b) errors by any Fund, its Investment Advisor or any other duly authorized person in their instructions to the Custodian; (c) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a U.S. Securities System, Foreign Securities System, Underlying Transfer Agent or domestic sub-custodian designated pursuant to Section 2.2; (d) the failure of any Fund, its Investment Advisor, Portfolio or any duly authorized individual or organization to adhere to the Custodians operational policies and procedures; (e) any delay or failure of any broker, agent, securities intermediary or other intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodians sub-custodian or agent securities or other financial assets purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection with securities or other financial assets sold; (f) any delay or failure of any organization in charge of registering or transferring securities or other financial assets in the name of the Custodian, any Fund, any Portfolio, the Custodians sub-custodians, nominees or agents including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other accretions or benefits; (g) delays or inability to perform its duties due to any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any particular security, other financial asset, U.S. Securities System or Foreign Securities System; and (h) the effect of any provision of any law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction.
14.7 I NDIRECT /S PECIAL /C ONSEQUENTIAL D AMAGES . Notwithstanding any other provision set forth herein, in no event shall either party be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever (including, without limitation, lost profits) with respect to the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, regardless of whether either party has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The limitations of liability set forth in this Section 14.7 shall apply regardless of the form or type of action in which a claim is brought or under which it is made, whether in contract, tort (including negligence of any kind), warranty, strict liability, indemnity or any other legal or equitable grounds, and shall survive failure of an exclusive remedy.
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14.8 D ELIVERY OF P ROPERTY . The Custodian shall not be responsible for any securities or other assets of a Portfolio which are not received by the Custodian or which are delivered out in accordance with Proper Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any securities or other assets or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
14.9 N O I NVESTMENT A DVICE . The Custodian has no responsibility to monitor or oversee the investment activity undertaken by a Fund or its Investment Advisor or by an Portfolio. The Custodian has no duty to ensure or to inquire whether an Investment Advisor complies with any investment objectives or restrictions agreed upon between a Fund and the Investment Advisor or whether the Investment Advisor complies with its legal obligations under applicable securities laws or other laws, including laws intended to protect the interests of investors. The Custodian shall neither assess nor take any responsibility or liability for the suitability or appropriateness of the investments made by a Fund or a Portfolio or on its behalf.
14.10 C OMMUNICATIONS . The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with securities or other financial assets of a Portfolio at any time held by the Custodian unless (a) the Custodian or the Eligible Foreign Custodian is in actual possession of such foreign securities or other financial assets, (b) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of the right or power, and (c) both of the conditions referred to in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) have been satisfied at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action to exercise the right or power.
14.11 L OANED S ECURITIES . Income due to each Portfolio on securities or other financial assets loaned shall be the responsibility of the applicable Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection with loaned securities or other financial assets, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is entitled.
14.12 T RADE C OUNTERPARTIES . A Funds receipt of securities or other financial assets from a counterparty in connection with any of its purchase transactions and its receipt of cash from a counterparty in connection with any sale or redemption of securities or other financial assets will be at the Funds sole risk, and the Custodian shall not be obligated to make demands on the Funds behalf if the Funds counterparty defaults. If a Funds counterparty fails to deliver securities, other financial assets or cash, the Custodian will, as its sole responsibility, notify the Funds Investment Advisor of the failure within a reasonable time after the Custodian became aware of the failure.
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S ECTION 15. C OMPENSATION AND I NDEMNIFICATION OF C USTODIAN ; S ECURITY I NTEREST .
S ECTION . 15.1 C OMPENSATION . The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services and expenses as agreed upon from time to time between each Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
S ECTION 15.2 I NDEMNIFICATION . Each Portfolio agrees to indemnify the Custodian and to hold the Custodian harmless from and against any loss, cost or expense sustained or incurred by the Custodian in acting or omitting to act under or in respect of this Agreement in good faith and without negligence or willful misconduct, including, without limitation, (a) the Custodians compliance with Proper Instructions and (b) in connection with the provision of services to a Fund pursuant to Section 7, any obligations, including taxes, withholding and reporting requirements, claims for exemption and refund, additions for late payment, interest, penalties and other expenses, that may be assessed against the Fund, the Portfolio or the Custodian as custodian of the assets of the Fund or the Portfolio. If a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio instructs the Custodian to take any action with respect to securities or other financial assets, and the action involves the payment of money or may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable therefor, the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to the Custodian taking the action, shall provide to the Custodian at the Custodians request such further indemnification in an amount and form satisfactory to the Custodian.
S ECTION 15.3 S ECURITY I NTEREST . Each Fund hereby grants to the Custodian, to secure the payment and performance of the Funds obligations under this Agreement, whether contingent or otherwise, a security interest in and right of recoupment and setoff against all cash and all securities and other financial assets at any time held for the account of a Portfolio by or through the Custodian. The obligations include, without limitation, the Funds obligations to reimburse the Custodian if the Custodian or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents advances cash or securities or other financial assets to the Fund for any purpose (including but not limited to settlements of securities or other financial assets, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement), or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except such as may arise from its or its nominees own negligence, as well as the Funds obligation to compensate the Custodian pursuant to Section 15.1 or indemnify the Custodian pursuant to Section 15.2. Should the Fund fail to reimburse or otherwise pay the Custodian any obligation under this Agreement promptly, the Custodian shall have the rights and remedies of a secured party under this Agreement, the UCC and other applicable law, including the right to utilize available cash and to sell or otherwise dispose of the Portfolios assets to the extent necessary to obtain payment or reimbursement. The Custodian may at any time decline to follow Proper Instructions to deliver out cash, securities or other financial assets if the Custodian determines in its reasonable discretion that, after giving effect to the Proper Instructions, the cash, securities or other financial assets remaining will not have sufficient value fully to secure the Funds payment or reimbursement obligations, whether contingent or otherwise.
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S ECTION 16. E FFECTIVE P ERIOD AND T ERMINATION .
S ECTION 16.1 T ERM . This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for an initial term ending five (5) years from the date hereof. After the expiration of the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless a written notice of non-renewal is delivered by the non-renewing party no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, as the case may be. A written notice of non-renewal may be given as to a Fund or a Portfolio.
S ECTION 16.2 T ERMINATION . Either party may terminate this Agreement as to a Fund or a Portfolio: (a) in the event of the other partys material breach of a material provision of this Agreement that the other party has either failed to cure, or failed to establish a remedial plan to cure that is reasonably acceptable to the non-breaching party, within 120 days written notice being given by the non-breaching party of the breach, or (b) in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the other party, the commencement by or against the other party of a bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding, or upon the happening of a like event to the other party at the direction of an appropriate agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
S ECTION 16.3 P AYMENTS O WING TO THE C USTODIAN . Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 16.1 or 16.2 with respect to any Fund or Portfolio, the applicable Fund shall pay to the Custodian any compensation then due and shall reimburse the Custodian for its other fees, expenses and charges. Upon receipt of such payment and reimbursement, the Custodian will deliver the Funds or Portfolios cash and its securities and other financial assets as set forth in Section 17.
S ECTION 16.4 E FFECT OF T ERMINATION . Termination of this Agreement with respect to any one particular Fund or Portfolio shall in no way affect the rights and duties under this Agreement with respect to any other Fund or Portfolio. Following termination with respect to a Fund or Portfolio, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility to forward information under Section 3.8 or 5.8. The provisions of Sections 7, 14, 15 and 17 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.
S ECTION 17. S UCCESSOR C USTODIAN .
S ECTION 17.1 S UCCESSOR A PPOINTED . If a successor custodian shall be appointed for a Portfolio by its Board, the Custodian shall, upon termination of this Agreement and receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver to the successor custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all cash and all securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio then held by the Custodian hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio held in a U.S. Securities System or Foreign Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent.
S ECTION 17.2 N O S UCCESSOR A PPOINTED . If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like manner, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver at the
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office of the Custodian and transfer the cash and the securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio in accordance with the Proper Instructions.
S ECTION 17.3 N O S UCCESSOR A PPOINTED AND N O P ROPERTY I NSTRUCTIONS . If no successor custodian has been appointed and no Proper Instructions have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the termination of this Agreement, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a bank as defined in the 1940 Act, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, or New York, New York, of its own selection, all cash and all securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio then held by the Custodian hereunder, and to transfer to an account of the bank or trust company all of the securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio held in any U.S. Securities System or Foreign Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent. The transfer will be on such terms as are contained in this Agreement or as the Custodian may otherwise reasonably negotiate with the bank or trust company. Any compensation payable to the bank or trust company, and any cost or expense incurred by the Custodian, in connection with the transfer shall be for the account of the Portfolio.
S ECTION 17.4 R EMAINING P ROPERTY . If any cash or any securities or other financial assets of the Portfolio held by the Custodian hereunder remain held by the Custodian after the termination of this Agreement owing to the failure of the applicable Fund to provide Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian holds the cash or the securities or other financial assets (the existing agreed-to compensation at the time of termation shall be one indicator of what is considered fair compensation). The provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties, exculpation and indemnification of the Custodian shall apply in favor of the Custodian during such period.
S ECTION 17.5 R ESERVES . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 17, the Custodian may retain cash or securities or other financial assets of the Fund or Portfolio as a reserve reasonably established by the Custodian to secure the payment or performance of any obligations of the Fund or Portfolio secured by a security interest or right of recoupment or setoff in favor of the Custodian.
S ECTION 18. R EMOTE A CCESS S ERVICES A DDENDUM . The Custodian and each Fund agree to be bound by the terms of the Remote Access Services Addendum hereto.
S ECTION 19. L OAN S ERVICES A DDENDUM . If a Fund directs the Custodian in writing to perform loan services, the Custodian and the Fund will be bound by the terms of the Loan Services Addendum attached hereto. The Fund shall reimburse Custodian for its fees and expenses related thereto as agreed upon from time to time in writing by the Fund and the Custodian.
S ECTION 20. G ENERAL .
S ECTION 20.1 G OVERNING L AW . Any and all matters in dispute between the parties hereto, whether arising from or relating to this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to any
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conflict of laws rules. Likewise, the law applicable to all issues in Article 2(1) of the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Certain Rights in respect of Securities Held with an Intermediary is the law in force in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
S ECTION 20.2 [R ESERVED ]
S ECTION 20.3 P RIOR A GREEMENTS ; A MENDMENTS . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between each Fund on behalf of each of the Funds Portfolios and the Custodian relating to the custody of the Funds assets. This Agreement may be amended at any time in writing by mutual agreement of the parties hereto.
S ECTION 20.4 A SSIGNMENT . This Agreement may not be assigned by (a) any Fund without the written consent of the Custodian or (b) the Custodian without the written consent of each applicable Fund. However, without the consent any Fund or any Portfolio, the Custodian may assign this Agreement to a successor of all or a substantial portion of its business, or to a party controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Custodian. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian may employ, engage, associate or contract with such person or persons, including, without limitation, affiliates and subsidiaries of the Custodian, as the Custodian may deem desirable to assist it in performing certain of its non-custodial obligations under this Agreement without the consent of any Fund; provided , however , that the compensation of such person or persons shall be paid by the Custodian and that the Custodian shall be as fully responsible to the Fund for the acts and omissions of any such person or persons as it is for its own acts and omissions under this Agreement.
S ECTION 20.5 I NTERPRETIVE AND A DDITIONAL P ROVISIONS . In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and each Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by all parties, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable laws or regulations or any provision of a Funds organic record and Prospectus. No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be an amendment of this Agreement.
S ECTION 20.6 A DDITIONAL F UNDS AND P ORTFOLIOS .
20.6.1 A DDITIONAL F UND . If any management investment company in addition to those listed on Appendix A desires he Custodian to render services as custodian under the terms of this Agreement, the management investment company shall so notify the Custodian in writing. If the Custodian agrees in writing to provide the services, the management investment company shall become a Fund hereunder and be bound by all terms and conditions and provisions hereof including, without limitation, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 20.7 below.
20.6.2 A DDITIONAL P ORTFOLIO . If any Fund establishes a series in addition to the Portfolios set forth on Appendix A with respect to which the Fund desires the Custodian to render services as custodian under the terms of this Agreement, the Fund shall so notify the
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Custodian in writing. If the Custodian agrees in writing to provide the services, the series shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
S ECTION 20.7 T HE P ARTIES ; R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES . All references in this Agreement to the Fund are to each of the management investment companies listed on Appendix A, and each management investment company made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 20.6 above, individually, as if this Agreement were between the individual Fund and the Custodian. In the case of a series organization, all references in this Agreement to the Portfolio are to the individual series of the series organization on behalf of the individual series. Any reference in this Agreement to the parties shall mean the Custodian and such other individual Fund as to which the matter pertains.
20.7.1 F UND R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES . Each Fund hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is duly organized and validly existing in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization; (b) it has the requisite power and authority under applicable law and its organic record to enter into and perform this Agreement; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) no legal or administrative proceedings have been instituted or threatened which would materially impair the Funds ability to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and (e) its entering into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Fund or any law or regulation applicable to it.
20.7.2 C USTODIAN R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES . The Custodian hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is a trust company, duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; (b) it has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) no legal or administrative proceedings have been instituted or threatened which would materially impair the Custodians ability to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and (e) its entering into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Custodian or any law or regulation applicable to it.
S ECTION 20.8 N OTICES . Any notice, instruction or other communication required to be given hereunder will, unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, be in writing and may be sent by hand, or by facsimile transmission, or overnight delivery by any recognized delivery service, to the parties at the following addresses or such other addresses as may be notified by any party from time to time.
To any Fund: | c/o N UVEEN I NVESTMENTS | |
333 West Wacker Drive | ||
Chicago, Illinois 60606 | ||
Attention: Stephen Foy | ||
Telephone: 312-917-7956 |
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To the Custodian: | S TATE S TREET B ANK AND T RUST C OMPANY | |
One Lincoln Street | ||
Boston, MA 02111 | ||
Attention: Louis Abruzzi | ||
Telephone: 617-662-0300 | ||
with a copy to: |
||
S TATE S TREET B ANK AND T RUST C OMPANY | ||
Legal Division Global Services Americas | ||
One Lincoln Street | ||
Boston, MA 02111 | ||
Attention: Senior Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel |
S ECTION 20.9 C OUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Counterparts may be executed in either original or electronically transmitted form (e.g., faxes or emailed portable document format (PDF) form), and the parties hereby adopt as original any signatures received in electronically transmitted form.
S ECTION 20.10 S EVERABILITY ; N O W AIVER . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The failure of a party hereto to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion or the failure of a party hereto to exercise or any delay in exercising any right or remedy under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any the term, right or remedy or a waiver of any other rights or remedies, and no single or partial exercise of any right or remedy under this Agreement shall prevent any further exercise of the right or remedy or the exercise of any other right or remedy.
S ECTION 20.11 C ONFIDENTIALITY . All information provided under this Agreement by a party (the Disclosing Party) to the other party (the Receiving Party) regarding the Disclosing Partys business and operations shall be treated as confidential. Subject to Section 20.12 below, all confidential information provided under this Agreement by Disclosing Party shall be used, including disclosure to third parties, by the Receiving Party, or its agents or service providers, solely for the purpose of performing or receiving the services and discharging the Receiving Partys other obligations under the Agreement or managing the business of the Receiving Party and its affiliates, including financial and operational management and reporting, risk management, legal and regulatory compliance and client service management. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information (a) that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of this Agreement, (b) that is independently derived by the Receiving Party without the use of any information provided by the Disclosing Party in connection with this Agreement, (c) that is disclosed to comply with any legal or regulatory proceeding, investigation, audit, examination, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other similar process, (d) that is disclosed as required by operation of law or
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regulation or as required to comply with the requirements of any market infrastructure that the Disclosing Party or its agents direct the Custodian or its affiliates to employ (or which is required in connection with the holding or settlement of instruments included in the assets subject to this Agreement), or (e) where the party seeking to disclose has received the prior written consent of the party providing the information, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
S ECTION 20.12 U SE OF D ATA .
(a) In connection with the provision of the services and the discharge of its other obligations under this Agreement, the Custodian (which term for purposes of this Section 20.12 includes each of its parent company, branches and affiliates ( Affiliates )) may collect and store information regarding a Fund and share such information with its Affiliates, agents and service providers in order and to the extent reasonably necessary (i) to carry out the provision of services contemplated under this Agreement and other agreements between the Fund and the Custodian or any of its Affiliates and (ii) to carry out management of its businesses, including, but not limited to, financial and operational management and reporting, risk management, legal and regulatory compliance and client service management.
(b) Subject to paragraph (c) below, the Custodian and/or its Affiliates (except those Affiliates or business divisions principally engaged in the business of asset management) may use any data or other information ( Data ) obtained by such entities in the performance of their services under this Agreement or any other agreement between the Fund and the Custodian or one of its Affiliates, including Data regarding transactions and portfolio holdings relating to the Fund, and publish, sell, distribute or otherwise commercialize the Data; provided that, unless the Fund otherwise consents, Data is combined or aggregated with information relating to (i) other customers of the Custodian and/or its Affiliates or (ii) information derived from other sources, in each case such that any published information will be displayed in a manner designed to prevent attribution to or identification of such Data with the Fund. The Fund agrees that Custodian and/or its Affiliates may seek to profit and realize economic benefit from the commercialization and use of the Data, that such benefit will constitute part of the Custodians compensation for services under this Agreement or such other agreement, and the Custodian and/or its Affiliates shall be entitled to retain and not be required to disclose the amount of such economic benefit and profit to the Fund.
(c) Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, nothing in this Section 20.12 shall limit the confidentiality and data-protection obligations of the Custodian and its Affiliates under this Agreement and applicable law. The Custodian shall cause any Affiliate, agent or service provider to which it has disclosed Data pursuant to this Section 20.12 to comply at all times with confidentiality and data-protection obligations as if it were a party to this Agreement.
S ECTION 20.13 D ATA P RIVACY . The Custodian will implement and maintain a written information security program that contains appropriate security measures to safeguard the personal information of the Funds shareholders, employees, directors and officers that the Custodian receives, stores, maintains, processes or otherwise accesses in connection with the provision of
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services hereunder. The term, personal information , as used in this Section, means (a) an individuals name (first initial and last name or first name and last name), address or telephone number plus (i) Social Security number, (ii) drivers license number, (iii) state identification card number, (iv) debit or credit card number, (v) financial account number or (vi) personal identification number or password that would permit access to a persons account, or (b) any combination of any of the foregoing that would allow a person to log onto or access an individuals account. The term does not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from federal, state or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.
S ECTION 20.14 R EPRODUCTION OF D OCUMENTS . This Agreement and all schedules, addenda, exhibits, appendices, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. Any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.
S ECTION 20.15 R EGULATION GG . Each Fund represents and warrants that it does not engage in an Internet gambling business, as such term is defined in Section 233.2(r) of Federal Reserve Regulation GG (12 CFR 233) and covenants that it shall not engage in an Internet gambling business. In accordance with Regulation GG, each Fund is hereby notified that restricted transactions, as such term is defined in Section 233.2(y) of Regulation GG, are prohibited in any dealings with the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise between or among any party hereto.
S ECTION 20.16 S HAREHOLDER C OMMUNICATIONS E LECTION . SEC Rule 14b-2 requires banks that hold securities, as that term is used in federal securities laws, for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with the rule, as may be applicable, the Custodian needs each Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide such Funds name, address, and share position to requesting companies whose securities the Fund owns. If a Fund tells the Custodian no, the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If a Fund tells the Custodian yes or does not check either yes or no below, the Custodian is required by the rule, as applicable, to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund. For a Funds protection, the Rule, as applicable, prohibits the requesting company from using the Funds name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.
YES [ ] | The Custodian is authorized to release the Funds name, address, and share positions. |
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NO [X] | The Custodian is not authorized to release the Funds name, address, and share positions. |
S ECTION 20.17 L IMITATION OF L IABILITY . To the extent that a Funds Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this Agreement is executed on behalf of such Fund by the Funds officers as officers and not individually. The obligations imposed upon the applicable Fund by this Agreement are not binding upon any of such Funds Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.
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S IGNATURE P AGE
I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative under seal as of the date first above-written.
EACH OF THE MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND SERIES
SET FORTH ON APPENDIX A HERETO
By: |
/s/ Stephen Foy |
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Name: | Stephen Foy | |
Title: | Vice President and Fund Controller | |
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY | ||
By: |
/s/ Gunjan Kedia |
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Name: | Gunjan Kedia | |
Title: | Executive Vice President |
Master Custodian Agreement
APPENDIX A
TO
M ASTER C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
NUVEEN CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Diversified Real Asset Income Fund
Dow 30 SM Enhanced Premium & Income Fund Inc.
Dow 30 SM Premium & Dividend Income Fund Inc.
NASDAQ Premium Income & Growth Fund Inc.
Nuveen All Cap Energy MLP Opportunities Fund
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund
Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund
Nuveen California AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund 2
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc.
Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund
Nuveen Diversified Currency Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Diversified Dividend and Income Fund
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen Dow 30 Dynamic Overwrite Fund
Nuveen Energy MLP Total Return Fund
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Value Fund
Nuveen Equity Premium Advantage Fund
Nuveen Equity Premium and Growth Fund
Nuveen Equity Premium Income Fund
Nuveen Equity Premium Opportunity Fund
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund
Nuveen Georgia Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen Global High Income Fund Nuveen Global Income Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund f/k/a Nuveen Global Value Opportunities Fund
Nuveen High Income 2020 Target Term Fund
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Term Fund
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Quality Municipal Term Fund
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Nuveen Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Minnesota Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen Missouri Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund 2
Nuveen Municipal Advantage Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Municipal High Income Opportunity Fund
Nuveen Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund
Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen New Jersey Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Value Fund
Nuveen New Jersey Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen New York AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund 2
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund, Inc.
Nuveen New York Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Ohio Quality Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Pennsylvania Investment Quality Municipal Fund
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Value Fund
Nuveen Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc.
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 4, Inc.
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 3
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth
Fund Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund
Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3
Nuveen Senior Income Fund
Nuveen Short Duration Credit Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund
Nuveen Technology Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund
NUVEEN OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
NUVEEN MUNICIPAL TRUST , on behalf of:
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen All-American Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Inflation Protected Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Short Duration High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Strategic Municipal Opportunities Fund
NUVEEN MULTISTATE TRUST I , on behalf of:
Nuveen Arizona Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Colorado Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Maryland Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen New Mexico Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN MULTISTATE TRUST II , on behalf of:
Nuveen California High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen California Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen New York Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN MULTISTATE TRUST III , on behalf of:
Nuveen Georgia Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Louisiana Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN MULTISTATE TRUST IV , on behalf of:
Nuveen Kansas Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Kentucky Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Michigan Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Missouri Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Wisconsin Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST , on behalf of:
Nuveen Concentrated Core Fund
Nuveen Core Dividend Fund
Nuveen Equity Market Neutral Fund
Nuveen Global Total Return Bond Fund
Nuveen Large Cap Core Fund
Nuveen Large Cap Core Plus Fund
Nuveen Large Cap Growth Fund
Nuveen Large Cap Value Fund (f/k/a Nuveen Multi-Manager Large-Cap Value Fund)
Nuveen NWQ Global Equity Fund
Nuveen NWQ Global Equity Income Fund (f/k/a Nuveen NWQ Equity Income Fund)
Nuveen NWQ Multi-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Small-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Large-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Small/Mid-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Value Opportunities Fund
Nuveen U.S. Infrastructure Income Fund
NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST II , on behalf of:
Nuveen Equity Long/Short Fund
Nuveen Global Growth Fund
Nuveen Growth Fund
Nuveen International Growth Fund
Nuveen Santa Barbara Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Santa Barbara Global Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Santa Barbara International Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Symphony Dynamic Equity Fund
Nuveen Symphony International Equity Fund
Nuveen Symphony Large-Cap Growth Fund
Nuveen Symphony Low Volatility Equity Fund
Nuveen Symphony Mid-Cap Core Fund
Nuveen Symphony Small Cap Core Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Emerging Markets Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds International Value Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Japan Fund
Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth Fund
NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST III , on behalf of:
Nuveen Symphony Credit Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Symphony Dynamic Credit Fund
Nuveen Symphony Floating Rate Income Fund
Nuveen Symphony High Yield Bond Fund
NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST V , on behalf of:
Nuveen Gresham Diversified Commodity Strategy Fund
Nuveen Gresham Long/Short Commodity Strategy Fund
Nuveen NWQ Flexible Income Fund
Nuveen Preferred Securities Fund
NUVEEN MANAGED ACCOUNTS PORTFOLIOS TRUST , on behalf of
Enhanced Multi-Strategy Income Managed Accounts Portfolio
Municipal Total Return Managed Accounts Portfolio
NUVEEN INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC. , on behalf of
Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund
Nuveen Real Asset Income Fund
Nuveen International Select Fund
LOAN SERVICES ADDENDUM
TO MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
ADDENDUM to that certain Master Custodian Agreement (the Custodian Agreement ) by and among each fund (a Fund ) identified on Appendix A thereto or made subject thereto pursuant to Section 20.6 thereof and State Street Bank and Trust Company, including its subsidiaries and other affiliates (the Custodian ). As used in this Addendum, the term Fund , in relation to a Loan (as defined below), includes a Portfolio on whose behalf the Fund acts with respect to the Loan.
The following provisions will apply with respect to interests in commercial loans, including loan participations, whether the loans are bilateral or syndicated and whether any obligor is located in or outside of the United States (collectively, Loans ), made or acquired by a Fund on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios.
S ECTION 1. P AYMENT C USTODY . If a Fund wishes the Custodian to receive payments directly with respect to a Loan for credit to the bank account maintained by the Custodian for the Fund under the Custodian Agreement,
(a) the Fund will cause the Custodian to be named as the Funds nominee for payment purposes under the relevant financing documents, e.g., in the case of a syndicated loan, the administrative contact for the agent bank, and otherwise provide for the payment to the Custodian of the payments with respect to the Loan; and
(b) the Custodian will credit to the bank account maintained by the Custodian for the Fund under the Custodian Agreement any payment on or in respect of the Loan actually received by the Custodian and identified as relating to the Loan, but with any amount credited being conditional upon clearance and actual receipt by the Custodian of final payment.
S ECTION 2. M ONITORING . If a Fund wishes the Custodian to monitor payments on and forward notices relating to a Loan,
(a) the Fund will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Custodian a schedule identifying the amount and due dates of the scheduled principal payments, the scheduled interest payment dates and related payment amount information, and such other information with respect to the Loan as the Custodian may reasonably require in order to perform its services hereunder (collectively, Loan Information ) and in such form and format as the Custodian may reasonably request; and
(b) the Custodian will (i) if the amount of a principal, interest, fee or other payment with respect to the Loan is not received by the Custodian on the date on which the amount is scheduled to be paid as reflected in the Loan Information, provide a report to the Fund that the payment has not been received and (ii) if the Custodian receives any consent solicitation, notice of default or similar notice from any syndication agent, lead or obligor on the Loan, undertake reasonable efforts to forward the notice to the Fund.
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S ECTION 3. E XCULPATION OF THE C USTODIAN .
(a) Payment Custody and Monitoring. The Custodian will have no liability for any delay or failure by the Fund or any third party in providing Loan Information to the Custodian or for any inaccuracy or incompleteness of any Loan Information. The Custodian will have no obligation to verify, investigate, recalculate, update or otherwise confirm the accuracy or completeness of any Loan Information or other information or notices received by the Custodian in respect of the Loan. The Custodian will be entitled to (i) rely upon the Loan Information provided to it by or on behalf of the Fund or any other information or notices that the Custodian may receive from time to time from any syndication agent, lead or obligor or any similar party with respect to the Loan and (ii) update its records on the basis of such information or notices as may from time to time be received by the Custodian.
(b) Any Service. The Custodian will have no obligation to (i) determine whether any necessary steps have been taken or requirements have been met for the Fund to have acquired good or record title to a Loan, (ii) ensure that the Funds acquisition of the Loan has been authorized by the Fund, (iii) collect past due payments on the Loan, preserve any rights against prior parties, exercise any right or perform any obligation in connection with the Loan (including taking any action in connection with any consent solicitation, notice of default or similar notice received from any syndication agent, lead or obligor on the Loan) or otherwise take any other action to enforce the payment obligations of any obligor on the Loan, (iv) become itself the record title holder of the Loan or (v) make any advance of its own funds with respect to the Loan.
(c) Miscellaneous. The Custodian will not be considered to have been or be charged with knowledge of the sale of a Loan by the Fund, unless and except to the extent that the Custodian shall have received written notice of the sale from the Fund and the proceeds of the sale have been received by the Custodian for credit to the bank account maintained by the Custodian for the Fund under the Custodian Agreement. If any question arises as to the Custodians duties under this Addendum, the Custodian may request instructions from the Fund and will be entitled at all times to refrain from taking any action unless it has received Proper Instructions from the Fund. The Custodian will in all events have no liability, risk or cost for any action taken or omitted with respect to the Loan pursuant to Proper Instructions. The Custodian will have no responsibilities or duties whatsoever with respect to the Loan except as are expressly set forth in this Addendum.
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F UNDS T RANSFER A DDENDUM
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OPERATING GUIDELINES
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1. OBLIGATION OF THE SENDER : State Street is authorized to promptly debit Clients account(s) upon the receipt of a payment order in compliance with the selected Security Procedure chosen for funds transfer and in the amount of money that State Street has been instructed to transfer. State Street shall execute payment orders in compliance with the Security Procedure and with the Clients instructions on the execution date provided that such payment order is received by the customary deadline for processing such a request, unless the payment order specifies a later time. All payment orders and communications received after this time will be deemed to have been received on the next business day.
2. SECURITY PROCEDURE : The Client acknowledges that the Security Procedure it has designated on the Selection Form was selected by the Client from Security Procedures offered by State Street. The Client agrees that the Security Procedures are reasonable and adequate for its wire transfer transactions and agrees to be bound by any payment orders, amendments and cancellations, whether or not authorized, issued in its name and accepted by State Street after being confirmed by any of the selected Security Procedures. The Client also agrees to be bound by any other valid and authorized payment order accepted by State Street. The Client shall restrict access to confidential information relating to the Security Procedure to authorized persons as communicated in writing to State Street. The Client must notify State Street immediately if it has reason to believe unauthorized persons may have obtained access to such information or of any change in the Clients authorized personnel. State Street shall verify the authenticity of all instructions according to the Security Procedure.
3. ACCOUNT NUMBERS: State Street shall process all payment orders on the basis of the account number contained in the payment order. In the event of a discrepancy between any name indicated on the payment order and the account number, the account number shall take precedence and govern. Financial institutions that receive payment orders initiated by State Street at the instruction of the Client may also process payment orders on the basis of account numbers, regardless of any name included in the payment order. State Street will also rely on any financial institution identification numbers included in any payment order, regardless of any financial institution name included in the payment order.
4. REJECTION: State Street reserves the right to decline to process or delay the processing of a payment order which (a) is in excess of the collected balance in the account to be charged at the time of State Streets receipt of such payment order; (b) if initiating such payment order would cause State Street, in State Streets sole judgment, to exceed any volume, aggregate dollar, network, time, credit or similar limits upon wire transfers which are applicable to State Street; or (c) if State Street, in good faith, is unable to satisfy itself that the transaction has been properly authorized.
5. CANCELLATION OR AMENDMENT : State Street shall use reasonable efforts to act on all authorized requests to cancel or amend payment orders received in compliance with the Security Procedure provided that such requests are received in a timely manner affording State Street reasonable opportunity to act. However, State Street assumes no liability if the request for amendment or cancellation cannot be satisfied.
6. ERRORS: State Street shall assume no responsibility for failure to detect any erroneous payment order provided that State Street complies with the payment order instructions as received and State Street complies with the Security Procedure. The Security Procedure is established for the purpose of authenticating payment orders only and not for the detection of errors in payment orders.
7. INTEREST AND LIABILITY LIMITS : State Street shall assume no responsibility for lost interest with respect to the refundable amount of any unauthorized payment order, unless State Street is notified of the unauthorized payment order within thirty (30) days of notification by State Street of the acceptance of such payment order. In no event shall State Street be liable for special, indirect or consequential damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages and even for failure to execute a payment order.
8. AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE (ACH) CREDIT ENTRIES/PROVISIONAL PAYMENTS : When a Client initiates or receives ACH credit and debit entries pursuant to these Guidelines and the rules of the National Automated Clearing House Association and the New England Clearing House Association, State Street will act as an Originating Depository Financial Institution and/or Receiving Depository Institution, as the case may be, with respect to such entries. Credits given by State Street with respect to an ACH credit entry are provisional until State Street receives final settlement for such entry from the Federal Reserve Bank. If State Street does not receive such final settlement, the Client agrees that State Street shall receive a refund of the amount credited to the Client in connection with such entry, and the party making payment to the Client via such entry shall not be deemed to have paid the amount of the entry.
9. CONFIRMATION STATEMENTS: Confirmation of State Streets execution of payment orders shall ordinarily be provided within 24 hours. Notice may be delivered through State Streets proprietary information systems, such as, but not limited to Horizon and GlobalQuest ® , account statements, advices, or by facsimile or callback. The Client must report any objections to the execution of a payment order within 30 days.
F UNDS T RANSFER A DDENDUM |
10. LIABILITY ON FOREIGN ACCOUNTS: State Street shall not be required to repay any deposit made at a non-U.S. branch of State Street, or any deposit made with State Street and denominated in a non-U.S. dollar currency, if repayment of such deposit or the use of assets denominated in the non-U.S. dollar currency is prevented, prohibited or otherwise blocked due to: (a) an act of war, insurrection or civil strife; (b) any action by a non-U.S. government or instrumentality or authority asserting governmental, military or police power of any kind, whether such authority be recognized as a defacto or a dejure government, or by any entity, political or revolutionary movement or otherwise that usurps, supervenes or otherwise materially impairs the normal operation of civil authority; or(c) the closure of a non-U.S. branch of State Street in order to prevent, in the reasonable judgment of State Street, harm to the employees or property of State Street. The obligation to repay any such deposit shall not be transferred to and may not be enforced against any other branch of State Street.
The foregoing provisions constitute the disclosure required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 167D, Section 36.
While State Street is not obligated to repay any deposit made at a non-U.S. branch or any deposit denominated in a non-U.S. currency during the period in which its repayment has been prevented, prohibited or otherwise blocked, State Street will repay such deposit when and if all circumstances preventing, prohibiting or otherwise blocking repayment cease to exist.
11. MISCELLANEOUS: State Street and the Client agree to cooperate to attempt to recover any funds erroneously paid to the wrong party or parties, regardless of any fault of State Street or the Client, but the party responsible for the erroneous payment shall bear all costs and expenses incurred in trying to effect such recovery. These Guidelines may not be amended except by a written agreement signed by the parties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Selection Form that is attached hereto may be updated from time to time by the parties without impacting the effectiveness of these Operating Guidelines.
FUNDS TRANSFER AND TRANSACTION ORIGINATION SECURITY SELECTION FORM
Client or Agent Name: (hereafter referred to as the Company)
This Form applies to all funds for which the Company is authorized to give proper instructions as such term is defined in the relevant contract with State Street.
Appendix A: Securities Procedure Selection Form
Additional commercially reasonable security controls may be required by State Street to supplement inherent features of funds transfer delivery methods in order to protect the integrity of each instruction.
1) Please select one or more of the delivery method options indicated below by checking the applicable boxes:
Security Controls required for the following delivery methods:
None. Messages are deemed to be self-authenticating, and any message received will be relied upon as an authenticated instruction.
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☐ SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is a cooperative society owned and operated by member financial institutions that provides telecommunication services for its membership. Participation is limited to securities brokers and dealers, clearing and depository institutions, recognized exchanges for securities, and investment institutions. SWIFT provides a number of security features through encryption and authentication to protect against unauthorized access, loss or wrong delivery of messages, transmission errors, loss of confidentiality and fraudulent changes to messages. SWIFT is considered to be one of the most secure and efficient networks for the delivery of funds transfer instructions.
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☐ iPayBenefits is a portal that offers Retirement Plan Sponsors, record keepers, third party administrators, banks and insurance companies a total Benefit Payments processing platform to access to retiree information. There are three components: the PLUS Web retiree benefits management application to add participants, change addresses, and stop and release payments; a Custom Queries tool for creating customized reports; and an open Customer Workspace area for posting of shared documents. Access by authorized users is through a web portal which uses RSA Adaptive Authentication (User ID and Password + security map).
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Security Controls required for the following delivery methods:
Enabled Encryption. Messages are deemed to be self-authenticating, and any message received will be relied upon as an authenticated instruction. |
☐ Data Communication - Message Queuing or a similarly architected product is a communication method that allows the Company to electronically deliver authorized financial transaction instructions to State Street using a straight through processing message delivery service.
Encryption must be enabled. All information communicated via this method is authorized by the Company.
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Security Controls required for the following delivery methods:
A predetermined authorized signature list or Funds Transfer Initiators and Verifiers List which outlines who can send instructions and who can approve them.
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☐ Connect: Direct is a data transfer product . Secure+ is a product add-on that implements cryptographic features such as mutual authentication, data encryption and cryptographic message integrity checking to send file based transfer and transaction instructions which may include Fed wire and Automated Clearinghouse (ACH). Secure+ is required.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers.
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☐ Secure Email Send Secure Feature Available in Outlook with Verification is a communication method that allows clients to electronically deliver financial transaction instructions to State Street using an enforced (encrypted) connection by responding to a secure email received from State Street. The communication method features use of cryptography to effect point-to-point encryption at the desktop.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers |
☐ Secure Transport (Individual) is a file transfer application based upon the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) standard that is designed to enable State Street clients/ investment managers to send file based transfer and transaction instructions over the internet which may include Fed wire and Automated Clearinghouse (ACH). Secure Transport features multi-factor authenticators such as SecurID and digital certificates, and incorporates industry-standard encryption protocols.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers. |
Security Controls required for the following delivery methods:
A predetermined authorized signature list or Funds Transfer Initiators and Verifiers List which outlines who can send instructions and who can approve them.
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☐ Secure Transport (Client) is a file transfer application based upon the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) standard that is designed to enable State Street clients/ investment managers to send file based transfer and transaction instructions over the internet which may include Fed wire and Automated Clearinghouse (ACH). Secure Transport features multi-factor authenticators such as SecurID and digital certificates, and incorporates industry-standard encryption protocols. Other SFTP solutions that require multi-factor authenticators such as SecurID and digital certificates, and incorporate industry-standard encryption protocols may also be considered.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers. |
Security Controls required for the following delivery methods:
A predetermined authorized signature list or Funds Transfer Initiators and Verifiers List which outlines who can send instructions and who can approve them. Multi-factor authentication must be established using one of the following methods: user id, password + token, out of band one-time password, or digital certificate. |
☐ iDeliver/iReports - Document Upload The iDeliver platform (RDS) manages the retrieval, processing, reformatting, and distribution of reports and data. iReports, is a launched application from my.statestreet.com which allows users to view archived reports via the Intranet. The Document Upload is a feature of iReports (a web module of iDeliver) to facilitate users to upload documents (mostly ad-hoc) for distribution using one or more of the supported delivery channels.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers. Multi-factor authentication must be established. |
☐ Trust Interface Facility A Company disbursement system which provides workflow/approval with complete audit trail using ASG/ Citrix multi-factor authentication. This is the web- based front end used by SEI clients only to instruct two-party wires, check requests, interbank transfers, ACH, and direct movements within SEI.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers. Multi- factor authentication must be established. |
☐ Global Office (vendor application: front end to Global Plus) Access through dedicated circuit, a multi-currency accounting system that delivers automation and straight thru processing.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers. Multi -factor authentication must be established. |
☐ State Street Cash Manager and State Street Springboard Cash Manager Global Funds Transfer (GFT) represent State Streets proprietary web-based system that enables clients to originate and electronically transmit authenticated repetitive and non-repetitive Fed wires, CHIPS, internal book transfers, drawdowns, and international payments to State Street. Any activity initiated by the Clients use of either Cash Manager access point shall constitute an Instruction to State Street in accordance with the terms of the Clients Custody Agreement, and such Instructions shall constitute funds transfer instructions originated by the Client and can either be in U.S. dollar or other currencies supported by the system. State Street Cash Manager and State Street Springboard Cash Manager GFT are PC and mobile access points to a web-based system utilizing the Internet employing the use of ID and password security, two factor token authentication and encryption to protect the integrity of transmissions to State Street.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers. |
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☐ Instruct is a State Street web-based application designed to provide internet-enabled remote access that allows for the capturing, verification and processing of various instruction types, including securities, cash and foreign exchange transactions. Instruct is designed using industry standard formats to facilitate straight-through processing. Instruct provides a number of security features through user entitlements, industry standard encryption protocols, digital security certificates and multiple tiers of user authentication requirements.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers. Multi-factor authentication must be established. |
Security Controls required for the following delivery methods:
A predetermined authorized signature list or Funds Transfer Initiators and Verifiers List which outlines who can send instructions and who can approve them. A Standing Instruction is required; it is recommended that a Repetitive Wire be established for this purpose. |
☐ Facsimile The faxing of information between the Company and State Street.
Security Controls required: Sophisticated Test Key or Telephone Confirmation (Callback); Predetermined authorizers; Standing Instructions. |
Security Controls required for the following delivery methods:
A predetermined authorized signature list or Funds Transfer Initiators and Verifiers List which outlines who can send instructions and who can approve them. A Standing Instruction is required; it is recommended that a Repetitive Wire be established for this purpose. A Telephone Confirmation (Callback) to an Authorized Verifier is required for Private Edge clients not using Access Security Gateway (ASG). |
☐ Expense Manager is available as a launched application through my.statestreet.com, and is an expense processing tool that includes accrual calculation and posting to Multi-Currency Horizon (MCH), payment allocation via intra-fund demand deposit account (DDA) transfers, general ledger entries and budget projections.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers. Multi- factor authentication must be established. |
☐ Cash Flow Module (eCFM) is a State Street application designed to provide remote access that allows the Company to electronically provide State Street with authorization for the transfer of funds and foreign exchange transactions. eCFM provides a number of security features through user entitlements, an option for dual approval, industry standard encryption protocols and user authentication requirements.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers; Standing Instructions; Private Edge Services additionally require Telephone Confirmation (Callback) for clients not using ASG. |
Security Controls required for the following delivery methods:
A predetermined authorized signature list or Funds Transfer Initiators and Verifiers List which outlines who can send instructions and who can approve them. A Telephone Confirmation (Callback) to an Authorized Verifier is required. |
☐ Email with Enforced Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a communication method that allows the Company to electronically deliver signed financial transaction instructions [Proper Instruction] to State Street using an enforced (encrypted) connection. The communication method features use of enforced network connections which include industry-standard transport layer cryptography to effect point-to-point encryption. State Street Enforced TLS requires third party trust and prohibits the use of self-signed digital certificates.
Security Controls required: Predetermined authorizers; Telephone Confirmation (Callback). |
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Appendix A: Securities Procedure Selection Form
2) | The following Security Controls are required in conjunction with the delivery methods selected above. Please select one or more of the Security Controls indicated below by checking the applicable boxes: |
☐ Telephone Confirmation (Callback)
Telephone confirmation will be used to verify instructions where indicated in the delivery method option. This procedure requires the Company to designate individuals as authorized initiators and authorized verifiers. State Street will verify that the instruction contains the signature of an authorized person and prior to execution, will contact someone other than the originator at the Companys location to authenticate the instruction. A second authorized person different from the originator or original approver will be contacted for instructions equal to or greater than US $10,000,000 or local currency equivalent. Telephone confirmation callback is required for delivery method selections that do not use multi-factor authentication. For business continuity purposes, alternate telephone numbers for authorized verifiers are provided for telephonic confirmation in a force majeure event. |
☐ Callback with SecurID ®
SecurID ® is a state-of-the-art product used to identify and authenticate the identity of an individual. Used in conjunction with telephone callback, it is the preferred authentication method for transactions equal to or greater than USD 10,000,000 or local currency equivalent. A second authorized person different from the originator or original approver will be contacted for instructions equal to or greater than US $10,000,000 or local currency equivalent. SecurID ® provides a more stringent security procedure for authenticating funds transfer requests, which substantially reduces the possibility of a fraudulent transaction. |
☐ Test Key
A test key is a unique character string that has been exchanged between the parties for the purpose of protecting the integrity of the communication and to identify and authenticate the Company in the ordinary course of business.
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☐ Sophisticated Test Key
Test keys submitted by clients are considered sophisticated when they are a combination of a test key number provided to them by State Street as well as some predefined detail(s) from the actual transaction instruction (currency, amount of shares or cash, settlement date, etc.). If the tested facsimile process involves the use of sophisticated test keys, no other security procedure is required.
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☐ Standing Instructions
Standing or Procedural Instructions may be used. For example: where funds are transferred to a broker on the Companys established list of brokers with which it engages in transactions. Only the date, the currency and the currency amount are variable. In order to establish this procedure, State Street will send to the Company a list of the brokers that State Street has determined are used by the Company. The Company will confirm the list in writing, and State Street will verify the written confirmation by telephone. Standing Instructions will be subject to a mutually agreed upon limit. If the payment order exceeds USD 10,000,000 or local currency equivalent , the execution of the Standing Instruction will be confirmed by telephone (person different than original initiator) prior to execution. |
☐ Repetitive Wires
For situations where funds are transferred periodically from an existing authorized account to the same payee (destination bank and account number) and only the date and currency amount are variable, a repetitive wire may be implemented. Repetitive wires will be subject to a mutually agreed upon limit. If the payment order exceeds US $10,000,000 or local currency equivalent, the instruction will be confirmed by telephone prior to execution. Telephone confirmation is used to establish this process. Repetitive wire instructions must be reconfirmed periodically. |
☐ Individual Instruction
Telephone confirmation is used to establish this process. An individual instruction is a non-recurring request. If the payment order exceeds US $10,000,000 or local currency equivalent , the instruction will be confirmed by telephone (person different than the original initiator) prior to execution. |
☐ Secure Email Confirmation
Confirmation via secure email that instructions were received and executed. |
☐ Predetermined Authorizers
A predetermined authorized signature list or a Funds Transfer Initiators and Authorized Verifiers List which outlines who can send instructions and who can approve them. |
☐ Blue Sky Standing Instructions via Limited Power of Attorney
State Street employees holding the titles of Officer, Blue Sky Manager or Senior Blue Sky Administrator (State Streets Blue Sky Personnel) shall have the authority to act on behalf of a clients mutual funds to transmit filing fees electronically so long as the client has executed and delivered (and has not revoked) a limited power of attorney to State Street granting said power.
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Selection of Security Control(s) and Authorization of Company
State Street is hereby instructed to accept funds transfer instructions only via the delivery methods using the Security Controls indicated. The selected delivery methods and security controls(s) will be effective on (insert date) for payment orders initiated on behalf of the Undersigned. State Street will rely upon each communication received as if the instruction has been authenticated by the Company.
Contingency Security Authorization
In the case of a force majeure event during which the delivery method(s) selected are not available, an alternate business continuity phone number for authorized verifiers is strongly recommended. State Street will use commercially reasonable best efforts to reach the authorized verifiers during such an event. If alternate telephone numbers are not provided for Telephone Confirmation, the verifiers signature will be required in addition to an approved and documented method of client contact.
In the event that the delivery method(s) you have selected are unavailable for any reason outside of our control, or should State Street be unable to reach the alternate phone numbers provided for Contingency Security Authorization, State Street will use commercially reasonable best efforts to implement a further contingency procedure to receive in and process your payment orders. However, despite such efforts, your payment orders may not be processed on value date and State Street will not be liable for any loss in such event.
Signed on behalf of Client or Agent:
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Client or Agent Name: (hereafter referred to as the Company)
This agreement applies to all funds for which the Company is authorized to give proper instructions as such term is defined in the relevant contract with State Street.
Appendix B: Funds Transfer Initiators and Verifiers List
☐ Hereby enclosed an Authorized Signature List - a listing of our staff members authorized to Initiate or Verify payment orders to State Street and to set up repetitive wires.
(In case of segregation on the type or limitations on the size of the transactions, please provide us with a decision matrix table or an equivalent document).
☐ We do not publish an Authorized Signature List. The authorized Initiator(s) and Verifier(s) are as follows:
Authorized Initiator(s): (Please Type or Print)
Please provide a listing of Initiators. An Initiator is a person whose signature the original instruction bears.
1) Name, Title | Specimen Signature | Amount Limit (If Any) | ||
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3) Name, Title | Specimen Signature | Amount Limit (If Any) | ||
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Appendix B: Funds Transfer Initiators and Verifiers List (continued)
Authorized Verifier(s): (Please Type or Print)
Please provide a listing of Verifier(s). A Verifier is a person whom State Street may call back for telephone confirmation of the original instruction.
1) Name, Title | Specimen Signature | Amount Limit (If Any) | ||
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ADDENDUM to that certain Custodian Agreement between the Fund (the Customer) and State Street Bank and Trust Company, including its subsidiaries and affiliates (State Street).
State Street has developed and/or utilizes proprietary or third-party accounting and other systems in conjunction with the services that State Street provides to the Customer. In this regard, State Street maintains certain information in databases under its ownership and/or control that it makes available to its customers (the Remote Access Services).
The Services
State Street agrees to provide the Customer, and its designated investment advisors, consultants or other third parties who agree to abide by the terms of this Addendum (Authorized Designees) with access to State Street proprietary and third-party systems as may be offered by State Street from time to time (each, a System) on a remote basis.
Security Procedures
The Customer agrees to comply, and to cause its Authorized Designees to comply, with remote access operating standards and procedures and with user identification or other password control requirements and other security devices and procedures as may be issued or required from time to time by State Street or its third-party vendors for use of the System and access to the Remote Access Services. The Customer is responsible for any use and/or misuse of the System and Remote Access Services by its Authorized Designees. The Customer agrees to advise State Street immediately in the event that it learns or has reason to believe that any person to whom it has given access to the System or the Remote Access Services has violated or intends to violate the terms of this Addendum and the Customer will cooperate with State Street in seeking injunctive or other equitable relief. The Customer agrees to discontinue use of the System and Remote Access Services, if requested, for any security reasons cited by State Street and State Street may restrict access of the System and Remote Access Services by the Customer or any Authorized Designee for security reasons or noncompliance with the terms of this Addendum at any time.
Fees
Fees and charges for the use of the System and the Remote Access Services and related payment terms shall be as set forth in the fee schedule in effect from time to time between the parties. The Customer shall be responsible for any tariffs, duties or taxes imposed or levied by any government or governmental agency by reason of the transactions contemplated by this Addendum, including, without limitation, federal, state and local taxes, use, value added and personal property taxes (other than income, franchise or similar taxes which may be imposed or assessed against State Street). Any claimed exemption from such tariffs, duties or taxes shall be supported by proper documentary evidence delivered to State Street.
Proprietary Information/Injunctive Relief
The System and Remote Access Services described herein and the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, formulae, processes, systems, software, knowhow, algorithms, programs, training aids, printed materials, methods, books, records, files, documentation and other information made available to the Customer by State Street as part of the Remote Access Services and
through the use of the System and all copyrights, patents, trade secrets and other proprietary and intellectual property rights of State Street and third-party vendors related thereto are the exclusive, valuable and confidential proprietary property of State Street and its relevant licensors and third-party vendors (the Proprietary Information). The Customer agrees on behalf of itself and its Authorized Designees to keep the Proprietary Information confidential and to limit access to its employees and Authorized Designees (under a similar duty of confidentiality) who require access to the System for the purposes intended. The foregoing shall not apply to Proprietary Information in the public domain or required by law to be made public.
The Customer agrees to use the Remote Access Services only in connection with the proper purposes of this Addendum. The Customer will not, and will cause its employees and Authorized Designees not to, (i) permit any third party to use the System or the Remote Access Services, (ii) sell, rent, license or otherwise use the System or the Remote Access Services in the operation of a service bureau or for any purpose other than as expressly authorized under this Addendum, (iii) use the System or the Remote Access Services for any fund, trust or other investment vehicle without the prior written consent of State Street, or (iv) allow or cause any information transmitted from State Streets databases, including data from third-party sources, available through use of the System or the Remote Access Services, to be published, redistributed or retransmitted for other than use for or on behalf of the Customer, as State Streets customer.
The Customer agrees that neither it nor its Authorized Designees will modify the System in any way; enhance, copy or otherwise create derivative works based upon the System; nor will the Customer or Customers Authorized Designees reverse engineer, decompile or otherwise attempt to secure the source code for all or any part of the System.
The Customer acknowledges that the disclosure of any Proprietary Information, or of any information which at law or equity ought to remain confidential, will immediately give rise to continuing irreparable injury to State Street or its third-party licensors and vendors inadequately compensable in damages at law and that State Street shall be entitled to obtain immediate injunctive relief against the breach or threatened breach of any of the foregoing undertakings, in addition to any other legal remedies which may be available.
Limited Warranties
State Street represents and warrants that it is the owner of and/or has the right to grant access to the System and to provide the Remote Access Services contemplated herein. Because of the nature of computer information technology, including but not limited to the use of the Internet, and the necessity of relying upon third-party sources, and data and pricing information obtained from third parties, the System and Remote Access Services are provided AS IS without warranty express or implied including as to availability of the System, and the Customer and its Authorized Designees shall be solely responsible for the use of the System and Remote Access Services and investment decisions, results obtained, regulatory reports and statements produced using the Remote Access Services. State Street and its relevant licensors and third-party vendors will not be liable to the Customer or its Authorized Designees for any direct or indirect, special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the System or the Remote Access Services, nor shall any party be responsible for delays or nonperformance under this Addendum arising out of any cause or event beyond such partys control.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS ADDENDUM, STATE STREET, FOR ITSELF AND ITS RELEVANT LICENSORS AND THIRD-PARTY VENDORS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE SYSTEM AND THE SERVICES TO BE RENDERED HEREUNDER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
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Infringement
State Street will defend or, at its option, settle any claim or action brought against the Customer to the extent that it is based upon an assertion that access to or use of State Street proprietary systems by the Customer under this Addendum constitutes direct infringement of any United States patent or copyright or misappropriation of a trade secret, provided that the Customer notifies State Street promptly in writing of any such claim or proceeding, cooperates with State Street in the defense of such claim or proceeding and allows State Street sole control over such claim or proceeding. Should the State Street proprietary system or any part thereof become, or in State Streets opinion be likely to become, the subject of a claim of infringement or the like under any applicable patent, copyright or trade secret laws, State Street shall have the right, at State Streets sole option, to (i) procure for the Customer the right to continue using the State Street proprietary system (ii) replace or modify the State Street proprietary system so that the State Street proprietary system becomes noninfringing, or (iii) terminate this Addendum without further obligation. This section constitutes the sole remedy available to the Customer for the matters described in this section.
Termination
Either party to the Custodian Agreement may terminate this Addendum (i) for any reason by giving the other party at least one-hundred and eighty (180) days prior written notice in the case of notice of termination by State Street to the Customer or thirty (30) days notice in the case of notice from the Customer to State Street of termination, or (ii) immediately for failure of the other party to comply with any material term and condition of the Addendum by giving the other party written notice of termination. This Addendum shall in any event terminate within ninety (90) days after the termination of any service agreement applicable to the Customer. The Customers use of any third-party System is contingent upon its compliance with any terms and conditions of use of such System imposed by such third party and State Streets continued access to, and use of, such third-party System. In the event of termination, the Customer will return to State Street all copies of documentation and other confidential information in its possession or in the possession of its Authorized Designees and immediately cease access to the System and Remote Access Services. The foregoing provisions with respect to confidentiality and infringement will survive termination for a period of three (3) years.
Miscellaneous
This Addendum constitutes the entire understanding of the parties to the Custodian Agreement with respect to access to the System and the Remote Access Services. This Addendum cannot be modified or altered except in a writing duly executed by each of State Street and the Customer and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By its execution of the Custodian Agreement, the Customer: (a) confirms to State Street that it informs all Authorized Designees of the terms of this Addendum; (b) accepts responsibility for its and its Authorized Designees compliance with the terms of this Addendum; and (c) indemnifies and holds State Street harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, damages, charges, counsel fees, payments and liabilities arising from any failure of the Customer or any of its Authorized Designees to abide by the terms of this Addendum.
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Global Custody Network Schedule A
M ARCH 31, 2015
MARKET |
SUBCUSTODIAN |
ADDRESS |
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Albania |
Raiffeisen Bank sh.a. |
Blv. Bajram Curri ETC Kati 14 Tirana, Albania |
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Australia |
Citigroup Pty. Limited |
120 Collins St. Melbourne, VIC 3000 , Australia
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The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
HSBC Custody and Clearing Level 13, 580 George St. Sydney, NSW 2000 , Australia |
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Austria |
Deutsche Bank AG |
Fleischmarkt 1 A-1010 Vienna, Austria
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UniCredit Bank Austria AG |
Custody Department / Dept. 8398-TZ Julius Tandler Platz 3 A-1090 Vienna, Austria |
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Bahrain |
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
1 st Floor, Bldg. #2505 Road # 2832, Al Seef 428 Kingdom of Bahrain |
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Bangladesh |
Standard Chartered Bank |
Silver Tower, Level 7 52 South Gulshan Commercial Area Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212 , Bangladesh |
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Belgium |
Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands (operating through its Amsterdam branch with support from its Brussels branch) |
De Entrees 99-197 1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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Benin |
via Standard Chartered Bank Côte dIvoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
23, Bld de la République 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte dIvoire |
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Bermuda |
HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited |
6 Front Street Hamilton, HM06 , Bermuda |
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Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
UniCredit Bank d.d. |
Zelenih beretki 24 71 000 Sarajevo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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Botswana | Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited |
4th Floor, Standard Chartered House Queens Road The Mall Gaborone, Botswana |
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Brazil | Citibank, N.A. |
AV Paulista 1111 São Paulo, SP 01311-920 Brazil |
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Bulgaria | Citibank Europe plc, Bulgaria Branch |
Serdika Offices, 10th floor 48 Sitnyakovo Blvd. 1505 Sofia, Bulgaria
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UniCredit Bulbank AD |
7 Sveta Nedelya Square 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria |
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Burkina Faso |
via Standard Chartered Bank Côte dIvoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
23, Bld de la République 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte dIvoire |
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Canada | State Street Trust Company Canada |
30 Adelaide Street East, Suite 800 Toronto, ON Canada M5C 3G6 |
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Chile | Banco Itaú Chile S.A. |
Enrique Foster Sur 20, Piso 5 Las Condes, Santiago de Chile |
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Peoples Republic of China |
HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
33 rd Floor, HSBC Building, Shanghai IFC 8 Century Avenue Pudong, Shanghai, China ( 200120 ) |
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China Construction Bank Corporation (for A-share market only) |
No.1 Naoshikou Street Chang An Xing Rong Plaza Beijing 100032-33 , China
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Citibank N.A. (for Shanghai Hong Kong Stock Connect market only) |
39th Floor Citibank Tower Citibank Plaza, 3 Garden Road Central, Hong Kong
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The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (for Shanghai Hong Kong Stock Connect market only) |
Level 30, HSBC Main Building 1 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong
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Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (for Shanghai Hong Kong Stock Connect market) |
15 th Floor Standard Chartered Tower 388 Kwun Tong Road Kwun Tong, Hong Kong |
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Colombia
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Cititrust Colombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria |
Carrera 9A, No. 99-02 Bogotá DC, Colombia |
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Costa Rica | Banco BCT S.A. |
160 Calle Central Edificio BCT San José, Costa Rica |
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Croatia | Privredna Banka Zagreb d.d. |
Custody Department Radnička cesta 50 10000 Zagreb, Croatia |
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Zagrebacka Banka d.d. |
Savska 60 10000 Zagreb, Croatia |
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Cyprus | BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A., Greece (operating through its Athens branch) |
94 V. Sofias Avenue & 1 Kerasountos Str. 115 28 Athens, Greece |
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Czech Republic | Československá obchodní banka, a.s. |
Radlická 333/150 150 57 Prague 5, Czech Republic
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UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, a.s. |
BB Centrum FILADELFIE eletavská 1525/1 140 92 Praha 4 - Michle, Czech Republic |
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Denmark |
Nordea Bank AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its subsidiary, Nordea Bank Danmark A/S) |
Strandgade 3 0900 Copenhagen C, Denmark |
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Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its Copenhagen branch) |
Bernstorffsgade 50 1577 Copenhagen, Denmark |
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Ecuador | Banco de la Producción S.A. PRODUBANCO |
Av. Amazonas N35-211 y Japon Quito, Ecuador |
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Egypt | HSBC Bank Egypt S.A.E. (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
6 th Floor 306 Corniche El Nil Maadi Cairo, Egypt |
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Estonia | AS SEB Pank |
Tornimäe 2 15010 Tallinn, Estonia |
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Finland |
Nordea Bank AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its subsidiary, Nordea Bank Finland Plc.) |
Satamaradankatu 5 00500 Helsinki, Finland |
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Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its Helsinki branch) |
Securities Services Box 630 SF-00101 Helsinki, Finland |
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France | Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands (operating through its Amsterdam branch with support from its Paris branch) |
De Entrees 99-197 1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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Republic of Georgia
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JSC Bank of Georgia |
29a Gagarini Str. Tbilisi 0160 , Georgia |
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Germany |
Deutsche Bank AG |
Alfred-Herrhausen-Allee 16-24 D-65760 Eschborn, Germany |
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Ghana |
Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited |
P. O. Box 768 1st Floor High Street Building Accra, Ghana |
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Greece |
BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A. |
94 V. Sofias Avenue & 1 Kerasountos Str. 115 28 Athens, Greece |
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Guinea-Bissau |
via Standard Chartered Bank Côte dIvoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
23, Bld de la République 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte dIvoire |
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Hong Kong |
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited |
15 th Floor Standard Chartered Tower 388 Kwun Tong Road Kwun Tong, Hong Kong |
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Hungary |
Citibank Europe plc Magyarországi Fióktelepe |
7 Szabadság tér, Bank Center Budapest, H-1051 Hungary |
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UniCredit Bank Hungary Zrt. |
6th Floor Szabadság tér 5-6 H-1054 Budapest, Hungary |
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Iceland |
Landsbankinn hf. |
Austurstræti 11 155 Reykjavik, Iceland |
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India |
Deutsche Bank AG |
Block B1, 4th Floor, Nirlon Knowledge Park Off Western Express Highway Goregaon (E) Mumbai 400 063 , India |
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The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
11F, Building 3, NESCO - IT Park, NESCO Complex, Western Express Highway Goregaon (East), Mumbai 400 063 , India |
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Indonesia |
Deutsche Bank AG |
Deutsche Bank Building, 4 th floor Jl. Imam Bonjol, No. 80 Jakarta 10310 , Indonesia |
||
Ireland |
State Street Bank and Trust Company, United Kingdom branch |
525 Ferry Road Edinburgh EH5 2AW , Scotland |
||
Israel |
Bank Hapoalim B.M. |
50 Rothschild Boulevard Tel Aviv, Israel 61000 |
||
Italy |
Deutsche Bank S.p.A. |
Investor Services Via Turati 27 3rd Floor 20121 Milan, Italy |
4
Ivory Coast | Standard Chartered Bank Côte dIvoire S.A. |
23, Bld de la République 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte dIvoire |
||
Japan | Mizuho Bank, Limited |
4-16-13, Tsukishima, Chou-ku Tokyo 104-0052 , Japan |
||
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
HSBC Building 11-1 Nihonbashi 3-chome, Chuo-ku Tokyo 1030027 , Japan |
|||
Jordan | Standard Chartered Bank |
Shmeissani Branch Al-Thaqafa Street, Building # 2 P.O. Box 926190 Amman 11110 , Jordan |
||
Kazakhstan | JSC Citibank Kazakhstan |
Park Palace, Building A, 41 Kazibek Bi street, Almaty 050010 , Kazakhstan |
||
Kenya | Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited |
Custody Services Standard Chartered @ Chiromo, Level 5 48 Westlands Road P.O. Box 40984 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya |
||
Republic of Korea | Deutsche Bank AG |
18th Fl., Young-Poong Building 33 Seorin-dong Chongro-ku, Seoul 110-752 , Korea |
||
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
HSBC Building #25 1-Ka Bongrae-Dong Chung-ku, Seoul 100-161 , Korea |
|||
Kuwait |
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
Kuwait City, Qibla Area Hamad Al-Saqr Street Kharafi Tower, G/1/2 Floors P. O. Box 1683, Safat 13017 , Kuwait |
||
Latvia | AS SEB banka |
Unicentrs, Valdlauči LV-1076 Kekavas pag., Rigas raj., Latvia |
||
Lebanon |
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
St. Georges Street, Minet El-Hosn Beirut 1107 2080 , Lebanon |
||
Lithuania | AB SEB bankas |
Gedimino av. 12 LT 2600 Vilnius, Lithuania |
||
Malawi | Standard Bank Limited |
Kaomba Centre Cnr. Victoria Avenue & Sir Glyn Jones Road Blantyre, Malawi |
5
Malaysia |
Deutsche Bank (Malaysia) Berhad |
Domestic Custody Services Level 20, Menara IMC 8 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
||
Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad |
Menara Standard Chartered 30 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
|||
Mali |
via Standard Chartered Bank Côte dIvoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
23, Bld de la République 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte dIvoire |
||
Mauritius |
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
5th Floor, HSBC Centre 18 Cybercity Ebene, Mauritius |
||
Mexico |
Banco Nacional de México, S.A. |
3er piso, Torre Norte Act. Roberto Medellín No. 800 Col. Santa Fe Mexico, DF 01219 |
||
Morocco |
Citibank Maghreb |
Zénith Millénium Immeuble1 Sidi Maârouf B.P. 40 Casablanca 20190 , Morocco |
||
Namibia |
Standard Bank Namibia Limited |
Standard Bank Center Cnr. Werner List St. and Post St. Mall 2nd Floor Windhoek, Namibia |
||
Netherlands |
Deutsche Bank AG |
De Entrees 99-197 1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands |
||
New Zealand |
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
HSBC House Level 7, 1 Queen St. Auckland 1010 , New Zealand |
||
Niger |
via Standard Chartered Bank Côte dIvoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
23, Bld de la République 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte dIvoire |
||
Nigeria |
Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc. |
Plot 1712 Idejo St Victoria Island, Lagos 101007 , Nigeria |
||
Norway |
Nordea Bank AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its subsidiary, Nordea Bank Norge ASA) |
Essendropsgate 7 0368 Oslo, Norway |
||
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its Oslo branch) |
P.O. Box 1843 Vika Filipstad Brygge 1 N-0123 Oslo, Norway |
6
Oman |
HSBC Bank Oman S.A.O.G. (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
2 nd Floor Al Khuwair PO Box 1727 PC 111 Seeb, Oman |
||
Pakistan | Deutsche Bank AG |
Unicentre Unitowers I.I. Chundrigar Road P.O. Box 4925 Karachi - 74000 , Pakistan |
||
Palestine |
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
Jaffa Street, Ramallah West Bank 2119 , Palestine |
||
Panama | Citibank, N.A. |
Boulevard Punta Pacifica Torre de las Americas Apartado Panama City, Panama 0834-00555 |
||
Peru | Citibank del Perú, S.A. |
Canaval y Moreyra 480 3 rd Floor, San Isidro Lima 27 , Perú |
||
Philippines | Deutsche Bank AG |
Global Transaction Banking Tower One, Ayala Triangle 1226 Makati City, Philippines |
||
Poland | Bank Handlowy w Warszawie S.A. |
ul. Senatorska 16 00-293 Warsaw, Poland |
||
Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A |
31 Zwirki I Wigury Street 02-091 , Warsaw, Poland |
|||
Portugal |
BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A., Paris (operating through its Paris branch with support from its Lisbon branch) |
3 Rue DAntin Paris, France Lt 1.19.01 |
||
Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands (operating through its Amsterdam branch with support from its Lisbon branch) |
De Entrees 99-197 1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands |
|||
Puerto Rico | Citibank N.A. |
1 Citibank Drive, Lomas Verdes Avenue San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926 |
||
Qatar |
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
2 Fl Ali Bin Ali Tower Building no.: 150 Airport Road Doha, Qatar |
||
Romania | Citibank Europe plc, Dublin Romania Branch |
8, Iancu de Hunedoara Boulevard 712042 , Bucharest Sector 1, Romania |
||
Russia | Limited Liability Company Deutsche Bank |
82, Sadovnicheskaya Street Building 2 115035 Moscow, Russia |
7
Saudi Arabia |
HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
HSBC Head Office 7267 Olaya - Al Murooj Riyadh 12283-2255 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
||
Senegal |
via Standard Chartered Bank Côte dIvoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
23, Bld de la République 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte dIvoire |
||
Serbia | UniCredit Bank Serbia JSC |
Omladinskih Brigada 88, Airport City 11000 Belgrade, Serbia |
||
Singapore | Citibank N.A. |
3 Changi Business Park Crescent #07-00, Singapore 486026 |
||
United Overseas Bank Limited |
156 Cecil Street FEB Building #08-03 Singapore 069544 |
|||
Slovak Republic |
UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, a.s. |
Ŝancová 1/A 813 33 Bratislava, Slovak Republic |
||
Slovenia | UniCredit Banka Slovenija d.d. |
martinska 140 SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia |
||
South Africa | FirstRand Bank Limited |
Mezzanine Floor 3 First Place Bank City Corner Simmonds & Jeppe Sts. Johannesburg 2001 Republic of South Africa |
||
Standard Bank of South Africa Limited |
3 rd Floor, 25 Sauer St. Johannesburg 2000 Republic of South Africa |
|||
Spain | Deutsche Bank S.A.E. |
Calle de Rosario Pino 14-16, Planta 1 28020 Madrid, Spain |
||
Sri Lanka |
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
24, Sir Baron Jayatilake Mawatha Colombo 01 , Sri Lanka |
||
Republic of Srpska | UniCredit Bank d.d. |
Zelenih beretki 24 71 000 Sarajevo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
||
Swaziland | Standard Bank Swaziland Limited |
Standard House, Swazi Plaza Mbabane, Swaziland H101 |
||
Sweden | Nordea Bank AB (publ) |
Smålandsgatan 17 105 71 Stockholm, Sweden |
||
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) |
Sergels Torg 2 SE-106 40 Stockholm, Sweden |
|||
Switzerland | Credit Suisse AG |
Uetlibergstrasse 231 8070 Zurich, Switzerland |
8
UBS AG |
Badenerstrasse 574 8098 Zurich, Switzerland |
|||
Taiwan - R.O.C. |
Deutsche Bank AG |
296 Ren-Ai Road Taipei 106 Taiwan, Republic of China |
||
Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Limited |
168 Tun Hwa North Road Taipei 105 , Taiwan, Republic of China |
|||
Tanzania | Standard Chartered Bank (Tanzania) Limited |
1 Floor, International House Corner Shaaban Robert St and Garden Ave PO Box 9011 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
||
Thailand |
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited |
Sathorn Nakorn Tower 14 th Floor, Zone B 90 North Sathorn Road Silom, Bangkok 10500 , Thailand |
||
Togo |
via Standard Chartered Bank Côte dIvoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
23, Bld de la République 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte dIvoire |
||
Trinidad & Tobago | Republic Bank Limited |
9-17 Park Street Port of Spain Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies |
||
Tunisia | Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie |
Direction des Marches de Capitaux 1080 Tunis Cedex, Tunisia |
||
Turkey | Citibank, A.Ş. |
Tekfen Tower Eski Buyukdere Caddesi 209 Kat 3 Levent 34394 Istanbul, Turkey |
||
Deutsche Bank A.Ş. |
Eski Buyukdere Caddesi Tekfen Tower No. 209 Kat: 17 4 Levent 34394 Istanbul, Turkey |
|||
Uganda | Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Limited |
5 Speke Road P.O. Box 7111 Kampala, Uganda |
||
Ukraine | PJSC Citibank |
16-g Dymytrova St. Kyiv 03150 , Ukraine |
||
United Arab Emirates Dubai Financial Market |
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
HSBC Securities Services Emaar Square Level 3, Building No. 5 P O Box 502601 Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
9
United Arab Emirates Dubai International Financial Center |
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
HSBC Securities Services Emaar Square Level 3, Building No. 5 P O Box 502601 Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
||
United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi |
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
HSBC Securities Services Emaar Square Level 3, Building No. 5 P O Box 502601 Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
||
United Kingdom |
State Street Bank and Trust Company, United Kingdom branch |
525 Ferry Road Edinburgh EH5 2AW , Scotland |
||
Uruguay | Banco Itaú Uruguay S.A. |
Zabala 1463 11000 Montevideo, Uruguay |
||
Venezuela | Citibank, N.A. |
Centro Comercial El Recreo Torre Norte, Piso 19 Avenida Casanova Caracas, Venezuela 1050 |
||
Vietnam |
HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Limited (as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) |
Centre Point 106 Nguyen Van Troi Street Phu Nhuan District Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
||
Zambia | Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. |
Standard Chartered House Cairo Road P.O. Box 32238 10101 , Lusaka, Zambia |
||
Zimbabwe |
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Limited (as delegate of Standard Bank of South Africa Limited) |
3rd Floor Stanbic Centre 59 Samora Machel Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe |
||
Argentina |
Citibank, N.A.* |
Bartolome Mitre 530 1036 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
* | Effective April 2, 2015, State Street suspended acceptance of Foreign Custody Manager responsibilities as delegated under U.S. SEC Rule 17f-5 for this market. |
10
Depositories Operating in Network Markets Schedule B
MARCH 31, 2015
MARKET |
DEPOSITORY |
TYPES OF SECURITIES |
||
Albania |
Bank of Albania | Government debt | ||
Australia | Austraclear Limited |
Government securities, corporate bonds, and corporate money market instruments |
||
Austria |
Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG (Wertpapiersammelbank Division) |
All securities listed on Wiener Börse AG, the Vienna Stock Exchange (as well as virtually all other Austrian securities) |
||
Bahrain |
Clearing, Settlement, Depository and Registry System of the Bahrain Bourse |
Equities | ||
Bangladesh |
Bangladesh Bank | Government securities | ||
Central Depository Bangladesh Limited |
Equities and corporate bonds |
|||
Belgium |
Euroclear Belgium
|
Equities and most corporate bonds
|
||
National Bank of Belgium |
Government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments |
|||
Benin |
Dépositaire Central Banque de Règlement |
All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, the West African regional exchange, including securities from the following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. |
||
Bermuda | Bermuda Securities Depository | Equities, corporate bonds | ||
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Registar vrijednosnih papira u Federaciji Bosne i Hercegovine, d.d. |
Equities, corporate bonds, government securities, money market instruments |
||
Botswana |
Bank of Botswana
|
Government debt
|
||
Central Securities Depository Company of Botswana Ltd. |
Equities and corporate bonds |
1
Brazil |
Central de Custódia e de Liquidação Financeira de Títulos Privados (CETIP) |
Corporate debt and money market instruments | ||
Companhia Brasileira de Liquidação e Custódia (CBLC) |
All equities listed on BM&F BOVESPA S.A. and SOMA, and non-financial corporate bonds traded at BM&F BOVESPA S.A. |
|||
Sistema Especial de Liquidação e de Custódia (SELIC) |
Government debt issued by the central bank and the National Treasury |
|||
Bulgaria | Bulgarian National Bank | Government securities | ||
Central Depository AD |
Eligible equities and corporate bonds |
|||
Burkina Faso |
Dépositaire Central Banque de Règlement |
All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, the West African regional exchange, including securities from the following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. |
||
Canada |
The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited |
All book-entry eligible securities, including government securities, equities, corporate bonds, money market instruments, strip bonds, and asset- backed securities |
||
Chile | Depósito Central de Valores S.A. |
Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and money market instruments |
||
Peoples Republic of China |
China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited, Shanghai and Shenzhen Branches |
A shares, B shares, Treasury bonds, local government bonds, enterprise bonds, corporate bonds, open and closed-end funds, convertible bonds, and warrants |
||
China Central Depository and Clearing Co., Ltd. |
Bonds traded through the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM), including Treasury bonds, local government bonds, policy bank bonds, central bank bills, medium-term notes, commercial paper, enterprise bonds, and commercial bank bonds |
|||
Colombia |
Depósito Central de Valores |
Securities issued by the central bank and the Republic of Colombia |
||
Depósito Centralizado de Valores de Colombia S.A. (DECEVAL) |
Equities, corporate bonds, money market instruments |
|||
Costa Rica | Central de Valores S.A. | Securities traded on Bolsa Nacional de Valores | ||
Croatia | Sredinje klirinko depozitarno drutvo d.d. |
Eligible equities, corporate bonds, government securities, and corporate money market instruments |
||
Cyprus | Central Depository and Central Registry |
Equities, corporate bonds, dematerialized government securities, corporate money market instruments |
2
Czech Republic |
Centrální depozitář cenných papírů, a.s. |
All dematerialized equities, corporate debt, and government debt, excluding Treasury bills |
||
Czech National Bank |
Treasury bills |
|||
Denmark | VP Securities A/S |
Equities, government securities, corporate bonds, corporate money market instruments, warrants |
||
Egypt | Central Bank of Egypt | Treasury bills | ||
Misr for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry S.A.E. |
Eligible equities, corporate bonds, and Treasury bonds |
|||
Estonia | AS Eesti Väärtpaberikeskus | All registered equity and debt securities | ||
Finland | Euroclear Finland |
Equities, corporate bonds, government securities, money market instruments |
||
France | Euroclear France |
Government securities, equities, bonds, and money market instruments |
||
Republic of Georgia |
Georgian Central Securities Depository |
Equities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments |
||
National Bank of Georgia | Government securities | |||
Germany | Clearstream Banking AG, Frankfurt |
Equities, government securities, corporate bonds, money market instruments, warrants, investment funds, and index certificates |
||
Ghana |
Central Securities Depository (Ghana) Limited |
Government securities and Bank of Ghana securities; equities and corporate bonds |
||
Greece |
Bank of Greece, System for Monitoring Transactions in Securities in Book-Entry Form |
Government debt | ||
Hellenic Central Securities Depository |
Eligible listed equities, government debt, and corporate bonds |
|||
Guinea-Bissau |
Dépositaire Central Banque de Règlement |
All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, the West African regional exchange, including securities from the following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. |
||
Hong Kong | Central Moneymarkets Unit |
Government debt (i.e., exchange fund bills and notes issued by the HKMA), other private debt, and money market instruments |
||
Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited |
Securities listed or traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited |
|||
Hungary | KELER Központi Értéktár |
Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and investment fund notes |
3
Iceland | Icelandic Securities Depository Limited |
Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments |
||
India |
Central Depository Services (India) Limited |
Eligible equities, debt securities, and money market instruments |
||
National Securities Depository Limited |
Eligible equities, debt securities, and money market instruments |
|||
Reserve Bank of India |
Government securities |
|||
Indonesia | Bank Indonesia |
Sertifikat Bank Indonesia (central bank certificates), Surat Utang Negara (government debt instruments), and Surat Perbendaharaan Negara (Treasury bills) |
||
PT Kustodian Sentral Efek Indonesia |
Equities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments |
|||
Ireland | Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited* |
GBP- and EUR-denominated money market instruments |
||
Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. |
Government securities |
|||
Israel |
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Clearing House Ltd. (TASE Clearing House) |
Government securities, equities, corporate bonds and trust fund units |
||
Italy | Monte Titoli S.p.A. |
Equities, corporate debt, government debt, money market instruments, and warrants |
||
Ivory Coast |
Dépositaire Central Banque de Règlement |
All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, the West African regional exchange, including securities from the following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. |
||
Japan |
Bank of Japan Financial Network System |
Government securities | ||
Japan Securities Depository Center (JASDEC) Incorporated |
Equities, corporate bonds, and corporate money market instruments |
|||
Jordan | Central Bank of Jordan |
Treasury bills, government bonds, development bonds, and public entity bonds |
||
Securities Depository Center |
Equities and corporate bonds |
|||
Kazakhstan | Central Securities Depository |
Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments |
||
Kenya | Central Bank of Kenya | Treasury bills and Treasury bonds | ||
Central Depository and Settlement Corporation Limited |
Equities and corporate debt |
|||
Republic of Korea | Korea Securities Depository |
Equities, government securities, corporate bonds and money market instruments |
4
Kuwait | Kuwait Clearing Company |
Money market instruments, equities, and corporate bonds |
||
Latvia | Latvian Central Depository |
Equities, government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments |
||
Lebanon | Banque du Liban |
Government securities and certificates of deposit issued by the central bank |
||
Custodian and Clearing Center of Financial Instruments for Lebanon and the Middle East (Midclear) S.A.L. |
Equities, corporate bonds and money market instruments |
|||
Lithuania | Central Securities Depository of Lithuania | All securities available for public trading | ||
Malaysia | Bank Negara Malaysia |
Treasury bills, Bank Negara Malaysia bills, Malaysian government securities, private debt securities, and money market instruments |
||
Bursa Malaysia Depository Sdn. Bhd. |
Securities listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad |
|||
Malawi | Reserve Bank of Malawi | Reserve Bank of Malawi bills and Treasury bills | ||
Mali |
Dépositaire Central Banque de Règlement |
All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, the West African regional exchange, including securities from the following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. |
||
Mauritius |
Bank of Mauritius
|
Government debt (traded through primary dealers)
|
||
Central Depository and Settlement Co. Limited |
Listed and unlisted equity and debt securities (corporate debt and T-bills traded on the exchange) |
|||
Mexico | S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V. | All securities | ||
Morocco | Maroclear |
Eligible listed equities, corporate and government debt, certificates of deposit, commercial paper |
||
Namibia | Bank of Namibia | Treasury bills | ||
Netherlands | Euroclear Nederland |
Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, corporate money market instruments, and stripped government bonds |
||
New Zealand |
New Zealand Central Securities Depository Limited |
Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments |
||
Niger |
Dépositaire Central Banque de Règlement |
All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, the West African regional exchange, including securities from the following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. |
||
Nigeria | Central Bank of Nigeria | Treasury bills and government bonds |
5
Central Securities Clearing System Limited |
Equities and corporate bonds traded on the Nigeria Stock Exchange |
|||
Norway | Verdipapirsentralen | All listed securities | ||
Oman |
Muscat Clearing & Depository Company S.A.O.C. |
Equities, corporate bonds, government debt | ||
Pakistan |
Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited |
Equities and corporate bonds | ||
State Bank of Pakistan |
Government securities |
|||
Palestine |
Clearing, Depository and Settlement system, a department of the Palestine Exchange |
Equities listed on the Palestine Exchange | ||
Panama |
Central Latinoamericana de Valores, S.A. (LatinClear) |
Equities, government and corporate debt, commercial paper, short-term securities |
||
Peru |
CAVALI S.A. Institución de Compensación y Liquidación de Valores |
All securities in book-entry form traded on the stock exchange |
||
Philippines |
Philippine Depository & Trust Corporation |
Eligible equities and debt | ||
Registry of Scripless Securities (ROSS) of the Bureau of the Treasury |
Government securities |
|||
Poland | Rejestr Papierów Wartościowych | Treasury bills | ||
Krajowy Depozyt Papierów Wartościowych, S.A. |
Equities, corporate bonds, corporate money market instruments, Treasury bonds, warrants, and futures contracts |
|||
Portugal |
INTERBOLSA - Sociedad Gestora de Sistemas de Liquidação e de Sistemas Centralizados de Valores Mobiliários, S.A. |
All local Portuguese instruments | ||
Qatar | Qatar Central Securities Depository |
Equities, government bonds and Treasury bills listed on the Qatar Exchange |
||
Romania | National Bank of Romania | Treasury bills and bonds | ||
S.C. Depozitarul Central S.A. |
Bursa de Valori Bucuresti- (Bucharest Stock Exchange-) listed equities, corporate bonds, government bonds, and municipal bonds |
|||
Russia | National Settlement Depository |
Eligible equities, Obligatsii Federalnogo Zaima (OFZs), and corporate debt denominated in RUB |
||
Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency |
Government securities and Saudi government development bonds (SGDBs) |
||
Tadawul Central Securities Depository | Equities |
6
Senegal |
Dépositaire Central Banque de Règlement |
All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, the West African regional exchange, including securities from the following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. |
||
Serbia |
Central Securities Depository and Clearinghouse |
All instruments | ||
Singapore | Monetary Authority of Singapore | Government securities | ||
The Central Depository (Pte.) Limited |
Eligible listed equities and eligible private debt traded in Singapore |
|||
Slovak Republic |
Centrálny depozitár cenných papierov SR, a.s. |
All dematerialized securities | ||
Slovenia |
KDD Centralna klirinko depotna druba d.d. |
All publicly traded securities | ||
South Africa | Strate (Pty) Ltd. |
Eligible equities, government securities, corporate bonds, money market instruments, and warrants |
||
Spain | IBERCLEAR |
Government securities, equities, warrants, money market instruments, and corporate bonds |
||
Sri Lanka | Central Bank of Sri Lanka | Government securities | ||
Central Depository System (Pvt) Limited |
Equities and corporate bonds |
|||
Republic of Srpska |
Central Registry of Securities in the Republic of Srpska JSC |
Government securities, equities, and corporate and municipal bonds |
||
Sweden | Euroclear Sweden |
Government securities, equities, bonds, money market instruments, derivatives, exchange traded funds, and warrants |
||
Switzerland | SIX SIS AG |
Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, money market instruments, derivatives, mutual funds, and warrants |
||
Taiwan - R.O.C. |
Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) |
Government securities | ||
Taiwan Depository and Clearing Corporation |
Listed equities, short-term bills, and corporate bonds |
|||
Tanzania |
Central Depository System (CDS), a department of the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange |
Equities and corporate bonds | ||
Thailand |
Thailand Securities Depository Company Limited |
Government securities, equities and corporate bonds |
7
Togo |
Dépositaire Central Banque de Règlement |
All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières, the West African regional exchange, including securities from the following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. |
||
Trinidad and Tobago | Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago | Government debt | ||
Trinidad and Tobago Central Depository Limited |
Equities and corporate debt |
|||
Tunisia | Tunisie Clearing | All eligible listed securities | ||
Turkey | Central Bank of Turkey | Government securities | ||
Central Registry Agency |
Equities, corporate bonds, money market instruments, mutual fund certificates, exchange traded funds |
|||
Uganda | Bank of Uganda | Treasury bills and Treasury bonds | ||
Securities Central Depository |
Equities, corporate bonds |
|||
Ukraine | National Depository of Ukraine | Equities, bonds, and money market instruments | ||
United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi |
Clearing, Settlement, Depository and Registry department of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange |
Equities, government securities, and corporate debt | ||
United Arab Emirates Dubai Financial Market |
Clearing, Settlement and Depository Division, a department of the Dubai Financial Market |
Equities, government securities, and corporate debt listed on the DFM |
||
United Arab Emirates - Dubai International Financial Center |
Central Securities Depository, owned and operated by NASDAQ Dubai Limited |
Equities, corporate bonds, and corporate money market instruments |
||
United Kingdom | Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited |
GBP- and EUR-denominated money market instruments |
||
Uruguay | Banco Central del Uruguay | Government securities | ||
Venezuela | Banco Central de Venezuela | Government securities | ||
Caja Venezolana de Valores |
Equities and corporate bonds |
|||
Vietnam | Vietnam Securities Depository |
Equities, government bonds, T-bills, corporate bonds, and public fund certificates |
||
Zambia | Bank of Zambia | Treasury bills and Treasury bonds | ||
LuSE Central Shares Depository Limited |
Treasury bonds, corporate bonds, and equities |
|||
Zimbabwe | Chengetedzai Depository Company Limited | Equities and corporate bonds | ||
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe |
Treasury bills and Treasury bonds |
8
TRANSNATIONAL DEPOSITORIES |
||
Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. |
Domestic securities from more than 40 markets | |
Clearstream Banking, S.A. |
Domestic securities from more than 50 markets |
9
SCHEDULE C
Publication / Type of Information | Brief Description | |||
(scheduled update frequency) | ||||
The Guide to Custody in World Markets (regular my.statestreet.com updates) |
An overview of settlement and safekeeping procedures, custody practices, and foreign investor considerations for the markets in which State Street offers custodial services. | |||
Global Custody Network Review (updated annually on my.statestreet.com ) |
Information relating to Foreign Subcustodians in State Streets Global Custody Network. The Review stands as an integral part of the materials that State Street provides to its U.S. mutual fund clients to assist them in complying with SEC Rule 17f-5. The Review also gives insight into State Streets market expansion and Foreign Subcustodian selection processes, as well as the procedures and controls used to monitor the financial condition and performance of our Foreign Subcustodian banks. | |||
Securities Depository Review (updated annually on my.statestreet.com ) |
Custody risk analyses of the Foreign Securities Depositories presently operating in Network markets. This publication is an integral part of the materials that State Street provides to its U.S. mutual fund clients to meet informational obligations created by SEC Rule 17f-7. | |||
Global Legal Survey (updated annually on my.statestreet.com ) |
With respect to each market in which State Street offers custodial services, opinions relating to whether local law restricts: | |||
(i) | access of a funds independent public accountants to books and records of a Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Securities System, | |||
(ii) | a funds ability to recover in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of a Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Securities System, | |||
(iii) | a funds ability to recover in the event of a loss by a Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Securities System, and | |||
(iv) | the ability of a foreign investor to convert cash and cash equivalents to U.S. dollars. | |||
Subcustodian Agreements (available on CD-ROM annually) |
Copies of the contracts that State Street has entered into with each Foreign Subcustodian that maintains U.S. mutual fund assets in the markets in which State Street offers custodial services. |
1
Publication / Type of Information |
Brief Description |
|||
(scheduled update frequency) | ||||
Global Market Bulletin (daily or as necessary via email and my.statestreet.com ) |
Information on changing settlement and custody conditions in markets where State Street offers custodial services. Includes changes in market and tax regulations, depository developments, dematerialization information, as well as other market changes that may impact State Streets clients. | |||
Foreign Custody Risk Advisories (provided as necessary and on my.statestreet.com ) |
For those markets where State Street offers custodial services that exhibit special risks or infrastructures impacting custody, State Street maintains market advisories to highlight those unique market factors which might impact our ability to offer recognized custody service levels. | |||
Foreign Custody Manager Material Change Notices (quarterly or as necessary and on my.statestreet.com ) |
Informational letters and accompanying materials, pursuant to our role as Foreign Custody Manager, confirming State Streets foreign custody arrangements, including a summary of material changes with Foreign Subcustodians that have occurred during the previous quarter. The notices also identify any material changes in the custodial risks associated with maintaining assets with Foreign Securities Depositories. |
Please contact GlobalMarketInformation@statestreet.com with questions about this document.
The information contained in this document has been carefully researched and is believed to be reliable as of the publication date. Due to the complexities of the markets and changing conditions, however, State Street cannot guarantee that it is complete or accurate in every respect. This document should not be construed or used as a substitute for appropriate legal or investment counsel. Specific advice should be sought on matters relevant to the investment activities of the reader. This application contains proprietary information and is fully protected by relevant copyright laws worldwide.
Copyright 2015 State Street Corporation
www.statestreet.com
2
Exhibit (9)(b)
APPENDIX A
TO
A MENDED AND R ESTATED M ASTER C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
July 15, 2015
(Updated as of April 14, 2016)
NUVEEN CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Diversified Real Asset Income Fund
Nuveen All Cap Energy MLP Opportunities Fund
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund
Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund
Nuveen California AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund 2
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc.
Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund
Nuveen Diversified Dividend and Income Fund
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen Dow 30 SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund
Nuveen Energy MLP Total Return Fund
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Value Fund
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund
Nuveen Georgia Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen Global High Income Fund
Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund f/k/a Nuveen Global Value Opportunities Fund
Nuveen High Income 2020 Target Term Fund
Nuveen High Income December 2018 Target Term Fund
Nuveen High Income December 2019 Target Term Fund
Nuveen High Income November 2021 Target Term Fund f/k/a Nuveen High Income December 2020
Target Term Fund
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Term Fund
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Quality Municipal Term Fund
Nuveen Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Minnesota Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen Missouri Premium Income Municipal Fund
1
APPENDIX A
TO
A MENDED AND R ESTATED M ASTER C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
July 15, 2015
(Updated as of April 14, 2016)
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund 2
Nuveen Municipal 2021 Target Term Fund
Nuveen Municipal Advantage Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Municipal High Income Opportunity Fund
Nuveen Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund
Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Value Fund
Nuveen New York AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund 2
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund, Inc.
Nuveen New York Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Ohio Quality Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Pennsylvania Investment Quality Municipal Fund
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Value Fund
Nuveen Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc.
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 4, Inc.
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2
Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 3
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund
Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund f/k/a Nuveen Equity Premium and Growth Fund
Nuveen S&P 500 Buy-Write Fund f/k/a Nuveen Equity Premium Income Fund
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund
Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3
Nuveen Senior Income Fund
2
APPENDIX A
TO
A MENDED AND R ESTATED M ASTER C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
July 15, 2015
(Updated as of April 14, 2016)
Nuveen Short Duration Credit Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund
Nuveen Technology Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund
Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund
NUVEEN OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
NUVEEN MUNICIPAL TRUST , on behalf of:
Nuveen All-American Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Inflation Protected Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Short Duration High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Strategic Municipal Opportunities Fund
NUVEEN MULTISTATE TRUST I , on behalf of:
Nuveen Arizona Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Colorado Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Maryland Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen New Mexico Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN MULTISTATE TRUST II , on behalf of:
Nuveen California High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen California Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen New York Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN MULTISTATE TRUST III, on behalf of:
Nuveen Georgia Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Louisiana Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund
3
APPENDIX A
TO
A MENDED AND R ESTATED M ASTER C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
July 15, 2015
(Updated as of April 14, 2016)
NUVEEN MULTISTATE TRUST IV , on behalf of:
Nuveen Kansas Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Kentucky Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Michigan Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Missouri Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Wisconsin Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST , on behalf of:
Nuveen Concentrated Core Fund
Nuveen Core Dividend Fund
Nuveen Equity Market Neutral Fund
Nuveen Global Total Return Bond Fund
Nuveen Large Cap Core Fund
Nuveen Large Cap Core Plus Fund
Nuveen Large Cap Growth Fund
Nuveen Large Cap Value Fund (f/k/a Nuveen Multi-Manager Large-Cap Value Fund)
Nuveen NWQ Global Equity Fund
Nuveen NWQ Global Equity Income Fund (f/k/a Nuveen NWQ Equity Income Fund)
Nuveen NWQ Multi-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Small-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Large-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen NWQ Small/Mid-Cap Value Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Value Opportunities Fund
Nuveen U.S. Infrastructure Bond Fund (f/k/a Nuveen U.S. Infrastructure Income Fund)
NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST II , on behalf of:
Nuveen Equity Long/Short Fund
Nuveen Global Growth Fund
Nuveen Growth Fund
Nuveen International Growth Fund
Nuveen Santa Barbara Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Santa Barbara Global Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Santa Barbara International Dividend Growth Fund
Nuveen Symphony Dynamic Equity Fund
Nuveen Symphony International Equity Fund
Nuveen Symphony Large-Cap Growth Fund
Nuveen Symphony Low Volatility Equity Fund
Nuveen Symphony Mid-Cap Core Fund
Nuveen Symphony Small Cap Core Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Emerging Markets Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds International Value Fund
Nuveen Tradewinds Japan Fund
Nuveen Winslow Large-Cap Growth Fund
Nuveen Winslow Managed Volatility Equity Fund
4
APPENDIX A
TO
A MENDED AND R ESTATED M ASTER C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
July 15, 2015
(Updated as of April 14, 2016)
NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST III , on behalf of:
Nuveen Symphony Credit Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Symphony Dynamic Credit Fund
Nuveen Symphony Floating Rate Income Fund
Nuveen Symphony High Yield Bond Fund
NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST V , on behalf of:
Nuveen Gresham Diversified Commodity Strategy Fund
Nuveen Gresham Long/Short Commodity Strategy Fund
Nuveen NWQ Flexible Income Fund
Nuveen Preferred Securities Fund
NUVEEN MANAGED ACCOUNTS PORTFOLIOS TRUST , on behalf of
Municipal Total Return Managed Accounts Portfolio
NUVEEN INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC. , on behalf of
Nuveen Global Infrastructure Fund
Nuveen Real Asset Income Fund
Nuveen International Select Fund
SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS
5
APPENDIX A
TO
A MENDED AND R ESTATED M ASTER C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
July 15, 2015
(Updated as of April 14, 2016)
Acknowledged and Accepted:
For the Above Fund Parties
By: |
/s/ Stephen D. Foy |
|
Name: | Stephen D. Foy | |
Title: | Vice President |
Acknowledged:
STATE STREET BANK AND
TRUST COMPANY, as Custodian |
||
By: |
/s/ Gunjan Kedia |
|
Name: | Gunjan Kedia | |
Title: | Executive Vice President |
6
Exhibit (13)(b)
AMENDMENT
To Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
Between
Each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement
And
State Street Bank and Trust Company
This Amendment is made as of this 24th day of February 2011, between each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement (defined below) (collectively, the Fund) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the Transfer Agent). In accordance with Section 16.1 (Amendment) of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Fund and the Transfer Agent dated October 7, 2002, as amended, (the Agreement), the parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. | Issuance of VMTP Shares. Certain of the Funds intend to issue series of preferred shares to be designated as Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares pursuant to a Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (each, a Statement). In connection with such Statement, the Transfer Agent has agreed to serve as Redemption and Paying Agent as described in the Statement and provide the services solely as set forth herein. |
2. | Additional Services. The Agreement is hereby amended to add the following new Section set forth below: |
2B. Distribution and Redemption Services for Funds (VMTP Funds) Issuing Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (VMTP Shares).
In addition to the other services provided under this Agreement, the Transfer Agent agrees to provide the following additional services to the VMTP Funds:
(i) | Maintain a registered account for Depository Trust Company (DTC) (including in its nominee name, Cede & Co.) for each series of VMTP Shares issued by such VMTP Fund in book entry form through the Direct Registration System (DRS); |
(ii) | Provide dividend disbursing services consisting of effecting wire transfer of dividend payments to DTC on payable date. For each dividend, the applicable VMTP Fund shall provide the Transfer Agent with the dividend record and payable date as well as the dividend rate per VMTP Share. All funds for the payment of dividends must be received by 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the payable date via Federal Funds Wire or Bank Demand Deposit account debit; |
(iii) | Upon notification that VMTP Shares will be redeemed/liquidated, designate a project manager to carry out redemption duties, including document review, review of communication materials, project management, and on-going project updates and reporting. (For each VMTP Fund redemption, the Transfer Agent shall be provided with a written instruction from the VMTP Fund setting forth the date of redemption/payable date and the amount to be paid per VMTP Share); |
(iv) | Coordinate the redemption with DTC, and if requested by the VMTP Fund, supply the VMTP Funds Notice of Redemption to DTC or other holders of VMTP Shares; |
(v) | On the redemption date, debit the registered shareholder(s) DRS account for the VMTP Shares to be redeemed and make payment according to instructions received from the Fund, including instructions concerning the redemption price to be paid per VMTP Share. (All funds for redemption payments must be received by the Transfer Agent, via Federal Funds Wire, ACH or Demand Deposit Account debit, by 12:00 noon, New York City Time, on the redemption date.); |
(vi) | Hold or cause to be held all funds deposited with the Transfer Agent by an VMTP Fund for payment to the holders of the VMTP Shares in trust for the benefit of such holders. All interest earned on such funds shall accrue solely for the benefit of such VMTP Fund; |
(vii) | Accept instructions from the applicable VMTP Fund with respect to the investment or reinvestment of any funds consisting of cash deposited prior to the applicable payment date therefor in cash or cash equivalents (short-term), provided that the proceeds of any such investment will be available as same day funds at the opening of business on the applicable payment date; and |
(viii) | In the event of an overpayment of funds by the VMTP Fund as a result of an error in calculation or a decrease in the dividend rate on the shares while funds are being held, cause any such funds paid to the Transfer Agent in accordance with the foregoing but not applied by the Transfer Agent to the payment of dividends, redemption payments or other payments on the VMTP Shares, including interest earned on such moneys while so held, to be repaid to the applicable VMTP Fund as soon as possible after the date on which such funds were to have been so applied, upon the instruction of such VMTP Fund. The Transfer Agent shall have the right to request an opinion of counsel and/or certification from an officer of the VMTP Fund that such return of funds is in compliance with the Statement and applicable law, as well as such other documentation concerning the overpayment as may be reasonably requested. |
3. | Fee Schedule. The current Fee Schedule to the Agreement (Schedule 5.1), dated July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2011, is hereby amended to add the following new section after the MTP Funds section, which was added by previous amendment and follows the section entitled Annual Account Service Fees: |
VMTP Funds
For services provided under this Agreement for the VMTP Funds, the following fees shall apply in lieu of the Annual Account Service Fees:
If at any time VMTP Shares of any VMTP Fund are not held by DTC as the sole registered shareholder in book-entry form through the DRS, the Transfer Agent shall have the right to propose an amendment to the foregoing fees to reflect the additional costs related to providing the services contemplated hereby with respect to additional registered holders of VMTP Shares or shall have the right to terminate its services hereunder with respect to such VMTP Shares of such VMTP Fund only, upon 90 days prior written notice. In addition, if such amendment is not acceptable to the VMTP Fund, it may terminate the Transfer Agents services with respect to such VMTP Shares of such VMTP Fund only, on 90 days prior written notice.
4. | Section 7.5 of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows: |
A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 33 Act) is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares of the Fund being offered for sale, except the VMTP Shares. The VMTP Shares are being offered pursuant to an exemption from registration under the 33 Act and applicable state securities laws.
5. | All defined terms and definitions in the Agreement shall be the same in this Amendment except as specifically revised by this Amendment. |
6. | Except as specifically set forth in this Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
7. | For each Fund that is a business trust, the Funds Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Amendment is executed on behalf of each such Fund by the Funds officers as officers and not individually. The obligations imposed upon each such Fund by this Amendment are not binding upon any of the Funds Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
EACH OF THE NUVEEN CLOSED-END
INVESTMENT COMPANIES LISTED ON EXHIBIT A TO THE AGREEMENT |
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
COMPANY |
|||||||
By: |
/s/ Tina M. Lazar |
By: |
/s/ Michael Rogers |
|||||
as an Authorized Officer on behalf of | Michael Rogers | |||||||
each of the Funds indicated on Exhibit A | Executive Vice President | |||||||
Name: | Tina M. Lazar | |||||||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
Exhibit (13)(c)
AMENDMENT
To Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
Between
Each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement
And
State Street Bank and Trust Company
This Amendment is made as of this 1 st day of July 2011 to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated October 7, 2002, as amended (the Agreement) between each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement (collectively, the Funds) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the Transfer Agent). In accordance with Section 16. 1 (Amendment) of the Agreement, the parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Renewal Term. The Agreement is hereby renewed for a three-year Renewal Term commencing on July 1, 2011 and ending on June 30, 20I4. For purposes of this Renewal Term, Section 5.5 (Cost of Living Adjustment) of the Agreement shall not apply until July 1, 2012. Unless the parties otherwise agree to different provisions in writing, the Agreement shall continue to be renewable in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 14.1 of the Agreement.
2. Fee Schedule. Effective July 1, 2011, Schedule 5.1 to the Agreement is replaced by the new Schedule 5.1 dated July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014 and attached hereto (the Fee Schedule).
3. All defined terms and definitions in the Agreement shall be the same in this Amendment except as specifically revised by this Amendment.
4. Except as specifically set forth in this Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
EACH OF THE NUVEEN CLOSED-END
INVESTMENT COMPANIES LISTED ON EXHIBIT A TO THE AGREEMENT |
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
COMPANY |
|||||||
By: |
/s/ Tina M. Lazar |
By: |
/s/ Michael Rogers |
|||||
Name: | Tina M. Lazar | Name: | Michael Rogers | |||||
Title: | SVP | Title: | Executive Vice President | |||||
as an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the
Funds on Exhibit A to the Agreement |
SCHEDULE 5.1
FEES
For the Period: July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014
General: Fees are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12 of the annual fee. A charge is made for an account in the month that an account opens or closes. Each Portfolio/class is a CUSIP and will be billed accordingly.
Annual Account Service Fees 1 * |
||||
Open Accounts |
$ | 19.00/account | ||
Closed Accounts |
$ | 1.50/account |
MTP Funds
For services provided under the Agreement for the MTP Funds, the following fees shall apply in lieu of the Annual Account Service Fees:
(Fees in each case are per MTP Fund): | ||||
Initial Set-up Fee |
$ | 1,500 | ||
Monthly Administrative Fee |
$ | 1,350 | ||
Monthly Fee per Additional Series of Shares |
$ | 350 | ||
Per Cusip Full Redemption |
$ | 2,500 | ||
Per Cusip Partial Redemption |
$ | 3,000 |
VMTP Funds
For services provided under the Agreement for the VMTP Funds, the following fees shall apply in lieu of the Annual Account Service Fees:
(Fees in each case are per VMTP Fund): | ||||
Initial Set-up Fee |
$ | 1,500 | ||
Monthly Administrative Fee |
$ | 1,350 | ||
Monthly Fee per Additional Series of Shares |
$ | 350 | ||
Per Cusip Full Redemption |
$ | 2,500 | ||
Per Cusip Partial Redemption |
$ | 3,000 |
If at any time VMTP Shares of any VMTP Fund are not held by DTC as the sole registered shareholder in book-entry form through the DRS, the Transfer Agent shall have the right to propose an amendment to the foregoing fees to reflect the additional costs related to providing the services contemplated hereby with respect to additional registered holders of VMTP Shares or shall have the right to terminate its services hereunder with respect to such VMTP Shares of such VMTP Fund only, upon 90 days prior written notice. In addition, if such amendment is not acceptable to the VMTP Fund, it may terminate the Transfer Agents services with respect to such VMTP Shares of such VMTP Fund only, on 90 days prior written notice.
1 | See description of Account Services for services included. |
SCHEDULE 5.1
FEES
For the Period: July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014
(continued)
Annual Fiduciary Fees |
||||
Maintenance (Paid by Shareholder) |
$ | 10.00/account | ||
Annual Automated Work Distributor (AWD) |
||||
License fees and Remote Processing Fees |
$ | 5,200.00/workstation | 2 ± | |
Out-of-Pocket Expenses |
Billed as incurred |
Out-of Pocket expenses include but are not limited to: postage, confirmation statements, investor statements, certificates, audio response, telephone calls, records retention/storage, customized programming /enhancements, federal wire fees, transcripts, microfilm, microfiche, disaster recovery, hardware at the Funds facility, telecommunications /network configuration, forms, sales taxes, exchange and broker fees, and expenses incurred at the specific direction of the Fund. Out-of-pocket expenses may include the costs to Transfer Agent of certain administrative expenses and certain monthly minimum charges by third parties for optional services, so long as such expenses are described in reasonable detail on the applicable invoice. In addition, any other expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent at the request or with the consent of the Fund, will be reimbursed by the Fund.
2 | Hardware and third-party software not included. |
SCHEDULE 5.1
FEES
For the Period: July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014
(continued)
C LOSED -E ND F UND - A CCOUNT S ERVICES D ESCRIPTION . The services included in the Account Service Fee include:
Account Maintenance:
| Annual services as Transfer Agent, Registrar, Dividend Disbursement and Dividend Reinvestment Agent. |
| Processing of new accounts, preparation and mailing W-9/W-8 certifications to new accounts and closing accounts. |
| Posting and acknowledging address changes, tax ID number changes and W-9 and W-8 certification and all other routine file maintenance adjustments. |
| Posting all transactions |
| Researching shareholder and broker inquiries. |
| Daily Transfer Activity Journals |
| New York Window items |
| Indemnity Bonds |
| Suppression of duplicate report mailings. |
| Maintaining closed accounts. |
Mailing & Report Production Services:
| Addressing and mailing four (4) registered shareholder reports or letters via First Class Mail as required per fund, per annum. |
| Preparing two (2) full or partial shareholder reports (including Statistical Reports) as required per fund, per annum. |
| Preparing twelve (12) sets of shareholder labels as required, per fund, per annum. |
| Abandoned Property Reports provided at $1,000 per report and $3.00 per respondent, per fund. |
| Annual Meeting Services: |
| Preparing magnetic tapes with shareholder information for proxy tabulator (Computershare Fund Services) annually for each fund. |
Note: all out-of-pocket expenses including overprinting proxy cards, card stock, envelopes, postage and telecopy charges will be billed as incurred.
Dividend Disbursement Services:
The dividend related services listed will be performed, pursuant to the following terms and conditions:
*All funds (monies) must be received by 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the Mail Date via Federal Funds Wire or Bank Demand Deposit account debit.
| Preparing and mailing monthly dividend checks with an additional enclosure. |
| Providing Automated Clearinghouse Funds (ACH) services. |
| Replacing lost dividend checks. |
| Providing photocopies of cashed dividend checks if requested. |
| Processing and record keeping of accumulated uncashed dividends. |
| Reconciling paid and outstanding dividend checks. |
SCHEDULE 5.1
FEES
For the Period: July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014
(continued)
Closed-End Fund - Account Services Description (continued) . The services included in the Account Service Fee include:
Dividend Disbursement Services(continued):
| Coding RPO/SAUK accounts to suppress mailing dividend checks to undeliverable addresses. |
| Effecting wire transfer of funds to Depository Trust Company on payable date. |
| Preparing and filing Federal Information Returns (Form 1099) of dividends paid during the year and mailing Forms 1099-DIV and Forms 1099-INT to each shareholder (taxable and or non-taxable reporting). |
| Preparing and filing State Information Returns of dividends paid during the year to shareholders resident within such State in accordance with current State Filing regulations. |
| Preparing and filing annual withholding return (Form 1042) and payments to the government of income taxes withheld from Non-resident Aliens and mailing Forms 1042 to each foreign shareholder. |
| Performing the following duties as required by the Interest and Dividend Tax Compliance Act of 1983: |
| Withholding tax from shareholder accounts not in compliance with the provisions of the Act. |
| Reconciling and reporting taxes withheld, including additional 1099 reporting requirements, to the Internal Revenue Service. |
| Responding to shareholders regarding the regulations. |
| Mailing to new accounts, which have had taxes, withheld, to inform them of procedures to be followed to cease future back-up withholding. |
| Annual mailing to pre-1984 accounts for which Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) have not yet been certified. |
| Performing shareholder file adjustments to reflect TIN certifications. |
Note: Depository Wire charges required to fund dividend payments will be billed to the Fund as an expense.
Dividend Reinvestment Services:
As Administrator for the various Open Market and/or Original Issue Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRP):
| Reinvestment and/or optional cash investment (semi annual optional cash investments for the Muni Fund) transactions of DRP participants. |
| Processing DTC quarterly reinvestments. |
| Preparing and mailing a year-to-date dividend reinvestment statement with an additional enclosure to DRP participants upon completion of each reinvestment. |
| Preparing and mailing a year-to-date optional cash investment statement to the Muni Fund participants upon the completion of each semi annual investment. |
| Maintaining DRP accounts and establishing new DRP accounts. |
| Processing sale/termination requests. |
| Processing withdrawal requests. |
| Providing the Funds with a Dividend Reinvestment Investment Summary Report for each reinvestment and/or optional cash investment as required. |
| Providing Safekeeping for DRP participant stock certificates. |
SCHEDULE 5.1
FEES
For the Period: July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014
(continued)
Closed-End Fund - Account Services Description (continued) . The services included in the Account Service Fee include:
Dividend Reinvestment Services (continued):
| Researching and responding to shareholder inquiries regarding the Plan. |
| Preparing and mailing Forms 1099 and Forms 1042 to DRP participants and completing related filings with the IRS. |
| Preparing, mailing and filing Form 1099B relating to DRP sales. |
The fees as stated include:
| DRP Redemptions or Tenders (sales or withdrawals) to be billed at $10.00 each (sales fee and per share commission is holder paid). |
Distribution and Redemption Services for the Municipal Term Preferred Shares Funds (MTP Funds).
| Maintain registered account for Depository Trust Company (DTC) (including in its nominee name, Cede & Co.) for each series of the MTP Funds in book entry form through the Direct Registration System (DRS); |
| Upon notification that an MTP Fund will be redeemed/liquidated, designate a project manager to carry out redemption duties, including document review, review of communication materials, project management, and on-going project updates and reporting. (For each MTP Fund redemption, the Transfer Agent shall be provided with a written instruction from the Fund setting forth the date of redemption/payable date and the amount to be paid per share; |
| Coordinate the redemption with DTC; |
| On the redemption date, debit the registered shareholder(s) DRS account and make payment according to instructions received from the Fund. (All funds for redemption payments must be received by the Transfer Agent, via Federal Funds Wire, ACH or Demand Deposit Account debit, one business day prior to payable date.) |
Distribution and Redemption Services for Funds (VMTP Funds) Issuing Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (VMTP Shares).
| Maintain a registered account for Depository Trust Company (DTC) (including in its nominee name, Cede & Co.) for each series of VMTP Shares issued by such VMTP Fund in book entry form through the Direct Registration System (DRS); |
| Provide dividend disbursing services consisting of effecting wire transfer of dividend payments to DTC on payable date. For each dividend, the applicable VMTP Fund shall provide the Transfer Agent with the dividend record and payable date as well as the dividend rate per VMTP Share. All funds for the payment of dividends must be received by 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the payable date via Federal Funds Wire or Bank Demand Deposit account debit; |
SCHEDULE 5.1
FEES
For the Period: July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014
(continued)
Closed-End Fund - Account Services Description (continued) . The services included in the Account Service Fee include:
Distribution and Redemption Services for Funds (VMTP Funds) Issuing Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (VMTP Shares). (continued)
| Upon notification that VMTP Shares will be redeemed/liquidated, designate a project manager to carry out redemption duties, including document review, review of communication materials, project management, and on-going project updates and reporting. (For each VMTP Fund redemption, the Transfer Agent shall be provided with a written instruction from the VMTP Fund setting forth the date of redemption/payable date and the amount to be paid per VMTP Share); |
| Coordinate the redemption with DTC, and if requested by the VMTP Fund, supply the VMTP Funds Notice of Redemption to DTC or other holders of VMTP Shares; |
| On the redemption date, debit the registered shareholder(s) DRS account for the VMTP Shares to be redeemed and make payment according to instructions received from the Fund, including instructions concerning the redemption price to be paid per VMTP Share. (All funds for redemption payments must be received by the Transfer Agent, via Federal Funds Wire, ACH or Demand Deposit Account debit, by 12:00 noon, New York City Time, on the redemption date.); |
| Hold or cause to be held all funds deposited with the Transfer Agent by an VMTP Fund for payment to the holders of the VMTP Shares in trust for the benefit of such holders. All interest earned on such funds shall accrue solely for the benefit of such VMTP Fund; |
| Accept instructions from the applicable VMTP Fund with respect to the investment or reinvestment of any funds consisting of cash deposited prior to the applicable payment date therefor in cash or cash equivalents (short-term), provided that the proceeds of any such investment will be available as same day funds at the opening of business on the applicable payment date; and |
| In the event of an overpayment of funds by the VMTP Fund as a result of an error in calculation or a decrease in the dividend rate on the shares while funds are being held, cause any such funds paid to the Transfer Agent in accordance with the foregoing but not applied by the Transfer Agent to the payment of dividends, redemption payments or other payments on the VMTP Shares, including interest earned on such moneys while so held, to be repaid to the applicable VMTP Fund as soon as possible after the date on which such funds were to have been so applied, upon the instruction of such VMTP Fund. The Transfer Agent shall have the right to request an opinion of counsel and/or certification from an officer of the VMTP Fund that such return of funds is in compliance with the Statement and applicable law, as well as such other documentation concerning the overpayment as may be reasonably requested. |
SCHEDULE 5.1
FEES
For the Period: July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014
(continued)
I TEMS NOT C OVERED
Items not included in the fees set forth in the Fee Schedule for standard services such as payment of a stock dividend, corporate actions or any services associated with a special project are to be billed separately, on an appraisal basis and as agreed to by both parties. Services required by legislation or regulatory fiat which become effective after the date of this Fee Schedule shall not be a part of the standard services and shall be billed by appraisal. All services not specifically covered under this Fee Schedule will be billed by appraisal, as applicable.
Exhibit (13)(d)
AMENDMENT
To Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
Between
Each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement
And
State Street Bank and Trust Company
This Amendment is made as of this 15th day of July 2015 to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated October 7, 2002, as amended (the Agreement) between each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement (collectively, the Funds) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the Transfer Agent). In accordance with Section 16.1 (Amendment) of the Agreement, the parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Renewal Term. The Agreement is hereby renewed for a Renewal Term commencing on July 15, 2015 and ending on May 10, 2017. Unless the parties otherwise agree to different provisions in writing, the Agreement shall continue to be renewable in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 14.1 of the Agreement.
2. All defined terms and definitions in the Agreement shall be the same in this Amendment except as specifically revised by this Amendment.
4. Except as specifically set forth in this Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
EACH OF THE NUVEEN CLOSED-END
INVESTMENT COMPANIES LISTED ON EXHIBIT A TO THE AGREEMENT |
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
COMPANY |
|||||||
By: |
/s/ Tina M. Lazar |
By: |
/s/ Gunjan Kedia |
|||||
Name: | Tina M. Lazar | Name: | Gunjan Kedia | |||||
Title: | SVP | Title: | Executive Vice President | |||||
as an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of
the Funds on Exhibit A to the Agreement |
Exhibit (13)(e)
AMENDMENT
To Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
Between
Each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Exhibit A
And
State Street Bank and Trust Company
This Amendment is made as of this 29th day of October 2015, between each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement (defined below) (collectively, the Fund) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the Transfer Agent). In accordance with Section 16.1 (Amendment) of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Fund and the Transfer Agent dated October 7, 2002, as amended, (the Agreement), the parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. | Issuance of Term Preferred Shares. Certain of the Funds intend to issue series of preferred shares to be designated as Term Preferred Shares pursuant to a Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Term Preferred Shares (each, a Statement). In connection with such Statement, the Transfer Agent has agreed to serve as Redemption and Paying Agent as described in the Statement and provide the services solely as set forth herein. |
2. | Additional Services. The Agreement is hereby amended to add the following new Section set forth below: |
2D. Distribution and Redemption Services for Funds (Term Preferred Funds) Issuing Term Preferred Shares (Term Preferred Shares).
In addition to the other services provided under this Agreement, the Transfer Agent agrees to provide the following additional services to the Term Preferred Funds:
(i) | Maintain a registered account for The Depository Trust Company (DTC) (including in its nominee name, Cede & Co.) for each series of Term Preferred Shares issued by such Term Preferred Fund in book entry form through the Direct Registration System (DRS); |
(ii) | Provide dividend disbursing services consisting of effecting wire transfer of dividend payments to DTC on payable date. For each dividend, the applicable Term Preferred Fund shall provide the Transfer Agent with the dividend record and payable date as well as the dividend rate per Term Preferred Share. All funds for the payment of dividends must be received by 12:00 noon Eastern Time on the payable date via Federal Funds Wire or Bank Demand Deposit account debit; |
(iii) |
Upon notification that Term Preferred Shares will be redeemed/liquidated, designate a project manager to carry out redemption duties, including document review, review of communication materials, project management, and on-going |
project updates and reporting. (For each Term Preferred Fund redemption, the Transfer Agent shall be provided with a written instruction from the Term Preferred Fund setting forth the date of redemption/payable date and the amount to be paid per Term Preferred Share); |
(iv) | Coordinate the redemption with DTC, and if requested by the Term Preferred Fund, supply the Term Preferred Funds Notice of Redemption to DTC or other holders of Term Preferred Shares; |
(v) | On the redemption date, debit the registered shareholder(s) DRS account for the Term Preferred Shares to be redeemed and make payment according to instructions received from the Fund, including instructions concerning the redemption price to be paid per Term Preferred Share. (All funds for redemption payments must be received by the Transfer Agent, via Federal Funds Wire, ACH or Demand Deposit Account debit, by 12:00 noon, New York City Time, on the redemption date.); |
(vi) | Hold or cause to be held all funds deposited with the Transfer Agent by a Term Preferred Fund for payment to the holders of the Term Preferred Shares in trust for the benefit of such holders. All interest earned on such funds shall accrue solely for the benefit of such Term Preferred Fund; |
(vii) | Accept instructions from the applicable Term Preferred Fund with respect to the investment or reinvestment of any funds consisting of cash deposited prior to the applicable payment date therefor in cash or cash equivalents (short-term), provided that the proceeds of any such investment will be available as same day funds at the opening of business on the applicable payment date; and |
(viii) | In the event of an overpayment of funds by the Term Preferred Fund as a result of an error in calculation or a decrease in the dividend rate on the shares while funds are being held, cause any such funds paid to the Transfer Agent in accordance with the foregoing but not applied by the Transfer Agent to the payment of dividends, redemption payments or other payments on the Term Preferred Shares, including interest earned on such moneys while so held, to be repaid to the applicable Term Preferred Fund as soon as possible after the date on which such funds were to have been so applied, upon the instruction of such Term Preferred Fund. The Transfer Agent shall have the right to request an opinion of counsel and/or certification from an officer of the Term Preferred Fund that such return of funds is in compliance with the Statement and applicable law, as well as such other documentation concerning the overpayment as may be reasonably requested. |
3. | Fee Schedule. The current Fee Schedule to the Agreement (Schedule 5.1), dated July 15, 2015 through May 10, 2017, is hereby amended to add the following new section after the section entitled Annual Account Service Fees: |
Term Preferred Funds
For services provided under this Agreement for the Term Preferred Funds, the following fees shall apply in lieu of the Annual Account Service Fees:
If at any time Term Preferred Shares of any Term Preferred Fund are not held by DTC as the sole registered shareholder in book-entry form through the DRS, the Transfer Agent shall have the right to propose an amendment to the foregoing fees to reflect the additional costs related to providing the services contemplated hereby with respect to additional registered holders of Term Preferred Shares or shall have the right to terminate its services hereunder with respect to such Term Preferred Shares of such Term Preferred Fund only upon 90 days prior written notice. In addition, if such amendment is not acceptable to the Term Preferred Fund, it may terminate the Transfer Agents services with respect to such Term Preferred Shares of such Term Preferred Fund only, on 90 days prior written notice.
4. | All defined terms and definitions in the Agreement shall be the same in this Amendment except as specifically revised by this Amendment. |
5. | Except as specifically set forth in this Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
6. | For each Fund that is a business trust, the Funds Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Amendment is executed on behalf of each such Fund by the Funds officers as officers and not individually. The obligations imposed upon each such Fund by this Amendment are not binding upon any of the Funds Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund. |
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
EACH OF THE NUVEEN CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES LISTED ON EXHIBIT A TO THE AGREEMENT |
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
COMPANY |
|||||
By: |
/s/ Tina M. Lazar |
By: |
/s/ Gunjan Kedia |
|||
as an Authorized Officer on behalf of | Name: | Gunjan Kedia | ||||
each of the Funds indicated on Exhibit A | Title: | Executive Vice President | ||||
Name: | Tina M. Lazar | |||||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
Exhibit (13)(f)
AMENDMENT
To
Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
Between
Each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Schedule A to the
Agreement
And
State Street Bank and Trust Company
This Amendment is made as of this 28 th day of April, 2016, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated October 7, 2002, as amended (the Agreement) between each of the Nuveen Closed-End Investment Companies Listed on Schedule A to the Agreement (collectively, the Funds) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the Transfer Agent). In accordance with Section 17.1 (Amendment) of the Agreement, the parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. | Schedule A. The current Schedule A to the Agreement is hereby replaced and superseded with the Schedule A attached hereto, effective as of May 9, 2016; and |
2. | All defined terms and definitions in the Agreement shall be the same in this Amendment (the April 28, 2016 Amendment) except as specifically revised by this Amendment.; and |
3. | Except as specifically set forth in this April 28, 2016 Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this April 28, 2016 Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
EACH OF THE NUVEEN CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES LISTED ON SCHEDULE A TO THE AGREEMENT | STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY | |||||||
By: |
/s/ Tina M. Lazar |
By: |
/s/ Gunjan Kedia |
|||||
Name: | Tina M. Lazar | Name: | Gunjan Kedia | |||||
Title: | VP | Title: | Executive Vice President | |||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A |
SCHEDULE A
Nuveen Closed-End Funds
Effective Date: May 9, 2016
Nuveen All Cap Energy MLP Opportunities Fund*
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund*
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund*
Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund*
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund*
Nuveen California AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund*
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund*
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2*
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3*
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund 2*
Nuveen California Municipal Value Fund, Inc.+
Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio*
Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund*
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund*
Nuveen Diversified Dividend and Income Fund*
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Dow 30 SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund*
Nuveen Energy MLP Total Return Fund*
Nuveen Enhanced AMT-Free Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (formerly known as
Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund)*
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (formerly known as Nuveen
Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 3)*
Nuveen Enhanced Municipal Value Fund*
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund*
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund*
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund*
Nuveen Georgia Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2*
Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund*
Nuveen Global High Income Fund*
Nuveen High Income 2020 Target Term Fund*
Nuveen High Income December 2018 Target Term Fund*
Nuveen High Income December 2019 Target Term Fund*±
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Municipal Term Fund*
Nuveen Intermediate Duration Quality Municipal Term Fund*
Nuveen Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund*
2
SCHEDULE A
Nuveen Closed-End Funds
Effective Date: May 9, 2016
Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Minnesota Municipal Income Fund*
Nuveen Missouri Premium Income Municipal Fund *
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund 2*
Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund*
Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund*
Nuveen Municipal 2021 Target Term Fund*
Nuveen Municipal High Income Opportunity Fund*
Nuveen Municipal Income Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund*
Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund*
Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Value Fund*
Nuveen New York AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund*
Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund*
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund 2*
Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio *
Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund *
Nuveen Ohio Quality Income Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Pennsylvania Investment Quality Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Value Fund*
Nuveen Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund*
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund*
Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund (formerly known as Nuveen Quality Preferred
Income Fund 2)*
Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc. +
Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund*
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund *
Nuveen S&P 500 Buy-Write Income Fund*
Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund*
3
SCHEDULE A
Nuveen Closed-End Funds
Effective Date: May 9, 2016
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. +
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio*
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2*
Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3*
Nuveen Senior Income Fund *
Nuveen Short Duration Credit Opportunities Fund*
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund*
Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund*
Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund*
Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund*
Diversified Real Asset Income Fund*
+ | Minnesota Corporation |
++ | Virginia corporation |
* | Massachusetts Business Trust |
** | Maryland Corporation |
± | Estimated live date is May 25, 2016 |
4
Exhibit (14)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Trustees of
Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund
We consent to the use of our report dated September 28, 2016 with respect to the financial statements of Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund and Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund, incorporated herein by reference, and to the references to our firm under the headings Financial Highlights, Experts and Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and Experts in the Statement of Additional Information filed on Form N-14.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
December 8, 2016
Exhibit (16)
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set his hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ William Adams IV |
William Adams IV |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENT, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for her on her behalf and in her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the registration thereof, or the issuance of shares thereof, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set her hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ Margo L. Cook |
Margo L. Cook |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set his hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ Jack B. Evans |
Jack B. Evans |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set his hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ William C. Hunter |
William C. Hunter |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set his hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ David J. Kundert |
David J. Kundert |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust), hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the registration thereof, or the issuance of shares thereof, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned director/trustee of the above-referenced organizations has hereunto set his hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ Albin F. Moschner |
Albin F. Moschner |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set his hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ John K. Nelson |
John K. Nelson |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set his hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ William J. Schneider |
William J. Schneider |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for her on her behalf and in her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set her hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ Judith M. Stockdale |
Judith M. Stockdale |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for her on her behalf and in her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set her hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ Carole E. Stone |
Carole E. Stone |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set his hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ Terence J. Toth |
Terence J. Toth |
NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above-referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints MARK CZARNIECKI, KEVIN J. McCARTHY, KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME, CHRISTOPHER M. ROHRBACHER, MARK L. WINGET, GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN and ERIC F. FESS, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone) her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for her on her behalf and in her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file one or more Registration Statements on Form N-14 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state, relating to the reorganizations, without limitation, granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization has hereunto set her hand this 16th day of November 2016.
/s/ Margaret L. Wolff |
Margaret L. Wolff |