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

 

 

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

Common Shares of Beneficial Interest,
$0.01 Par Value Per Share

  1,000 Shares   $10.15 (2)   $10,150   $1.18

 

 

(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.

 

 

 


LOGO

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:

 

   

the election of members of the Target Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) (the list of specific nominees is contained in the enclosed Proxy Statement/Prospectus); and

 

   

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 Fund’s 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:

 

   

The potential for a higher common share net earnings rate;

 


   

Lower management fee and administrative expense rates (excluding the costs of leverage) as certain fixed costs are spread over a larger asset base; and

 

   

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s income-only distribution policy, in which distributions are sourced entirely from net investment income.

 

ii


   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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s current distribution rate.

 

Q. Do the Funds have similar investment objectives, policies and risks?

 

A. The Funds have similar investment objectives and risks. Each Fund’s 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 company’s 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 Fund—Investment Objectives and Policies” below.

 

Q. Does the Reorganization constitute a taxable event for the Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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 shareholder’s 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 shareholder’s 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

 

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  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:

 

   

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.

 

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 solicitor’s follow-up contact list.

 

     Your vote is very important. We encourage you as a shareholder to participate in the Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s shares, in order to gain admission you must show photographic identification, such as your driver’s 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 driver’s license, and satisfactory proof of ownership of shares of the Target Fund, such as your voting instruction form (or a copy thereof) or broker’s 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 firm’s 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
(Ticker Symbol)

   Common
Shares (1)
 

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 Nuveen’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 firm’s report for the Acquiring Fund and the financial highlights for the Acquiring Fund contained in the Fund’s 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 firm’s report for the Target Fund and the financial highlights for the Target Fund contained in the Fund’s 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 SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at the SEC’s 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 SEC’s 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 SEC’s 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)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1—THE ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS

     1   
 

Board Nominees/Board Members

     2   
 

Compensation

     10   
 

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

     11   
 

The Officers

     20   

PROPOSAL NO. 2—REORGANIZATION OF THE TARGET FUND INTO THE ACQUIRING FUND

     24   
A.        SYNOPSIS      24   
 

Background and Reasons for the Reorganization

     24   
 

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization

     25   
 

Comparison of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund

     25   
 

Comparative Risk Information

     37   
 

Comparative Expense Information

     38   
 

Comparative Performance Information

     39   
B.        RISK FACTORS      39   

C.        INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION

     56   
 

General

     56   
 

Terms of the Reorganization

     57   
 

Reasons for the Reorganization

     59   
 

Capitalization

     62   
 

Expenses Associated with the Reorganization

     62   
 

Dissenting Shareholders’ Rights of Appraisal

     63   
 

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization

     63   
 

Shareholder Approval

     66   
 

Description of Common Shares to Be Issued by the Acquiring Fund; Comparison to the Target Fund

     66   
 

Description of Massachusetts Business Trusts

     70   

D.         ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INVESTMENT POLICIES

     72   
 

Comparison of the Investment Objectives and Policies of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund

     72   
 

Portfolio Investments

     74   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUIRING FUND

     85   
 

Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws

     85   
 

Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

     86   
 

Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent

     87   
 

Federal Income Tax Matters Associated with Investment in the Acquiring Fund

     87   
 

Net Asset Value

     90   
 

Legal Opinions

     91   
 

Experts

     91   

 

v


GENERAL INFORMATION

     92   
 

Outstanding Shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund

     92   
 

Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund

     92   
 

Expenses of Proxy Solicitation

     95   
 

Shareholder Proposals

     96   
 

Shareholder Communications

     96   
 

Fiscal Year

     97   
 

Shareholder Report Delivery

     97   
 

Other Information

     97   

APPENDIX A—FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

     A-1   

APPENDIX B—FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

     B-1   

APPENDIX C—BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF BOARD MEMBERS

     C-1   

APPENDIX D—INFORMATION REGARDING OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER

     D-1   

APPENDIX E—NUVEEN FUND BOARD AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER

     E-1   

 

vi


PROPOSAL NO. 1—THE 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 Fund’s then-present Board.

Board Members Hunter, Stockdale, Stone and Wolff were last elected to the Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Adviser’s 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


Board Nominees/Board Members

 

Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

  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:
Since 1996,
Chairman of the
Board Since
July 1, 2013

  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:
Since 1999

  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
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

  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:
Since 2004

  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:
Since 2005

  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
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

  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
Service:
Since 2016

  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
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

  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:
Since 2013

  Member of Board of Directors of Core12 LLC (since 2008), a private firm which develops branding, marketing and communications strategies for clients; Director of The Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (since 2009) and The President’s Council, Fordham University (since 2010); formerly, senior external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP (2012-2014); formerly, Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America, and Global Head of its Financial Markets Division (2007-2008); prior senior positions held at ABN AMRO include Corporate Executive Vice President and Head of Global Markets—the Americas (2006-2007), CEO of Wholesale Banking—North America and Global Head of Foreign Exchange and Futures Markets (2001-2006), and Regional Commercial Treasurer and Senior Vice President Trading—North America (1996-2001); formerly, Trustee at St. Edmund Preparatory School in New York City; formerly, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Marian University (2011-2014).     180      None

 

5


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

  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:
Since 1997

  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:
Since 2007

  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
Holdings,
Inc.
(since
2010).

 

6


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

  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
Service:
Since 2008

  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
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

  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
Service: Since
2016

  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:
Since 2013

  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 Gilda’s Club Chicago.     180      None

 

8


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

  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
Service:
Since 2016

  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 (2013–2015), of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Managing Director—Investment 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 Foundation’s 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 Nuveen’s 401(k)/profit sharing plan). As of December 31, 2015, each Board Member’s 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 Information—Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund.”

Compensation

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 Member’s 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 Member’s 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 fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 candidate’s particular background, skills and experience, among other things, but also whether such background, skills and experience enhance the Board’s 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 Board’s knowledge and expertise with respect to the many aspects of fund operations that are complex-wide in nature. The unitary structure also enhances the Board’s 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 Board’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the Fund’s 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 Fund’s portfolio. Subject to the Board’s general supervision of such actions, the Audit Committee addresses any valuation issues, oversees the Fund’s pricing procedures and actions taken by Nuveen’s internal valuation group which provides regular reports to the committee, reviews any issues relating to the valuation of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Committee’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Board’s governance over the Target Fund’s 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 candidate’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s last fiscal year, the Fund’s Board held six regular meetings and nine special meetings and each Board Member attended 75% or more of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Member’s 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 Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. He is an Associate Fellow of Yale’s Timothy Dwight College and is currently on the Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and of Gilda’s 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 Management’s institutional business. Prior to that, she spent over 20 years within BNY Mellon’s 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 Bank’s Chief Economist and was an Associate Economist on the Federal Reserve System’s 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 bank’s 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 President’s 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 Board’s 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 Governor’s 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 Member’s 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 Officers

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
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held
with Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time  Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years (2)

  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:
Since 1998

  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 (2013–2014) 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   

 

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Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held
with Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time  Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years (2)

  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
Vice President

  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
Secretary

  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   

 

21


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held
with Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time  Served (1)
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years (2)

  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. (2004–2010).     181   

Christopher M. Rohrbacher

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1971

  Vice President

and Assistant
Secretary

  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
Secretary

  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:
Since 1988

  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.

 

22


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law.

The Target Fund’s Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of the nominees.

 

23


PROPOSAL NO. 2—REORGANIZATION 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 Information—Comparative 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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. 2—Information About the Reorganization—Reasons for the Reorganization.”

 

24


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 Fund’s 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   

 

Capitalization—Common 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 Fund’s 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.

 

25


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 company’s 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 company’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

26


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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s trade creditors and other general obligations.

Traditional preferred securities pay a dividend, typically contingent both upon declaration by the issuer’s 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 issuer’s capital structure. As such, hybrid-preferred securities may not be subordinate to a company’s 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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 company’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s trade creditors and other general obligations, but still have priority of payment relative to the issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 & Poor’s (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 Fund’s 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 Moody’s, S&P’s and Fitch’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives.

Each Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law.

Certain important ratios related to each Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage and the leverage effects of certain derivative investments in the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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. 1—The Election of Board Members.”

Pursuant to the Funds’ By-Laws, each Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s management fee consists of two components—a 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 Fund’s use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for purposes of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles).

 

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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 Fund’s use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s 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 fund’s ability to benefit from available breakpoints in the applicable fee schedule that reduces the fee rate as the Acquiring Fund’s 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 trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining managed assets in certain circumstances. The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily managed assets of all Nuveen 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 Adviser’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011.

A discussion of the basis for the Board’s most recent approval of each Fund’s Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement(s) is included in that Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 company’s capital structure to determine the portfolio investment that may offer the most favorable risk-adjusted return potential, while seeking to construct the Target Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s investment portfolio. NWQ also manages the Target Fund’s investment portfolio. Douglas M. Baker and Brenda

 

35


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 NAM’s 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 bachelor’s 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.

 

36


Comparative Risk Information

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:

 

   

Investment, Market and Price Risk. An investment in a Fund’s 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.

 

   

Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk.

 

   

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 issuer’s common stock, which likely will have declined in value and which will be subordinate to the issuer’s 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.

 

   

Interest Rate Risk. Fixed-income securities such as bonds, preferred, convertible and other debt securities will decline in value if market interest rates rise.

 

   

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.

 

   

Common Stock Risk. Common stock returns often have experienced significant volatility.

 

   

Leverage Risk. Each Fund’s use of leverage may cause higher volatility for the Fund’s per share net asset value, market price, and distributions. Leverage typically magnifies the total return of a Fund’s portfolio, whether that return is positive or negative. Leverage is intended to increase common share net income, but there is no assurance that a Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. Different forms of leverage, including swaps, may introduce additional credit or interest rate risk. Leverage may also increase a Fund’s liquidity risk, as the Fund may need to sell securities at inopportune times to stay within Fund or regulatory limits.

 

37


   

Concentration Risk. Each Fund’s 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.

 

   

Foreign Investment Risk. Investments in non-U.S securities involve special risks not typically associated with domestic investments including currency risk, if not hedged—the risk that changes in exchange rates will affect the value of a Fund’s investments, as well as adverse political, social and economic developments. These risks often are magnified in emerging markets.

 

   

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.

 

   

Illiquid Securities Risk. The Funds may not be able to sell securities in its portfolio at the time or price the Funds desire.

 

   

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 Fund’s 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
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

39


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s 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:

 

   

increased price sensitivity resulting from a deteriorating economic environment and/or changing interest rates;

 

   

greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality;

 

   

adverse issuer-specific events that are more likely to render the issuer unable to make interest and/or principal payments; and

 

40


   

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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s ability to service its debt obligations also may be adversely affected by specific developments, the issuer’s 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

 

41


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s net asset value.

Market Conditions. The 2007–2009 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 2007–2009 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 Fund’s 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 portfolio’s 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 company’s 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:

 

   

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 issuer’s 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 trust’s or special purpose entity’s rights as a creditor under the agreement with its operating company.

 

   

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.

 

   

Credit and Subordination Risk. Credit risk is the risk that a security in the Acquiring Fund’s 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 company’s 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.

 

   

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.

 

   

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.

 

   

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.

 

   

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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:

 

   

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;

 

   

unstable interest rates can have a disproportionate effect on the financial services sector;

 

   

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

 

   

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 Fund’s 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 security’s 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 security’s “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 institution’s 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 issuer’s financial condition (e.g., a decrease in the issuer’s 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 issuer’s common stock received by the Acquiring Fund will have likely declined, perhaps substantially, and may continue to decline, which may adversely affect the Acquiring Fund’s net asset value. Further, the issuer’s common stock would be subordinate to the issuer’s other classes of securities and therefore would worsen the Acquiring Fund’s 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 security’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s portfolio securities and its cost of leverage. If short- or intermediate-term rates rise and the Acquiring Fund’s leverage costs fluctuate, the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s use of financial leverage also creates incremental common share net asset value risk because the full impact of price changes in the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s investments in leveraged investment companies magnify the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s Managed Assets—this 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s ability to effectively hedge its portfolio.

Derivatives Regulatory Risk. Future regulatory developments could impact the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s clearing broker. In addition, the assets of the Acquiring Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the Acquiring Fund’s clearing broker’s 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 broker’s 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 member’s clients in connection with domestic cleared futures and derivative contracts from any funds held at the clearing organization to support the clearing member’s 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 member’s 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 broker’s other clients or the clearing broker’s 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 Fund’s counterparties with respect to derivatives or other transactions supported by another party’s 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 investment’s 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 Fund’s 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 company’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 security’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s portfolio.

REIT Risk. The Acquiring Fund may invest in common stocks, preferred securities and convertible securities issued by REITs. As a result, the Acquiring Fund’s 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 REIT’s expenses.

BDC Risk. Because BDCs typically invest in small and medium-sized companies, a BDC’s 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 BDC’s 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 BDC’s volatility and risk.

Investments in BDCs are subject to management risk, including the ability of the BDC’s management to meet the BDC’s investment objective and to manage the BDC’s 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 BDC’s 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 company’s portfolio. In addition, the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 ETF’s 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 ETF’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s ability to engage in securities transactions and take advantage of market opportunities.

Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.”

 

C. INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION

General

The Board of the Target Fund has approved the Reorganization. Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Target Fund’s investment adviser, recommended the proposed Reorganization as part of a broad initiative to restructure the product offerings of Nuveen’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

Terms of the Reorganization

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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. 2—Information About the Reorganization—Description 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s transfer agent will act directly on behalf of the shareholders entitled to receive

 

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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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s remaining undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains, if any, which may be more or less than the Target Fund’s undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains immediately preceding the distributions described above, if any. As a result, the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains per share immediately following the Reorganization is expected to be less than the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Reorganization—Target 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 Nuveen’s closed-end funds to eliminate funds with overlapping investment mandates and to better differentiate Nuveen’s product offerings, the Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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:

 

   

the compatibility of the Funds’ investment objectives;

 

   

consistency of portfolio management;

 

   

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;

 

   

the anticipated federal income tax-free nature of the Reorganization;

 

   

the expected costs of the Reorganization;

 

   

the terms of the Reorganization and whether the Reorganization would dilute the interests of shareholders of the Target Fund;

 

   

the effect of the Reorganization on Target Fund shareholder rights; and

 

   

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 Fund’s Board noted that the Funds have similar investment objectives and risks (although such risks may impact each Fund differently). The Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s Board considered the portfolio compositions of the Funds and considered the impact of the Reorganization on the Target Fund’s portfolio, including any shifts in asset and industry allocations, coupon type, credit ratings, yield and leverage costs. The Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s portfolio sub-advised by NAM. Additionally, the Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s Board noted the relatively small size of the Target Fund in comparison to that of the Acquiring Fund. In addition, the Target Fund’s Board considered the relative performance of the Funds and the factors that may affect the future performance of the combined fund. The Target Fund’s Board also recognized that each Fund utilizes leverage.

Consistency of Portfolio Management . The Target Fund’s Board noted that each Fund has the same investment adviser. The Target Fund’s Board also noted that the Target Fund’s sub-adviser, NWQ, also sub-advises approximately half of the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio; the other portion of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

Capitalization

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)
 

Common Shareholders’ Equity:

       

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   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets attributable to common shares

  $ 1,020,716,677      $ 68,821,117      $ (570,000   $ 1,088,967,794   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value per common share outstanding (net assets attributable to common shares, divided by common shares outstanding)

  $ 10.53      $ 18.61        $ 10.53   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Authorized shares:

       

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s ability to use the Target Fund’s or the Acquiring Fund’s 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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Shareholder Approval

The Reorganization is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Declaration of Trust are substantially similar to the provisions of the Target Fund’s Declaration of Trust, and each contains, among other things, similar super-majority voting provisions, as described under “Additional Information about the Acquiring Fund—Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.” The full text of each Fund’s Declaration of Trust is on file with the SEC and may be obtained as described on page 84.

The Acquiring Fund’s 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

 

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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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s dividend policy and the amount or timing of the distributions based on a number of factors, including the amount of the Fund’s 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 Fund—Federal 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s operative documents. This summary does not purport to be complete and we refer you to applicable Massachusetts law and each Fund’s operative documents.

General

A fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust is governed by the trust’s declaration of trust or similar instrument.

Massachusetts law allows the trustees of a business trust to set the terms of a fund’s 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 trust’s 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 fund’s 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 trustee’s personal liability in contract actions for the obligations of a trust contained in the trust’s 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

 

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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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Adviser or Sub-Advisers, as applicable. The Acquiring Fund’s 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 Moody’s, S&P’s and Fitch’s 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 & Poor’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives.

Each Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

Portfolio Investments

The Acquiring Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s trade creditors and other general obligations.

Traditional preferred securities pay a dividend, typically contingent both upon declaration by the issuer’s 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 issuer’s capital structure. As such, hybrid-preferred securities may not be subordinate to a company’s 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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 company’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s trade creditors and other general obligations, but still have priority of payment relative to the issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 security’s investment value. Convertible securities are subordinate in rank to any senior debt obligations of the same issuer and, therefore, an issuer’s 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 company’s management is located, (ii) the country in which the company’s securities are primarily listed, (iii) the country from which the company primarily receives revenue and (iv) the company’s 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 portfolio’s 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 Fund’s 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 corporation’s ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because the Acquiring Fund’s 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, Moody’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s use of interest rate swaps or caps has the potential to enhance or harm the overall performance of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s

 

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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 Fund’s 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 company’s expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s assets (other than in the regular course of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s Declaration of Trust or the Acquiring Fund’s By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Declaration of Trust or the Acquiring Fund’s By-Laws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s

 

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Board believes that the provisions of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust relating to such higher votes are in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund.

The Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides that the obligations of the Acquiring Fund are not binding upon the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s trustees. See the Reorganization SAI under “Management of the Funds.”

The provisions of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s investment objectives and policies. The Acquiring Fund’s Board has considered the foregoing anti-takeover provisions and concluded that they are in the best interests of the Fund.

The Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s Board in its discretion may determine.

Reference should be made to the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 shareholder’s situation.

If the Acquiring Fund’s total distributions exceed both the current taxable year’s 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 shareholder’s 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 shareholder’s 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 shareholder’s 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 shareholder’s 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 shareholder’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the Acquiring Fund’s assets to be invested in various foreign countries is not known. The payment of such taxes will reduce the Acquiring Fund’s return on such investments. If more than 50% of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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 investor’s own situation, including investments through an intermediary.

Net Asset Value

The Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Board or its delegate.

 

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The Acquiring Fund’s custodian calculates the Fund’s net asset value. The custodian uses prices for portfolio securities from a pricing service the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s officers review the pricing service’s procedures and valuations, under the general supervision of the Board.

Legal Opinions

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.

Experts

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 & Young’s 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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GENERAL INFORMATION

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 Fund’s shares, in order to gain admission you must show photographic identification, such as your driver’s 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 driver’s license, and satisfactory proof of ownership of shares of the Target Fund, such as your voting instruction form (or a copy thereof) or broker’s 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)
Title of Class

  

(2)
Shares
Authorized

  

(3)
Shares Held by Fund
for Its Own Account

  

(4)
Shares Outstanding
Exclusive of Shares
Shown under (3)

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
and Address

  

Number of
Shares
Owned

  

Percentage
Owned

  

Estimated
Acquiring
Fund Pro
Forma Fund

Acquiring Fund—

           

Common Shares

           

Target Fund—

           

Common Shares

           

 

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee of each Fund’s 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 firm’s qualifications, performance and independence. In its oversight capacity, the Audit Committee reviews each Fund’s 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 Fund’s financial and internal controls. The Audit Committee also selects, retains, evaluates and may replace each Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 firm’s independence. As provided in the Audit Committee Charter, it is not the Audit Committee’s responsibility to determine, and the considerations and discussions referenced above do not ensure, that each Fund’s financial statements are complete and accurate and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Based on the Audit Committee’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s last two fiscal years by each Fund’s 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 Fund’s annual financial statements and services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
(2) “Audit-Related Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These fees include offerings related to a Fund’s common shares and leverage.
(3) “Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance and tax planning. These fees include: all global withholding tax services; excise and state tax reviews; capital gain, tax equalization and taxable basis 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 Fund’s use of leverage.

Non-Audit Fees. The following table provides the aggregate non-audit fees billed by each Fund’s independent registered accounting firm for services rendered to each Fund, the Adviser and the Adviser Entities during each Fund’s last two fiscal years. Less than 50% of the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s 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 Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm’s 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 Fund’s equity securities to file forms reporting their affiliation with that Fund and reports of ownership and changes in ownership of that Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

Shareholder Proposals

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 Fund’s 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.

Shareholder Communications

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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Fiscal Year

The fiscal year end for each Fund is July 31.

Shareholder Report Delivery

Shareholder reports will be sent to shareholders of record of the Target Fund following the Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

Other Information

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

 

97


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 customer’s 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 owner’s 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

 

A-1


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s list referred to in the foregoing sentence that do not conform to the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s assets have been exchanged for Acquiring Fund Common Shares, the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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        CUSTODIAN’S 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s assets and liabilities, together with a list of the Target Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 counsel’s 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 counsel’s 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 Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws or Massachusetts law.

(d)        The Registration Statement is effective and, to such counsel’s 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 Fund’s 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 counsel’s 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 counsel’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 broker’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

A-16


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Declaration of Trust.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

A-17


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement, all as of the date first written above.

 

    NUVEEN PREFERRED INCOME
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
    By:                                                              
    Name:   Gifford R. Zimmerman
    Title:   Vice President and Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGED:

   
By:                                                                  
Name:   Virginia O’Neal    
    NUVEEN FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT
INCOME FUND
    By:                                                              
    Name:   Gifford R. Zimmerman
    Title:   Vice President and Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGED:

   
By:                                                                  
Name:   Virginia O’Neal    

 

A-18


EXHIBIT A

CAPITALIZATION OF THE TARGET FUND

 

Target Fund

  

Authorized Common Shares

  

Authorized Preferred Shares

Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (JPW)

   Unlimited    Unlimited

 

A-1


APPENDIX B

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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. KPMG’s report, along with the Acquiring Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Acquiring Fund’s 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
Performance

  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:

                     

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
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    0.88        0.55        1.17        0.42        2.37        (0.21     1.73        3.57        (5.78     (0.74     1.18   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions to Common Shareholders:

                     

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
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (0.80     (0.77     (0.76     (0.44     (0.76     (0.75     (0.68     (0.63     (1.00     (1.14     (1.10
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Share:

                     

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   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Share Total Returns:

                     

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

                     

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


    Year Ended July 31     Year Ended December 31  

Per Share Operating

Performance

  2016     2015     2014     2013(h)     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Ratios to Average Net Assets Before Reimbursement(d)

                     

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)

                     

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:

                     

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
Ou tstanding (000)

  $ 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 Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

 

     Total Return Based on Common Share Price is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

 

(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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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. KPMG’s report, along with the Target Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s 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 Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

 

   Total Return Based on Common Share Price is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

 

(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


APPENDIX C

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


APPENDIX D

INFORMATION REGARDING OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

OF ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER

 

   

Principal Executive Officers and Directors

   

Adviser/Sub-
Adviser

 

Name

 

Address

 

Principal
Occupation

 

Fund officers or
Board Members
who are officers,
employees,
directors, general
partner or
shareholders of the
Adviser/Sub-Adviser

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 William Adams IV

  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


APPENDIX E

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 Committee’s “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 Fund’s 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 “Management’s 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 Chairman’s 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 auditor’s 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 auditor’s independence. After reviewing the foregoing report[s] and the independent auditor’s 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 adviser’s 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 Fund’s securities under the 1940 Act. The Board has delegated this responsibility to the Committee to address and oversee valuation issues, subject to the Board’s 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 Fund’s securities brought to the Committee’s 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 management’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 adviser’s counsel and independent counsel to the Board legal matters that may have a material impact on the Fund’s 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 auditor’s 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.

 

E-6


 

LOGO

 

Nuveen Investments

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286

(800) 257-8787

 

www.nuveen.com   JPW 1216


[FORM OF PROXY]

EVERY SHAREHOLDER’S VOTE IS IMPORTANT

 

 

    EASY VOTING OPTIONS:

 

  LOGO   VOTE BY MAIL
    Vote, sign and date this Proxy
   

Card and return in the

postage-paid envelope

 

 

LOGO

 

 

VOTE IN PERSON

    Attend Shareholder Meeting
    333 West Wacker Dr.
   

Chicago, Illinois 60606

on [•], 2017

 

Please detach at perforation before mailing.

 

LOGO   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.

 

 

    

 

      

 

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

JPW_28422_120916


EVERY SHAREHOLDER’S 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:    

 

  

+

 

 A 

 

    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
 

 

01. William Adams IV         02. David J. Kundert         03. John K. Nelson         04. Terrence J. Toth

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

    

 

                                     

              FOR    AGAINST    ABSTAIN
2.  

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 Fund’s 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

      /      /                      

608999900109999999999

 

LOGO   

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

  

      JPW 28422

 

  

      M     xxxxxxxx

 

   +


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 Fund’s 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.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Investment Objectives and Policies

     S-1   

Portfolio Composition

     S-3   

Investment Restrictions

     S-13   

Management of the Funds

     S-17   

Portfolio Managers

     S-19   

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

     S-22   

Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

     S-25   

Federal Income Tax Matters

     S-27   

Experts

     S-35   

Custodian and Transfer Agent

     S-35   

Additional Information

     S-36   

Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited)

     S-36   

Appendix A Ratings of Investments

     A-1   


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s investment portfolio. The Acquiring Fund’s 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 Moody’s, S&P’s and Fitch’s 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;

 

S-1


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 & Poor’s (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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives.

Each Fund’s 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.

 

S-2


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

In addition to and supplementing the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Acquiring Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s trade creditors and other general obligations.

Traditional preferred securities pay a dividend, typically contingent both upon declaration by the issuer’s 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 issuer’s capital structure. As such, hybrid-preferred securities may not be subordinate to a company’s 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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 company’s 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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s trade creditors and other general obligations, but still have priority of payment relative to the issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 security’s investment value. Convertible securities are subordinate in rank to any senior debt obligations of the same issuer and, therefore, an issuer’s 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 company’s management is located, (ii) the country in which the company’s securities are primarily listed, (iii) the country from which the company primarily receives revenue and (iv) the company’s 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 portfolio’s 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 Fund’s 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 corporation’s ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because the Acquiring Fund’s 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, Moody’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s use of interest rate swaps or caps has the potential to enhance or harm the overall performance of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 company’s expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Acquiring Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

In addition to each Fund’s 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.

 

S-13


Except as described below, each Fund may not: 1

 

    

Acquiring Fund

  

Target Fund

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 issuer’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s ownership of such securities.

 

1   The table presents the fundamental investment restrictions of each Fund as they appear in the respective Fund’s 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.

 

S-14


    

Acquiring Fund

  

Target Fund

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 company’s 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.

 

S-15


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 Fund’s 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 company’s expenses and will remain subject to payment of each Fund’s 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

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.

 

S-16


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 Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

Investment Adviser

Nuveen Fund Advisors is the investment adviser to each Fund and is responsible for overseeing each Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

S-17


The total dollar amounts paid to Nuveen Fund Advisors by each Fund under each Fund’s 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

   $       $       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Advisory Fees

   $ 11,386,857       $ 11,694,124       $ 11,483,356   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Target Fund

   2016      2015      2014  

Gross Advisory Fees

   $ 787,500       $ 872,089       $ 837,180   

Waiver

   $       $       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Advisory Fees

   $ 787,500       $ 872,089       $ 837,180   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

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 Fund’s investment portfolio. NWQ also manages the Target Fund’s 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 manager’s general performance, experience, and market levels of base pay for such position.

 

S-19


Annual cash bonus.     Each Fund’s 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 manager’s annual cash bonus is based on a Fund’s investment performance, generally measured over the past one- and three- or five-year periods unless the portfolio manager’s tenure is shorter. Investment performance for a Fund generally is determined by evaluating the Fund’s performance relative to its benchmark(s) and/or Lipper industry peer group.

A portion of the cash bonus is based on a qualitative evaluation made by the portfolio manager’s supervisor taking into consideration a number of factors, including the portfolio manager’s team collaboration, expense management, support of personnel responsible for asset growth, and his or her compliance with the Sub-Adviser’s policies and procedures.

The final factor influencing the portfolio manager’s 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 participant’s 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 firm’s 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
Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned
in the  Acquiring
Fund

 

Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned
in the  Target
Fund

Douglas M. Baker

   $[•]   $[•]

Brenda Langenfeld

   $[•]   $[•]

Thomas J. Ray

   $[•]   $[•]

Susi Budiman

   $[•]   $[•]

Unless earlier terminated as described below, each Fund’s 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 client’s, 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 SEC’s internet web site at www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy those documents by visiting the SEC’s 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 SEC’s 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 Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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-Adviser’s 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-Adviser’s 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 SEC’s 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-Adviser’s own research efforts, the receipt of research information is not expected to reduce significantly a Sub-Adviser’s 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-Adviser’s management outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from such Sub-Adviser’s 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:

 

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Acquiring Fund

 

Broker/Dealer

  

Issuer

  

Aggregate Target
Fund Holdings of
Broker/Dealer or
Parent
(as of July 31,  2016)

 

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.

 

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Target Fund

 

Broker/Dealer

  

Issuer

  

Aggregate Target
Fund Holdings of
Broker/Dealer or
Parent
(as of July 31,  2016)

 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

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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 Board’s 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 Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under the Code (which would make the Fund a taxable entity, causing the Fund’s 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 Fund’s investment objectives and policies in order to repurchase shares; or (3) there is, in the Board’s 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 Fund’s shares trading at a price equal to their net asset value. Nevertheless, the fact that the Fund’s 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 Fund’s total assets, which would likely have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio.

Conversion to an open-end company would require the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Acquiring Fund’s common and preferred shares, if any, voting as a single class, and approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s common shares would no longer be listed on the NYSE, the NYSE MKT or elsewhere, and the Fund’s 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

 

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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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 PFIC’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s investments in REITs may result in the Acquiring Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a shareholder’s 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

 

S-32


Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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

 

S-33


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 Fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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 investor’s 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

 

S-34


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.

EXPERTS

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 & Young’s 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.

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

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 Fund’s transfer and shareholder services is also State Street Bank and Trust Company, 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.

 

S-35


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 Fund’s 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 SEC’s 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 1—Reorganization

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 2—Basis 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

 

S-36


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 3—Pro 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 Fund’s fund-level management fee rates following the Reorganization to the combined fund’s 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)%.

 

S-37


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 4—Reorganization 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 management’s 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 Fund’s 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 5—Accounting 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 6—Capital 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


A PPENDIX A

RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services—A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services LLC, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business (“Standard & Poor’s” or “S&P”), rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P) follows:

A Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor’s 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 days—including 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 & Poor’s. The obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s. The obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 & Poor’s 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.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.—A brief description of the applicable Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody’s) 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: Moody’s 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


     LOGO
Closed-End Funds   

 

     Nuveen
     Closed-End Funds

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

Annual Report   July 31, 2016

 

     
           
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)
 
           
JPW            
Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund  

 


 

 

     

 

           
 

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LOGO


Table

of Contents

 

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders

     4   

Portfolio Managers’ Comments

     5   

Fund Leverage

     18   

Common Share Information

     19   

Risk Considerations

     22   

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries

     24   

Shareholder Meeting Report

     32   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     33   

Portfolios of Investments

     34   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     61   

Statement of Operations

     62   

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

     63   

Statement of Cash Flows

     65   

Financial Highlights

     66   

Notes to Financial Statements

     70   

Additional Fund Information

     87   

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     88   

Reinvest Automatically, Easily and Conveniently

     91   

Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process

     92   

Board Members & Officers

     99   

 

NUVEEN     3   


Chairman’s Letter

to Shareholders

 

LOGO

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 China’s 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 you’re 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,

 

LOGO

William J. Schneider

Chairman of the Board

September 23, 2016

 

 

  4      NUVEEN


Portfolio Managers’

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 Fund’s investment portfolio. Douglas Baker, CFA and Brenda Langenfeld, CFA, are the portfolio managers for the NAM team. The NWQ income-oriented investment team is led by Thomas J. Ray, CFA and Susi Budiman, CFA. The Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI) features management by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM), an affiliate of Nuveen Investments, Inc. Douglas Baker, CFA, and Brenda Langenfeld, CFA, have served as the Fund’s 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 & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings, while BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. 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 JPS’s non-fundamental investment policies related to the minimum allocation to investment grade securities and the Fund’s secondary blended benchmark index. These changes were made to better align JPS’s strategies with the evolution in the preferred securities market since the Fund’s launch in 2002. JPS’s 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. JPS’s 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 nation’s 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 Fed’s 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 Fed’s 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 Fund’s 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. NWQ’s investment process identifies undervalued securities within a company’s capital structure that offer the most attractive risk/reward potential. This multi-team approach gives investors access to a broader investment universe with greater diversification potential.

 

NUVEEN     7   


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 team’s 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 Fund’s 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

 

  8      NUVEEN


 

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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

NUVEEN     9   


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

Earlier in the reporting period, macroeconomic uncertainty driven by the economic trouble in emerging economies, falling commodity prices, along with uncertainty around the Fed’s 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

 

  10      NUVEEN


 

periods of intense volatility during the reporting period. The Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 company’s 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 company’s 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 company’s downside risks because it provided MGM greater diversity outside Las Vegas and is incremental to MGM’s 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 wouldn’t 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 company’s 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

 

NUVEEN     11   


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 team’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

  12      NUVEEN


 

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 Fund’s 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 issuer’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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, JPI’s 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 Fund’s 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 security’s 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 Fund’s 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 UK’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 company’s capital structure to determine the portfolio investment that may offer the most favorable risk-adjusted return potential. The Fund’s portfolio is constructed with an emphasis on seeking a sustainable level of income and an overall analysis for downside risk management.

Earlier in the reporting period, macroeconomic uncertainty driven by the economic trouble in emerging economies, falling commodity prices, along with uncertainty around the Fed’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 company’s 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 company’s 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 company’s downside risks because it provided MGM greater diversity outside Las Vegas and is incremental to MGM’s 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 wouldn’t 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   


Fund

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 Fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage and the leverage effects of certain derivative and other investments in a Fund’s portfolio that increase the Fund’s investment exposure. Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued or borrowings of the Fund. Both of these are part of the Fund’s 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


Common Share

Information

 

JPC, JPI AND JPS COMMON SHARE DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION

The following information regarding JPC’s, JPI’s and JPS’s distributions is as of July 31, 2016. Each Fund’s distribution

levels may vary over time based on each Fund’s investment activity and portfolio investment value changes.

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

 

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

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

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 Fund’s net asset value. Conversely, if a Fund has cumulatively paid in dividends more than it has earned, the excess will constitute a negative UNII that will likewise be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. Each Fund will, over time, pay all its net investment income as dividends to shareholders.

As of July 31, 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 Fund’s dividends for the reporting period are presented in this report’s Statement of Changes in Net Assets and Financial Highlights, respectively. For income tax purposes, distribution information for each Fund as of its most recent tax year end is presented in Note 6 – Income Tax Information within the Notes to Financial Statements of this report.

JPW DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION

The following information regarding JPW’s distributions is current as of July 31, 2016, the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s distributions, but the specific tax treatment is often not known with certainty until after the end of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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   


Risk

Considerations

 

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

Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)

Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Closed-end fund shares may frequently trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Lower credit debt securities may be more likely to fail to make timely interest or principal payments. Leverage increases return volatility and magnifies the Fund’s potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. Certain types of preferred or debt securities with special loss absorption provisions, such as contingent capital securities (CoCos), may be or become so subordinated that they present risks equivalent to, or in some cases even greater than, the same company’s common stock. These and other risk considerations such as concentration and foreign securities risk are described in more detail on the Fund’s web page at www.nuveen.com/JPC.

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)

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

Nuveen Preferred 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 Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Closed-end fund shares may frequently trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Leverage increases return volatility and magnifies the Fund’s potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a Fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. Certain types of preferred or debt securities with special loss absorption provisions, such as contingent capital securities (CoCos), may be or become so subordinated that they present risks equivalent to, or in some cases even greater than, the same company’s common stock. These and other risks such as concentration and foreign securities risk are described in more detail on the Fund’s web page at www.nuveen.com/JPS.

 

  22      NUVEEN


 

Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund (JPW)

Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Closed-end fund shares may frequently trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Lower credit debt securities may be more likely to fail to make timely interest or principal payments. Prices of equity securities may decline significantly over short or extended periods of time. Leverage increases return volatility and magnifies the Fund’s potential return and its risks; there is no guarantee a fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. Certain types of preferred or debt securities with special loss absorption provisions, such as contingent capital securities (CoCos), may be or become so subordinated that they present risks equivalent to, or in some cases even greater than, the same company’s common stock. For these and other risks such as concentration and foreign securities risk, please see the Fund’s 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 Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.

Common Share Price Performance — Weekly Closing Price

 

LOGO

 

  24      NUVEEN


 

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

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings, 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 Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.

Common Share Price Performance — Weekly Closing Price

 

LOGO

 

  26      NUVEEN


 

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

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings, 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 Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.

Common Share Price Performance — Weekly Closing Price

 

LOGO

 

  28      NUVEEN


 

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

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings, 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%   
Lloyd’s 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 Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.

Common Share Price Performance — Weekly Closing Price

 

LOGO

 

  30      NUVEEN


 

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

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings, 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   


Shareholder

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


Report of

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

  

Portfolio of Investments

   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


Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (4)      Value  
      Real Estate Investment Trust (continued)                           
  208,314     

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

    7.750%            N/R      $ 5,501,573   
  79,861     

Colony Financial Inc.

    7.500%            N/R        2,030,865   
  97,520     

Colony Financial Inc.

    7.125%            N/R        2,408,744   
  23,967     

Colony Financial Inc.

    8.500%            N/R        625,059   
  50,200     

Coresite Realty Corporation

    7.250%            N/R        1,327,790   
  270,925     

DDR Corporation

    6.500%            Baa3        6,992,574   
  182,479     

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    7.375%            Baa3        5,218,899   
  59,270     

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    7.000%            Baa3        1,509,607   
  258,495     

Dupont Fabros Technology

    6.625%            Ba2        7,268,879   
  70,136     

Hospitality Properties Trust

    7.125%            Baa3         1,848,785   
  49,519     

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.

    7.750%            N/R        1,261,249   
  133,675     

LaSalle Hotel Properties

    6.300%            N/R        3,607,888   
  111,053     

MFA Financial Inc.

    8.000%            N/R        2,846,288   
  182,859     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.875%            N/R        4,706,791   
  51,926     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.750%            N/R        1,319,959   
  121,633     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.250%            N/R        3,066,368   
  72,400     

Penn Real Estate Investment Trust

    7.375%            N/R        1,911,360   
  200,000     

Penn Real Estate Investment Trust

    8.250%            N/R        5,264,000   
  135,971     

Regency Centers Corporation

    6.625%            Baa2        3,524,368   
  123,310     

Senior Housing Properties Trust, (5)

    5.625%            BBB–        3,164,135   
  57,203     

STAG Industrial Inc.

    9.000%            BB+        1,470,117   
  7,474     

Summit Hotel Properties Inc.

    7.875%            N/R        199,855   
  133,525     

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    6.950%            N/R        3,638,556   
  149,300     

Urstadt Biddle Properties

    7.125%            N/R        3,965,408   
  259,195     

VEREIT, Inc.

    6.700%                  N/R        7,003,449   
 

Total Real Estate Investment Trust

                               102,406,674   
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%                           
  110,000     

Kennedy-Wilson Inc.

    7.750%                  BB–        2,888,600   
      Specialty Retail – 0.8%                           
  256,074     

TravelCenters of America LLC

    8.000%            N/R        6,552,934   
  55,650     

TravelCenters of America LLC

    8.000%                  N/R        1,419,075   
 

Total Specialty Retail

                               7,972,009   
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 1.0%                           
  52,102     

Everbank Financial Corporation

    6.750%            N/R        1,354,652   
  160,700     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.875%            N/R        4,462,639   
  143,400     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.000%                  N/R        4,213,092   
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                               10,030,383   
      U.S. Agency – 2.8%                           
  260,300     

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, (2)

    6.750%                  Baa1        28,112,400   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 1.1%                           
  391,199     

United States Cellular Corporation

    7.250%                  Ba1        10,695,381   
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Preferred Securities (cost $571,233,818)

                               620,309,073   
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 1.6% (1.1% of Total Investments)

  

  
      Banks – 1.0%                           
  7,225     

Wells Fargo & Company

    7.500%         N/A (6)         BBB      $ 9,618,353   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.3%                           
  34,400     

Frontier Communications Corporation

    11.125%         6/29/18         N/R        3,401,472   
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.3%                           
  3,725     

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, (2)

    7.000%         12/15/18         N/R        3,298,488   
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $14,990,802)

                               16,318,313   

 

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


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%                           
$ 3,200     

Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC, 144A

    8.250%         12/01/22         BB–      $ 3,398,016   
      Specialty Retail – 0.7%                           
  6,450     

L Brands, Inc.

    6.875%         11/01/35         BB+        6,840,225   
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.5%         
  4,100     

Western Digital Corporation, 144A

    10.500%         4/01/24         BB+        4,622,750   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.8%                           
  1,925     

Altice Financing SA, 144A

    7.500%         5/15/26         BB–        1,944,250   
  5,875     

Viacom Inc.

    6.875%         4/30/36         BBB+        6,748,213   
  7,800     

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               8,692,463   
$ 122,173     

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $122,674,607)

                               126,702,609   
Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 59.3% (42.5% of Total Investments)

  

  
      Banks – 23.4%                           
$ 2,320     

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A, (7)

    6.750%         N/A (6)         Baa1      $ 2,522,357   
  2,000     

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A, Reg S, (7)

    9.000%         N/A (6)         BB        2,065,000   
  600     

Banco Santander SA, Reg S, (7)

    6.375%         N/A (6)         Ba1        548,090   
  1,476     

Bank of America Corporation

    8.000%         N/A (6)         BB+        1,499,808   
  19,390     

Bank of America Corporation, (5)

    6.500%         N/A (6)         BB+        21,171,455   
  3,575     

Barclays Bank PLC, 144A, (3)

    10.180%         6/12/21         A–        4,569,561   
  15,935     

Barclays PLC, (7)

    8.250%         N/A (6)         BB+        16,213,863   
  2,925     

Citigroup Inc., (5)

    5.800%         N/A (6)         BB+        2,925,000   
  4,005     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%         N/A (6)         BB+        4,315,388   
  7,805     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.125%         N/A (6)         BB+        8,115,483   
  7,214     

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%         N/A (6)         BB+        7,105,790   
  7,790     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank

    6.250%         N/A (6)         BBB+        8,431,499   
  3,960     

Commerzbank AG, 144A, (3)

    8.125%         9/19/23         BBB        4,607,183   
  2,465     

Credit Agricole SA, 144A, (7)

    8.125%         N/A (6)         Ba1        2,594,413   
  3,950     

Credit Agricole, S.A, 144A, (7)

    6.625%         N/A (6)         Ba1        3,764,350   
  1,000     

HSBC Bank PLC

    1.188%         N/A (6)         A3        571,250   
  500     

HSBC Bank PLC

    0.975%         N/A (6)         A3        293,500   
  4,204     

HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A

    10.176%         N/A (6)         Baa1        6,179,880   
  3,615     

HSBC Holdings PLC, (7)

    6.875%         N/A (6)         BBB        3,723,450   
  10,175     

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A, (7)

    7.700%         N/A (6)         Ba3        9,233,813   
  4,700     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    7.900%         N/A (6)         BBB–        4,888,000   
  19,230     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%         N/A (6)         BBB–        21,655,864   
  125     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.100%         N/A (6)         BBB–        132,969   
  20,390     

Lloyd’s Banking Group PLC, (7)

    7.500%         N/A (6)         BB+        20,339,024   
  1,960     

M&T Bank Corporation

    6.450%         N/A (6)         Baa2        2,180,500   
  4,000     

Nordea Bank AB, 144A, (7)

    6.125%         N/A (6)         BBB        3,960,000   
  10,695     

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    6.750%         N/A (6)         Baa2        12,018,506   
  4,883     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.648%         N/A (6)         BB        5,725,318   
  3,325     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, (7)

    7.500%         N/A (6)         BB–        3,233,563   
  13,906     

Societe Generale, 144A, (7)

    7.875%         N/A (6)         BB+        13,210,700   
  4,995     

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.625%         N/A (6)         Baa3        5,157,338   
  250     

U.S. Bancorp.

    5.125%         N/A (6)         A3        262,815   
  3,750     

Wachovia Capital Trust III

    5.570%         N/A (6)         BBB        3,750,000   
  8,641     

Wells Fargo & Company, (5)

    7.980%         N/A (6)         BBB        9,190,136   
  17,350     

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.875%         N/A (6)         BBB        19,106,687   
  3,450     

Zions Bancorporation

    7.200%         N/A (6)         BB–        3,639,750   
 

Total Banks

                               238,902,303   

 

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 O’Lakes 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


Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
      Metals & Mining – 0.6%                           
$ 5,825     

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.250%         10/19/75         A–      $ 6,305,563   
      Real Estate Investment Trust – 1.5%                           
  12     

Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust, 144A

    12.000%         N/A (6)         Ba1        14,865,350   
      Specialty Retail – 0.3%                           
  2,650     

Aquarius & Investments PLC fbo SwissRe, Reg S

    8.250%         N/A (6)         N/R        2,864,101   
      U.S. Agency – 0.2%                           
  1,700     

Farm Credit Bank of Texas

    10.000%         N/A (6)         Baa1        2,040,000   
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $578,614,273)

  

                       605,931,204   
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $1,338,041,220)

                               1,421,254,855   
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
      SHORT–TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.6% (0.4% of Total Investments)                
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 0.6% (0.4% of Total Investments)                
$ 6,077     

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation dated 7/29/16, repurchase price $6,077,133, collateralized by $4,635,000 U.S. Treasury Bonds,
3.750%, due 11/15/43, value $6,205,106

    0.030%         8/01/16                $ 6,077,118   
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $6,077,118)

                               6,077,118   
 

Total Investments (cost $1,344,118,338) – 139.8%

                               1,427,331,973   
 

Borrowings – (39.6)% (8), (9)

                               (404,100,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (0.2)% (10)

                               (2,515,296
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 1,020,716,677   

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/
Receive

Floating
Rate

    Floating
Rate
Index
   

Fixed Rate

(Annu
alized)

   

Fixed
Rate

Payment

Frequency

   

Effective

Date (12)

   

Optional

Termination

Date

   

Termi
nation

Date

    Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.

  $ 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
Chase Bank, N.A.

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

 

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

 

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

 

(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 issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s 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

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
      Insurance (continued)  
  163,333     

Maiden Holdings NA Limited

    7.750%            BBB–      $ 4,436,124   
  205,000     

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    6.200%            BBB        6,281,200   
  239,900     

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

    5.750%            BBB        6,422,123   
  74,800     

Torchmark Corporation

    6.125%                  BBB+        1,991,176   
 

Total Insurance

                               68,542,349   
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 1.0%                           
  219,800     

Nustar Logistics Limited Partnership

    7.625%                  Ba2        5,593,910   
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 1.6%                           
  172,400     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.875%            N/R        4,787,548   
  146,600     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.000%                  N/R        4,307,108   
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                               9,094,656   
      U.S. Agency – 4.9%                           
  255,100     

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, (3)

    6.750%                  Baa1        27,550,800   
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $228,651,492)

                               250,050,800   
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 10.9% (7.8% of Total Investments)

  

      Banks – 7.3%                           
$ 6,330     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.250%         N/A (4)         BB+      $ 6,630,675   
  2,850     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.300%         N/A (4)         BB+        3,105,608   
  5,390     

ING Groep N.V, (5)

    6.500%         N/A (4)         BBB–        5,154,188   
  12,110     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%         N/A (4)         BBB–        13,637,676   
  9,955     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.300%         N/A (4)         BBB–        10,248,673   
  2,110     

M&T Bank Corporation

    6.450%         N/A (4)         Baa2        2,347,375   
  38,745     

Total Banks

                               41,124,195   
      Capital Markets – 2.1%                           
  11,735     

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.375%         N/A (4)         Ba1        11,914,603   
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.6%                           
  3,360     

BNP Paribas, 144A, (5)

    7.625%         N/A (4)         BBB–        3,491,040   
      Food Products – 0.3%                           
  1,410     

Land O Lakes Capital Trust I, 144A, (6)

    7.450%         3/15/28         BB+        1,515,750   
      Insurance – 0.6%                           
  2,600     

Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, 144A

    7.450%         10/01/33         BBB        3,096,902   
$ 57,850     

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $58,604,955)

                               61,142,490   
Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 84.0% (60.2% of Total Investments)

  

      Banks – 32.0%                           
$ 2,450     

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A, (5)

    6.750%         N/A (4)         Baa1      $ 2,663,696   
  2,200     

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A, Reg S, (5)

    9.000%         N/A (4)         BB        2,271,500   
  600     

Banco Santander SA, Reg S, (5)

    6.375%         N/A (4)         Ba1        548,090   
  1,557     

Bank of America Corporation

    8.000%         N/A (4)         BB+        1,582,114   
  6,125     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.500%         N/A (4)         BB+        6,687,734   
  4,000     

Barclays Bank PLC, 144A

    10.180%         6/12/21         A–        5,112,796   
  16,080     

Barclays PLC, (5)

    8.250%         N/A (4)         BB+        16,361,400   

 

  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     

Lloyd’s 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 O’Lakes 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/
Receive

Floating
Rate

    Floating
Rate
Index
   

Fixed Rate

(Annu
alized)

   

Fixed
Rate

Payment

Frequency

   

Effective

Date (10)

   

Optional

Termination

Date

   

Termi
nation

Date

    Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.

  $ 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
Chase Bank, N.A.

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

 

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

 

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

 

(3) 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 issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s 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

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 143.8% (97.1% of Total Investments)

  

 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 30.7% (20.7% of Total Investments)

  

 

Banks – 9.1%

  

  105,300     

AgriBank FCB, (3)

    6.875%            BBB+      $ 11,369,115   
  51,284     

Barclays Bank PLC

    8.125%            BB+        1,340,564   
  13,391     

Citigroup Inc., (4)

    7.125%            BB+        402,801   
  645,113     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.875%            BB+        19,205,014   
  37,500     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (3)

    6.250%            BBB+        3,881,250   
  53,000     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (3), (4)

    6.200%            BBB+        5,407,659   
  86,000     

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    6.625%            Baa3        2,666,860   
  154,809     

First Naigara Finance Group

    8.625%            Baa3        4,008,005   
  30,590     

HSBC Holdings PLC

    8.000%            Baa1        820,730   
  1,176,064     

ING Groep N.V

    7.200%            Baa3        30,895,201   
  873,854     

ING Groep N.V

    7.050%            Baa3        23,069,746   
  2,164,700     

PNC Financial Services

    6.125%            Baa2        65,633,703   
  104,608     

TCF Financial Corporation

    7.500%            BB–        2,783,619   
  249,285     

Wells Fargo & Company, (4)

    5.850%                  BBB        6,960,037   
 

Total Banks

                               178,444,304   
      Capital Markets – 1.4%  
  601,766     

Deutsche Bank Capital Funding Trust II

    6.550%            BB+        15,116,362   
  369,239     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    5.500%            Ba1        9,995,300   
  38,534     

Morgan Stanley

    7.125%            Ba1        1,162,185   
  74,642     

State Street Corporation

    5.900%                  Baa1        2,196,714   
 

Total Capital Markets

                               28,470,561   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 2.8%  
  353,519     

Qwest Corporation

    7.500%            BBB–        9,060,692   
  297,370     

Qwest Corporation

    7.375%            BBB–        7,689,988   
  554,889     

Qwest Corporation

    7.000%            BBB–        14,499,250   
  161,854     

Qwest Corporation, (4)

    7.000%            BBB–        4,277,801   
  315,756     

Qwest Corporation, (4)

    6.875%            BBB–        8,437,000   
  159,600     

Qwest Corporation

    6.625%            BBB–        4,170,348   
  248,301     

Qwest Corporation

    6.125%                  BBB–        6,388,785   
 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               54,523,864   
      Electric Utilities – 1.0%  
  426,248     

Alabama Power Company, (3)

    6.450%            A3        11,428,775   
  203,256     

Integrys Energy Group Inc., (3)

    6.000%            Baa1        5,481,814   
  88,577     

Interstate Power and Light Company

    5.100%            BBB        2,449,154   
  22,048     

NextEra Energy Inc.

    5.625%                  BBB        573,028   
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               19,932,771   
      Food Products – 0.7%  
  91,900     

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (3)

    7.875%            Baa3        9,741,400   
  32,500     

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (3)

    7.875%                  Baa3        3,381,017   
 

Total Food Products

                               13,122,417   
      Insurance – 8.8%  
  2,331,106     

Aegon N.V

    6.375%            Baa1        60,398,956   
  20,165     

Aflac Inc.

    5.500%            Baa1        536,792   
  611,000     

Allstate Corporation

    5.100%            Baa1        17,059,120   
  54,297     

American Financial Group

    6.250%            Baa2        1,505,113   
  357,568     

Arch Capital Group Limited

    6.750%            BBB+        9,850,998   
  41,987     

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    7.250%            BBB–        1,112,236   
  271,064     

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    5.950%            BBB–        7,844,592   
  748,733     

Axis Capital Holdings Limited

    6.875%            BBB        19,751,577   

 

  48      NUVEEN


Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
      Insurance (continued)  
  131,293     

Axis Capital Holdings Limited

    5.500%            BBB      $ 3,498,958   
  731,369     

Delphi Financial Group, Inc., (3)

    7.376%            BB+        15,770,144   
  212,730     

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

    7.875%            BBB–        6,673,340   
  524,885     

Prudential PLC

    6.750%            A–        14,213,886   
  416,100     

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    6.200%            BBB        12,749,304   
  127,798     

Torchmark Corporation

    5.875%                  BBB+        3,307,412   
 

Total Insurance

                               174,272,428   
      Machinery – 0.0%                           
  2,386     

Stanley, Black, and Decker Inc., (4)

    5.750%                  BBB+        62,943   
      Real Estate Investment Trust – 1.8%                           
  76,450     

DDR Corporation

    6.250%            Baa3        1,979,291   
  152,294     

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    7.375%            Baa3        4,355,608   
  513,113     

Hospitality Properties Trust

    7.125%            Baa3         13,525,658   
  18,139     

Kimco Realty Corporation

    5.625%            Baa2        476,149   
  82,301     

Prologis Inc., (3)

    8.540%            BBB–        5,804,797   
  176,879     

Realty Income Corporation

    6.625%            Baa2        4,658,993   
  130,203     

Regency Centers Corporation

    6.625%            Baa2        3,374,862   
  12,199     

Ventas Realty LP

    5.450%            BBB+        332,423   
  3,000     

Welltower Inc.

    6.500%                  Baa2        79,650   
 

Total Real Estate Investment Trust

                               34,587,431   
      U.S. Agency – 1.2%                           
  229,000     

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, (3)

    6.750%                  Baa1        24,732,000   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 3.9%                           
  58,738     

Centaur Funding Corporation, Series B, 144A, (3)

    9.080%            BBB–        69,898,220   
  90,850     

Telephone and Data Systems Inc.

    7.000%            BB+        2,318,492   
  136,397     

Telephone and Data Systems Inc.

    6.875%            BB+        3,551,778   
  11,826     

United States Cellular Corporation

    7.250%            Ba1        313,862   
  10,591     

United States Cellular Corporation

    6.950%                  Ba1        275,578   
 

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               76,357,930   
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $545,765,263)

  

                       604,506,649   
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 0.7% (0.5% of Total Investments)

  

  
      Banks – 0.7%                           
  10,632     

Wells Fargo & Company

    7.500%                  BBB      $ 14,153,956   
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $12,541,444)

  

                       14,153,956   
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 8.3% (5.6% of Total Investments)

  

     
      Banks – 6.7%                           
$ 7,000     

Barclays Bank PLC, (5)

    7.625%         11/21/22         BBB–      $ 7,824,600   
  26,400     

Barclays Bank PLC, (5)

    7.750%         4/10/23         BBB–        28,050,000   
  1,250     

Den Norske Bank

    0.938%         N/A (6)         Baa2        655,000   
  1,250     

Den Norske Bank

    0.713%         N/A (6)         Baa2        648,750   
  16,000     

ING Groep N.V, (5)

    6.500%         N/A (6)         BBB–        15,300,000   
  54,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%         N/A (6)         BBB–        60,812,100   
  13,225     

Nordea Bank AB, 144A, (5)

    5.500%         N/A (6)         BBB        13,109,281   
  5,000     

Societe Generale, Reg S, (5)

    8.250%         N/A (6)         BB+        5,087,500   
  124,125     

Total Banks

                               131,487,231   
      Capital Markets – 0.3%                           
  2,910     

Macquarie Bank Limited, Reg S, (5)

    10.250%         6/20/57         BB+        3,084,466   

 

NUVEEN     49   


JPS    Nuveen Preferred Securities Income Fund
   (formerly Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 2)
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    July 31, 2016

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Capital Markets (continued)                           
$ 2,676     

UBS AG Stamford, (5)

    7.625%         8/17/22         BBB+      $ 3,110,850   
  5,586     

Total Capital Markets

                               6,195,316   
      Construction & Engineering – 0.2%                           
  4,000     

Hutchison Whampoa International 12 Limited, 144A

    6.000%         N/A (6)         BBB        4,128,000   
      Electric Utilities – 0.1%                           
  2,900     

WPS Resource Corporation

    0.000%         12/01/66         Baa1        2,204,000   
      Insurance – 0.8%                           
  5,000     

AIG Life Holdings Inc., 144A

    8.125%         3/15/46         BBB        6,325,000   
  900     

AXA, Reg S

    5.500%         N/A (6)         A3        935,190   
  6,150     

Liberty Mutual Group Inc., 144A, (7)

    7.697%         10/15/97         BBB+        8,117,914   
  12,050     

Total Insurance

                               15,378,104   
      Multi-Utilities – 0.1%                           
  3,000     

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    6.250%         5/15/67         Baa1        2,503,125   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                           
  1,600     

Koninklijke KPN NV, 144A

    7.000%         3/28/73         BB+        1,740,000   
$ 153,261     

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $157,370,016)

                               163,635,776   
Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 102.8% (69.4% of Total Investments)

  

      Banks – 56.5%                           
$ 27,800     

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A, (5)

    6.750%         N/A (6)         Baa1      $ 30,224,799   
  42,800     

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A, Reg S, (5)

    9.000%         N/A (6)         BB        44,191,000   
  20,600     

Banco Santander SA, Reg S, (5)

    6.375%         N/A (6)         Ba1        18,817,770   
  20,394     

Bank of America Corporation, (4)

    8.000%         N/A (6)         BB+        20,722,955   
  11,300     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.500%         N/A (6)         BB+        12,338,188   
  10,700     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.300%         N/A (6)         BB+        11,659,651   
  3,600     

Bank One Capital III, (7)

    8.750%         9/01/30         Baa2        5,191,891   
  45,290     

Barclays PLC, (5)

    8.250%         N/A (6)         BB+        46,082,575   
  36,416     

Barclays PLC, (5)

    7.434%         N/A (6)         BB+        34,094,480   
  20,000     

Chase Capital Trust III, Series C, (7)

    0.777%         3/01/27         Baa2        17,100,000   
  10,000     

Citigroup Inc.

    8.400%         N/A (6)         BB+        11,037,500   
  3,000     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%         N/A (6)         BB+        3,232,500   
  39,300     

Citigroup Inc., (4)

    6.125%         N/A (6)         BB+        40,863,354   
  9,250     

Citigroup Inc.

    5.950%         N/A (6)         BB+        9,484,441   
  24,389     

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%         N/A (6)         BB+        24,023,165   
  17,500     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank

    6.250%         N/A (6)         BBB+        18,941,108   
  23,653     

Credit Agricole SA, 144A, (5)

    7.875%         N/A (6)         BB+        23,416,470   
  50,400     

Credit Agricole SA, 144A, (5)

    8.125%         N/A (6)         Ba1        53,046,000   
  3,000     

Credit Agricole SA, Reg S, (5)

    8.125%         N/A (6)         Ba1        3,170,865   
  1,000     

Credit Agricole, S.A, 144A, (5)

    6.625%         N/A (6)         Ba1        953,000   
  9,000     

Credit Agricole, S.A, Reg S, (5)

    7.875%         N/A (6)         BB+        8,910,000   
  11,000     

DNB Bank ASA, Reg S, (5)

    5.750%         N/A (6)         BBB        10,725,000   
  19,300     

Dresdner Funding Trust I, Reg S

    8.151%         6/30/31         BB+        23,085,946   
  7,900     

Dresdner Funding Trust, 144A

    8.151%         6/30/31         BB+        9,313,705   
  25,580     

First Union Capital Trust II, Series A, (4), (7)

    7.950%         11/15/29         Baa1        34,081,232   
  10,000     

HSBC Bank PLC

    1.188%         N/A (6)         A3        5,712,500   
  7,000     

HSBC Bank PLC

    0.975%         N/A (6)         A3        4,109,000   
  30,000     

HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A

    10.176%         N/A (6)         Baa1        44,100,000   
  55,205     

HSBC Holdings PLC, (5)

    6.875%         N/A (6)         BBB        56,861,150   
  2,000     

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    5.300%         N/A (6)         BBB–        2,059,000   
  11,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.000%         N/A (6)         BBB–        11,506,000   
  3,500     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.150%         N/A (6)         BBB–        3,500,000   

 

  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     

Lloyd’s Banking Group PLC, (5)

    7.500%         N/A (6)         BB+        70,352,678   
  9,850     

Lloyd’s Banking Group PLC, 144A

    6.657%         N/A (6)         Ba1        10,785,750   
  4,800     

Lloyd’s 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/
Receive

Floating
Rate

    Floating
Rate
Index
   

Fixed
Rate

(Annu
alized)

   

Fixed
Rate

Payment

Frequency

    Effective
Date (12)
   

Optional

Termination

Date

   

Termi
nation

Date

    Value    

Unrealized

Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.

  $ 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
Chase Bank, N.A.

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

 

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

 

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

 

(3) 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 issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s 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


Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (4)      Value  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.7%                           
  17,670     

Kennedy-Wilson Inc.

    7.750%                  BB–      $ 464,014   
      Specialty Retail – 1.3%                           
  36,085     

TravelCenters of America LLC

    8.000%                  N/R        923,415   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 2.0%                           
  51,573     

United States Cellular Corporation

    7.250%                  Ba1        1,410,006   
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $21,412,982)

  

                       23,414,664   
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 4.5% (3.2% of Total Investments)

  

     
      Banks – 1.8%                           
  928     

Wells Fargo & Company

    7.500%         N/A (5)         BBB      $ 1,235,409   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.4%                           
  9,700     

Frontier Communications Corporation, (3)

    11.125%         6/29/18         N/R        959,136   
      Pharmaceuticals – 1.3%                           
  1,000     

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, (2)

    7.000%         12/15/18         N/R        885,500   
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $2,873,920)

                               3,080,045   
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 64.4% (46.6% of Total Investments)

  

  
      Aerospace & Defense – 0.7%                           
$ 500     

Triumph Group Inc.

    4.875%         4/01/21         Ba3      $ 479,375   
      Automobiles – 0.8%                           
  425     

General Motors Corporation

    6.600%         4/01/36         BBB–        525,968   
      Banks – 3.1%                           
  225     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.300%         N/A (5)         BB+        245,180   
  850     

Citigroup Inc.

    5.950%         N/A (5)         BB+        875,245   
  900     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%         N/A (5)         BBB–        1,013,534   
  1,975     

Total Banks

                               2,133,959   
      Beverages – 2.7%                           
  1,125     

Anheuser Busch InBev Finance Inc.

    4.900%         2/01/46         A–        1,378,041   
  435     

Cott Beverages Inc.

    6.750%         1/01/20         B–        456,206   
  1,560     

Total Beverages

                               1,834,247   
      Biotechnology – 1.2%                           
  875     

AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., 144A

    7.875%         9/01/23         B+        847,438   
      Capital Markets – 1.1%                           
  300     

BGC Partners Inc.

    5.375%         12/09/19         BBB–        316,631   
  475     

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    4.950%         7/15/46         BBB        475,872   
  775     

Total Capital Markets

                               792,503   
      Chemicals – 4.3%                           
  925     

A Schulman Inc., 144A

    6.875%         6/01/23         B+        938,875   
  450     

CVR Partners LP / CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp., 144A

    9.250%         6/15/23         B+        460,125   
  1,075     

Trinseo Materials Operating, 144A

    6.750%         5/01/22         B+        1,123,374   
  450     

Univar Inc., 144A

    6.750%         7/15/23         B        462,375   
  2,900     

Total Chemicals

                               2,984,749   

 

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     

McDonald’s 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 O’Lakes 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

 

Shares     Description (1)                           Value  
 

COMMON STOCK RIGHTS – 1.6% (1.2% of Total Investments)

  

  
      Financials – 1.6%         
  21,025     

Merrill Lynch International Company CV, 144A, (2)

                             $ 1,111,382   
 

Total Common Stock Rights (cost $1,075,008)

                               1,111,382   
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $90,374,323)

                               95,001,102   
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.4% (0.3% of Total Investments)         
 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 0.4% (0.3% of Total Investments)

  

  
$ 277     

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 7/29/16, repurchase price $277,235, collateralized by $215,000 U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.750%, due 11/15/43, value $287,831

    0.030%         8/01/16                $ 277,234   
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $277,234)

                               277,234   
 

Total Investments (cost $90,651,557) – 138.4%

                               95,278,336   
 

Borrowings – (39.2)% (6), (7)

                               (27,000,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 0.8% (8)

                               542,781   
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 68,821,117   

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

 

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

 

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

 

(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


Statement of

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   


Statement of

Operations

   Year Ended July 31, 2016

 

      Preferred
Income
Opportunities
(JPC)
    

Preferred
and Income

Term
(JPI)

       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


Statement of

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


Statement of

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 Income’s (JPS) Reorganization.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     65   


Financial

Highlights

 

Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period:

 

              
    
    
Investment Operations
    Less Distributions to
Common Shareholders
    Common Share  
     Beginning
Common
Share
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
    Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Total     From
Net
Investment
Income
    From
Accumulated
Net
Realized
Gains
    Total     Discount
from
Shares
Repurchased
and Retired
    Ending
NAV
    Ending
Share
Price
 

Preferred Income Opportunities (JPC)

  

                                       

Year Ended 7/31:

  

               

2016

  $ 10.45      $ 0.77      $ 0.11      $ 0.88      $ (0.80   $   —      $ (0.80   $      $ 10.53      $ 10.43   

2015

    10.67        0.80        (0.25     0.55        (0.77            (0.77         10.45        9.19   

2014

    10.26        0.79        0.38        1.17        (0.76            (0.76         10.67        9.34   

2013(g)

    10.28        0.46        (0.04     0.42        (0.44            (0.44            10.26        9.35   

Year Ended 12/31:

  

               

2012

    8.67        0.76        1.61        2.37        (0.76            (0.76            10.28        9.71   

2011

    9.62        0.51        (0.72     (0.21     (0.75            (0.75     0.01        8.67        8.01   

Preferred and Income Term (JPI)

  

Year Ended 7/31:

  

2016

    24.88        1.86        (0.01     1.85        (1.95     (0.18     (2.13            24.60        24.59   

2015

    25.51        1.96        (0.65     1.31        (1.94            (1.94            24.88        22.28   

2014

    25.06        1.98        0.93        2.91        (1.97     (0.49     (2.46            25.51        23.11   

2013

    23.81        1.89        1.32        3.21        (1.86     (0.10     (1.96         25.06        23.68   

2012(h)

    23.88            (0.02     (0.02                          (0.05     23.81        25.50   

 

    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 Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.
   Total Return Based on Common Share Price 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:

 

      Investment Operations     Less Distributions to
Common Shareholders
    Common Share  
     Beginning
Common
Share
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
    Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Total     From
Net
Investment
Income
    From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
    Return
of
Capital
    Total    

Discount

from Shares
Repurchased
and Retired

    Offering
Costs
    Ending
NAV
    Ending
Share
Price
 

Preferred Securities Income (JPS)

  

Year Ended 7/31:

  

2016

  $ 9.75      $ 0.69      $ (0.07   $ 0.62      $ (0.70   $      $      $ (0.70   $      $      $ 9.67      $ 9.63   

2015

    9.95        0.68        (0.15     0.53        (0.73                   (0.73                   9.75        9.08   

2014

    9.45        0.69        0.47        1.16        (0.66                   (0.66                   9.95        8.92   

2013

    9.12        0.69        0.30        0.99        (0.66                   (0.66                   9.45        8.47   

2012

    8.77        0.69        0.32        1.01        (0.66                   (0.66                   9.12        9.34   

Flexible Investment Income (JPW)

  

Year Ended 7/31:

  

2016

    18.59        1.21        0.22        1.43        (1.21            (0.20     (1.41                18.61        16.78   

2015

    19.96        1.37        (0.78     0.59        (1.47     (0.49            (1.96                   18.59        16.30   

2014

    18.91        1.42        1.14        2.56        (1.51                   (1.51                19.96        18.28   

2013(e)

    19.10        0.03        (0.18     (0.15                                        (0.04     18.91        19.80   

 

    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 Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.
   Total Return Based on Common Share Price is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.
(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   


Notes to

Financial Statements

 

1. General Information and Significant Accounting Policies

General Information

Fund Information

The funds covered in this report and their corresponding New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) symbols are as follows (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (JPC) (“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 Term’s (JPI) and Preferred Securities Income’s (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, Moody’s, or Fitch) at the time of investment.

Preferred and Income Term’s (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 Fund’s portfolio.

Preferred Securities Income Fund’s (JPS) investment objective is high current income consistent with capital preservation. The Fund’s 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 Income’s (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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s portfolio of equity securities for the purpose of enhancing the Fund’s 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 Income’s (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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s total return on net asset value (“NAV”), the difference will reduce NAV per share. If the Fund’s 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 entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The following is a summary of the three-tiered hierarchy of valuation input levels.

 

  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 management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

Common stocks and other equity-type securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are primarily traded and are generally classified as Level 1. Securities primarily traded on the NASDAQ National Market (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price and are generally classified as Level 1. However, securities traded on a securities exchange or NASDAQ for which there were no transactions on a given day or securities not listed on a securities exchange or NASDAQ are valued at the quoted bid price and are generally classified as Level 2. Prices of certain American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) held by the Funds that trade in the United States are valued based on the last traded price, official closing price or the most recent bid price of the underlying non- U.S.-traded stock, adjusted as appropriate for the underlying-to-ADR conversion ratio and foreign exchange rate, and from time-to-time may also be adjusted further to take into account material events that may take place after the close of the local non-U.S. market but before the close of the NYSE, which may represent a transfer from a Level 1 to a Level 2 security.

Prices of fixed-income securities are provided by an independent pricing service (“pricing service”) approved by the Board. The pricing service establishes a security’s fair value using methods that may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2. In pricing certain securities, particularly less liquid and lower quality securities, the pricing service may consider information about a security, its issuer or market activity, provided by the Adviser. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs.

Prices of swap contracts are also provided by 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 Fund’s NAV (as may be the case in non-U.S. markets on which the security is primarily traded) or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, is not deemed to reflect the security’s fair value. As a general principle, the fair value of a security would appear to be the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it in a current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, which may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs. Regardless of the method employed to value a particular security, all valuations are subject to review by the Board and/or its appointee.

 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for industry classifications.
** Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 2.
*** Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

The Board is responsible for the valuation process and has appointed the oversight of the daily valuation process to the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Board, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Funds’ pricing policies and reporting to the Board. The Valuation Committee is aided in its efforts by the Adviser’s

 

  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 instrument’s current value.

For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such testing and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board.

3. Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives

Portfolio Securities

Foreign Currency Transactions

To the extent that a Fund may invest in securities and/or contracts that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the Fund will be subject to currency risk, which is the risk that an increase in the U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currency will reduce returns or portfolio value. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the Fund’s investments denominated in that currency will lose value because its currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value. Investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars on a spot (i.e. cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market at the time of valuation. Purchases and sales of investments and income denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars on the respective dates of such transactions.

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds’ investments in non-U.S. securities were as follows:

 

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 derivative’s related “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable.

Repurchase Agreements

In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is each Fund’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the counterparty defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the collateral may be delayed or limited.

The following table presents the repurchase agreements for the Funds that are subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, and the collateral delivered related to those repurchase agreements.

 

Fund    Counterparty    Short-Term
Investments, at Value
       Collateral
Pledged (From)
Counterparty*
       Net
Exposure
 
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 Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for details on the repurchase agreements.

Zero Coupon Securities

A zero coupon security does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the security. Income to the holder of the security comes from accretion of the difference between the original purchase price of the security at issuance and the par value of the security at maturity and is effectively paid at maturity. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically.

 

  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 Fund’s agreement with the counterparty to pay or receive a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty receiving or paying a variable rate payment. Forward interest rate swap contracts involve a Fund’s agreement with a counterparty to pay, in the future, a fixed or variable rate payment in exchange for the counterparty paying the Fund a variable or fixed rate payment, the accruals for which begin at a specified date in the future (the “effective date”).

The amount of the payment obligation for an interest rate swap is based on the notional amount and the termination date of the contract. Interest rate swap contracts do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to the swap counterparty on such transactions is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is to receive.

Interest rate swap contracts are valued daily. Upon entering into an interest rate swap contract (and beginning on the effective date for a forward interest rate swap contract), the Fund accrues the fixed rate payment expected to be paid or received and the variable rate payment expected to be received or paid on the interest rate swap contracts on a daily basis, and recognizes the daily change in the fair value of the Fund’s contractual rights and obligations under the contracts. For an 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 day’s “mark-to-market” of the swap contract. If the Fund has unrealized appreciation, the clearing broker will credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the appreciation. Conversely, if the Fund has unrealized depreciation, the clearing broker will debit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as “variation margin.” Variation margin for OTC Cleared swaps is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for “Variation margin on swap contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Upon the execution of an OTC Uncleared swap, neither the Fund nor the counterparty is required to deposit initial margin as the trades are recorded bilaterally between both parties to the swap contract, and the terms of the variation margin are subject to a predetermined threshold negotiated by the Fund and the counterparty. Variation margin for OTC Uncleared swaps is recognized as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps (, 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk in respect to these financial assets approximates their carrying value as recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Each Fund helps manage counterparty credit risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties the Adviser believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by having the Adviser monitor the financial stability of the counterparties. Additionally, counterparties may be required to pledge collateral daily (based on the daily valuation of the financial asset) on behalf of each Fund with a value approximately equal to the amount of any unrealized gain above a pre-determined threshold. Reciprocally, when each Fund has an unrealized loss, the Funds have instructed the custodian to pledge assets of the Funds as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss above a pre-determined threshold. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the valuations fluctuate, either up or down, by at least the pre-determined threshold amount.

 

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
Investment
Income

(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:

 

        Preferred
Income
Opportunities
(JPC)
       Preferred
and Income
Term
(JPI)
       Preferred
Securities
Income
(JPS)
     Flexible
Investment
Income
(JPW)
 

Undistributed net ordinary income 1

     $ 4,590,326         $ 858,294         $ 20,330,554       $     —   

Undistributed net long-term capital gains

                                     

1       Undistributed net ordinary income (on a tax basis) has not been reduced for the dividend declared on July 1, 2016 and paid on August 1, 2016. Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest, and net short-term capital gains, if any.

 

          

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 JPS’s 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 Income’s (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 Fund’s management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Sub-Advisers are compensated for their services to the Funds from the management fees paid to the Adviser. Spectrum also receives compensation on certain portfolio transactions for providing brokerage services to Preferred Securities Income (JPS). During the current fiscal period, Preferred Securities Income (JPS) paid Spectrum commissions of $275,838.

Each Fund’s management fee consists of two components – a fund-level fee, based only on the amount of assets within each individual Fund, and a complex-level fee, based on the aggregate amount of all eligible fund assets managed by the Adviser. This pricing structure enables each Fund’s shareholders to benefit from growth in the assets within their respective Fund as well as from growth in the amount of complex-wide assets managed by the Adviser.

The annual Fund-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Managed Assets*      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 trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining managed assets in certain circumstances. The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily managed assets of all Nuveen 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 Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Income’s (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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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


Additional

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
& Trust Company
One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

 

Legal Counsel

Chapman and Cutler LLP

Chicago, IL 60603

 

Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP
200 East

Randolph Drive

Chicago, IL 60601

 

Transfer Agent and
Shareholder Services

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 SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call the SEC toll-free at (800) SEC-0330 for room hours and operation.

Nuveen Funds’ Proxy Voting Information

You may obtain (i) information regarding how each fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen toll-free at (800) 257-8787 or on Nuveen’s website at www.nuveen.com and (ii) a description of the policies and procedures that each fund used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen toll free at (800) 257-8787. You may also obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

CEO Certification Disclosure

Each Fund’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has submitted to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) the annual CEO certification as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Each Fund has filed with the SEC the certification of its CEO and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

 

Common Share Repurchases

Each Fund intends to repurchase, through its open market share repurchase program, shares of 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   


Glossary of Terms

Used in this Report (Unaudited)

 

  Average Annual Total Return: This is a commonly used method to express an investment’s performance over a particular, usually multi-year time period. It expresses the return that would have been necessary each year to equal the investment’s actual cumulative performance (including change in NAV or offer price and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, if any) over the time period being considered.

 

  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 Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch) and must have an investment grade rated country of risk (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch foreign currency long-term sovereign debt ratings). In addition, qualifying securities must be issued as public securities or through a 144A filing, must be issued in $25, $50 or $100 par/liquidation preference increments, must have a fixed coupon or dividend schedule, and must have a minimum amount outstanding of $100 million. The index returns assume reinvestment of dividends, but do not include the effects of any sales charges or management fees.

 

  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 CoCo’s governing documents, usually reference a decline in the issuer’s capital below a specified threshold level, and/or certain regulatory events. A loss absorption contingency event for CoCos would likely be the result of, or related to, the deterioration of the issuer’s financial condition and/or its status as a going concern. In such a case, with respect to CoCos that provide for conversion into common stock upon the occurrence of the contingency event, the market price of the issuer’s common stock received by the Acquiring Fund will have likely declined, perhaps substantially, and may continue to decline after conversion. CoCos rated below investment grade should be considered high yield securities, or “junk,” but often are issued by entities whose more senior securities are rated investment grade. CoCos are a relatively new type of security; and there is a risk that CoCo security issuers may suffer the sort of future financial distress that could materially increase the likelihood (or the market’s perception of the likelihood) that an automatic write-down or conversion event on those issuers’ CoCos will occur. Additionally, the trading behavior of a given issuer’s CoCo may be strongly impacted by the trading behavior of other issuers’ CoCos, such that negative information from an unrelated CoCo security may cause a decline in value of one or more CoCos held by the Fund. Accordingly, the trading behavior of CoCos may not follow the trading behavior of other types of debt and preferred securities. Despite these concerns, the prospective reward vs. risk characteristics of at least certain CoCos may be very attractive relative to other fixed-income alternatives.

 

  Effective Leverage: Effective leverage is a fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage (see below) and the leverage effects of certain derivative investments in the fund’s portfolio.

 

  Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total market value of all final goods and services produced in a country/region in a given year, equal to total consumer, investment and government spending, plus the value of exports, minus the value of imports.

 

  JPC Blended 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 fund’s Net Assets is equal to its total assets (securities, cash, accrued earnings and receivables) less its total liabilities. NAV per share is equal to the fund’s Net Assets divided by its number of shares outstanding.

 

  Option-adjusted spread (OAS): 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 fund’s 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


Reinvest Automatically,

Easily and Conveniently

 

Nuveen makes reinvesting easy. A phone call is all it takes to set up your reinvestment account.

 

 

Nuveen Closed-End Funds Automatic Reinvestment Plan

Your Nuveen Closed-End Fund allows you to conveniently reinvest distributions in additional Fund shares.

By choosing to reinvest, you’ll be able to invest money regularly and automatically, and watch your investment grow through the power of compounding. Just like distributions in cash, there may be times when income or capital gains taxes may be payable on distributions that are reinvested.

It is important to note that an automatic reinvestment plan does not ensure a profit, nor does it protect you against loss in a declining market.

Easy and convenient

To make recordkeeping easy and convenient, each quarter you’ll receive a statement showing your total distributions, the date of investment, the shares acquired and the price per share, and the total number of shares you own.

How shares are purchased

The shares you acquire by reinvesting will either be purchased on the open market or newly issued by the Fund. If the shares are trading at or above net asset value at the time of valuation, the Fund will issue new shares at the greater of the net asset value or 95% of the then-current market price. If the shares are trading at less than net asset value, shares for your account will be purchased on the open market. If the Plan Agent begins purchasing Fund shares on the open market while shares are trading below net asset value, but the Fund’s shares subsequently trade at or above their net asset value before the Plan Agent is able to complete its purchases, the Plan Agent may cease open-market purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the distribution in newly-issued Fund shares at a price equal to the greater of the shares’ net asset value or 95% of the shares’ market value on the last business day immediately prior to the purchase date. Distributions received to purchase shares in the open market will normally be invested shortly after the distribution payment date. No interest will be paid on distributions awaiting reinvestment. Because the market price of the shares may increase before purchases are completed, the average purchase price per share may exceed the market price at the time of valuation, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund. A pro rata portion of any applicable brokerage commissions on open market purchases will be paid by Plan participants. These commissions usually will be lower than those charged on individual transactions.

Flexible

You may change your distribution option or withdraw from the Plan at any time, should your needs or situation change.

You can reinvest whether your shares are registered in your name, or in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee. Ask your investment advisor if his or her firm will participate on your behalf. Participants whose shares are registered in the name of one firm may not be able to transfer the shares to another firm and continue to participate in the Plan.

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time. Although the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants, there is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan at this time.

Call today to start reinvesting distributions

For more information on the Nuveen Automatic Reinvestment Plan or to enroll in or withdraw from the Plan, speak with your financial advisor or call us at (800) 257-8787.

 

 

NUVEEN     91   


Annual Investment

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Board’s 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 Board’s 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 team’s assets under management, investment performance, investment approach, and the stability and structure of the Sub-Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s (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 Adviser’s 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 Officer’s report regarding the Adviser’s compliance program, the Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Nuveen’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 fund’s investment strategy and seeking exposure to that strategy (even if the strategy was “out of favor” in the marketplace) and knowing the fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s performance history was too short for a meaningful assessment of performance, the Board was satisfied with the Fund’s 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 fund’s fees and expenses. In addition, in reviewing a fund’s fees and expenses compared to the fees and expenses of its peers (excluding leverage costs and leveraged assets), the Board generally considered a fund’s 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

 

NUVEEN     95   


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s management fees (as applicable) to a Fund Adviser were reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund.

 

  2.   Comparisons with the Fees of Other Clients

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 Nuveen’s 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 Fund’s 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 arm’s-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, Nuveen’s 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 Nuveen’s 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 Nuveen’s 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 Nuveen’s 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 Nuveen’s 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 Spectrum’s 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 Adviser’s and each Sub-Adviser’s 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

 

NUVEEN     97   


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 Adviser’s 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 Nuveen’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s fees were reasonable in light of the services provided to each applicable Fund and that the Advisory Agreements be renewed.

 

  98      NUVEEN


Board

Members & Officers (Unaudited)

 

The management of the Funds, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Funds by the Adviser, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Funds. The number of trustees of the Funds is set at 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.

 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed
and Term (1)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

   Number
of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Board Member
                     
Independent Board Members:         

  WILLIAM J. SCHNEIDER

         Chairman of Miller-Valentine Partners, a real estate investment company; Board Member of Med-America Health System and WDPR Public Radio station; formerly, Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer (retired (2004) of Miller-Valentine Group; formerly, Board member, Business Advisory Council of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank and University of Dayton Business School Advisory Council; past Chair and Director, Dayton Development Coalition.   

1944

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Chairman and Board Member   

    
1996

Class III

          
180
           

 

  JACK B. EVANS

         President, The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation (since 1996); Director and Chairman, United Fire Group, a publicly held company; Director, The Gazette Company; Life Trustee of Coe College and the Iowa College Foundation; formerly, President Pro-Tem of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System; formerly, Director, Alliant Energy; formerly, Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; formerly, President and Chief Operating Officer, SCI Financial Group, Inc., a regional financial services firm.   

1948

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
1999

Class III

          
180
           

 

           

 

  WILLIAM C. HUNTER

         Dean Emeritus, formerly, Dean, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa (2006-2012); Director (since 2004) of Xerox Corporation; Director (since 2005), and past President (2010-2014) Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; Director of Wellmark, Inc. (since 2009); 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); formerly, Director (1997-2007), Credit Research Center at Georgetown University.   

1948

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2003

Class I

          
180
           

 

           

 

           

 

  DAVID J. KUNDERT

         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, Banc 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; Board member of Milwaukee Repertory Theatre (since 2016).   

1942

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2005

Class II

          
180
           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

 

NUVEEN     99   


Board Members & Officers (Unaudited) (continued)

 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed
and Term (1)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

   Number
of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Board Member
                     
Independent Board Members (continued):         

  ALBIN F. MOSCHNER (2)

         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). Director, USA Technologies, Inc., a provider of solutions and services to facilitate electronic payment transactions (since 2012); formerly, Director, Wintrust Financial Corporation (1996-2016).   

1952

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2016

Class III

          
180
           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

  JOHN K. NELSON

         Member of Board of Directors of Core12 LLC (since 2008), a private firm which develops branding, marketing and communications strategies for clients; Director of The Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (since 2009) and The President’s Council, Fordham University (since 2010); formerly, senior external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP (2012-2014): formerly, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Marian University (2010 as trustee, 2011-2014 as Chairman); formerly, Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America, and Global Head of its Financial Markets Division (2007-2008); prior senior positions held at ABN AMRO include Corporate Executive Vice President and Head of Global Markets-the Americas (2006- 2007), CEO of Wholesale Banking North America and Global Head of Foreign Exchange and Futures Markets (2001-2006), and Regional Commercial Treasurer and Senior Vice President Trading-North America (1996-2001); formerly, Trustee at St. Edmund Preparatory School in New York City.   

1962

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2013

Class II

          
180
           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

  JUDITH M. STOCKDALE

         Board Member, Land Trust Alliance (since 2013) and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (since 2013); formerly, Executive Director (1994-2012), Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (1990-1994).   

1947

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
1997

Class I

          
180

  CAROLE E. STONE

         Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (since 2006); Director, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (since 2009); Director, CBOE Holdings, Inc. (since 2010); formerly, Commissioner, New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform (2005-2010).   

1947

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2007

Class I

          
180

  TERENCE J. TOTH

         Managing Partner, Promus Capital (since 2008); Director, Fulcrum IT Service LLC (since 2010) and Quality Control Corporation (since 2012); member: Chicago Fellowship Board (since 2005), Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008) and Mather Foundation Board (since 2012), and chair of its investment committee; formerly, Director, Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. (2008-2013); formerly, CEO and President, Northern Trust Global Investments (2004-2007): Executive Vice President, Quantitative Management & Securities Lending (2000-2004); prior thereto, various positions with Northern Trust Company (since 1994); formerly, Member, Northern Trust Mutual Funds Board (2005-2007), Northern Trust Global Investments Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Japan Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Securities Inc. Board (2003-2007) and Northern Trust Hong Kong Board (1997-2004).   

1959

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2008

Class II

          
180
           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

 

  100      NUVEEN


 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed
and Term (1)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

   Number
of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Board Member
                     
Independent Board Members (continued):         

  MARGARET L. WOLFF

         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.); formerly, Of Counsel, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Mergers & Acquisitions Group) (2005-2014); Member of the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian Hospital (since 2005); Member (since 2004) and Chair (since 2015) of the Board of Trustees of The John A. Hartford Foundation (a philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults); formerly, Member (2005-2015) and Vice Chair (2011-2015) of the Board of Trustees of Mt. Holyoke College.   

1955

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2016

Class I

          
180
           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

Interested Board Members:            

  WILLIAM ADAMS IV (3)

         Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President (since March 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President, Global Structured Products (2010-2016), prior thereto, Executive Vice President, U.S. Structured Products, (1999-2010) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Co-President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2011); Co-Chief Executive Officer (since 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President of Nuveen Securities, LLC; President (since 2011), of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Board Member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and of Gilda’s Club Chicago.   

1955

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2013

Class II

          
180
           

 

           

 

           

 

  MARGO L. COOK (2)(3)

         Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President (since March 2016), formerly, Senior Executive Vice President of Nuveen Investments, Inc; Co-Chief Executive Officer (since 2015), previously, Executive Vice President (2013-2015) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Senior Executive Vice President (since 2015) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (Executive Vice President 2011-2015); formerly, Managing Director of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC (2011-2016); Chartered Financial Analyst.   

1964

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Board Member
  

    
2016

Class III

          
180
           

 

           

 

 

NUVEEN     101   


Board Members & Officers (Unaudited) (continued)

 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed (4)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number
of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Officer
                     
Officers of the Funds:            

  GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN

         Managing Director (since 2002), and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2004) and Assistant Secretary (since 1994) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Managing Director (since 2002), Assistant Secretary (since 1997) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); Managing Director and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC (since 2002) and Symphony Asset Management LLC (since 2003); Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (since 2002), Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (since 2006), and of Winslow Capital Management, LLC, (since 2010); 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.   

1956

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Chief Administrative Officer        
1988
          
181
           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

  CEDRIC H. ANTOSIEWICZ

         Managing Director of Nuveen Securities, LLC. (since 2004); Managing Director of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2014).   

1962

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Vice President
       
2007
          
77

  LORNA C. FERGUSON

         Managing Director (since 2004) of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.   

1945

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Vice President
       
1998
          
181

  STEPHEN D. FOY

         Managing Director (since 2014), formerly, Senior Vice President (2013-2014) and Vice President (2005-2013) 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.   

1954

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Controller        
1998
          
181
           

 

  NATHANIEL T. JONES

         Senior Vice President (since 2016), formerly, Vice President (2011-2016) of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.; Chartered Financial Analyst.   

1979

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Treasurer        
2016
          
181

  WALTER M. KELLY

         Senior Vice President (since 2008) of Nuveen Investment Holdings, Inc.   

1970

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President        
2003
          
181

  DAVID J. LAMB

         Senior Vice President of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. (since 2006), Vice President prior to 2006.   

1963

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Vice President
       
2015
          
77

  TINA M. LAZAR

         Senior Vice President of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. and Nuveen Securities, LLC.   

1961

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

       
Vice President
       
2002
          
181

 

  102      NUVEEN


 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed (4)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number
of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Officer
                     
Officers of the Funds (continued):         

  KEVIN J. MCCARTHY

         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, 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 March 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 2016), formerly, Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC.   

1966

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Secretary        
2007
          
181
           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

           

 

  KATHLEEN L.  PRUDHOMME

         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; Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (since 2011) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Deputy General Counsel, FAF Advisors, Inc. (2004-2010).   

1953

901 Marquette Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55402

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary        
2011
          
181
           

 

           

 

  JOEL T. SLAGER

         Fund Tax Director for Nuveen Funds (since 2013); previously, Vice President of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., Assistant Treasurer of the Morgan Stanley Funds (from 2010 to 2013).   

1978

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary        
2013
          
181

 

(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.

 

NUVEEN     103   


LOGO

 

    

 

     
           

 

           
  Nuveen:   
     Serving Investors for Generations   
    

 

     Since 1898, financial advisors and their clients have relied on Nuveen to provide dependable investment solutions through continued adherence to proven, long-term investing principles. Today, we offer a range of high quality equity and fixed-income solutions designed to be integral components of a well-diversified core portfolio.   
       

 

       

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, Nuveen’s 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.

  
    

 

     
       

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

  

 

                 

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 Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s 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

  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

/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

 

-3-


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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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 Shareholder’s 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

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

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

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

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

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

  

LOGO

  
     
     
     

/s/ Virginia Corcoran

      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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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 Shareholder’s 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 Trust’s 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 year’s 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 Shareholder’s name and address as they appear on the Trust’s 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 Owner’s 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 Trust’s 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 Shareholder’s 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

 

-13-


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

 

-14-


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 Trust’s income and expenses for the period from the end of the Trust’s 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

 

-15-


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 Trust’s 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 Fund’s investment objective and policies and limitations, and to administer the Fund’s 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 Fund’s assets shall be subject to the Fund’s policies, restrictions and limitations with respect to securities investments as set forth in the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s 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 adviser’s parent), or (b) Nuveen Investments, Inc. or its affiliates acquire the fund’s adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s net assets as of the effective date of such Fund’s 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 Fund’s Fund Asset Limit Amount to such Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s officers as officers and not individually and the obligations imposed upon the Fund by this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Fund’s 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 O’Neal

   
  NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC
  By:  

/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

    Managing Director
ATTEST:    

/s/ Virginia O’Neal

   


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 O’Neal

     
    NUVEEN FUND ADVISORS, LLC
   

By:

 

/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

      Managing Director
ATTEST:      

/s/ Virginia O’Neal

     


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s investments, and will comply with the provisions of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s securities are priced on a given day) that may materially impact the pricing of one or more securities in Sub-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s securities transactions for the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio allocated to preferred securities as requested by the Manager and will furnish Manager and Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s Board of

 

3


Trustees, as of the close of business on the last preceding business day on which the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Board of Trustees, that the persons employed by Sub-Adviser to assist in Sub-Adviser’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 O’Neal

 

NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC
By:  

/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy

Its:   Managing Director

 

ATTEST:

/s/ Virginia O’Neal


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 O’Neal

 

NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC
By:  

/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy

Its:   Executive Vice President

 

ATTEST:

/s/ Virginia O’Neal


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s investments, and will comply with the provisions of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s securities are priced on a given day) that may materially impact the pricing of one or more securities in Sub-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s securities transactions for the portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio allocated to preferred securities as requested by the Manager and will furnish Manager and Fund’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s Board of Trustees, as of the close of business on the last preceding business day on which the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Board of Trustees, that the persons employed by Sub-Adviser to assist in Sub-Adviser’s 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-Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 O’Neal

 
 

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 O’Neal

   
 

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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s Compensation deferred under the provisions of Section 3.

(h)        “Deferral Election” shall mean the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 fund’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s control. Circumstances that may constitute an Unforeseeable Emergency include the imminent foreclosure of or eviction from the Participant’s 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 Participant’s Unforeseeable Emergency on account of which the Participant receives a withdrawal pursuant to Section 5.4, the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s Account shall be treated as though such amounts had been invested and reinvested in shares of the Participant’s 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 Fund’s 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 Participant’s 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 Fund’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s Plan Year Subaccounts. Except as provided below, the Participant’s 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 Participant’s Account is covered by such written designation,

then the Participant’s Account shall receive no return until such time as the Participant shall provide the Administrator with instructions.


SECTION 5         DISTRIBUTIONS FROM ACCOUNT

5.1         Participant’s 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 Participant’s Separation from Service, (ii) a specific date (irrespective of whether such date is before or after the Participant’s Separation from Service), or (iii) the earlier of the Participant’s Separation from Service or a specific date. In the event of a Participant’s Separation from Service from some but not all of the Participating Funds to which the Participant’s Plan Year Account is attributable, to the extent a Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s Plan Year Account shall be paid in accordance with the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s life. The Administrator’s 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 Participant’s 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 Administrator’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s or other person’s 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 Participant’s 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.

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

   

Title:

   

 

 

 
Witness  


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 Custodian’s 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 intermediary’s 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 company’s 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 Fund’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Fund’s 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 bank’s 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 bank’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Fund’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s books and records and, upon the Custodian’s receipt of the proceeds of the sale or redemption, record the receipt of the proceeds for the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s 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 country’s 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 Portfolio’s 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 Fund’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s performance of its obligations. At a Fund’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s applicable rate for time credited. Income on securities or other financial assets loaned other than from the Custodian’s 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 Portfolio’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 holder’s 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 Fund’s failure to do so shall not affect the Custodian’s 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 officer’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Custodian’s personnel as witnesses, the Fund agrees to pay the Custodian for the Custodian’s time and expenses, as well as the fees and expenses of the Custodian’s 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 Fund’s independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s duties hereunder in reliance upon records that were maintained for the Fund by any individual or organization, other than the Custodian, prior to the Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s sole risk, and the Custodian shall not be obligated to make demands on the Fund’s behalf if the Fund’s counterparty defaults. If a Fund’s counterparty fails to deliver securities, other financial assets or cash, the Custodian will, as its sole responsibility, notify the Fund’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 nominee’s own negligence, as well as the Fund’s 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 Portfolio’s 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 Fund’s 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 party’s 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 Fund’s or Portfolio’s 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 Fund’s Portfolios and the Custodian relating to the custody of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Custodian’s 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 Party’s 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 Party’s 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 Custodian’s 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 individual’s name (first initial and last name or first name and last name), address or telephone number plus (i) Social Security number, (ii) driver’s 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 person’s account, or (b) any combination of any of the foregoing that would allow a person to log onto or access an individual’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s protection, the Rule, as applicable, prohibits the requesting company from using the Fund’s 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 Fund’s name, address, and share positions.

 

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NO [X]    The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund’s name, address, and share positions.

S ECTION 20.17  L IMITATION OF L IABILITY . To the extent that a Fund’s 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 Fund’s officers as officers and not individually. The obligations imposed upon the applicable Fund by this Agreement are not binding upon any of such Fund’s 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

Name:   Stephen Foy
Title:   Vice President and Fund Controller
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Gunjan Kedia

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

 

D-1


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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Custodian’s 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

 

   LOGO  

 

OPERATING GUIDELINES

 

  

1. OBLIGATION OF THE SENDER : State Street is authorized to promptly debit Client’s 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 Client’s 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 Client’s 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 Street’s receipt of such payment order; (b) if initiating such payment order would cause State Street, in State Street’s 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 Street’s execution of payment orders shall ordinarily be provided within 24 hours. Notice may be delivered through State Street’s 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    LOGO  

 

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.


LOGO

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.

 

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.

 

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”).

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 Street’s 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 Client’s use of either Cash Manager access point shall constitute an Instruction to State Street in accordance with the terms of the Client’s 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).

 

3


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 Company’s 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.

 

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.

 

Standing Instructions

 

Standing or Procedural Instructions may be used. For example: where funds are transferred to a broker on the Company’s 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 Street’s Blue Sky Personnel”) shall have the authority to act on behalf of a client’s 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.

 

 

4


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 verifier’s 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:                                                              

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Name    Title    Authorized Signature    Date

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Name    Title    Authorized Signature    Date

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)

 

  

 

  

 

Email    Primary Phone Number    Alternate Phone Number

 

  

 

  

 

 

**************************************************************************************************************************************

 

2) Name, Title    Specimen Signature    Amount Limit (If Any)

 

  

 

  

 

 

5


Email    Primary Phone Number    Alternate Phone Number

 

  

 

  

 

**************************************************************************************************************************************

 

3) Name, Title    Specimen Signature    Amount Limit (If Any)

 

  

 

  

 

Email    Primary Phone Number    Alternate Phone Number

 

  

 

  

 

**************************************************************************************************************************************

 

4) Name, Title    Specimen Signature    Amount Limit (If Any)

 

  

 

  

 

Email    Primary Phone Number    Alternate Phone Number

 

  

 

  

 

**************************************************************************************************************************************

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)

 

  

 

  

 

Email    Primary Phone Number    Alternate Phone Number

 

  

 

  

 

**************************************************************************************************************************************

 

2) Name, Title    Specimen Signature    Amount Limit (If Any)

 

  

 

  

 

Email    Primary Phone Number    Alternate Phone Number

 

  

 

  

 

**************************************************************************************************************************************

 

3) Name, Title    Specimen Signature    Amount Limit (If Any)

 

  

 

  

 

Email    Primary Phone Number    Alternate Phone Number

 

  

 

  

 

**************************************************************************************************************************************

 

6


4) Name, Title    Specimen Signature    Amount Limit (If Any)

 

  

 

  

 

Email    Primary Phone Number    Alternate Phone Number

 

  

 

  

 

**************************************************************************************************************************************

Company Name:                                         

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Name    Title    Authorized Signature    Date

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Name    Title    Authorized Signature    Date

 

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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


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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 Street’s 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 Street’s 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 Customer’s 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 party’s 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 Street’s 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 Street’s 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 Customer’s 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 Street’s 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

Albania

   Raiffeisen Bank sh.a.   

Blv. “Bajram Curri” ETC – Kati 14

Tirana, Albania

Australia

   Citigroup Pty. Limited   

120 Collins St.

Melbourne, VIC 3000 , Australia

 

  

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking

Corporation Limited

  

HSBC Custody and Clearing

Level 13, 580 George St.

Sydney, NSW 2000 , Australia

Austria

   Deutsche Bank AG   

Fleischmarkt 1

A-1010 Vienna, Austria

 

   UniCredit Bank Austria AG   

Custody Department / Dept. 8398-TZ

Julius Tandler Platz 3

A-1090 Vienna, Austria

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

Bangladesh

   Standard Chartered Bank   

Silver Tower, Level 7

52 South Gulshan Commercial Area

Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212 , Bangladesh

Belgium

  

Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands (operating

through its Amsterdam branch with support

from its Brussels branch)

  

De Entrees 99-197

1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Benin

  

via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire

S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  

23, Bld de la République

17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire

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

Botswana    Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited   

4th Floor, Standard Chartered House

Queens Road

The Mall

Gaborone, Botswana

Brazil    Citibank, N.A.   

AV Paulista 1111

São Paulo, SP 01311-920 Brazil

Bulgaria    Citibank Europe plc, Bulgaria Branch   

Serdika Offices, 10th floor

48 Sitnyakovo Blvd.

1505 Sofia, Bulgaria

 

   UniCredit Bulbank AD   

7 Sveta Nedelya Square

1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

Burkina Faso   

via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire

S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  

23, Bld de la République

17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire

Canada    State Street Trust Company Canada   

30 Adelaide Street East, Suite 800

Toronto, ON Canada M5C 3G6

Chile    Banco Itaú Chile S.A.   

Enrique Foster Sur 20, Piso 5

Las Condes, Santiago de Chile

People’s 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 )

  

 

China Construction Bank Corporation

(for A-share market only)

  

 

No.1 Naoshikou Street

Chang An Xing Rong Plaza

Beijing 100032-33 , China

 

  

Citibank N.A.

(for Shanghai – Hong Kong Stock Connect

market only)

  

39th Floor Citibank Tower

Citibank Plaza,

3 Garden Road

Central, Hong Kong

 

  

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking

Corporation Limited

(for Shanghai – Hong Kong Stock Connect

market only)

  

Level 30,

HSBC Main Building

1 Queen’s Road

Central, Hong Kong

 

  

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

Colombia

 

   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

Croatia    Privredna Banka Zagreb d.d.   

Custody Department

Radnička cesta 50

10000 Zagreb, Croatia

  

 

Zagrebacka Banka d.d.

  

 

Savska 60

10000 Zagreb, Croatia

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

Czech Republic    Československá obchodní banka, a.s.   

Radlická 333/150

150 57 Prague 5, Czech Republic

 

  

UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia,

a.s.

  

BB Centrum – FILADELFIE

Želetavská 1525/1

140 92 Praha 4 - Michle, Czech Republic

Denmark

  

Nordea Bank AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its subsidiary, Nordea Bank Danmark

A/S)

  

Strandgade 3

0900 Copenhagen C, Denmark

  

 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its Copenhagen branch)

  

 

Bernstorffsgade 50

1577 Copenhagen, Denmark

Ecuador    Banco de la Producción S.A. PRODUBANCO   

Av. Amazonas N35-211 y Japon

Quito, Ecuador

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

Estonia    AS SEB Pank   

Tornimäe 2

15010 Tallinn, Estonia

Finland   

Nordea Bank AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its subsidiary, Nordea Bank Finland

Plc.)

  

Satamaradankatu 5

00500 Helsinki, Finland

  

 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), Sweden (operating through its Helsinki branch)

  

 

Securities Services

Box 630

SF-00101 Helsinki, Finland

France    Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands (operating through its Amsterdam branch with support from its Paris branch)   

De Entrees 99-197

1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Republic of Georgia

 

   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

Ghana

   Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited   

P. O. Box 768

1st Floor

High Street Building

Accra, Ghana

Greece

   BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A.   

94 V. Sofias Avenue & 1 Kerasountos

Str.

115 28 Athens, Greece

Guinea-Bissau

  

via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire

S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  

23, Bld de la République

17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire

Hong Kong

   Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited   

15 th Floor Standard Chartered Tower

388 Kwun Tong Road

Kwun Tong, Hong Kong

Hungary

   Citibank Europe plc Magyarországi Fióktelepe   

7 Szabadság tér, Bank Center

Budapest, H-1051 Hungary

  

 

UniCredit Bank Hungary Zrt.

  

 

6th Floor

Szabadság tér 5-6

H-1054 Budapest, Hungary

Iceland

   Landsbankinn hf.   

Austurstræti 11

155 Reykjavik, Iceland

India

   Deutsche Bank AG   

Block B1, 4th Floor, Nirlon Knowledge

Park

Off Western Express Highway

Goregaon (E)

Mumbai 400 063 , India

  

 

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking

Corporation Limited

  

 

11F, Building 3, NESCO - IT Park,

NESCO Complex,

Western Express Highway

Goregaon (East),

Mumbai 400 063 , India

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

 

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Ivory Coast    Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A.   

23, Bld de la République

17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire

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

 

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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 d’Ivoire

S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  

23, Bld de la République

17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire

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 d’Ivoire

S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  

23, Bld de la République

17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire

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

 

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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 D’Antin

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

 

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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 d’Ivoire

S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  

23, Bld de la République

17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire

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.   

Šmartinska 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

 

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   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 d’Ivoire

S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  

23, Bld de la République

17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire

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

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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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

People’s 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    Središnje klirinško depozitarno društvo 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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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 Federal’nogo 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

 

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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 klirinško depotna

družba 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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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 Street’s 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 Street’s 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 fund’s independent public accountants to books and records of a Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Securities System,
   (ii)    a fund’s ability to recover in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of a Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Securities System,
   (iii)    a fund’s 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.

 

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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 Street’s 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 Street’s 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 Fund’s 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:

 

(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 Agent’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s officers as officers and not individually. The obligations imposed upon each such Fund by this Amendment are not binding upon any of the Fund’s 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 Agent’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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:

 

(Fees in each case are per Term Preferred 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 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 Agent’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s officers as officers and not individually. The obligations imposed upon each such Fund by this Amendment are not binding upon any of the Fund’s 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