N-14 8C/A 1 d59018dn148ca.htm NUVEEN AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2020

File No. 333-248721

 

 

 

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. 1

Post-Effective Amendment No.     

 

 

NUVEEN AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME 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
  Amount of
Registration
Fee

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

  22,838,494 Shares   $15.49   $353,768,272.06   $38,596.12(2)

 

 

(1)

Net asset value per common share on October 19, 2020.

(2)

Transmitted prior to filing. A registration fee of $2.04 was paid in connection with the initial filing.

 

 

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 AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA)

AND

NUVEEN MICHIGAN QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NUM)

(EACH, A “FUND” AND TOGETHER, THE “FUNDS”)

[•], 2020

Although we recommend that you read the complete Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, for your convenience, we have provided a brief overview of the proposals to be voted on.

 

Q.

Why am I receiving the enclosed Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus?

 

A.

You are receiving the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as a holder of preferred shares of Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”) or a holder of common shares of Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Target Fund”) in connection with the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Target Fund (each, a “Meeting” and together, the “Meetings”). At the Meetings, shareholders of the Target Fund will be asked to vote on (i) the election of members of the Target Fund’s Board of Trustees and (ii) an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization under which the Target Fund will transfer substantially all of its assets and liabilities to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for newly issued common and preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund (the “Reorganization”). Preferred shareholders of the Acquiring Fund will vote only on the Reorganization at their Meeting.

 

  

Your Fund’s Board of Trustees (each, a “Board”), including the independent Board members, unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each proposal applicable to your Fund.

 

Q.

Why has each Fund’s Board recommended the Reorganization?

 

A.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (“Nuveen Fund Advisors”), a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC (“Nuveen”) and the Funds’ investment adviser, recommended the proposed Reorganization as part of an ongoing initiative to streamline Nuveen’s municipal closed-end fund line-up and eliminate overlapping products. Based on information provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Target Fund’s Board believes that the proposed Reorganization may benefit common shareholders of the Target Fund in a number of ways, including, among other things:

 

   

The potential for higher common share net earnings and distribution levels, due in part to the Acquiring Fund’s larger exposure to lower rated securities (or “junk bonds”) which are subject to higher risk, as well as operating economies from the Acquiring Fund’s greater scale;

 

   

Greater secondary market liquidity and improved secondary market trading for common shares as a result of the combined fund’s greater share volume, which may lead to narrower bid-ask spreads and smaller trade-to-trade price movements;


   

Increased portfolio and leverage management flexibility due to the significantly larger asset base of the combined fund and the Acquiring Fund’s national mandate with greater flexibility to invest in lower rated securities; and

 

   

Lower net operating expenses, as certain fixed costs are spread over a larger asset base and a lower management fee for Target Fund shareholders due to breakpoints in the Acquiring Fund’s fee schedule.

 

  

With respect to holders of preferred shares of the Target Fund, the Target Fund’s Board considered that, upon the closing of the Reorganization, holders of the Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“AMTP Shares”) of the Target Fund will receive, on a one-for-one basis, newly issued AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund having substantially similar terms, as of the closing of the Reorganization, as the AMTP Shares exchanged therefor.

 

  

Based on information provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Acquiring Fund’s Board considered that the Acquiring Fund may benefit in the near-term from a modest increase in common share net earnings and operating efficiencies and over the long-term from increased investment capital, which allows the Acquiring Fund to pursue additional investment opportunities. With respect to holders of preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Fund’s Board considered that the outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund and the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in the Reorganization would have equal priority with each other as to the payment of dividends and distributions of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund.

 

  

For these reasons, each Fund’s Board has determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of its Fund and has approved the Reorganization.

 

Q.

How will preferred shareholders be affected by the Reorganization?

 

A.

The Acquiring Fund has four series of MuniFund Preferred Shares (“MFP Shares”) outstanding, five series of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Shares”) outstanding and one series of AMTP Shares outstanding, and these shares will remain outstanding following the Reorganization. The Target Fund has one series of AMTP Shares outstanding. Upon the closing of the Reorganization, holders of AMTP Shares of the Target Fund will receive, on a one-for-one basis, newly issued AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund having substantially similar terms, as of the closing of the Reorganization, as the AMTP Shares of the Target Fund exchanged therefor. The outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund and the preferred shares to be issued by the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will have equal priority with each other and with any other preferred shares that the Acquiring Fund may issue in the future as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund.

 

  

Following the Reorganization, holders of preferred shares of the combined fund will hold a smaller percentage of the outstanding preferred shares of the combined fund as compared to their percentage holdings of their respective Fund prior to the Reorganization. Additionally, the combined fund will have multiple series and types of preferred shares outstanding. The different types of preferred shares have different characteristics and features, which are described in more detail in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See “Information About the

 

ii


  Reorganization—Description of AMTP Shares to Be Issued by the Acquiring Fund” beginning on page 54, “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund—Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund MFP Shares” beginning on page 101, “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund—Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares” beginning on page 104 and “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund—Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares” beginning on page 106. In addition, the voting power of certain series of preferred shares may be more concentrated than others.

 

Q.

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

 

A.

Both Funds seek to provide tax-exempt current income by investing primarily in municipal securities. However, there are differences between the investment objectives, policies and risks of the Funds. The principal similarities and differences between the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and risks are as follows:

 

   

The Acquiring Fund is a national municipal fund that seeks to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax and federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, while the Target Fund seeks to provide current income exempt from both regular federal income taxes and Michigan individual income taxes, and limits the amount of securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax to no more than 20% of its managed assets. Following the Reorganization, Target Fund shareholders, as shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, will no longer benefit from a portfolio of municipal securities exempt from Michigan individual income taxes.

 

   

The Target Fund invests primarily in Michigan municipal obligations and is subject to economic, political and other risks of a single state, while the Acquiring Fund may invest in municipal obligations of any U.S. state or territory.

 

   

The Target Fund invests primarily in investment grade securities, while the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 35% of its managed assets in securities rated, at the time of investment, below the three highest grades (Baa or BBB or lower) by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

 

   

Each Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and currently employs leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and the use of inverse floating rate securities.

 

  

See “A. Synopsis—Comparison of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund—Investment Objectives and Policies” and “A. Synopsis—Comparative Risk Information” for more information.

 

Q.

How will the Reorganization impact fees and expenses?

 

A.

Based on information for the six-month semi-annual period ended April 30, 2020 for the Acquiring Fund and the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 for the Target Fund, the pro forma annualized expense ratio, including the costs of leverage, of the combined fund following the Reorganization is estimated to be eight basis points (0.08%) lower than the total annualized expense ratio of the Target Fund. None of the savings are attributable to differences in the amounts and costs of leverage. Leverage costs reflect the forms and sources of leverage in effect for each specified period and such costs will vary over time.

 

iii


  

As discussed above, due to the significantly greater asset base of the Acquiring Fund, the Target Fund’s Board considered that the Reorganization is expected to result in a lower management fee and economies of scale and a resulting reduction in certain other expenses. These reductions are estimated to be eight basis points (0.08%) for Target Fund shareholders (as shareholders of the combined fund following the Reorganization).

 

  

See the Comparative Fee Table on page 17 of the enclosed Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for more detailed information regarding fees and expenses. See also “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund” on page 98.

 

Q.

Will the Reorganization impact distributions to common shareholders of the Target Fund?

 

A.

In considering the Reorganization, the Target Fund’s Board took into account potential future distribution levels as well as information from Nuveen Fund Advisors indicating that the Acquiring Fund has historically paid higher distributions per common share. The most recent monthly distribution amount per common share was $0.0565 for the Acquiring Fund and $0.0495 for the Target Fund and the dividend yield (expressed as a percentage of net asset value as of June 30, 2020) was 4.40% for the Acquiring Fund and 3.72% for the Target Fund. The differences in historical distribution rates generally were primarily attributable to certain lower expenses per common share and the Acquiring Fund’s greater investment flexibility to invest in diverse geographic regions and to invest to a greater degree in lower rated municipal securities. However, distributions for the Acquiring Fund are exempt from federal income tax only, while distributions of the Target Fund are exempt from federal and Michigan income taxes. The taxable equivalent yield was 8.40% for the Acquiring Fund as of April 30, 2020 and for the Target Fund was 6.84% as of February 29, 2020. The taxable equivalent yield generally represents the yield that must be earned on a fully taxable investment in order to equal the yield of the Fund on an after-tax basis. There is no assurance that distribution rates of the Funds will continue at historical levels. While distributions from the combined fund following the Reorganization are generally expected to be exempt from federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, such distributions may be subject to state and local income tax, including without limitation Michigan income tax.

 

Q.

Will shareholders of the Funds have to pay any fees or expenses in connection with the Reorganization?

 

A.

Yes. The Funds, and indirectly their common shareholders, will bear the costs of the Reorganization, whether or not the Reorganization is consummated. The allocation of the costs of the Reorganization to the Funds is based on the projected benefits of the Reorganization, following the Reorganization, based on impact on common share net earnings.

 

  

The costs of the Reorganization are estimated to be $650,000. These costs represent the estimated nonrecurring expenses of the Funds in carrying out their obligations under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and consist of management’s estimate of professional service fees, printing costs and mailing charges related to the proposed Reorganization. The Target Fund is expected to be allocated $590,000 and the Acquiring Fund is expected to be allocated $60,000 of the Reorganization costs. If the Reorganization is not consummated for any reason, including because the requisite shareholder approvals are not obtained, the Funds, and common shareholders of the Funds indirectly, will still bear the costs of the Reorganization.

 

iv


  

A Target Fund 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.

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 common 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 shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the Target Fund is expected to sell the municipal securities in its portfolio that generate income subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. Such sales are not expected to be material (less than 5% of the assets of the Target Fund). 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 gains or net investment income to be distributed by the Target Fund.

 

Q.

As a result of the Reorganization, will common 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 common shareholders (including, for this purpose, fractional Acquiring Fund common shares to which common 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 Acquiring Fund common shares due to the Target Fund common shareholders will be aggregated and sold on the open market, and Target Fund common shareholders will receive cash in lieu of such fractional shares.

 

  

Following the Reorganization, common shareholders of each Fund will hold a smaller percentage of the outstanding common shares of the combined fund as compared to their percentage holdings of the applicable Fund prior to the Reorganization.

 

Q.

What will happen if the required shareholder approvals are 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

 

v


  occur, all requisite shareholder approvals must be obtained, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties, including holders of preferred shares and liquidity providers with respect to the outstanding VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund, also must be obtained. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon each of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund obtaining such shareholder approvals and satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of a Fund entitled to vote approve the Reorganization and a Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the other Fund does not obtain its requisite shareholder approvals or satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions. If the Reorganization is not consummated, each 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 Reorganization, or, with respect to the Target Fund’s Board, continuing to operate the Target Fund as a standalone fund.

 

  

Each series of preferred shares (with the exception of the Series D MFP Shares of the Acquiring Fund) was issued on a private placement basis to one or a small number of institutional holders. To the extent that one or more preferred shareholders of a Fund owns, holds or controls, individually or in the aggregate, all or a significant portion of a Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, one or more shareholder approvals required for the Reorganization to occur may turn on the exercise of voting or consent rights by such particular shareholder(s) and its or their determination as to the favorable view of the Reorganization with respect to its or their interests. Additionally, because of the smaller liquidation preference of each Series D MFP Share, holders of Series D MFP Shares will have a greater number of votes for the same dollar value compared to other series of preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund. The Funds exercise no influence or control over the determinations of such shareholders with respect to the Reorganization; there is no guarantee that such shareholders will approve each proposal over which they may exercise effective disposition power.

 

Q.

What is the timetable for the Reorganization?

 

A.

If the shareholder approvals and other conditions to closing are satisfied (or waived), the Reorganization is expected to take effect on or about January 11, 2021, or as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

Q.

How does each Board recommend that shareholders vote on the Reorganization?

 

A.

After careful consideration, each Board has determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of its Fund and recommends that you vote FOR the Reorganization.

 

Q.

Who do I call if I have questions?

 

A.

If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposals or how to vote your shares, please call Computershare Fund Services, the proxy solicitor hired by your Fund, at 1-866-905-8143 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 at the Meeting, please follow the instructions below for attending the Meeting, which will be held virtually.

 

vi


   

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.

How can I attend the Meetings?

 

A.

The Meetings will be a completely virtual meeting of shareholders, which will be conducted exclusively by webcast. You are entitled to participate in the Meeting only if you were a shareholder of a Fund as of the close of business on September 8, 2020, or if you hold a valid proxy for the Meetings. No physical meeting will be held.

 

  

You will be able to attend the Meetings online and submit your questions during the Meetings by visiting www.meetingcenter.io/238367439. You also will be able to vote your shares online by attending the Meetings by webcast. To participate in the Meeting, you will need to log on using the control number from your proxy card or meeting notice. The control number can be found in the shaded box. The password for the Meetings is NUVC2020.

 

  

If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you must register in advance using the instructions below.

 

  

The online meeting will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., Central time, on December 7, 2020. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time leaving ample time for the check in. Please follow the access instructions as outlined herein.

 

Q.

How do I register to attend the Meetings virtually on the Internet?

 

A.

If your shares are registered in your name, you do not need to register to attend the Meetings virtually on the Internet. If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you must register in advance to attend the Meetings virtually on the Internet.

 

  

To register to attend the Meetings online by webcast you must submit proof of your proxy power (legal proxy) reflecting your Fund holdings along with your name and email address to Computershare Fund Services. You must contact the bank or broker who holds your shares to obtain your legal proxy. Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, three business days prior to the meeting date.

 

  

You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email after we receive your registration materials.

 

  

Requests for registration should be directed to us by emailing an image of your legal proxy to shareholdermeetings@computershare.com.

 

vii


Q.

Why hold a virtual meeting?

 

A.

In light of the public health concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), we believe that hosting a virtual meeting is in the best interests of the Funds and their respective shareholders.

 

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 Reorganization and the other proposal 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 matter being proposed was 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 your Fund’s governance by returning your vote as soon as possible. If enough shareholders fail to cast their votes, a Fund may not be able to hold the Meeting or the vote on the Reorganization or other proposal, and will be required to incur additional solicitation costs in order to obtain sufficient shareholder participation.

 

viii


[•], 2020

NUVEEN AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA)

AND

NUVEEN MICHIGAN QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NUM)

(EACH, A “FUND” AND TOGETHER, THE “FUNDS”)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS (NEA)

AND

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS (NUM)

TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 7, 2020

To the Shareholders:

Notice is hereby given that the Special Meetings of Shareholders of Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”) and the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Target Fund”) (each, a “Meeting” and together, the “Meetings”) will be held on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., Central time, for the following purposes:

 

  1.

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization. The shareholders of the Target Fund and Acquiring Fund voting as set forth below will vote on a proposal to approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to which the Target Fund would: (i) transfer substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for newly issued common shares and preferred 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 and preferred shareholders of the Target Fund; and (iii) liquidate, dissolve and terminate in accordance with applicable law.

(a)        For the Target Fund:

(i)        The common and preferred shareholders voting together as a single class to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

(ii)        The preferred shareholders voting separately to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

(b)        For the Acquiring Fund (preferred shareholders only):

(i)        The preferred shareholders voting together as a single class to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

  2.

Election of Board Members of the Target Fund.

(a)        Three (3) Class II Target Fund Board members are to be elected by the common and preferred shareholders of the Target Fund voting together as a single class. Board members Nelson, Toth and Young are nominees for election by Target Fund common and preferred shareholders.

(b)        Two (2) Target Fund Board members are to be elected by the preferred shareholders of the Target Fund. Board members Hunter and Moschner are nominees for election by the Target Fund’s preferred shareholders.

 

1


To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meetings.

Shareholders of the Target Fund are being solicited to vote on the election of Board members at the Meeting in the event the Reorganization is not consummated in a timely manner.

In light of the public health concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), the Meetings will be held in a virtual meeting format only, which will be conducted online via live webcast. Shareholders may attend and vote at the virtual Meetings by following the instructions included in the Q&A and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

Only shareholders of record of each Fund as of the close of business on September 8, 2020 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meetings and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof. The preferred shareholders of the Target Fund are being solicited to vote on the proposals described above by means of a separate proxy statement.

All Fund shareholders entitled to vote at the Meetings are cordially invited to attend the virtual Meetings. In order to avoid delay and additional expense for the Funds and to assure that your shares are represented, please vote as promptly as possible, regardless of whether or not you plan to attend your virtual 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.

You will be able to attend and participate in the Meetings online, vote your shares electronically and submit your questions during the Meeting by visiting: www.meetingcenter.io/238367439 at the Meeting date and time described in the enclosed Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. To participate in the Meetings, you will need to log on using the control number from your proxy card or meeting notice. The control number can be found in the shaded box. The password for the Meetings is NUVC2020. There is no physical location for the Meetings.

If you hold your shares through an intermediary, you will need to register at least three business days prior to the Meetings by following the instructions in the enclosed Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

Gifford R. Zimmerman

Vice President and Secretary

The Nuveen Closed-End Funds

 

2


The information contained in this Joint 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 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION,

DATED OCTOBER 21, 2020

NUVEEN FUNDS

333 WEST WACKER DRIVE

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606

(800) 257-8787

JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

NUVEEN AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA)

AND

NUVEEN MICHIGAN QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NUM)

(EACH, A “FUND” AND TOGETHER, THE “FUNDS”)

[•], 2020

This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to preferred shareholders of Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”) and common shareholders of Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Target Fund”), each a closed-end management investment company, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by each Fund’s Board of Trustees (each a “Board” and together, the “Boards” and each trustee a “Board Member”) for use at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Target Fund to be held on Monday, December 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., Central time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof (each, a “Meeting” and together, the “Meetings”), to consider the proposals described below and discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund are organized as Massachusetts business trusts. The enclosed proxy card and this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus are first being sent to shareholders of the Funds on or about [•], 2020. Shareholders of record of each Fund as of the close of business on September 8, 2020 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meetings and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.

The Meetings will be held in a virtual meeting format only, which will be conducted online via live webcast. There is no physical location for the Meetings. If your shares are registered in your name, you will be able to attend and participate in the Meetings online, vote your shares electronically and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting: www.meetingcenter.io/238367439 at the Meeting date and time. To participate in the Meetings, you will need to log on using the control number from your proxy card or meeting notice. The control number can be found in the shaded box. The password for the meeting is NUVC2020.

If your shares are held through an intermediary, you must register to participate in the virtual Meetings. To register to attend the Meetings online by webcast, you must submit proof of your proxy power (legal proxy) reflecting your Fund holdings along with your name and email address to Computershare. You must contact the bank or broker who holds your shares to obtain your legal proxy. Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, three business days prior to the meeting date. You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email after we receive your registration materials. Requests for registration should be directed to us by emailing an image of your legal proxy to shareholdermeetings@computershare.com.

This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus explains concisely what you should know before voting on the proposals described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or investing in the Acquiring Fund. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.


 

The securities offered by this Joint 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 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

On the matters coming before each 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 each proposal. Shareholders of a 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 a proposal by filing with that Fund a written notice of revocation, by delivering a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending and voting at the virtual Meeting. A prior proxy can also be revoked by voting again through the toll-free number or the Internet address listed in the proxy card. However, merely attending a virtual Meeting will not revoke any previously submitted proxy.

The shareholders of the Target Fund and Acquiring Fund voting as set forth below will vote on the following proposals:

 

  Proposal No. 1.

(Each Fund) To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to which the Target Fund would: (i) transfer substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for newly issued common shares and preferred 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 and preferred shareholders of the Target Fund; and (iii) liquidate, dissolve and terminate in accordance with applicable law (the “Reorganization”).

 

  Proposal No. 2.

(Target Fund only) To elect (i) three (3) Class II Board Members by a plurality of the Target Fund’s common and preferred shareholders, voting together as a single class and (ii) two (2) Board Members by a plurality the Target Fund’s preferred shareholders voting as a single class.

In addition to its common shares, each Fund has one or more series of preferred shares outstanding. The Acquiring Fund has four series of MuniFund Preferred Shares (“MFP Shares”) outstanding, five series of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Shares”) outstanding and one series of Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“AMTP Shares”) outstanding. The Target Fund has one series of AMTP Shares outstanding.

Shareholders of the Target Fund are being solicited to vote on the election of Board Members at the Meeting in the event the Reorganization is not consummated in a timely manner. Only the preferred shareholders of the Acquiring Fund (with respect to Proposal No. 1 only) and the common shareholders of the Target Fund are being solicited to vote on the proposals described above pursuant to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The preferred shareholders of the Target Fund are being solicited to vote on the proposals described above by means of a separate proxy statement.

 

ii


A quorum of shareholders is required to take action at each Meeting. A majority (more than 50%) of the shares entitled to vote at each Meeting, represented in person (including participation by means of remote or “virtual” communication) or by proxy, will constitute a quorum of shareholders at that Meeting, except that for the election of the two Board Member nominees by holders of AMTP Shares of the Target Fund, 33 1/3% of the AMTP Shares entitled to vote and represented in person (including participation by means of remote or “virtual” communication) or by proxy will constitute a quorum. Votes cast in person (including participation by means of remote or “virtual” communication) or by proxy at each Meeting will be tabulated by the inspectors of election appointed for that Meeting. The inspectors of election will determine whether or not a quorum is present at the Meeting. “Broker non-votes” are shares held by brokers or nominees, typically in “street name,” for which the broker or nominee returns a voted proxy but are not voted because instructions have not been received from beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and the broker or nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote such shares on a particular matter. For purposes of holding a meeting, all properly submitted proxies, including abstentions and broker non-votes, will be counted as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.

To be approved, the proposals must be approved by the Funds’ common and preferred shareholders as follows:

 

  Proposal No. 1.

(Each Fund) With respect to the proposal regarding the Reorganization:

 

   

With respect to the Target Fund, a majority (more than 50%) the Target Fund’s common and preferred shareholders voting together as a single class and by the Target Fund’s preferred shareholders voting separately; and

 

   

With respect to the Acquiring Fund, the proposal regarding the Reorganization must be approved by a majority of the Acquiring Fund’s preferred shareholders voting together as a single class.

 

  Proposal No. 2.

(Target Fund only) With respect to the proposal regarding the election of Target Fund Board members:

 

   

With respect to the three (3) Class II Board Members, the affirmative vote of a plurality (the greatest number of affirmative votes) of the Target Fund’s common and preferred shares, voting together as a single class, present and entitled to vote at the Meeting. For example, if there are three nominees for election to the Target Fund’s Board, a vote by plurality means the three nominees with the highest number of affirmative votes, regardless of the votes withheld for the nominees, will be elected; and

 

   

With respect to the two (2) Board Members, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the Target Fund’s preferred shareholders, voting separately (but not the Target Fund’s common shareholders).

Broker-dealer firms holding shares of a Fund in “street name” for the benefit of their customers and clients are generally required to request the instructions of such customers and clients on how to vote their shares before the Fund’s Meeting. The Funds understand 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 each 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 No. 1 with respect to the Reorganization is

 

iii


considered a “non-routine” matter for which, under the rules of the NYSE, uninstructed shares may not be voted by broker-dealers. Because the approval of Proposal No. 1 requires that a minimum percentage of the Target Fund’s outstanding common shares and preferred shares and Acquiring Fund preferred shares be voted in favor of the proposal, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Proposal No. 2 is considered 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 on Proposal No. 2 in the discretion of such broker-dealer firms. Because the election of Board Members does not require that a minimum percentage of the Target Fund’s outstanding common shares be voted in favor of any nominee, assuming the presence of a quorum, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal No. 2.

Series D MFP Shares and VRDP Shares, but not Series A, B, or C MFP Shares or AMTP Shares, held in “street name” as to which voting instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons otherwise entitled to vote as of one business day before the Meeting, or, if adjourned or postponed, one business day before the day to which the Meeting is adjourned or postponed, and that would otherwise be treated as broker non-votes may, pursuant to NYSE Rule 452, be voted by the broker on a proposal in the same proportion as the votes cast by all holders of Series D MFP Shares or VRDP Shares who have voted on a proposal. Rule 452 permits proportionate voting of the Acquiring Fund’s Series D MFP Shares and VRDP Shares with respect to a particular item if, among other things, (1) a minimum of 30% of the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding Series D MFP Shares or VRDP Shares has been voted by the holders of such shares with respect to such item, (2) less than 10% of the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding Series D MFP Shares or VRDP Shares has been voted by the holders of such shares against such item and (3) for any proposal as to which holders of common shares and preferred shares vote as a single class, holders of common shares approve a proposal. For the purpose of meeting the 30% test, abstentions will be treated as shares “voted,” and for the purpose of meeting the 10% test, abstentions will not be treated as shares “voted” against the item.

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 a Fund as of the close of business on September 8, 2020 will be entitled to one vote for each share held and, with respect to holders of common shares, a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional common share held.

As of September 8, 2020 for each Fund, the shares of the Funds issued and outstanding are as follows:

 

Fund

(Ticker Symbol)

   Common
Shares(1)
    

MFP

Shares(1)

  

VRDP

Shares(1)

   AMTP
Shares(1)
 

Acquiring Fund (NEA)

     278,590,267      1,850 (Series A)    2,190 (Series 1)      1,435 (Series 2028)  
     

3,350 (Series B)

   1,309 (Series 2)   
     

2,380 (Series C)

   3,509 (Series 3)   
     

200,000 (Series D)

   4,895 (Series 4)   
         1,000 (Series 5)   

Target Fund (NUM)

     20,226,887              1,730 (Series 2028)  

 

(1)

The common shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund are listed on the NYSE. Upon the closing of the Reorganization, it is expected that the common shares of the Acquiring Fund will continue to be listed on the NYSE. None of the preferred shares are currently listed on any exchange.

 

iv


The proposed Reorganization is part of an ongoing initiative to streamline Nuveen’s municipal closed-end fund line-up and eliminate overlapping products. The Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund invest exclusively in municipal securities and other investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income taxes; however, the Target Fund concentrates its investment portfolio in Michigan state-specific, investment grade municipal securities in comparison to the Acquiring Fund’s policy of investing in a nationally diversified portfolio of medium-credit municipal securities the income from which is also exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals at the time of purchase.

The following documents have been filed with the SEC and are incorporated into this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference:

 

  (1)

the Statement of Additional Information relating to the proposed Reorganization, dated [•], 2020 (the “Reorganization SAI”);

 

  (2)

the audited financial statements and financial highlights and related independent registered public accounting firm’s report for the Acquiring Fund contained in the Acquiring Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 (File No. 811-21213);

 

  (3)

the unaudited financial statements and financial highlights for Acquiring Fund contained in the Acquiring Fund’s Semi-Annual Report for the period ended April 30, 2020 (File No. 811-21213); and

 

  (4)

the audited financial statements and financial highlights and related independent registered public accounting firm’s report for the Target Fund contained in the Target Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 (File No. 811-06383).

No other parts of the Funds’ Annual or Semi-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 “Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Reorganization SAI.” In addition, each Fund will furnish, without charge, a copy of its most recent Annual Report or 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 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part, may be obtained through the EDGAR database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. 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.

 

v


The common shares of the Funds are listed on the NYSE. Upon the closing of the Reorganization, it is expected that the common shares of the Acquiring Fund will continue to be listed on the NYSE. None of the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund and Target Fund are currently listed on any exchange. 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 Joint 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 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and, if so given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This Joint 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.

 

vi


JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

[•], 2020

NUVEEN AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA)

AND

NUVEEN MICHIGAN QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NUM)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1—REORGANIZATION OF THE TARGET FUND INTO THE ACQUIRING FUND

     1  

A.        SYNOPSIS

     1  
  

Background and Reasons for the Reorganization

     1  

        

  

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization

     2  
  

Comparison of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund

     3  
  

Comparative Risk Information

     13  
  

Comparative Expense Information

     16  
  

Comparative Performance Information

     17  

B.        RISK FACTORS

     18  
  

General Risks of Investing in the Acquiring Fund

     18  

C.        INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION

     36  
  

General

     36  
  

Terms of the Reorganization

     37  
  

Reasons for the Reorganization

     40  
  

Capitalization

     44  
  

Expenses Associated with the Reorganization

     45  
  

Dissenting Shareholders’ Rights of Appraisal

     46  
  

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization

     46  
  

Shareholder Approval

     49  
  

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

     50  
  

Affiliated Brokerage and Other Fees

     54  
  

Description of AMTP Shares to Be Issued by the Acquiring Fund

     54  
  

Summary Description of Massachusetts Business Trusts

     56  

D.         ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INVESTMENT POLICIES

     60  
  

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

     60  
  

Portfolio Investments

     64  

PROPOSAL NO. 2—THE ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS (COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OF THE TARGET FUND ONLY)

     72  
  

Board Member Investments in the Funds

     79  
  

Compensation

     80  
  

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

     82  
  

The Officers

     91  
  

Audit Committee Report

     94  
  

Audit and Related Fees

     95  
  

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

     96  
  

Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     97  

 

vii


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUIRING FUND

     98  
  

Annual Expenses Excluding the Costs of Leverage

     98  
  

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

     98  
  

Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

     100  
  

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund MFP Shares

     101  

        

  

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares

     104  
  

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares

     107  
  

Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Redemption and Paying Agent

     108  
  

Federal Income Tax Matters Associated with Investment in the Acquiring Fund

     108  
  

Net Asset Value

     112  
  

Legal Opinions

     113  
  

Experts

     113  

GENERAL INFORMATION

     114  
  

Outstanding Shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund

     114  
  

Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund

     114  
  

Expenses of Proxy Solicitation

     116  
  

Shareholder Proposals

     116  
  

Shareholder Communications

     117  
  

Fiscal Year

     117  
  

Shareholder Report Delivery

     117  
  

Other Information

     118  

 

APPENDIX A—FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

   A-1

APPENDIX B—FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

   B-1

 

viii


PROPOSAL NO. 1—REORGANIZATION OF THE TARGET FUND INTO

THE ACQUIRING FUND

 

A.

SYNOPSIS

The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus with respect to the proposed Reorganization. More complete information is contained elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and in the Reorganization SAI and the appendices hereto and thereto. Shareholders should read the entire Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully.

Background and Reasons for the Reorganization

The Target Fund’s Board has approved the Reorganization as part of an ongoing initiative to streamline Nuveen’s municipal closed-end fund line-up and eliminate overlapping products. The Target Fund’s Board considered the Reorganization in connection with this initiative and determined that the Reorganization would be in the best interests of the Target Fund. The Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund each invest exclusively in municipal securities and other investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax; however, the Target Fund concentrates its investment portfolio in Michigan state-specific, investment-grade municipal securities the income from which is also exempt from Michigan income tax, in comparison to the Acquiring Fund’s policy of investing in a nationally diversified portfolio of medium-credit municipal securities the income from which is also exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals at the time of purchase.

Based on information provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (“Nuveen Fund Advisors” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to each Fund, the Target Fund’s Board believes that the Reorganization may benefit common shareholders of the Target Fund in a number of ways, including, among other things:

 

   

The potential for higher common share net earnings and distribution levels, due in part to the Acquiring Fund’s larger exposure to lower rated securities (or “junk bonds”) which are subject to higher risk, as well as operating economies from the Acquiring Fund’s greater scale;

 

   

Greater secondary market liquidity and improved secondary market trading for common shares as a result of the combined fund’s greater share volume, which may lead to narrower bid-ask spreads and smaller trade-to-trade price movements;

 

   

Increased portfolio and leverage management flexibility due to the significantly larger asset base of the combined fund and the Acquiring Fund’s national mandate with greater flexibility to invest in lower rated securities; and

 

   

Lower net operating expenses, as certain fixed costs are spread over a larger asset base and a lower management fee for Target Fund shareholders due to breakpoints in the Acquiring Fund’s fee schedule.

With respect to holders of preferred shares of the Target Fund, the Target Fund’s Board considered that, upon the closing of the Reorganization, holders of the AMTP Shares of the Target Fund will receive,

 

1


on a one-for-one basis, newly issued AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund having substantially similar terms, as of the closing of the Reorganization, as the AMTP Shares exchanged therefor.

Based on information provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Acquiring Fund’s Board considered that the Acquiring Fund may benefit in the near-term from a modest increase in common share net earnings and operating efficiencies and over the long-term from increased investment capital, which allows the Acquiring Fund to pursue additional investment opportunities. With respect to holders of preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Fund’s Board considered that the outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund and the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in the Reorganization would have equal priority with each other as to the payment of dividends and distributions of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund.

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, all requisite shareholder approvals must be obtained, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers must also be obtained from various third parties, including holders of preferred shares and liquidity providers with respect to the outstanding VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon each of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund obtaining such shareholder approvals and satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of a Fund entitled to vote approve the Reorganization proposal and a Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the other Fund does not obtain its requisite shareholder approvals or satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions.

Each series of preferred shares (with the exception of the Series D MFP Shares of the Acquiring Fund) was issued on a private placement basis to one or a small number of institutional holders. To the extent that one or more preferred shareholders of a Fund owns, holds or controls, individually or in the aggregate, all or a significant portion of a series of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, one or more shareholder approvals required for the Reorganization may turn on the exercise of voting rights by such particular shareholder(s) and its or their determination as to the favorable view of the Reorganization with respect to its or their interests. Additionally, because of the smaller liquidation preference of each Series D MFP Share, holders of Series D MFP Shares will have a greater number of votes for the same dollar value compared to other series of preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund. The Funds exercise no influence or control over the determinations of such shareholders with respect to the proposal; there is no guarantee that such shareholders will approve the proposal over which they may exercise effective disposition power. If the Reorganization is not consummated, each 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 Reorganization or, with respect to the Target Fund’s Board, continuing to operate as a standalone fund. For a fuller discussion of the Boards’ considerations regarding the approval of the Reorganization, see “Proposal No. 1—Reorganization of the Target Fund Into the Acquiring Fund—Information about the Reorganization—Reasons for the Reorganization.”

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization

As a condition to closing, each Fund will receive an opinion of Vedder Price P.C., subject to certain representations, assumptions and conditions, substantially to the effect that the proposed

 

2


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 neither Fund will generally 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 to common shareholders 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 common shareholders for federal income tax purposes. If shareholders of the Funds approve the Reorganization, prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the Target Fund is expected to sell municipal securities in its portfolio that generate income subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. Such sales are not expected to be material (less than 5% of the assets of the Target Fund). 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 gains or net investment income to be distributed by the Target Fund.

The foregoing discussion and the tax opinion discussed above to be received by the Funds regarding certain aspects of the Reorganization, including that the Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Code, will rely on the position that the Acquiring Fund preferred shares will constitute equity of the Acquiring Fund. See “Information About the Reorganization—Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization.”

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 the Funds.

 

Organization

 

Fund

   Organization
Date
   State of
Organization
     Entity Type  

Acquiring Fund

   July 29, 2002      Commonwealth of Massachusetts        business trust  

Target Fund(1)

   August 24, 2012      Commonwealth of Massachusetts        business trust  

 

(1)

The Target Fund was originally organized as Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on July 25, 1991. The Target Fund changed its domicile to a Massachusetts business trust in connection with a prior reorganization pursuant to a joint proxy statement/prospectus filed on September 12, 2012.

 

Capitalization—Common Shares(1)

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      278,590,267      $0.01    None    None    NYSE

Target Fund

   Unlimited      20,226,887      $0.01    None    None    NYSE

 

(1)

As of September 8, 2020.

Each Fund’s common shares are listed for trading on the NYSE.

 

3


The Funds currently have outstanding the following series of preferred shares, with the Acquiring Fund’s MFP Shares, VRDP Shares and AMTP Shares remaining outstanding following the completion of the Reorganization:

 

Acquiring Fund—Preferred Shares

 

Series

   Shares
Outstanding
     Par Value
Per Share
     Liquidation
Preference
Per Share
 

Series A MFP Shares

     1,850      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Series B MFP Shares

     3,350      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Series C MFP Shares

     2,380      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Series D MFP Shares

     200,000      $ 0.01      $ 1,000  

Series 1 VRDP Shares

     2,190      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Series 2 VRDP Shares

     1,309      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Series 3 VRDP Shares

     3,509      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Series 4 VRDP Shares

     4,895      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Series 5 VRDP Shares

     1,000      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Series 2028 AMTP Shares

     1,435      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Target Fund—Preferred Shares

 

Series

   Shares
Outstanding
     Par Value
Per Share
     Liquidation
Preference
Per Share
 

Series 2028 AMTP Shares

     1,730      $ 0.01      $ 100,000  

Each Fund’s preferred shares are entitled to one vote per share. The AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in connection with the Reorganization will have equal priority with each other and with the Acquiring Fund’s other outstanding preferred shares as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. In addition, the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in connection with the Reorganization, will be senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares as to payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in connection with the Reorganization will have rights and preferences, including liquidation preferences, that are substantially similar to those of the outstanding Target Fund preferred shares for which they are exchanged.

Investment Objectives and Policies. The Funds have similar investment objectives, policies and risks but there are differences. Each Fund seeks to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. Each Fund also seeks to enhance portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by investing in tax-exempt municipal securities that the Funds’ investment adviser believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. However, the Acquiring Fund is a national municipal bond fund, while the Target Fund, in contrast, seeks to also provide current income exempt from Michigan individual income taxes. The Acquiring Fund also seeks to provide current income exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals.

As a fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest at least 80% of its Assets (as defined below) in municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from regular federal income taxes and the federal

 

4


alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals at the time of purchase. As a non-fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest 100% of its Managed Assets (as defined below) in municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals at the time of purchase. As a non-fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities rated, at the time of investment, below the three highest grades (Baa or BBB or lower) by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), which includes below-investment grade securities or unrated securities judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s sub-adviser.

As a fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Target Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from regular federal and Michigan income taxes. As a non-fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, the Target Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment-grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Target Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser. As a non-fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Target Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities rated, at the time of investment, below investment grade or unrated securities determined to be of comparable quality by the investment adviser or sub-adviser. No more than 10% of the Target Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated and judged to be of comparable quality by the investment adviser or sub-adviser. The Target Fund will limit the amount of securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax to no more than 20% of Managed Assets.

Each Fund is a closed-end management investment company and currently employs leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and the use of inverse floating rate securities.

The following summary compares the current principal investment policies and strategies of the Acquiring Fund to the current principal investment policies and strategies of the Target Fund as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

 

Acquiring Fund

  

Target Fund

  

Differences

Principal Investment Strategy:

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Assets(1) in a portfolio of securities that pay interest exempt from federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals.

  

Principal Investment Strategy:

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its Managed Assets(2) in municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal and Michigan income taxes.

  

 

The Acquiring Fund is a national municipal fund, while the Target Fund is a state-specific municipal Fund. The Target Fund may invest in securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.

Alternative Minimum Tax Policy:

 

As a fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Assets in a portfolio of securities the income from which is exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax

  

Alternative Minimum Tax Policy:

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that pay interest that is taxable under the federal alternative minimum tax.

  

 

The Target Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in securities that generate income subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. Under normal

 

5


Acquiring Fund

  

Target Fund

  

Differences

applicable to individuals. As a non-fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest 100% of its Managed Assets(3) in municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals at the time of purchase.       circumstances, the Acquiring Fund does not invest in such securities.

Credit Quality:

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated below the three highest grades (Baa or BBB or lower) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s sub-adviser. The Fund may invest in distressed securities.

  

Credit Quality

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s investment adviser. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s investment adviser. No more than 10% of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

If a municipal security satisfies the ratings requirements described above at the time of purchase, the Fund will not be required to dispose of the security upon a downgrade.

  

 

The Acquiring Fund is permitted to allocate a greater percentage of its portfolio to lower rated municipal securities than the Target Fund.

Leverage:

 

The Fund may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund may source leverage through a number of methods including the issuance of preferred shares, investments in inverse floating rate securities, entering into reverse repurchase agreements (effectively a secured borrowing) and borrowings (subject to certain

  

Leverage:

 

The Fund may utilize the following forms of leverage: (a) portfolio investments that have the economic effect of leverage, including but not limited to investments in futures, options and inverse floating rate securities and (b) the issuance of preferred shares. The Fund may invest up to

  

 

Substantially similar. The Acquiring Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements.

 

6


Acquiring Fund

  

Target Fund

  

Differences

investment restrictions). The Fund may invest up to 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities.    15% of its net assets in inverse floating rate securities.   

Illiquid Securities:

 

The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are not readily marketable), including, but 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”), and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days.

  

Illiquid Securities:

 

The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are not readily marketable), including, but not limited to, restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), securities that may only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days.

  

 

Identical.

Other Investment Companies:

 

The Fund may invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations issued thereunder and applicable exemptive orders issued by the SEC.

  

Other Investment Companies:

 

Subject to certain exemptions, under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (including ETFs) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. In addition, the Fund may invest a portion of its Managed Assets in pooled investment vehicles (other than investment companies) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly.

  

 

Substantially similar.

Weighted Average Maturity Policy:

 

The Fund will invest primarily in municipal securities with long-term maturities in order to maintain an average effective maturity of 15 to 30 years, including the effects of leverage, but the average effective maturity of obligations held by the Fund may be lengthened or shortened as a result of portfolio transactions effected by the Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser, depending on market conditions and on an

  

Weighted Average Maturity Policy:

 

The Fund buys municipal securities with different maturities and intends to maintain an average portfolio maturity of 15 to 30 years, although this may be shortened depending on market conditions.

  

 

Substantially similar.

 

7


Acquiring Fund

  

Target Fund

  

Differences

assessment by the portfolio manager of which segments of the municipal securities markets offer the most favorable relative investment values and opportunities for tax-exempt income and total return.      

Use of Derivatives:

 

The Fund may enter into certain derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objectives. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including credit default swaps and interest rate swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts or other derivative instruments. The Fund may not enter into a futures contract or related options or forward contracts if more than 30% of the Fund’s net assets would be represented by futures contracts or more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets would be committed to initial margin deposits and premiums on future contracts or related options.

  

Use of Derivatives:

 

The Fund may enter into derivative instruments to achieve its investment objectives, enhance return, hedge certain risks of its investments in fixed income securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including credit default swaps and interest rate swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts, or other derivative instruments. The Fund may not enter into a futures contract or related options or forward contracts if more than 30% of the Fund’s net assets would be represented by futures contracts or more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets would be committed to initial margin deposits and premiums on future contracts or related options.

  

 

Substantially similar.

 

(1)

The Acquiring Fund defines “Assets” as the net assets of the Acquiring Fund plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.

(2)

The Target Fund defines “Managed Assets” as its net assets, including assets attributable to any principal amount of any borrowings (including the issuance of commercial paper or notes) and any preferred shares outstanding.

(3)

The Acquiring Fund defines “Managed Assets” as the total assets of the Acquiring Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than Acquiring Fund liabilities incurred for the express purpose of creating leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Acquiring Fund’s use of leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Acquiring Fund’s financial statements for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles), and derivatives will be valued at their market value.

The Target Fund has adopted the following policy regarding temporary investments. The Target Fund may temporarily depart from its normal investment policies and strategies—for instance, by allocating up to 100% of its assets to cash equivalents, short-term investments, or municipal bonds that do not comply with the Target Fund’s principal investment strategy—in response to adverse or unusual market, economic, political or other conditions. Such conditions could include a temporary decline in the availability of municipal bonds that comply with the Target Fund’s principal investment strategy. During these periods, the weighted average maturity of the Target Fund’s investment portfolio may fall below the defined range described above and the Target Fund may not achieve its investment objective to distribute income that is exempt from regular federal and Michigan individual income taxes. The Acquiring Fund has not adopted a similar policy regarding temporary investments.

 

8


Credit Quality. A comparison of the credit quality(1) (as a percentage of total investment exposure, which includes the leveraged effect of the Funds’ investments in inverse floating rate securities of tender option bond trusts) of the portfolios of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund, as of April 30, 2020, is set forth below.

 

LOGO    LOGO

 

(1)

Ratings shown are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard and Poor’s Group (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”). Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A, and BBB are investment-grade ratings; BB or lower 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.

State Allocation. A comparison of the state allocation (as a percentage of total investment exposure, which includes the leveraged effect of the Funds’ investments in inverse floating rate securities of tender option bond trusts) of the portfolios of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund, as of April 30, 2020, is set forth below.

 

LOGO    LOGO

Leverage. Each Fund may issue preferred shares and may utilize portfolio investments that have the economic effect of leverage, including but not limited to investments in futures, options and inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as “inverse floaters”). The Acquiring Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Each Fund currently employs leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and the use of inverse floaters. Certain important ratios related to each Fund’s use of leverage for the last three fiscal years are set forth below:

 

Acquiring Fund

   2019     2018     2017  

Asset Coverage Ratio(1)

     282.07     265.45     291.92

Regulatory Leverage Ratio(2)

     35.45     37.67     34.26

Effective Leverage Ratio(3)

     37.46     39.94     36.85

 

9


Target Fund

   2020     2019     2018  

Asset Coverage Ratio(1)

     291.33     276.73     279.72

Regulatory Leverage Ratio(2)

     34.33     36.14     35.75

Effective Leverage Ratio(3)

     36.92     38.78     38.38

 

(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 preferred shares or senior securities representing indebtedness, bears to the aggregate amount of preferred shares and senior securities representing indebtedness issued by the Fund.

(2)

Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued or borrowings of a Fund. Both of these are part of a Fund’s capital structure. A Fund, however, may from time to time borrow on a typically transient basis in connection with its day-to-day operations, primarily in connection with the need to settle portfolio trades. Such incidental borrowings are excluded from the calculation of a Fund’s regulatory leverage and effective leverage ratios. Regulatory leverage 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 and other investments in a Fund’s portfolio that increase the Fund’s investment exposure. Currently, the leverage effects of Tender Option Bond (TOB) inverse floater holdings are included in effective leverage values, in addition to any regulatory leverage.

Board Members and Officers. The Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund have the same Board Members and officers. The management of each Fund, including general oversight of the duties performed by the Fund’s investment adviser under an investment management agreement between the investment adviser and such Fund (each, an “Investment Management Agreement”), is the responsibility of its Board. Each Fund currently has nine (9) Board Members, each of whom is not considered an “interested person,” as defined in the 1940 Act.

Pursuant to each Fund’s by-laws, the board of trustees of the Fund 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; provided, however, that holders of preferred shares are entitled as a class to elect two Board Members of each Fund at all times. The staggered board structure could delay for up to two years the election of a majority of the Board of each Fund. To the extent that one or more preferred shareholders of a Fund owns, holds or controls, individually or in aggregate, all or a significant portion of a series of a Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, a few holders could exert influence on the selection of the Board as a result of the requirement that holders of preferred shares be entitled to elect two Board Members of each Fund at all times. Additionally, because of the smaller liquidation preference of each Series D MFP Share, holders of Series D MFP Shares will have a greater number of votes for the same dollar value compared to other series of preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund. 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”) 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, LLC (“Nuveen”), 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 June 30, 2020, Nuveen managed approximately $1.05 trillion in assets, of which approximately $144.4 billion was managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors.

 

10


Unless earlier terminated as described below, each Fund’s Investment Management Agreement with Nuveen Fund Advisors will remain in effect until August 1, 2021. 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 (including participation by means of remote or “virtual” communication) 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 of Nuveen-branded closed- and open-end registered investment companies organized in the U.S., 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 six-month semi-annual period ended April 30, 2020 (annualized), the effective management fee rate of the Acquiring Fund, expressed as a percentage of average total daily net assets (including assets attributable to leverage), was approximately 0.52%. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the effective management fee rate of the Target Fund, expressed as a percentage of average total daily net assets (including assets attributable to leverage), was approximately 0.58%.

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

Current Fund-Level Fee Schedule for the Funds

 

Average Total Daily Managed Assets*

   Fund-Level
Fee Rate
 

For the first $125 million

     0.4500

For the next $125 million

     0.4375

For the next $250 million

     0.4250

For the next $500 million

     0.4125

For the next $1 billion

     0.4000

For the next $3 billion

     0.3750

For managed assets over $5 billion

     0.3625

 

*

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

 

11


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.

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-branded closed- and open-end registered investment companies organized in the U.S., as stated in the table below. As of April 30, 2020, the complex-level fee rate for each Fund was 0.1593%.

The annual complex-level fee for each Fund, payable monthly, is calculated by multiplying the current complex-wide fee rate, determined according to the following schedule by a Fund’s daily managed assets:

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 open-end and closed-end funds that constitute “eligible assets.” Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds or assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with the Adviser’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011, but do include certain assets of certain Nuveen funds that were reorganized into funds advised by an affiliate of the Adviser during the 2019 calendar year.

Sub-Adviser Nuveen Fund Advisors has selected its wholly owned subsidiary, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Nuveen Asset Management” or the “Sub-Adviser”), located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, to serve as the sub-adviser to each of the Funds pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between Nuveen Fund Advisors and Nuveen Asset Management (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Nuveen Asset Management, a registered investment adviser, oversees day-to-day operations and manages the investment of the Funds’ assets on a discretionary basis, subject to the supervision of Nuveen Fund Advisors. Pursuant to each Sub-Advisory Agreement, Nuveen Asset Management is compensated for the services it provides to the Funds with a portion of the management fee Nuveen Fund

 

12


Advisors receives from each Fund. Nuveen Fund Advisors and Nuveen Asset Management retain the right to reallocate investment advisory responsibilities and fees between themselves in the future.

For the services provided pursuant to each Fund’s Sub-Advisory Agreement, Nuveen Fund Advisors pays Nuveen Asset Management a portfolio management fee, payable monthly, equal to 38.4615% of the management fee (net of applicable breakpoints, waivers and reimbursements) paid by the Funds to Nuveen Fund Advisors.

A discussion of the basis for the applicable Board’s most recent approval of each Fund’s current Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement will be included in the Acquiring Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020 and the Target Fund’s Semi-Annual Report for the semi-annual period ending August 31, 2020.

Portfolio Management. Subject to the supervision of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management is responsible for execution of specific investment strategies and day-to-day investment operations. Nuveen Asset Management manages the portfolios of the Funds using a team of analysts and a portfolio manager that focuses on a specific group of funds. Christopher L. Drahn, CFA, is the portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund and Daniel J. Close, CFA, is the portfolio manager of the Target Fund. Additional information regarding the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of securities is contained in the Reorganization SAI. Mr. Drahn assumed portfolio management responsibility for the Acquiring Fund in 2016, and Mr. Close assumed portfolio management responsibility for the Target Fund in 2007. Christopher L. Drahn, CFA will manage the combined fund upon completion of the Reorganization.

Christopher L. Drahn, CFA, is a Managing Director of Nuveen Asset Management. He manages several municipal funds and portfolios. He began working in the financial industry when he joined FAF Advisors in 1980. Mr. Drahn became a portfolio manager in 1988. He received a B.A. from Wartburg College and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Drahn holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Daniel J. Close, CFA, is a Managing Director of Nuveen Asset Management. Mr. Close is the lead portfolio manager for Nuveen Asset Management’s taxable municipal strategies. He manages several state-specific municipal bond strategies and related institutional portfolios. He also serves as portfolio manager for national closed-end funds. He joined Nuveen Investments in 2000 as a member of Nuveen’s product management and development team. He then served as a research analyst for Nuveen’s municipal investing team, covering corporate-backed, energy, transportation and utility credits. He received his B.S. in Business from Miami University and his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Mr. Close has earned the CFA designation.

Comparative Risk Information

Because each Fund invests primarily in municipal securities and other investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax, the principal risks of an investment in each Fund are similar. However, there are differences between the Funds’ investment objectives and policies that affect the comparative risk profile. The Target Fund is subject to single state risk, while the Acquiring Fund is not. The Acquiring Fund is subject to high yield securities risk to a greater degree than the Target Fund and is also subject to reverse repurchase agreement risk. The Funds are

 

13


subject to various risks associated with investing primarily in a portfolio of municipal securities and employing leverage, which include:

 

   

Investment and Market Risks; Market Discount to Net Asset Value Risk. An investment in each Fund’s common shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. Your investment in common shares represents an indirect investment in the municipal securities owned by the Funds, which generally trade in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. Your common 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.

 

   

Municipal Securities Risk. Special factors may adversely affect the value of municipal securities and have a significant effect on the yield or value of a Fund’s investments in municipal securities. These factors include economic conditions, political or legislative changes, regulatory developments or enforcement actions, uncertainties related to the tax status of municipal securities, or the rights of investors. Federal income tax law changes may affect the demand for and supply of municipal bonds, which may affect yields and other factors.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in December 2019, and the resulting pandemic, has adversely impacted global commercial activity and has contributed to significant volatility in certain financial markets, including the municipal bond market. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks of the municipal securities market have been magnified. These risks have had, and will continue to have, a material adverse impact on local economies and therefore on the governments in those localities. These risks may also adversely affect several sectors of the municipal bond market, such as retirement facilities, transportation facilities such as airports, hospitals and colleges, among many others. All this has adversely affected the municipal securities market, and may continue to do so for an extended period.

 

   

Municipal Bond Market Liquidity Risk. Inventories of municipal bonds held by brokers and dealers have decreased in recent years, lessening their ability to make a market in these securities. This reduction in market making capacity has the potential to decrease a Fund’s ability to buy or sell bonds, and increase bond price volatility and trading costs, particularly during periods of economic or market stress such as that experienced in 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, changes to federal banking regulations may cause certain dealers to reduce their inventories of municipal bonds, which may further decrease a Fund’s ability to buy or sell bonds. As a result, a Fund may be forced to accept a lower price to sell a security, to sell other securities to raise cash, or to give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on performance. If a Fund needed to sell large blocks of bonds, those sales could further reduce the bonds’ prices and hurt performance.

 

   

High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities, which are rated below investment grade and commonly referred to as “junk bonds,” are speculative and high risk investments that may cause income and principal losses for a Fund. They generally have greater credit risk, involve greater risks of default, downgrade, or price declines, are less liquid and have more volatile prices than investment-grade securities. Issuers of high yield securities are less

 

14


 

financially strong, are more likely to encounter financial difficulties, and are more vulnerable to adverse market events and negative sentiments than issuers with higher credit ratings. While each Fund may currently invest in high yield securities, the Acquiring Fund expects to consistently allocate a greater percentage of its portfolio to lower rated municipal securities relative to the Target Fund.

 

   

Issuer Credit Risk. This is the risk that a security in a Fund’s portfolio will fail to make dividend or interest payments when due. Investments in lower rated securities are subject to higher risks than investments in higher rated securities. Because the Acquiring Fund may allocate a greater amount of its assets to lower rated municipal securities compared to the Target Fund, it is more susceptible to issuer credit risk.

 

   

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

 

   

Reinvestment Risk. If market interest rates decline, income earned from a Fund’s portfolio may be reinvested at rates below that of the original bond that generated the income. A decline in income could negatively affect the market price of a Fund’s shares or a shareholder’s returns.

 

   

Call Risk or Prepayment Risk. Issuers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing a Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities.

 

   

Tax Risk. The tax treatment of the Funds and their distributions may be affected by new Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) interpretations of the Code and future changes in tax laws and regulations. In addition, because the interest income from the municipal securities held by the Funds is normally not subject to federal income tax, and in the case of the Acquiring Fund and, to a lesser extent, the Target Fund, the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in the tax-exempt status of interest income from municipal securities. Any proposed or actual changes in such exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect a Fund’s net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Additionally, neither Fund is a suitable investment for individual retirement accounts, other tax-exempt or tax-advantaged accounts or investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

 

   

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, and represent borrowings of the Acquiring Fund. 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.

 

15


   

Leverage Risk. Leverage typically magnifies the total return of a Fund’s portfolio, whether that return is positive or negative. The use of leverage creates an opportunity for increased common share net income, but there is no assurance that a Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. 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.

 

   

Inverse Floater Risk. The Funds may invest in inverse floaters. Due to their leveraged nature, these investments can greatly increase a Fund’s exposure to interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, investments in inverse floaters involve the risk that the Fund could lose more than its original principal amount.

 

   

Derivatives Risk. The Funds may use derivative instruments which involve a high degree of financial risk, including the risk that the loss on a derivative may be greater than the principal amount invested.

 

   

Single State Risk. The Target Fund concentrates its investment portfolio in Michigan state-specific municipal securities in comparison to the Acquiring Fund’s policy of investing in a nationally diversified portfolio of municipal securities. Accordingly, the Target Fund is subject to single state risk, meaning it is more susceptible to political, economic or regulatory factors affecting issuers of Michigan municipal bonds.

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 the Target Fund’s fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Acquiring Fund’s six-month semi-annual period ended April 30, 2020 (annualized) and the pro forma expenses for the six months ended April 30, 2020 (annualized), for the combined fund following the Reorganization. The assets of the Funds will vary based on market conditions and other factors and may vary significantly during volatile market conditions such as those experienced during the first half of 2020 arising from the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

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.

 

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Comparative Fee Table(1)

 

      Target
Fund
    Acquiring
Fund
    Nuveen AMT-Free
Quality Municipal
Income Fund
Pro Forma
 

Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares)

      

Management Fees

     0.93     0.87 %(2)      0.86

Fees on Preferred Shares and Interest and Related Expenses from Inverse Floaters(3)

     1.28     1.28     1.28

Other Expenses

     0.08 %(4)      0.07 %(4)      0.07
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Annual Expenses

     2.29     2.22     2.21
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

The table presented above estimates what the annual expenses of the combined fund following the Reorganization would be stated as a percentage of the combined fund’s net assets attributable to common shares including the costs of leverage. In considering the potential benefits of the Reorganization, the Boards of the Funds considered the operating efficiencies that are expected to result from the combination of the Funds, as measured by the Fund’s annual operating expense ratio excluding leverage. Please see “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund—Annual Expenses Excluding the Costs of Leverage” at page 98 for additional information.

(2)

Adjusted to reverse the impact of a one-time management fee reduction of $481,674 (an annualized impact of 0.02% of the Acquiring Fund’s average net assets applicable to common shares for the six months ended April 30, 2020).

(3)

Fees on Preferred Shares assume annual dividends paid, annual remarketing fees and amortization of offering costs, and annual liquidity fees, where applicable. Interest and Related Expenses from Inverse Floaters include interest expense attributable to inverse floating rate securities created by selling a fixed-rate bond to a broker dealer for deposit into the special purpose trust and receiving in turn the residual interest in the trust (“special-deposited inverse floating rate securities”). To the extent each Fund creates self-deposited inverse floating rate securities, the Fund recognizes interest expense because accounting rules require the Fund to treat interest paid by such trusts as having been paid (indirectly) by the Fund. Because the Fund also recognizes a corresponding amount of additional interest earned (also indirectly), the Fund’s net asset value per share, net investment income and total return are not affected by the accounting treatment. The actual fees on preferred shares and interest and related expenses from inverse floaters incurred in the future may be higher or lower. If short-term market interest rates rise in the future, and if the Funds continue to maintain leverage the cost of which is tied to short-term interest rates, the Funds’ interest expense can be expected to rise in tandem. The Funds’ use of leverage will increase the amount of management fees paid to the Adviser and Sub-Adviser.

(4)

Other Expenses are estimated based on actual expenses from the prior fiscal year.

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  

Target Fund

   $ 23      $ 72      $ 123      $ 263  

Acquiring Fund

   $ 23      $ 69      $ 119      $ 255  

Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund Pro Forma

   $ 22      $ 69      $ 118      $ 254  

Comparative Performance Information

Comparative total return performance for the Funds for periods ended April 30, 2020:

 

     Average Annual Total Return
on Net Asset Value
    Average Annual Total Return
on Market Value
 
     One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
    One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
 

Acquiring Fund

     0.48     4.11     5.11     1.44     3.63     4.46

Target Fund

     2.84     3.74     5.33     1.32     3.43     5.34

 

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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. The assets of the Funds will vary based on market conditions and other factors and may vary significantly during volatile market conditions such as those experienced during the first half of 2020 arising from the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

 

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.

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. While investment in the Target Fund is also generally subject to each of these principal risks, the shareholders of the Target Fund should also consider the following differences between the Funds’ investment objectives and policies that affect the comparative risk profile: (i) the Target Fund is concentrated in municipal securities that are exempt from Michigan individual income taxes, whereas an investment in the Acquiring Fund would not be subject to such single state risk; (ii) the Target Fund has greater exposure to economic sectors in the Michigan municipal market, while the Acquiring Fund has exposure to economic sectors on a national basis; and (iii) a greater percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio would be allocated to lower rated municipal securities, including distressed securities, relative to the amount permitted by the policies of the Target Fund, and investments in lower rated securities are subject to higher risks than investments in higher rated securities, including a higher risk that the issuer will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.

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

 

18


investment in the shares of the Acquiring Fund represents an indirect investment in the municipal securities owned by the 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. In addition, the ability of municipalities to collect revenue and service their obligations could be materially and adversely affected by an economic downturn or prolonged recession. 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 municipal 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 municipal 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-Adviser will consider what action, including the sale of the security, is in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and its shareholders. Municipal 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 municipal securities. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a municipal 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 municipal securities of below-investment-grade quality tend to be volatile, and these securities are less liquid than investment-grade municipal 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

 

   

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

 

19


economic downturn, with decreased tax and other revenue streams of municipal issuers, 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 municipal 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, potential liabilities from operating any business acquired and possibly a loss of its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.

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 municipal securities than the market for investment-grade municipal securities. The prices quoted by different dealers for below-investment-grade municipal securities may vary significantly, and the spread between the bid and ask price is generally much larger for below-investment-grade municipal 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 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.

 

20


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.

Municipal Securities Market Risk. Investing in the municipal securities market involves certain risks. The municipal securities market is one in which dealer firms make markets in bonds on a principal basis using their proprietary capital, and during periods of market turmoil these firms’ capital may be severely constrained. As a result, under such conditions, some firms may be unwilling to commit their capital to purchase and to serve as a dealer for municipal securities. The amount of public information available about the municipal securities in the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds, and the Acquiring Fund’s investment performance may therefore be more dependent on the analytical abilities of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser than if the Fund were to invest in stocks or taxable bonds. The secondary market for municipal securities, particularly the below-investment-grade securities in which the Acquiring Fund may invest, also tends to be less well-developed or liquid than many other securities markets, which may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to sell its municipal securities at attractive prices or at prices approximating those at which the Fund values them from time to time. Municipal securities may contain redemption provisions, which may allow the securities to be called or redeemed prior to their stated maturity, potentially resulting in the distribution of principal and a reduction in subsequent interest distributions.

The ability of municipal issuers to make timely payments of interest and principal may be diminished during general economic downturns and as governmental cost burdens are reallocated among federal, state and local governments. In addition, laws enacted in the future by Congress or state legislatures or by referenda could extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest or impose other constraints on the enforcement of such obligations or on the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Further, some state and local governments have been and in the future may be subject to direct ballot referenda that could limit their financial flexibility, or their ability to levy taxes or raise tax revenues, which may adversely affect the marketability of notes and bonds issued by those state and local governments. Issuers of municipal securities might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. In the event of bankruptcy of such an issuer, the Acquiring Fund could experience delays in collecting principal and interest and the Fund may not, in all circumstances, be able to collect all principal and interest to which it is entitled. To enforce its rights in the event of a default in the payment of interest or repayment of principal, or both, the Acquiring Fund may take possession of and manage the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities, which may increase the Fund’s operating expenses.

 

21


Any income derived from the Acquiring Fund’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt and may not be of the type that would allow the Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.

Revenue bonds issued by state or local agencies to finance the development of low-income, multi-family housing involve special risks in addition to those associated with municipal securities generally, including that the underlying properties may not generate sufficient income to pay expenses and interest costs. These bonds are generally non-recourse against the property owner, may be junior to the rights of others with an interest in the properties, may pay interest the amount of which changes based in part on the financial performance of the property, may be prepayable without penalty and may be used to finance the construction of housing developments that, until completed and rented, do not generate income to pay interest. Additionally, unusually high rates of default on the underlying mortgage loans may reduce revenues available for the payment of principal or interest on such mortgage revenue bonds.

U.S. federal income tax law changes may affect the demand for and supply of municipal bonds, which may affect yields and other factors.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in December 2019, and the resulting pandemic, has adversely impacted global commercial activity and has contributed to significant volatility in certain financial markets, including the municipal bond market. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks of the municipal securities market have been magnified. These risks have had, and will continue to have, a material adverse impact on local economies and therefore on the governments in those localities. These risks may also adversely affect several sectors of the municipal bond market, such as retirement facilities, transportation facilities such as airports, hospitals and colleges, among many others. All this has adversely affected the municipal securities market, and may continue to do so for an extended period.

Although the detection of COVID-19 in China was made public in December 2019, U.S. securities markets did not start to fully acknowledge the risks and potential economic impact until the latter portion of February 2020, when outbreaks outside of China were first reported. Certain parts of the municipal bond markets experienced significant volatility and drops in values, particularly below-investment grade municipal bonds. It is possible that similar market dislocations will recur as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, which may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments.

The impact of the outbreak is rapidly evolving, and many countries, including the United States, have reacted by instituting quarantines, prohibitions on travel and the closure of offices, businesses, schools, retail stores and other public venues. Businesses are also implementing similar precautionary measures. Such measures, as well as the general uncertainty surrounding the dangers and impact of COVID-19, are creating significant disruption in supply chains and economic activity and are having a particularly adverse impact on transportation, hospitality, tourism, entertainment and other industries. As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues generated by tourist dollars. Additionally, the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact state and local budgetary matters, as states and municipalities may be more likely to run budget deficits (or larger deficits) during the period of economic contraction stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

22


Special Risks Related to Certain Municipal Obligations. Municipal leases and certificates of participation involve special risks not normally associated with general obligations or revenue bonds. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of “non-appropriation” clauses that relieve the governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition, such leases or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments in the event that the governmental issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or utilizing the leased equipment. Although the obligations may be secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly, and may result in a delay in recovering or the failure to fully recover the Acquiring Fund’s original investment. In the event of non-appropriation, the issuer would be in default and taking ownership of the assets may be a remedy available to the Acquiring Fund, although the Fund does not anticipate that such a remedy would normally be pursued. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Certificates of participation, which represent interests in unmanaged pools of municipal leases or installment contracts, involve the same risks as the underlying municipal leases. In addition, the Acquiring Fund may be dependent upon the municipal authority issuing the certificates of participation to exercise remedies with respect to the underlying securities. Certificates of participation also entail a risk of default or bankruptcy, both of the issuer of the municipal lease and also the municipal agency issuing the certificate of participation.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in tobacco settlement bonds. Tobacco settlement bonds are municipal securities that are backed solely by expected revenues to be derived from lawsuits involving tobacco related deaths and illnesses which were settled between certain states and American tobacco companies. Tobacco settlement bonds are secured by an issuing state’s proportionate share in the Master Settlement Agreement (the “MSA”). The MSA is an agreement, reached out of court in November 1998 between 46 states and nearly all of the U.S. tobacco manufacturers. Under the terms of the MSA, the actual amount of future settlement payments by tobacco-manufacturers is dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to, annual domestic cigarette shipments, reduced cigarette consumption, increased taxes on cigarettes, inflation, financial capability of tobacco companies, continuing litigation and the possibility of tobacco manufacturer bankruptcy. Payments made by tobacco manufacturers could be negatively impacted if the decrease in tobacco consumption is significantly greater than the forecasted decline.

Municipal Bond Market Liquidity Risk. Inventories of municipal bonds held by brokers and dealers have decreased in recent years, lessening their ability to make a market in these securities. This reduction in market making capacity has the potential to decrease the Acquiring Fund’s ability to buy or sell bonds, and increase bond price volatility and trading costs, particularly during periods of economic or market stress. In addition, recent changes to federal banking regulations may cause certain dealers to reduce their inventories of municipal bonds, which may further decrease the Acquiring Fund’s ability to buy or sell bonds. As a result, the Acquiring Fund may be forced to accept a lower price to sell a security, to sell other securities to raise cash, or to give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on performance. If the Acquiring Fund needed to sell large blocks of bonds, those sales could further reduce the bonds’ prices and hurt performance.

 

23


Interest Rate Risk. Generally, when market interest rates rise, bond prices fall, and vice versa. Interest rate risk is the risk that the municipal securities in the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. As interest rates decline, issuers of municipal securities may prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Acquiring Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities and potentially reducing the 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 municipal securities generally fluctuate more than prices of shorter-term municipal securities as interest rates change. Because the Acquiring Fund primarily invests in longer-term municipal 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 primarily in shorter-term municipal 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-income securities if interest rates increase as a result could negatively impact the Acquiring Fund’s net asset value.

Income Risk. The Acquiring Fund’s income is based primarily on the interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short-term and long-term. If interest rates drop, the Acquiring Fund’s income available over time to make dividend payments could drop as well if the Fund purchases securities with lower interest coupons.

Call Risk or Prepayment Risk. During periods of declining interest rates or for other purposes, issuers of callable bonds with higher interest coupons may exercise their option to “call” (or prepay) bonds before their maturity date, forcing the Acquiring Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities.

Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that the income from the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio will decline if and when the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called bonds at market interest rates that are below the current earnings rate of the Fund’s portfolio. A decline in income could affect the ability of the Acquiring Fund to pay dividends on its common shares, as well as the common shares’ market price or overall returns.

Economic Sector Risk. The Acquiring Fund may invest a significant portion of its total assets in municipal securities in the same economic sector. This may make the Acquiring Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting an economic sector. As concentration increases, so does the potential for fluctuation in the value of the Acquiring Fund’s assets. In addition, the Acquiring Fund may invest a significant portion of its net assets in certain sectors of the municipal securities market, such as hospitals and other health care facilities, charter schools and other private educational facilities, special taxing districts and start-up utility districts, as well as private activity bonds, including industrial development bonds on behalf of transportation companies such as airline companies, whose credit quality and performance may be more susceptible to economic, business, political, regulatory and other developments than other sectors of municipal issuers. If the Acquiring Fund invests a significant portion of its net assets in the sectors noted above, the Fund’s performance may be subject to additional risk and variability. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund focuses its net assets in the hospital and healthcare facilities sector, for example, the

 

24


Fund will be subject to risks associated with such sector, including adverse government regulation and reduction in reimbursement rates, as well as government approval of products and services and intense competition. Securities issued with respect to special taxing districts will be subject to various risks, including real-estate development related risks and taxpayer concentration risk. Further, the fees, special taxes or tax allocations and other revenues established to secure the obligations of securities issued with respect to special taxing districts are generally limited as to the rate or amount that may be levied or assessed and are not subject to increase pursuant to rate covenants or municipal or corporate guarantees. Charter schools and other private educational facilities are subject to various risks, including the reversal of legislation authorizing or funding charter schools, the failure to renew or secure a charter, the failure of a funding entity to appropriate necessary funds and competition from alternatives such as voucher programs. Issuers of municipal utility securities can be significantly affected by government regulation, financing difficulties, supply and demand of services or fuel and natural resource conservation. The transportation sector, including airports, airlines, ports and other transportation facilities, can be significantly affected by changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor relations, insurance costs and government regulation. While the Target Fund may invest in these sectors, its exposure to a particular sector or sectors will differ from the Acquiring Fund due to its concentration in Michigan municipal obligations.

Inflation Risk. Inflation is the reduction in the purchasing power of money resulting from the increase in the price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk that the inflation-adjusted (or “real”) value of assets or income from investment will be worth less in the future. As inflation increases, the real value of common shares and 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 common shareholders.

Deflation Risk. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time—the opposite of inflation risk. 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.

Tender Option Bond Regulatory Risk. The federal banking regulators, the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) in recent years have adopted rules and regulations that have impacted or may impact tender option bond trusts (referred to herein as “TOB trusts”) and securities issued by such trusts, including most notably the so-called “Volcker Rule,” added to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 with the adoption of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The Volcker Rule places certain restrictions on the ability of any “banking entity” to sponsor, acquire interests in and engage in certain activities with a TOB trust. As a result, certain activities to support the remarketing of floating rate certificates undertaken by banking entities, in their role as remarketing agents or liquidity providers to TOB trusts, before the compliance date for the Volcker Rule are no longer permitted under the standard TOB trust structure. To be compliant with the Volcker Rule, the standard TOB trust structure has been modified since the rule’s adoption (1) to shift certain rights and responsibilities from the remarketing agent and liquidity provider to the owners of the inverse floating rate securities such as the Acquiring Fund itself, and (2) to change the way in which liquidity is provided to support remarketing of the floating rate securities. Holders of inverse floating rate securities, including the Acquiring Fund, may delegate many of these responsibilities to a third-party administrator, which would generate additional costs relative to the standard TOB trust structure. The total impact of these modifications remains to be fully seen, but the operational and structural changes associated with these modifications may make early unwinds of

 

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TOB trusts in adverse market scenarios more likely, may make the use of TOB trusts more expensive and, overall, may make it more difficult to use TOB trusts to effectively leverage municipal investments to the extent that the Acquiring Fund may desire. In addition, these modifications have raised or may raise other regulatory issues that may require further refinement to the structure, may impede the future use of TOB trusts as a means of financing leverage, or may increase future costs of TOB-based leverage.

Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk. Typically, inverse floating rate securities represent beneficial interests in TOB trusts that hold municipal bonds. See “Proposal No. 1—Reorganization of the Target Fund Into the Acquiring Fund—D. Additional Information About the Investment Policies—Portfolio Investments—Municipal Securities—Inverse Floating Rate Securities.” In general, income on inverse floating rate securities will decrease when interest rates increase and increase when interest rates decrease. Investments in inverse floating rate securities may subject the Acquiring Fund to the risks of reduced or eliminated interest payments and losses of principal in respect of the underlying municipal bonds.

In the case of certain TOB trusts, neither the holders of the associated floating rate securities nor the TOB trust itself have recourse to the holder of the inverse floating rate securities for losses on the underlying municipal bonds. In that case, the risk of loss to the Acquiring Fund generally is limited to its investment in such securities. However, in certain circumstances and in the Sub-Adviser’s discretion, the Acquiring Fund may enter into a recourse arrangement with the liquidity provider to a TOB trust in the form of a separate shortfall and forbearance agreement by which the Acquiring Fund will agree to reimburse the liquidity provider for any amounts paid by it under the liquidity facility. The Acquiring Fund may enter into such recourse agreements: (1) when the liquidity provider to the TOB trust requires such an agreement because the level of leverage in the trust exceeds the level that the liquidity provider is willing to support absent such an agreement; and/or (2) to seek to prevent the liquidity provider from collapsing the trust in the event that the underlying municipal bond held in the trust has declined in value to the point where it may cease to exceed the face amount of outstanding short-term floaters. Such an agreement would require the Acquiring Fund to reimburse the liquidity provider, among other amounts, upon termination of the TOB trust for the shortfall of the liquidation value of the bonds held in the trust relative to the amount of principal and unpaid interest due to the holders of floating rate securities. In such instances, the Acquiring Fund may be at risk of loss that exceeds its investment in the inverse floating rate securities.

Inverse floating rate securities may increase or decrease in value at a greater rate than the underlying municipal bonds, which effectively leverages the Acquiring Fund’s investment. As a result, the market value of such securities generally will be more volatile than that of otherwise comparable municipal bonds held on an unleveraged basis outside a TOB trust.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by TOB trusts in which the liquidity provider has recourse to the Fund (a “recourse TOB trust”) to the extent that the value of the bonds deposited in the TOB trust may fall in value below the principal amount of the short-term floating rate securities issued by that trust. The inverse floating rate securities issued by such recourse TOB trusts may be highly leveraged. The structure and degree to which the Acquiring Fund’s inverse floating rate securities are highly leveraged will vary based upon a number of factors, including the size of the trust itself and the terms of the underlying municipal bonds. An inverse floating rate security generally is considered highly leveraged if the ratio of (1) the principal amount of the short-term floating rate securities issued by the TOB trust to (2) the principal amount of that TOB trust’s inverse floating rate

 

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securities equals or exceeds 3:1. In the event of a significant decline in the value of an underlying municipal bond held in a recourse TOB trust, the Acquiring Fund may suffer losses in excess of the amount of its investment in the inverse floating securities (typically up to an amount equal to the outstanding face amount of such municipal bonds) as a result of liquidating the trust.

The Acquiring Fund’s investment in inverse floating rate securities will create effective leverage, used in pursuit of increased common share net income and returns. But such effective leverage could reduce common share income (such as if the interest rate paid on the short-term floating rate securities were to exceed the interest rate being received on the municipal bonds underlying the TOB trust, net of trust expenses, for a meaningful period of time), and could also diminish common share long-term returns (such as if the value of the municipal bonds underlying the TOB trust were to decline in value by more than any positive differential between the income being earned on those underlying bonds, net of trust expenses, relative to the interest being paid to the holders of the short-term floating rate securities issued by that trust).

The amount of fees paid to the Adviser (which in turn pays a portion of its fees to the Sub-Adviser) for investment advisory services will be higher when the Acquiring Fund uses leverage because the advisory fees are calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets. This may create an incentive for the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser to leverage the Fund.

Inverse floating rate securities have varying degrees of liquidity based, among other things, upon the liquidity of the underlying municipal bonds deposited in the TOB trust.

The leverage attributable to inverse floating rate securities may be “called away” on relatively short notice and therefore may be less permanent than more traditional forms of leverage. In certain circumstances, the likelihood of an increase in the volatility of net asset value and market price of the common shares may be greater for a fund (like the Acquiring Fund) that relies primarily on inverse floating rate securities to achieve a desired effective leverage ratio. The Acquiring Fund may be required to sell its inverse floating rate securities at less than favorable prices or to liquidate other portfolio holdings in certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

If the Acquiring Fund has a need to reduce leverage by reducing or eliminating the amount of short-term floating rate securities issued by a TOB trust and the municipal bonds in the TOB trust are not actively trading due to adverse market conditions; or

 

   

If the value of an underlying municipal bond declines significantly (to a level below the notional value of the floating rate securities issued by the TOB trust) and if additional collateral has not been posted by the Acquiring Fund.

There is no assurance that the Acquiring Fund’s strategy of investing in inverse floating rate securities will be successful.

Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price and date, thereby establishing an effective interest rate. The Acquiring Fund’s use of reverse repurchase agreements, in economic essence, constitute a secured borrowing by the Fund from the security purchaser. The Acquiring Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for the purpose of creating a leveraged investment exposure and, as such, their usage involves essentially the same risks

 

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associated with a leveraging strategy generally since the proceeds from these agreements may be invested in additional securities. However, the effective borrowing rate paid by the Acquiring Fund to the reverse repurchase agreement counterparty will be treated as taxable income, unlike the effective borrowing rate paid by the Acquiring Fund on Preferred Shares or on inverse floating rate securities, which is generally tax-exempt to the recipient, meaning that the effective borrowing rate paid by the Acquiring Fund on a reverse repurchase agreement would, all other things being equal, tend to be higher than those other forms of leverage. Reverse repurchase agreements tend to be short-term in tenor, and there can be no assurances that the purchaser (lender) will commit to extend or “roll” a given agreement upon its agreed-upon repurchase date if such roll is requested by the Acquiring Fund or an alternative purchaser can be identified on similar terms. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the purchaser (lender) fails to return the securities as agreed upon, files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent. The Acquiring Fund may be restricted from taking normal portfolio actions during such time, could be subject to loss to the extent that the proceeds of the agreement are less than the value of securities subject to the agreement and may experience adverse tax consequences.

Leverage Risk. Leverage risk is the risk associated with the use of borrowings, the issuance of preferred shares or the use of inverse floating rate securities to leverage the common shares. There can be no assurance that the Acquiring Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. Through the use of leverage, the Acquiring Fund seeks to enhance potential common share earnings over time by typically sourcing leverage with costs based upon short-term interest rates and investing at long-term municipal rates which are typically, although not always, higher. Because the long-term municipal securities in which the Acquiring Fund invests generally pay fixed rates of interest while the Fund’s costs of leverage generally fluctuate with short- to intermediate-term yields, the incremental earnings from leverage will vary over time. 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 Fund’s leverage in an effort to lower leverage costs over an extended period. 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 Fund’s cost of leverage could exceed the fixed rate of return on long-term bonds held by the Fund that were acquired during periods of lower interest rates, reducing returns to common shareholders. This could occur even if short- or intermediate-term and long-term municipal rates rise. Because of the costs of leverage, the Acquiring Fund may incur losses even if the Fund has positive returns if such returns 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. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund issues preferred shares in a special rate period or mode with a relatively short tenor or preferred shares with relatively short terms to redemption in the future, refinancing risk will increase. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund issues preferred shares that provide for mandatory redemption after some period of time in the event of unsuccessful remarketings, refinancing risk may increase; for example, in the case of VRDP Shares with a liquidity provider feature, the Fund is subject to refinancing risk if a liquidity provider acquires VRDP Shares pursuant to its purchase obligation and holds them for six months of unsuccessful remarketings, triggering a mandatory redemption. Refinancing risk is the risk that the Acquiring Fund may be unable to replace existing leverage at all or on favorable terms. If the Acquiring Fund is unable

 

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to replace its leverage upon a redemption of 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 common 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 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. The Acquiring Fund is required to maintain certain regulatory asset coverage requirements in connection with its outstanding preferred shares in order to be able to maintain the ability to declare and pay common share distributions. The Acquiring Fund generally must use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain long-term ratings for the outstanding MFP Shares and AMTP Shares, including those to be issued in the Reorganization, but it is not and will not be required under the statements establishing and fixing the rights and preferences (“Statements”) for the outstanding VRDP Shares to maintain any particular long-term ratings for such shares. However, a downgrade or termination of one or more ratings of a Fund’s preferred shares, whether a long-term rating or, in the case of VRDP Shares, one or more short-term ratings, which primarily reflect the short-term credit rating or ratings of the associated liquidity provider, could result in higher dividend rates and result in the Fund redeeming the preferred shares at what might be an inopportune time in the market. These factors may result in reduced net earnings or returns to common shareholders. In order to maintain required asset coverage levels, the Acquiring Fund may be required to alter the composition of its investment portfolio or take other actions, such as redeeming preferred shares with the proceeds from portfolio transactions, at what might be an inopportune time in the market. Such actions could reduce the net earnings or returns to common shareholders over time.

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, any investment by the Acquiring Fund in leveraged investment companies would magnify the Fund’s leverage risk.

As noted above, the amount of fees paid to the Adviser (which in turn pays a portion of its fees to the Sub-Adviser) for investment advisory services will be higher when the Acquiring Fund uses financial leverage because the advisory fees are calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets—this may create an incentive for the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser to leverage the Fund.

Borrowing Risk. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund’s common shares and may affect the Fund’s net income. When the Acquiring Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which will reduce the Fund’s returns if such costs exceed the returns on the portfolio securities purchased or retained with such borrowings. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary.

 

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Multiple Series Risk. Following the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund expects to have four series of MFP Shares outstanding, five series of VRDP Shares outstanding and two series of AMTP Shares outstanding. While the preferred shares issued by the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganization will have equal priority with each other and with the Fund’s other preferred shares outstanding from time to time, including the outstanding AMTP Shares, as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, there are certain differences between the terms applicable to each series. To the extent that the terms of the various series or types of preferred shares differ, there is a risk that market or other events may impact one series of preferred shares differently from other series. If market or other events cause the Acquiring Fund to breach covenants applicable to one series or type of preferred shares but not others, the Fund may nevertheless be granted discretion to redeem shares of any series of preferred shares, including the affected series, in order to restore compliance, subject to the redemption terms of each series. In addition, the voting power of certain series of preferred shares may be more concentrated than others. Shareholders are urged to review the terms of each series of preferred shares described elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See “Proposal No. 1—Reorganization of the Target Fund Into the Acquiring Fund—C. Information About the Reorganization—Description of AMTP Shares to Be Issued by the Acquiring Fund,” “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund—Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund MFP Shares,” “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund—Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares” and “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund—Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares.”

Insurance Risk. The Acquiring Fund may purchase municipal securities that are secured by insurance, bank credit agreements or escrow accounts. The credit quality of the companies that provide such credit enhancements will affect the value of those securities. During and following the 2007–2009 financial crisis, certain significant providers of insurance for municipal securities incurred significant losses as a result of exposure to sub-prime mortgages and other lower credit quality investments that experienced defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. Such losses reduced the insurers’ capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations under such insurance should they be called upon to do so. While an insured municipal security will typically be deemed to have the rating of its insurer, if the insurer of a municipal security suffers a downgrade in its credit rating or the market discounts the value of the insurance provided by the insurer, the rating of the underlying municipal security will be more relevant and the value of the municipal security would more closely, if not entirely, reflect such rating. In such a case, the value of insurance associated with a municipal security would decline and may not add any value. The insurance feature of a municipal security does not guarantee the full payment of principal and interest through the life of an insured obligation, the market value of the insured obligation or the net asset value of the common shares represented by such insured obligation.

Tax Risk. To qualify for the favorable federal income tax treatment generally accorded to regulated investment companies, among other things, the Acquiring Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources and satisfy a diversification test on a quarterly basis. If the Acquiring Fund fails to satisfy the qualifying income or diversification requirements in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the diversification requirements where the Acquiring Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the diversification requirements, the Acquiring Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these

 

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relief provisions are not available to the Acquiring Fund and it fails to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gains) would be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and all distributions from the Fund (including underlying distributions attributable to tax exempt interest income) would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.

To qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends, which are treated as items of interest excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, at least 50% of the value of the total assets of the Acquiring Fund must consist of obligations exempt from regular federal income tax as of the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year. If the proportion of taxable investments held by the Acquiring Fund exceeded 50% of the Fund’s total assets as of the close of any quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, the Fund would not satisfy the general eligibility test that would permit it to pay exempt-interest dividends for that taxable year.

The value of the Acquiring Fund’s investments and its net asset value may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies. Because interest income from municipal securities held by the Acquiring Fund is normally not subject to regular federal income tax or the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates or changes in the tax-exempt status of interest income from municipal securities. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Acquiring Fund’s net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Additionally, the Acquiring Fund is not a suitable investment for individual retirement accounts, for other tax-exempt or tax-advantaged accounts or for investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

Taxability Risk. The Acquiring Fund will invest in municipal securities in reliance at the time of purchase on an opinion of bond counsel to the issuer (or on the basis of other authority believed by the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser to be reliable) that the interest paid on those securities will be excludable from gross income for regular federal income tax purposes, and neither the Adviser nor the Sub-Adviser will independently verify that opinion. However, subsequent to the Acquiring Fund’s acquisition of such a municipal security, the security may be determined to pay, or to have paid, taxable income. As a result, the treatment of dividends previously paid or to be paid by the Acquiring Fund as “exempt-interest dividends” could be adversely affected, subjecting the Fund’s shareholders to increased federal income tax liabilities. In certain circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will make payments to holders of preferred shares to offset the tax effects of a taxable distribution.

Under highly unusual circumstances, the IRS may determine that a municipal bond issued as tax-exempt should in fact be taxable. If the Acquiring Fund held such a bond, it might have to distribute taxable ordinary income dividends or to reclassify as taxable amounts previously distributed as exempt-interest dividends. In addition, future legislation may change the tax treatment of municipal bond interest.

For federal income tax purposes, distributions of ordinary taxable income (including any net short-term capital gain) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income (and will not be eligible for favorable taxation as “qualified dividend income”), and capital gain dividends will be taxed at long-term capital gain rates.

 

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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 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 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 certain derivatives transactions, 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 the Sub-Adviser correctly forecast market values, interest rates and other applicable factors. If the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser 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 derivative instruments including credit default swap contracts and interest rate swaps. 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 the Sub-Adviser of not only the referenced asset, rate or index, but also of the swap itself. The derivatives markets are subject to a changing regulatory environment. It is possible that regulatory or other developments in the derivatives markets could adversely affect the Acquiring Fund’s ability to successfully use derivative instruments.

Furthermore, derivative investments may be illiquid. Although both OTC and exchange-traded derivatives markets may experience a lack of liquidity, OTC non-standardized derivatives transactions are generally less liquid than exchange-traded instruments. The illiquidity of the derivatives markets may be due to various factors, including congestion, 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 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 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

 

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material extent, the nature of an investment in the Acquiring Fund or the ability of the 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 derivatives transactions (for example, the Volcker Rule) could also prevent the 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 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 the Sub-Adviser may be required to register as a “commodity pool operator” and/or a “commodity trading advisor” with the CFTC. In the event the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser is required to register with the CFTC, it will become subject to additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements with respect to the Acquiring Fund, which may increase the 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 Fund’s clearing broker. In addition, the assets of the Acquiring Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the Fund’s clearing broker because the 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

 

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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 of the clearing broker’s other clients or the clearing broker’s failure to extend its 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 Fund with the clearing organization.

Hedging Risk. The Acquiring Fund’s use of derivatives or other transactions to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Adviser’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund’s portfolio holdings or other factors. No assurance can be given that the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Adviser’s judgment in this respect will be correct, and 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. Hedging activities may reduce the Acquiring Fund’s opportunities for gain by offsetting the positive effects of favorable price movements and may result in net losses.

LIBOR Transition Risk. Certain instruments in which the Acquiring Fund may invest rely in some fashion upon the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced plans to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. There remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate, and any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on the Acquiring Fund or on certain instruments in which the Acquiring Fund invests are not known. The transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a reduction in the value of certain instruments held by the Acquiring Fund or reduce the effectiveness of related Acquiring Fund transactions such as hedges. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Acquiring Fund.

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, Acquiring Fund 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 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 Fund’s long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.

Counterparty Risk. Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as the Acquiring Fund’s counterparties with respect to derivatives, insured municipal securities or other transactions supported by another party’s credit will affect the value of those instruments. Certain entities that have served as counterparties in the markets for these transactions have incurred or may incur in the future significant financial hardships including bankruptcy and losses as a result of exposure to sub-prime

 

34


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 such derivatives or other transactions, the Acquiring Fund assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience similar financial hardships. In the event of the insolvency of a counterparty, the Acquiring Fund may sustain losses or be unable to liquidate a derivatives position.

Illiquid Securities Risk. Illiquid securities are securities that are not readily marketable and may include restricted securities, which are securities that may not be resold unless they have been registered under the Securities Act or that can be sold in a private transaction pursuant to an available exemption from such 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 Fund is carrying the securities on its books from time to time.

Market Disruption Risk. Certain events have a disruptive effect on the securities markets, such as terrorist attacks, war, pandemics 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, meaning 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.

Market Discount to 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.

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 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

 

35


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, the Sub-Adviser, Nuveen and/or TIAA. Absent an exemption from the SEC or other regulatory relief, the Acquiring Fund generally is 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 organizational documents include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to open-end status.

 

C.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION

General

Each Fund’s Board has determined that the Reorganization would be in the best interests of the Fund. As a result of the Reorganization, substantially all of the assets of the Target Fund will be exchanged for shares of the Acquiring Fund, and the shareholders of the Target Fund will become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund. The Boards considered the Reorganization as part of an ongoing initiative to streamline Nuveen’s municipal closed-end fund line-up and eliminate overlapping products.

The Reorganization is intended to benefit common shareholders of the Target Fund in a number of ways, including, among other things:

 

   

The potential for higher common share net earnings and distribution levels, due in part to the Acquiring Fund’s larger exposure to lower rated securities (or “junk bonds”) which are subject to higher risk, as well as operating economies from the Acquiring Fund’s greater scale;

 

   

Greater secondary market liquidity and improved secondary market trading for common shares as a result of the combined fund’s greater share volume, which may lead to narrower bid-ask spreads and smaller trade-to-trade price movements;

 

   

Increased portfolio and leverage management flexibility due to the significantly larger asset base of the combined fund and the Acquiring Fund’s national mandate with greater flexibility to invest in lower rated securities; and

 

   

Lower net operating expenses, as certain fixed costs are spread over a larger asset base and a lower management fee for Target Fund shareholders due to breakpoints in the Acquiring Fund’s fee schedule.

 

36


With respect to holders of preferred shares of the Target Fund, the Target Fund’s Board considered that, upon the closing of the Reorganization, holders of the AMTP Shares of the Target Fund will receive, on a one-for-one basis, newly issued AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund having substantially similar terms, as of the closing of the Reorganization, as the AMTP Shares exchanged therefor.

Based on information provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Acquiring Fund’s Board considered that the Acquiring Fund may benefit in the near-term from a modest increase in common share net earnings and operating efficiencies and over the long-term from increased investment capital, which allows the Acquiring Fund to pursue additional investment opportunities. With respect to holders of preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Fund’s Board considered that the outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund and the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in the Reorganization would have equal priority with each other as to the payment of dividends and distributions of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund.

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, all requisite shareholder approvals must be obtained, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties, including holders of preferred shares and liquidity providers with respect to the outstanding VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund, must also be obtained. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon each Fund obtaining such shareholder approvals and satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of your Fund entitled to vote approve the Reorganization proposal and your Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the other Fund does not obtain its requisite shareholder approvals or satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions. If the Reorganization is not consummated, each 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, with respect to the Target Fund’s Board, continuing to operate the Target Fund as a standalone 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 the form attached as Appendix A to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, 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 newly issued AMTP Shares, with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $100,000 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 and Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares received by the Target Fund to its common and preferred shareholders, respectively, 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, the Target Fund’s common shareholders entitled to receive a fractional share 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.

 

37


Preferred shareholders of the Target Fund will receive the same number of Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares having substantially similar terms as the outstanding AMTP Shares of the Target Fund held by such preferred shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization. The aggregate liquidation preference of the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares received in connection with the Reorganization will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of the Target Fund AMTP Shares held immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization. The Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares to be issued in connection with the Reorganization will have equal priority with each other and with the Acquiring Fund’s other outstanding preferred shares as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. In addition, the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including the AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in connection with the Reorganization, will be senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. However, the Acquiring Fund has multiple types and series of preferred shares outstanding. 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 Acquiring Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization.

The closing date is expected to be on or about January 11, 2021, 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 Joint 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 “—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. However, no fractional Acquiring Fund common shares will be distributed to the Target Fund’s 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 fractional shares and will accumulate 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). For federal income tax purposes, Target Fund 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 effective 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 combined fund as compared to their percentage holdings of their respective Fund prior to the

 

38


Reorganization and thus, common shareholders will hold reduced percentages of ownership in the larger combined entity than they held in the Acquiring Fund or Target Fund individually.

Following the Reorganization, each preferred shareholder of the Target Fund would own the same number of Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares with the same aggregate liquidation preference as the AMTP Shares of the Target Fund held by such shareholder immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization, with substantially similar terms as the outstanding AMTP Shares of the Target Fund held by such preferred shareholder immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization. As a result of the Reorganization, preferred shareholders of the Funds would hold reduced voting percentages of preferred shares in the combined fund 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 will be determined by using the valuation procedures of the Nuveen closed-end funds adopted by the Board or such other valuation procedures as will be mutually agreed upon by the parties. The value of the Target Fund’s net assets will be calculated net of the liquidation preference (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of all outstanding preferred shares of the Target Fund.

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 and excluding any net capital gain on which the Target Fund paid federal income tax) 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 each Fund as specifically authorized by each Fund’s Board; provided, however, that following the receipt of shareholder approval of the Agreement, no such amendment, modification or supplement may have the effect of

 

39


changing the provisions for determining the number of Acquiring Fund shares to be issued to the Target Fund’s shareholders under the Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.

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 each Fund, as applicable, of the proposal with respect to the Reorganization in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, (2) each Fund’s receipt of an opinion substantially to the effect that the 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, including holders of preferred shares and liquidity providers with respect to the outstanding VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund.

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 of such Fund. In addition, either 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 the Fund.

Reasons for the Reorganization

Based on the considerations described below, the Board of Trustees of the Target Fund (the “Target Board”), all of whom are not “interested persons,” as defined in the 1940 Act, and the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Fund (the “Acquiring Board”), all of whom are not “interested persons,” as defined in the 1940 Act, have determined that the Reorganization would be in the best interests of the applicable Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of such Fund would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. At a meeting held on August 4-6, 2020 (the “Meeting”), each Board approved the Reorganization and recommended that shareholders of its Fund, as applicable, approve the Reorganization.

At and prior to the Meeting, including at previous meetings, the Adviser made presentations and provided the Boards with information relating to the proposed Reorganization and alternatives to the proposed Reorganization. Prior to approving the Reorganization, each Board reviewed the foregoing information with its independent legal counsel and with management, reviewed with independent legal counsel applicable law and its duties in considering such matters and met with independent legal counsel in private sessions without management present. Based on the foregoing, the Boards considered the following factors (as applicable), among others, in approving the Reorganization and recommending that shareholders of the Funds (as applicable) approve the Reorganization:

 

   

the compatibility of the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and related risks;

 

   

the consistency of portfolio management;

 

40


   

the larger asset base of the combined fund as a result of the Reorganization and the effect of the Reorganization on fees and expense ratios;

 

   

the potential for improved secondary market trading with respect to common shares;

 

   

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 the shareholders of the Funds;

 

   

the effect of the Reorganization on shareholder rights;

 

   

alternatives to the Reorganization; 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 Boards noted that, as municipal funds, the Funds have generally similar investment objectives, policies and risks, but there are differences. The Acquiring Fund is a national municipal fund that seeks to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax and federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, while the Target Fund seeks to provide current income exempt from both regular federal income tax and Michigan individual income taxes. Each Board considered the impact of the Reorganization on its Fund’s portfolio, including any shifts in credit quality, yield and state allocations, and observed that the Acquiring Fund was significantly larger than the Target Fund and that each Fund utilizes leverage. Further, in comparison to the Target Fund, the Target Board recognized the expected increase in portfolio and leverage management flexibility due to the significantly larger asset base of the combined fund and the Acquiring Fund’s national mandate with greater flexibility to invest in lower rated securities; however, the Target Board also recognized that Target Fund shareholders would lose the benefit of state tax exemption as a result of the Reorganization. The Target Board further noted the potential for higher common share net earnings and distribution levels due to, among other things, the Acquiring Fund’s larger exposure to lower rated securities (which are subject to higher risk) and operating economies from the Acquiring Fund’s greater scale. With respect to the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Board considered that based on information provided by the Adviser, the Acquiring Fund may benefit in the near term from a modest increase in common share net earnings and operating efficiencies. The Acquiring Board also considered that although the impact of the Reorganization on the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio was expected to be modest in absolute terms due to the significantly greater size of the Acquiring Fund, based on information provided by the Adviser, the Acquiring Fund may benefit from the Reorganization over the long term as a result of increased investment capital, which would allow the Acquiring Fund to pursue additional investment opportunities. With respect to principal investment risks, while the principal risks of an investment in each Fund would be similar in certain respects because each Fund invests in municipal securities and other investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income taxes and employs leverage, the differences between the Funds’ investment objectives and policies would affect the comparative risk profile. For example because the Acquiring Fund has a larger exposure than the Target Fund to lower rated securities (as noted above), it is subject to high yield securities risk to a greater degree than the Target Fund. In addition, the Target Fund is subject to single state risk, while the Acquiring Fund is not.

 

41


Consistency of Portfolio Management. Each Fund has the same investment adviser and sub-adviser, but a different portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund will manage the combined fund upon completion of the Reorganization. Through the Reorganization, the Boards recognized that shareholders will remain invested in a closed-end management investment company that will have greater net assets and the same investment adviser and sub-adviser.

Larger Asset Base of the Combined Fund; Effect of the Reorganization on Fees and Expense Ratios. The Boards considered the fees and expense ratios of each of the Funds (including estimated expenses of the combined fund following the Reorganization). It is anticipated that the Funds will benefit from the larger asset size as fixed costs are shared over a larger asset base. In this regard, the Target Board noted that it was expected that the net operating expenses per common share (i.e., expenses excluding the costs of leverage) of the combined fund would be lower than those of the Target Fund prior to the closing of the Reorganization. Further, the Target Board noted that the Reorganization was expected to result in a lower management fee for Target Fund shareholders due to breakpoints in the Acquiring Fund’s fee schedule. In addition, the Acquiring Board noted that the net operating expenses per common share of the combined fund were expected to be modestly lower than those of the Acquiring Fund prior to the closing of the Reorganization.

Potential for Improved Secondary Market Trading with Respect to Common Shares. While it is not possible to predict trading levels following the Reorganization, the Target Board noted that the Reorganization is being proposed, in part, to seek to enhance the secondary trading market for the common shares with respect to the Target Fund. The Target Board considered that, relative to the Target Fund, the combined fund’s greater share volume may result in greater secondary market liquidity and improved secondary market trading for common shares after the Reorganization, which may lead to narrower bid-ask spreads and smaller trade-to-trade price movements.

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 opinions of counsel substantially to this effect (based on certain factual representations and certain customary assumptions and exclusions). In addition, the Boards 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 Boards considered the terms and conditions of the Reorganization, including the estimated costs associated with the Reorganization and the allocation of such costs between the Funds. Preferred shareholders will not bear any costs of the Reorganization.

Terms of the Reorganization and Impact on Shareholders. The terms of the Reorganization are intended to avoid dilution of the interests of the existing shareholders of the Funds. In this regard, the Target 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 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. However, no fractional common shares of the Acquiring Fund will be distributed to the Target Fund’s common shareholders in connection with the Reorganization. In lieu of such fractional shares, the Target Fund’s common shareholders will receive cash.

 

42


Preferred shareholders of the Target Fund will receive the same number of Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares having substantially similar terms as the outstanding AMTP Shares of the Target Fund held by such preferred shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization. The aggregate liquidation preference of the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares received in connection with the Reorganization will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of the Target Fund AMTP Shares held immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization.

In conjunction with the issuance of additional shares of the Acquiring Fund as described above, the Acquiring Board considered that the Acquiring Fund would receive additional assets and liabilities as a result of the Reorganization.

Effect on Shareholder Rights. The Target Board considered that each Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. In this regard, there will be no change to Target Fund shareholder rights under state statutory law.

With respect to holders of preferred shares of the Target Fund, the Target Board considered that upon the closing of the Reorganization, holders of AMTP Shares of the Target Fund will receive, on a one-for-one basis, newly issued AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund having substantially similar terms, as of the closing of the Reorganization, as the AMTP Shares of the Target Fund exchanged therefor. With respect to holders of preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Board considered that the outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund and the preferred shares to be issued by the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization would have equal priority with each other as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund.

Alternatives. The Target Board considered various alternatives to the Reorganization, including liquidating the Target Fund and merging the Target Fund into an open-end fund. In considering liquidation, the Target Board took into account, among other things, that such alternative would be a taxable event and could be potentially disruptive to long-term shareholders. In evaluating the Reorganization, the Target Board considered, among other things, the Adviser’s view that combining the Target Fund with a larger municipal closed-end fund with a national mandate was an attractive alternative in light of certain potential benefits to Target Fund shareholders, as outlined above.

Potential Benefits to Nuveen Fund Advisors and Affiliates. The Boards recognized that the Reorganization may result in some benefits and economies of scale 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.

Conclusion. Each Board approved the Reorganization, concluding that the Reorganization is in the best interests of its Fund and that the interests of existing shareholders of its Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization.

 

43


Capitalization

The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of the Funds as of April 30, 2020. The table reflects pro forma exchange ratios of approximately 1.05453060 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.

 

     Target
Fund
     Acquiring
Fund
     Pro Forma
Adjustments
     Nuveen AMT-
Free Quality
Municipal
Income Fund
Pro Forma(1)
 

Series A MuniFund Preferred (MFP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $         —      $ 185,000,000      $  —      $ 185,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series B MuniFund Preferred (MFP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 335,000,000      $  —      $ 335,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series C MuniFund Preferred (MFP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 238,000,000      $  —      $ 238,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series D MuniFund Preferred (MFP) Shares, $1,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 200,000,000      $  —      $ 200,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series 1 Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 219,000,000      $  —      $ 219,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series 2 Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 130,900,000      $  —      $ 130,900,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series 3 Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 350,900,000      $  —      $ 350,900,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series 4 Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 489,500,000      $  —      $ 489,500,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series 5 Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 100,000,000      $  —      $ 100,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series 2028 Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (AMTP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $  —      $ 143,500,000      $  —      $ 143,500,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Series 2028 Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (AMTP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value

   $ 173,000,000      $  —      $  —      $ 173,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

44


     Target
Fund
     Acquiring
Fund
     Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Nuveen AMT-
Free Quality
Municipal
Income Fund
Pro Forma(1)
 

Common Shareholders’ Equity:

          

Common Shares, $0.01 par value per share; 20,226,887 shares outstanding for the Target Fund, 278,590,267 shares outstanding for the Acquiring Fund, and 299,920,083 for the Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund Pro Forma

   $ 202,269      $ 2,785,903      $ 11,029 (2)     $ 2.999.201  

Paid-in surplus

     287,665,220        3,727,965,928        (661,029 )(3)      4,014.970,119  

Total distributable earnings

     20,833,830        293,561,953              314,395,783  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets applicable to common shares

   $ 308,701,319      $ 4,024,313,784      $ (650,000   $ 4,332,365,103  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 15.26      $ 14.45        $ 14.45  

Authorized shares:

          

Common

     Unlimited        Unlimited          Unlimited  

Preferred

     Unlimited        Unlimited          Unlimited  

 

(1)

The pro forma balances are presented as if the Reorganization were effective as of April 30, 2020, and are presented for informational purposes only. The actual Closing Date of the Reorganization is expected to be on or about January 11, 2021, 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 21,329,816 Acquiring Fund common shares in exchange for the net assets of the Target Fund. These numbers are based on the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund and Target Fund as of April 30, 2020, adjusted for estimated Reorganization costs.

(3)

Includes the impact of estimated total Reorganization costs of $650,000, $590,000 of which will be borne by the Target Fund and $60,000 will be borne by the Acquiring Fund.

Expenses Associated with the Reorganization

Preferred shareholders will not bear any costs of the Reorganization, however the Funds and indirectly their common shareholders will bear the cost of the Reorganization whether or not the Reorganization is consummated. The allocation of the costs of the Reorganization to the Funds is based on the projected relative benefits of the Reorganization, based on impact on common share net earnings, if any, to Fund shareholders following the Reorganization. The costs of the Reorganization are estimated to be $650,000. These costs represent the estimated nonrecurring expenses of the Funds in carrying out their obligations under the Agreement and consist of management’s estimate of professional service fees, printing costs and mailing charges related to the proposed Reorganization. The Reorganization costs will be allocated between the Funds based on projected benefits following the Reorganization, based on impact on common share net earnings. The Target Fund is expected to be allocated $590,000 and the Acquiring Fund is expected to be allocated $60,000 of the Reorganization costs. If the Reorganization is not consummated for any reason, including because the requisite shareholder approvals are not obtained, the Target Fund and indirectly its common shareholders, will still bear the costs of the Reorganization.

The Funds have engaged Computershare Fund Services to assist in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated aggregate cost of $7,500 per Fund plus reasonable expenses, which is included in the foregoing estimate.

 

45


Dissenting Shareholders’ Rights of Appraisal

Under the charter documents of the Funds, shareholders do not have dissenters’ rights of appraisal with respect to the Reorganization.

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization

As a non-waivable 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 and exclusions) 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 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.

 

  6.

The holding period of the Acquiring Fund shares received by a 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.

 

46


  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.

The opinion addressing the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization described above will rely on the assumption that the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares received in the Reorganization will constitute equity of the Acquiring Fund. In that regard, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, as special tax counsel to the Acquiring Fund, will deliver an opinion to the Acquiring Fund, subject to certain representations, assumptions and conditions, substantially to the effect that the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares received in the Reorganization by the holders of AMTP Shares of the Target Fund will qualify as equity of the Acquiring Fund for federal income tax purposes. As a result, distributions with respect to the preferred shares (other than distributions in redemption of preferred shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of the Acquiring Fund’s allocable current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Because the treatment of a corporate security as debt or equity is determined on the basis of the facts and circumstances of each case, and no controlling precedent exists for the preferred shares issued in the Reorganization, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not question special tax counsel’s opinion and the Acquiring Fund’s treatment of the preferred shares as equity. If the IRS were to succeed in such a challenge, holders of preferred shares could be characterized as receiving taxable interest income rather than exempt-interest or other dividends, possibly requiring them to file amended income tax returns and retroactively to recognize additional amounts of ordinary income and pay additional tax, interest and penalties, and the tax consequences of the Reorganization could differ significantly from those described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

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 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 non-U.S. tax issues of any kind.

The opinion addressing the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization will be based on certain factual representations and customary assumptions. The opinion will rely on such representations and will assume the accuracy of such representations. If such representations and assumptions are incorrect, the Reorganization may not qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes, and the Target Fund and Target Fund shareholders may recognize taxable gain or loss as a result of the Reorganization.

Opinions of counsel are not binding upon the IRS or the courts. If the Reorganization occurs but the IRS or the courts determine that the Reorganization does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Code, and thus is taxable, the Target Fund would recognize gain or loss on the transfer of its assets to the Acquiring Fund and each shareholder of the Target Fund would recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between its basis in its Target Fund shares and the fair market value of the shares of the Acquiring Fund it receives.

 

47


If a Target Fund common 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, the Target Fund common 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 the 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 Valuation Time, the Target Fund will declare a distribution to its common shareholders, which, together with all other distributions to preferred and common 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 and excluding any net capital gain on which the Target Fund paid federal income tax), if any, through the Closing Date. 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. Each Fund designates distributions to common and preferred shareholders as consisting of particular types of income (such as exempt interest, ordinary income and capital gain) based on each class’ proportionate share of the total distributions paid by the Fund with respect to the year. 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.

After the Reorganization, the combined fund’s ability to use the Target Fund’s or the Acquiring Fund’s realized and unrealized 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. However, the effect of these potential limitations 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 October 31, 2019, the Acquiring Fund’s tax year end, the Acquiring Fund had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any. The capital loss carryforwards are not subject to expiration.

 

Not subject to expiration:

  

Short-Term

   $ 24,735,519  

Long-Term

     28,357,683  
  

 

 

 
   $ 53,093,202
  

 

 

 

 

*

A portion of the Acquiring Fund’s capital loss carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation under the Code and related regulations.

 

48


As of February 29, 2020, the Target Fund’s tax year end, the Target Fund had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any. The capital loss carryforwards are not subject to expiration.

 

Not subject to expiration:

  

Short-Term

   $ 1,132,576  

Long-Term

     199,890  
  

 

 

 
   $ 1,332,466  
  

 

 

 

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. To the extent the Acquiring Fund sells portfolio investments after the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund may recognize gains or losses, which also 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.

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. This description of the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization is made without regard to the particular facts and circumstances of any shareholder. 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 as to the specific consequences to them of the Reorganization, including without limitation the federal, state, local, and non-U.S. tax consequences with respect to the foregoing matters and any other considerations that may be applicable to them.

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 and preferred shares entitled to vote on the matter, voting together as a single class, and by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the Target Fund’s outstanding preferred shares entitled to vote on the matter, voting together as a single class. The Reorganization also is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding preferred shares entitled to vote on the matter, voting together as a single class. Holders of the Target Fund’s preferred shares are being solicited separately on the foregoing proposal through a separate proxy statement and not through this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

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, 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.

Preferred shareholders of each Fund are separately being asked to approve the Agreement as a “plan of reorganization” under the 1940 Act. Section 18(a)(2)(D) of the 1940 Act provides that the terms of preferred shares issued by a registered closed-end management investment company must

 

49


contain provisions requiring approval by the vote of a majority of such shares, voting as a class, of any plan of reorganization adversely affecting such shares. Because the 1940 Act makes no distinction between a plan of reorganization that has an adverse effect as opposed to a materially adverse effect, each Fund is seeking approval of the Agreement by the holders of such Fund’s preferred 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, all requisite shareholder approvals must be obtained at the Meetings, and certain other consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties, including holders of preferred shares and liquidity providers with respect to the outstanding VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund, must also be obtained. Because the closing of the Reorganization is contingent upon each of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund obtaining such shareholder approvals and satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that the Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of a Fund entitled to vote on the Reorganization proposal approve such proposal and a Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if the other Fund does not obtain its requisite shareholder approval or satisfy (or obtain the waiver of) its closing conditions.

Each series of preferred shares (with the exception of the Series D MFP Shares of the Acquiring Fund) was issued on a private placement basis to one or a small number of institutional holders. To the extent that one or more preferred shareholders of a Fund owns, holds or controls, individually or in the aggregate, all or a significant portion of a Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, one or more shareholder approvals required for the Reorganization may turn on the exercise of voting or consent rights by such particular shareholder(s) and its or their determination as to the favorable view of the Reorganization with respect to its or their interests. Additionally, because of the smaller liquidation preference of each Series D MFP Share, holders of Series D MFP Shares will have a greater number of votes for the same dollar value compared to other series of preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund. The Funds exercise no influence or control over the determinations of such shareholders with respect to the proposal; there is no guarantee that such shareholders will approve the proposal over which they may exercise effective disposition power. If the Reorganization is not consummated, each 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, with respect to the Target Fund’s Board, continuing to operate as a standalone fund.

Description of Common Shares to Be Issued by the Acquiring Fund; Comparison to 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 Fund and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights, except as the Trustees may authorize, 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 entitles its holder to a proportional fractional vote. Furthermore, the provisions set forth in each Fund’s declaration of trust and by-laws include, among other things, substantially identical 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 and by-laws are on file with the SEC and may be obtained as described on page 98.

 

50


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 aggregate net assets of the Target Fund that are transferred in connection with the Reorganization, in each case as of the Valuation Time. The value of a Fund’s net assets will be calculated net of the liquidation preference (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of all of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares.

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 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 “Summary 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 current policy, which may be changed by its Board, is to pay regular monthly dividends out of its net investment income 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 the Fund.

The Acquiring Fund’s ability to maintain a level dividend rate will depend on a number of factors, including the rate at which dividends are payable on the preferred shares. The net income of the Acquiring Fund generally consists of all interest income accrued on portfolio assets less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Acquiring Fund are accrued each day. Over time, all the net investment income of the Acquiring Fund will be distributed. At least annually, the Acquiring Fund also intends to effectively distribute net capital gains and ordinary taxable income, if any, after paying any accrued dividends or making any liquidation payments to preferred shareholders. Although it does not now intend to do so, the Board may change the Acquiring 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 and the amount of the expenses and dividend rates on the outstanding preferred shares.

As explained more fully below, at least annually, the Acquiring Fund may elect to retain rather than distribute all or a portion of any net capital gains (which are the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) 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 gains 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 a federal income tax credit or refund for the federal income tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Acquiring 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.

So long as preferred shares are outstanding, the Acquiring Fund may not declare a dividend or distribution to common shareholders (other than a dividend in common shares of the Fund) or purchase

 

51


outstanding common shares unless all accumulated dividends on preferred shares have been paid and unless the asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, with respect to its preferred shares at the time of the declaration of such dividend or distribution or at the time of such purchase would be at least 200% after giving effect to the dividend or distribution or purchase price.

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 Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Plan Agent”) in additional common shares under the Plan. You may elect to participate in the Plan by contacting Nuveen Investor Services at (800) 257-8787. If you do not participate, you will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to you or your brokerage firm by Computershare Inc. and the Plan 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 then-current market price; or

(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 NYSE or elsewhere, 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; or

(3) If the Plan Agent begins purchasing Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund shares at a price equal to the greater of the shares’ net asset value or 95% of the shares’ market value.

You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Plan Agent. 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. Upon a sale of your shares, the Acquiring Fund (or its administrative agent) may be required to report to the IRS and furnish to you cost basis and holding period information for the Acquiring Fund’s shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012 (“covered shares”).

For shares of the Acquiring Fund held in the Plan, you are permitted to elect from among several permitted cost basis methods. In the absence of an election, the Plan will use first-in first-out

 

52


methodology for tracking and reporting your cost basis on covered shares as its default cost basis method. The cost basis method you use may not be changed with respect to a sale of shares after the settlement date of the sale. You should consult with your tax advisors to determine the best permitted cost basis method for your tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting rules apply to you.

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 such dividends and distributions.

If you hold your common shares with a brokerage firm that does not participate in the Plan, you will not be able to participate in the Plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected on different terms than those described above. Consult your financial advisor for more information.

The Acquiring Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board the change is warranted. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the 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 by writing to Computershare, P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, Kentucky 40233-5000, or by calling (800) 257-8787.

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 NYSE, (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    

July 2020

   $ 14.54      $ 13.01      $ 15.81      $ 14.53        (7.70 )%      (10.62 )% 

April 2020

   $ 15.04      $ 11.23      $ 16.36      $ 13.29        (6.61 )%      (23.08 )% 

January 2020

   $ 14.74      $ 14.00      $ 15.94      $ 15.43        (7.46 )%      (9.65 )% 

October 2019

   $ 14.42      $ 13.89      $ 15.86      $ 15.43        (8.36 )%      (10.10 )% 

July 2019

   $ 14.14      $ 13.40      $ 15.46      $ 15.02        (8.54 )%      (11.89 )% 

April 2019

   $ 13.38      $ 12.88      $ 14.99      $ 14.51        (9.71 )%      (12.64 )% 

January 2019

   $ 12.92      $ 12.09      $ 14.56      $ 14.09        (10.46 )%      (15.51 )% 

October 2018

   $ 13.06      $ 12.04      $ 14.72      $ 14.16        (10.74 )%      (15.09 )% 

July 2018

   $ 13.07      $ 12.81      $ 14.80      $ 14.55        (11.34 )%      (12.25 )% 

April 2018

   $ 13.26      $ 12.76      $ 14.84      $ 14.50        (9.61 )%      (12.54 )% 

January 2018

   $ 13.91      $ 12.99      $ 15.32      $ 14.86        (8.65 )%      (12.64 )% 

 

53


     Target Fund  
     Market Price      Net Asset Value      Premium/(Discount)  

Fiscal Quarter Ended

     High          Low          High          Low          High         Low    

August 2020

   $ 14.56      $ 13.56      $ 16.33      $ 15.89        (10.84 )%      (14.98 )% 

May 2020

   $ 14.48      $ 10.85      $ 16.47      $ 14.01        (11.38 )%      (28.19 )% 

February 2020

   $ 14.55      $ 14.01      $ 16.36      $ 15.75        (9.76 )%      (13.20 )% 

November 2019

   $ 14.30      $ 13.79      $ 16.07      $ 15.66        (10.27 )%      (12.50 )% 

August 2019

   $ 14.35      $ 13.47      $ 16.08      $ 15.56        (10.59 )%      (13.60 )% 

May 2019

   $ 13.47      $ 12.98      $ 15.59      $ 15.10        (13.15 )%      (14.31 )% 

February 2019

   $ 12.99      $ 12.24      $ 15.14      $ 14.77        (14.04 )%      (18.02 )% 

November 2018

   $ 12.66      $ 12.06      $ 14.95      $ 14.55        (15.18 )%      (17.17 )% 

August 2018

   $ 12.76      $ 12.57      $ 15.05      $ 14.93        (14.76 )%      (16.17 )% 

May 2018

   $ 12.81      $ 12.49      $ 15.03      $ 14.78        (14.26 )%      (15.95 )% 

On September 30, 2020, the closing sale prices of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund common shares were $14.34 and $14.18, respectively. These prices represent discounts to net asset value for the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund of -8.14% and -11.38%, respectively.

Common shares of each Fund have historically traded at a 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.

Affiliated Brokerage and Other Fees

Neither the Target Fund nor the Acquiring 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 the Sub-Adviser of such Fund.

During the last fiscal year, neither the Target Fund nor the Acquiring Fund made any material payments to the Adviser or Sub-Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser for services provided to the Target Fund (other than pursuant to a Fund’s Investment Management Agreement).

Description of AMTP Shares to Be Issued by the Acquiring Fund

The terms of the AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued pursuant to the Reorganization (the “New AMTP Shares”) will be substantially similar, as of the time of the closing of the Reorganization, to the outstanding AMTP Shares of the Target Fund. However, because of the Acquiring Fund’s policy of investing in a nationally diversified portfolio of municipal securities, the terms of the New AMTP Shares will not include a provision, currently applicable to the Target Fund AMTP Shares, that generally would require an additional payment to holders subject to Michigan income taxation in the event the Target Fund was required to allocate capital gains and/or ordinary income to a given month’s distribution in order to make such distribution equal, on an after-tax basis, to the amount of the distribution if it was excludable from Michigan income taxation (in addition to federal income taxation). The aggregate liquidation preference of the New AMTP Shares received in the Reorganization will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of the Target Fund AMTP Shares held immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganization. The economic terms of the New AMTP

 

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Shares likely will not be the same as the terms of the outstanding AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund (the “Outstanding AMTP Shares”). See “Additional Information About the Acquiring Fund—Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares.”

Holders of the New AMTP Shares will be entitled to receive cash dividends when, as and if declared by the Acquiring Fund’s Board. The amount of dividends per New AMTP Share will equal the sum of dividends accumulated for each day but not yet paid during the relevant monthly dividend period. The amount of dividends will be calculated based on an index rate equal to the SIFMA Municipal Swap Index plus an applicable spread. The applicable spread will be subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including a change in the credit rating assigned to the New AMTP Shares. The dividend amount shall in no circumstances exceed the liquidation preference described below multiplied by 15%, divided by the actual number of days in the year.

The outstanding AMTP Shares for the Target Fund and the New AMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund have a term redemption date of December 1, 2028, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Target Fund. The Acquiring Fund will be obligated to redeem the New AMTP Shares on December 1, 2028, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Acquiring Fund, at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share ($100,000) plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The New AMTP Shares will be subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The New AMTP Shares may be redeemed in whole or in part at the option of the Acquiring Fund at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. In the event the Acquiring Fund fails to comply with asset coverage and/or effective leverage ratio requirements and any such failure is not cured within the applicable cure period, the Acquiring Fund may become obligated to redeem such number of preferred shares as are necessary to achieve compliance with such requirements.

Except as otherwise provided in the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust, the statement establishing and fixing the rights and preferences (the “Statement”) of the New AMTP Shares, or as otherwise required by applicable law, (1) each holder of the New AMTP Shares will be entitled to one vote for each New AMTP Share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, and (2) the holders of the New AMTP Shares, along with holders of other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, will vote with holders of common shares of the Acquiring Fund as a single class; provided, however, that holders of preferred shares, including the New AMTP Shares, are entitled as a class to elect two trustees of the Acquiring Fund at all times. The holders of outstanding common shares and preferred shares, including the New AMTP Shares, voting as a single class, will elect the balance of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

Holders of the New AMTP Shares, as a separate class, will have voting and consent rights with respect to certain actions that would materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of the New AMTP Shares or holders of the New AMTP Shares. In addition, holders of the New AMTP Shares will have certain consent rights under the purchase agreement for the New AMTP Shares with respect to certain actions that would affect their investment in the Acquiring Fund. Holders of the New AMTP Shares also will be entitled to vote as a class with holders of other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund on matters that relate to the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company, certain plans of reorganization adversely affecting holders of the preferred shares or any other action requiring a vote of security holders of the Acquiring Fund under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. In certain circumstances, holders of preferred shares, including the New AMTP Shares, are entitled to elect additional trustees in the event dividends are due and unpaid and sufficient cash or

 

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specified securities have not been deposited for their payment, or at any time holders of preferred shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

The New AMTP Shares will be senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The New AMTP Shares will have equal priority with the other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding MFP Shares, VRDP Shares and AMTP Shares and any other preferred shares that the Acquiring Fund may issue in the future, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund.

Summary Description of Massachusetts Business Trusts

Each Fund is a Massachusetts business trust. 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 of trust. 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 of trust and related governing documents.

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 of trust, by-laws 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 for the trust’s liabilities generally afforded to shareholders of a corporation. 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 Fund 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. However, courts in Massachusetts have recognized limitations of a trustee’s personal liability in contract actions for the obligations of a trust contained in the trust’s declaration of trust, 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 Fund contains such provisions.

 

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The Funds

Each Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is governed by its declaration of trust and by-laws. Under the declaration of trust of each Fund, 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 the 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 will be so binding. The by-laws of each Fund provide that each shareholder of the Fund, by virtue of having become a shareholder, shall be held to have expressly assented and agreed to be bound by the terms of the Fund’s governing documents. The Funds’ declaration of trusts are substantially the same, and the Funds have adopted the same by-laws. The following is a summary of some of the key provisions of the Funds’ governing documents.

Shareholder Voting. The declaration of trust of each 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 on by the 1940 Act.

The declaration of trust of each Fund provides that each whole share of the Fund is entitled to one vote on any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional common share is entitled to a proportional fractional vote.

The by-laws of each Fund provide that the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the shares of the Fund entitled to vote at a meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when the holders of preferred shares are entitled to elect any of a Fund’s trustees by class vote of such holders, the holders of thirty-three and one-third percent (33 1/3%) of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of such an election. The declaration of trust of each Fund provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) 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 for the election of trustees and as otherwise required by the 1940 Act, the declaration of trust, the by-laws, 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. With respect to the election of trustees, each Fund’s by-laws provide that the affirmative vote of a majority (more than 50%) of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote is required to elect trustees in a “contested election” (i.e., an election in which the number of trustees nominated exceeds the number of trustees to be elected), but that a plurality vote applies in an uncontested election.

The by-laws of each Fund provide that a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of common shares in a “Control Share Acquisition” shall have the same voting rights as other common shares only to the extent authorized by shareholders. Such authorization shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the shares of the Fund entitled to vote in the election of trustees excluding Interested Shares. Interested Shares include shares held by Fund officers and any person who has acquired common shares in a Control Share Acquisition (the “Control Share Provisions”). The by-laws define a “Control Share Acquisition,” subject to various conditions and exceptions, generally to mean an acquisition of common shares that would give the beneficial owner,

 

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upon the acquisition of such shares, the ability to exercise voting power, but for the Control Share Provisions, in the election of trustees (except for any elections of trustees by holders of preferred shares voting as a separate class) in any one of the following ranges: (i) one-tenth or more, but less than one-fifth of all voting power; (ii) one-fifth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power; (iii) one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or (iv) a majority or more of all voting power. For this purpose, all common shares acquired by a person within ninety days before or after the date on which such person acquires shares that result in a Control Share Acquisition, and all common shares acquired by such person pursuant to a plan to make a Control Share Acquisition, shall be deemed to have been acquired in the same Control Share Acquisition. Subject to various conditions and procedural requirements, including the delivery of a “Control Share Acquisition Statement” to the Fund setting forth certain required information, a shareholder who obtains or proposes to obtain beneficial ownership of common shares in a Control Share Acquisition generally may request a vote of shareholders to approve the authorization of voting rights of such shareholder with respect to such shares.

Shareholder Meetings. Meetings of shareholders may be called by the trustees and must be called upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast at least 10% of all votes entitled to be cast at the meeting. Shareholder requests for special meetings are subject to various requirements under each Fund’s by-laws, including as to the specific form of, and information required in, a shareholder’s request to call such a meeting. A shareholder may request a special meeting only to act on a matter upon which such shareholder is entitled to vote, and shareholders may not request special meetings for the purpose of electing trustees.

The by-laws of each Fund authorize the trustees or the chair of a shareholder meeting to adopt rules, regulations and procedures appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, which may include (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) the determination of when the polls shall open and close for any given matter to be voted on by the shareholders present or represented at the meeting; (iii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iv) limitations on attendance at and participation in the meeting by shareholders, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chair of the meeting shall determine; (v) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; (vi) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by shareholders; and (vii) the extent to which, if any, other participants are permitted to speak.

The by-laws of each Fund establish qualification criteria applicable to prospective trustees and generally require that advance notice be given to the Fund in the event a shareholder desires to nominate a person for election to the Board or to transact any other business at a meeting of shareholders. Any notice by a shareholder must be accompanied by certain information as required by the by-laws. No shareholder proposal will be considered at any meeting of shareholders of a Fund if such proposal is submitted by a shareholder who does not satisfy all applicable requirements set forth in the by-laws.

Election and Removal of Trustees. The declaration of trust of each 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 be removed only for cause and only 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. The by-laws of each Fund establish qualification requirements applicable to any person who is recommended, nominated, elected, appointed, qualified or seated as a trustee.

 

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Pursuant to each Fund’s by-laws, the 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 of each Fund. The board structure of the Acquiring Fund will remain in place following the closing of the Reorganization.

Issuance of Shares. Under the declaration of trust of each 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 each 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 Governing Documents. 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, 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. Each Fund’s by-laws may be amended or repealed, or new by-laws may be adopted, by a vote of a majority of the trustees. The by-laws of each Fund may not be amended by shareholders.

Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability. The declaration of trust of each 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 reason. In addition, each declaration of trust provides that the Fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder. Similarly, each 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 such trustee’s, officer’s or employee’s bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for his or her duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. Each 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. Each declaration of trust provides that the trustees may rely in good faith on expert advice.

Forum Selection. Each Fund’s by-laws provide that, unless the Fund consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, and except for certain claims brought under the federal securities laws, the sole and exclusive forum for any shareholder or group of shareholders to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Fund, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of any duty owed by a trustee or officer or other employee of a Fund to the Fund or to the Fund’s shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to Massachusetts business trust law or the Fund’s governing documents, and (iv) any other action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, shall be within the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Boston Division) or, to the extent such court

 

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does not have jurisdiction, the Business Litigation Session of the Massachusetts Superior Court in Suffolk County. Each Fund’s by-laws further provide that in any such covered action there is no right to a jury trial and the right to a jury trial is expressly waived to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Derivative and Direct Claims of Shareholders. Each Fund’s by-laws contain provisions regarding derivative and direct claims of shareholders. 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 trustees to bring an action, before the shareholder is entitled to bring or maintain a derivative action in the right of or name of or on behalf of the trust. Under the Massachusetts statute, a shareholder whose demand has been refused by the trustees may bring the claim only if the shareholder demonstrates to a court that the trustees’ decision not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Fund. The by-laws of each Fund largely incorporate the substantive elements of the Massachusetts statute and establish procedures for shareholders to bring derivative actions and for the Board to consider shareholder demands that the Fund commence a suit. In addition, the by-laws of each Fund distinguish direct actions from derivative claims and prohibit the latter from being brought directly by a shareholder.

 

D.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INVESTMENT POLICIES

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

General

The Funds have similar but not identical investment objectives, policies and risks in that each Fund seeks to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax (and, in the case of the Acquiring Fund, the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals and, in the case of the Target Fund, Michigan individual income taxes) and to enhance portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by investing in tax-exempt municipal securities that the Adviser believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. For the Target Fund, the foregoing objectives regarding (i) current income exempt from both regular federal income taxes and Michigan individual income taxes; and (ii) the enhancement of portfolio value relative to the Michigan municipal bond market through investments in tax-exempt municipal bonds that the Adviser believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued, are identified as the Target Fund’s primary and secondary objectives, respectively. The Acquiring Fund’s investment objectives are not categorized in this manner. Under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest at least 80% of its Assets (as defined above) in a portfolio of securities that pay interest exempt from both regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. Under normal circumstances, the Target Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined above) in municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from regular federal and Michigan income taxes.

Under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets (as defined above) in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated below the three highest grades (Baa or BBB or lower) by at least one NRSRO, which includes below-investment-grade securities, or unrated securities judged to be of comparable quality by the Sub-Adviser. The Acquiring Fund may invest in distressed securities. Under normal circumstances, the Target Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of

 

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comparable quality by the Adviser. The Target Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that, at the time of investment, are rated below investment grade or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. If a municipal security satisfies the ratings requirements described above at the time of purchase, the Target Fund will not be required to dispose of the security upon a downgrade. No more than 10% of the Target Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.

In addition, as a non-fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest 100% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals at the time of purchase. The Target Fund may invest no more than 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that pay interest that is taxable under the federal alternative minimum tax.

Note that (1) each Fund’s investment objectives; (2) the Acquiring Fund’s policy to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Assets in a portfolio of securities that pay interest exempt from both regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals; and (3) the Target Fund’s policy to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from regular federal and Michigan income taxes may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class, and the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, voting separately as a single class. When used with respect to particular shares of a Fund, a “majority of the outstanding” shares means (1) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present in person (including participation by means of remote or “virtual” communication) or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less.

Investment Policies

As a non-fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities rated, at the time of investment, below the three highest grades (Baa or BBB or lower) by at least one NRSRO which includes below-investment-grade securities, or unrated securities judged to be of comparable quality by the Sub-Adviser.

Securities of below-investment-grade quality (Ba/BB or lower) are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Issuers of securities rated Ba/BB or B are regarded as having current capacity to make principal and interest payments but are subject to business, financial or economic conditions which could adversely affect such payment capacity. Municipal securities rated below investment-grade quality are obligations of issuers that are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal according to the terms of the obligation and, therefore, carry greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default and bankruptcy and increased market price volatility. Municipal securities rated below investment grade tend to be less marketable than higher-quality securities because the market for them is less broad. The market for unrated municipal securities is even narrower. During periods of thin trading in these markets, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly and the Acquiring Fund may have greater difficulty selling its holdings of these types of portfolio securities. The Acquiring Fund will be more dependent on the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Adviser’s research and analysis when investing in these securities.

 

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The foregoing credit quality policy applies only at the time a security is purchased, and the Acquiring Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a rating agency upgrades or downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issuer or that valuation changes of various municipal securities cause the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio to fail to satisfy those targets. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser may consider such factors as the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Adviser’s 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. The ratings of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch represent their opinions as to the quality of the municipal securities they rate. However, it should be emphasized that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. A general description of the ratings of municipal securities by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch is set forth in Appendix A to the Reorganization SAI.

The Acquiring Fund’s investment objectives include enhancing portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by investing in tax-exempt municipal bonds that the Adviser believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. Underrated municipal securities are those whose ratings do not, in the Adviser’s opinion, reflect their true value. Municipal securities may be underrated because of the time that has elapsed since their rating was assigned or reviewed or because of positive factors that may not have been fully taken into account by rating agencies, or for other similar reasons. Municipal securities that are undervalued or that represent undervalued municipal market sectors are municipal securities that, in the Adviser’s opinion, are worth more than the value assigned to them in the marketplace. Municipal securities of particular types or purposes (e.g., hospital bonds, industrial revenue bonds or bonds issued by a particular municipal issuer) may be undervalued because there is a temporary excess of supply in that market sector, or because of a general decline in the market price of municipal securities of the market sector for reasons that do not apply to the particular municipal securities that are considered undervalued. The Acquiring Fund’s investment in underrated or undervalued municipal securities will be based on the Adviser’s belief that the prices of such municipal securities should ultimately reflect their true value. Accordingly, “to enhance portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market” refers to the Acquiring Fund’s objective of attempting to realize above-average capital appreciation in a rising market, and to experience less than average capital losses in a declining market. Thus, the Acquiring Fund’s second investment objective is not intended to suggest that capital appreciation is itself an objective of the Acquiring Fund. Instead, the Acquiring Fund seeks enhancement of portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by prudent selection of municipal securities, regardless of which direction the market may move. Any capital appreciation realized by the Acquiring Fund will generally result in the distribution of taxable capital gains to shareholders.

The Acquiring Fund will invest primarily in municipal securities with long-term maturities in order to maintain an average effective maturity of 15 to 30 years, including the effects of leverage, but the average effective maturity of obligations held by the Acquiring Fund may be lengthened or shortened as a result of portfolio transactions effected by the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, depending on market conditions and on an assessment by the portfolio manager of which segments of the municipal securities markets offer the most favorable relative investment values and opportunities for tax-exempt income and total return. As a result, the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio at any given time may include both long-term and intermediate-term municipal securities. Moreover, during temporary defensive periods (e.g., times when, in the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Adviser’s opinion, temporary imbalances of supply and demand or other temporary dislocations in the tax-exempt bond market

 

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adversely affect the price at which long-term or intermediate-term municipal securities are available), and in order to keep the Acquiring Fund’s cash fully invested, the Acquiring Fund may invest any percentage of its net assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term debt securities that may be either tax-exempt or taxable. The Acquiring Fund may not achieve its investment objectives during such periods. As of April 30, 2020, the average effective maturity of the portfolio of the Acquiring Fund was 17.58 years.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (including ETFs) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Acquiring Fund may invest directly, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations issued thereunder and applicable exemptive orders issued by the SEC. In addition, the Acquiring Fund may purchase municipal securities that are additionally secured by insurance, bank credit agreements or escrow accounts. The credit quality of companies that provide such credit enhancements may affect the value of those securities. Although the insurance feature may reduce certain financial risks, the premiums for insurance and the higher market price paid for insured obligations may reduce the Acquiring Fund’s income. The insurance feature guarantees only the payment of principal and interest on the obligation when due and does not guarantee the market value of the insured obligations, which will fluctuate with the bond market and the financial success of the issuer and the insurer, and the effectiveness and value of the insurance itself is dependent on the continued creditworthiness of the insurer. No representation is made as to the insurers’ ability to meet their commitments.

The Acquiring Fund may enter into certain derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objectives, including to seek to enhance return, to hedge certain risks of its investments in fixed-income securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including interest rate and credit default swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts or other derivative instruments. The Acquiring Fund may not enter into a futures contract or related options or forward contracts if more than 30% of the Acquiring Fund’s net assets would be represented by futures contracts or more than 5% of the Acquiring Fund’s net assets would be committed to initial margin deposits and premiums on futures contracts or related options.

The Acquiring Fund may invest up to 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities. Inverse floating rate securities represent a leveraged investment in the underlying municipal bond deposited. Inverse floating rate securities offer the opportunity for higher income than the underlying bond, but will subject the Acquiring Fund to the risk of lower or even no income if short-term interest rates rise sufficiently. By investing in an inverse floating rate security rather than directly in the underlying bond, the Acquiring Fund will experience a greater increase in its common share net asset value if the underlying municipal bond increases in value, but will also experience a correspondingly larger decline in its common share net asset value if the underlying bond declines in value.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in “tobacco settlement bonds.” Tobacco settlement bonds are bonds that are secured or payable solely from the collateralization of the proceeds from class action or other litigation against the tobacco industry. See “Proposal No. 1—Reorganization of the Target Fund Into the Acquiring Fund—B. Risk Factors—Special Risks Related to Certain Municipal Securities.”

The Acquiring Fund may borrow money to finance the repurchase of its shares or for temporary or emergency purposes, such as for the payment of dividends or the settlement of portfolio transactions. Interest on any borrowings to finance share repurchase transactions or the accumulation of cash by the Acquiring Fund in anticipation of share repurchases or tenders will reduce the Acquiring

 

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Fund’s net income. Any share repurchase, tender offer or borrowing that might be approved by the Acquiring Fund’s Board would have to comply with the Exchange Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

The Acquiring Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of its assets, the Acquiring 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.

As noted above, 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 invest up to 100% of its net assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term securities that may be either tax-exempt or taxable. It is the intent of the Acquiring Fund to invest in taxable short-term investments only in the event that suitable tax-exempt short-term investments are not available at reasonable prices and yields. Investment in taxable short-term investments would result in a portion of dividends payable to Acquiring Fund shareholders being subject to regular federal income tax, and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, and if the proportion of taxable investments exceeded 50% of the Acquiring Fund’s total assets as of the close of any quarter of the Acquiring Fund’s taxable year, the Acquiring Fund would not satisfy the general eligibility test that permits it to pay exempt-interest dividends for that taxable year. For more information, see “Federal Income Tax Matters” in the Reorganization SAI.

Portfolio Investments

Municipal Securities

General. The Acquiring Fund may invest in various municipal securities, including municipal bonds and notes, other securities issued to finance and refinance public projects, and other related securities and derivative instruments creating exposure to municipal bonds, notes and securities that provide for the payment of interest income that is exempt from federal income tax. Municipal securities are generally debt obligations issued by state and local governmental entities and may be issued by U.S. territories and possessions to finance or refinance public projects such as roads, schools, and water supply systems. Municipal securities may also be issued on behalf of private entities or for private activities, such as housing, medical and educational facility construction, or for privately owned transportation, electric utility and pollution control projects. Municipal securities may be issued on a long-term basis to provide permanent financing. The repayment of such debt may be secured generally by a pledge of the full faith and credit taxing power of the issuer, a limited or special tax, or any other revenue source including project revenues, which may include tolls, fees and other user charges, lease payments, and mortgage payments. Municipal securities may also be issued to finance projects on a short-term interim basis, anticipating repayment with the proceeds of the later issuance of long-term debt. Municipal securities may be issued and purchased in the form of bonds, notes, leases or certificates of participation; structured as callable or non-callable; with payment forms including fixed coupon, variable rate, zero coupon, capital appreciation bonds, tender option bonds and residual interest bonds or inverse floating rate securities; or acquired through investments in pooled vehicles, partnerships or other investment companies. Inverse floating rate securities are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term tax-exempt interest rates and represent a leveraged investment in an underlying municipal security, which may increase the effective leverage of the Acquiring Fund.

 

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The Acquiring Fund may invest in municipal bonds issued by U.S. territories and possessions (such as Puerto Rico or Guam) the income from which is exempt from both regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. The yields on municipal securities depend on a variety of factors, including prevailing interest rates and the condition of the general money market and the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. The market value of municipal securities will vary with changes in interest rate levels and as a result of changing evaluations of the ability of their issuers to meet interest and principal payments.

Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation. The Acquiring Fund also may purchase municipal securities that represent lease obligations and certificates of participation in such leases. These carry special risks because the issuer of the securities may not be obligated to appropriate money annually to make payments under the lease. A municipal lease is an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase that is issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Income from such obligations generally is exempt from state and local taxes in the state of issuance. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of “non-appropriation” clauses that relieve the governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition, such leases or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments in the event the issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or utilizing the leased equipment or facilities. Although the obligations may be secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly, and result in a delay in recovering, or the failure to recover fully, the Acquiring Fund’s original investment. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be monitored on an ongoing basis. In order to reduce this risk, the Acquiring Fund will purchase municipal securities representing lease obligations only where the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser believes the issuer has a strong incentive to continue making appropriations until maturity.

A certificate of participation represents an undivided interest in an unmanaged pool of municipal leases, an installment purchase agreement or other instruments. The certificates typically are issued by a municipal agency, a trust or other entity that has received an assignment of the payments to be made by the state or political subdivision under such leases or installment purchase agreements. Such certificates provide the Acquiring Fund with the right to a pro rata undivided interest in the underlying municipal securities. In addition, such participations generally provide the Acquiring Fund with the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days’ notice, of all or any part of the Fund’s participation interest in the underlying municipal securities, plus accrued interest.

Municipal Notes. Municipal securities in the form of notes generally are used to provide for short-term capital needs, in anticipation of an issuer’s receipt of other revenues or financing, and typically have maturities of up to three years. Such instruments may include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes and construction loan notes. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance the working capital needs of governments. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various tax revenues, such as income, sales, property, use

 

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and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other kinds of revenue, such as federal revenues available under federal revenue sharing programs. Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term bond financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the funds needed for repayment of the bond anticipation notes. Tax and revenue anticipation notes combine the funding sources of both tax anticipation notes and revenue anticipation notes. Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. Mortgage notes insured by the Federal Housing Authority secure these notes; however, the proceeds from the insurance may be less than the economic equivalent of the payment of principal and interest on the mortgage note if there has been a default. The anticipated revenues from taxes, grants or bond financing generally secure the obligations of an issuer of municipal notes. However, an investment in such instruments presents a risk that the anticipated revenues will not be received or that such revenues will be insufficient to satisfy the issuer’s payment obligations under the notes or that refinancing will be otherwise unavailable.

Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities. The principal of, and interest on, pre-refunded municipal securities are no longer paid from the original revenue source for the securities. Instead, the source of such payments is typically an escrow fund consisting of U.S. government securities. The assets in the escrow fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer as the pre-refunded municipal securities. Issuers of municipal securities use this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to securities that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer. For example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded municipal securities. However, except for a change in the revenue source from which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded municipal securities remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are redeemed by the issuer. Legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 repealed the federal income tax exclusion from gross income for interest paid on certain pre-refunded municipal securities effective for such bonds issued after December 31, 2017.

Private Activity Bonds. Private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal securities, although the current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues.

Inverse Floating Rate Securities. The Acquiring Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities. Inverse floating rate securities are securities whose interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Generally, inverse floating rate securities represent beneficial interests in a special purpose trust, commonly referred to as a “tender option bond trust” (“TOB trust”), that holds municipal bonds. The TOB trust typically sells two classes of beneficial interests or securities: floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as short-term floaters or tender option bonds (“TOBs”)), and inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters). Both classes of beneficial interests are represented by certificates or receipts. The floating rate securities have first priority on the cash flow from the municipal bonds held by the TOB trust. In this structure, the floating rate security holders have the option, at periodic short-term intervals, to tender their securities to the trust for purchase and to receive the face value thereof plus accrued interest. The

 

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obligation of the trust to repurchase tendered securities is supported by a remarketing agent and by a liquidity provider. As consideration for providing this support, the remarketing agent and the liquidity provider receive periodic fees. The holder of the short-term floater effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. However, the trust is not obligated to purchase tendered short-term floaters in the event of certain defaults with respect to the underlying municipal bonds or a significant downgrade in the credit rating assigned to the bond issuer.

As the holder of an inverse floating rate investment, the Acquiring Fund receives the residual cash flow from the TOB trust. Because the holder of the short-term floater is generally assured liquidity at the face value of the security plus accrued interest, the holder of the inverse floater assumes the interest rate cash flow risk and the market value risk associated with the municipal bond deposited into the TOB trust. The volatility of the interest cash flow and the residual market value will vary with the degree to which the trust is leveraged. This is expressed in the ratio of the total face value of the short-term floaters to the value of the inverse floaters that are issued by the TOB trust, and can exceed three times for more “highly leveraged” trusts. All voting rights and decisions to be made with respect to any other rights relating to the municipal bonds held in the TOB trust are passed through, pro rata, to the holders of the short-term floaters and to the Acquiring Fund as the holder of the associated inverse floaters.

Because any increases in the interest rate on the short-term floaters issued by a TOB trust would reduce the residual interest paid on the associated inverse floaters, and because fluctuations in the value of the municipal bond deposited in the TOB trust would affect only the value of the inverse floater and not the value of the short-term floater issued by the trust so long as the value of the municipal bond held by the trust exceeded the face amount of short-term floaters outstanding, the value of inverse floaters is generally more volatile than that of an otherwise comparable municipal bond held on an unleveraged basis outside a TOB trust. Inverse floaters generally will underperform the market of fixed-rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment (i.e., when bond values are falling), but will tend to outperform the market of fixed-rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable. Although volatile in value and return, inverse floaters typically offer the potential for yields higher than those available on fixed-rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity or illiquidity based primarily upon the inverse floater holder’s ability to sell the underlying bonds deposited in the TOB trust at an attractive price.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by TOB trusts in which the liquidity providers have recourse to the Fund pursuant to a separate shortfall and forbearance agreement. Such an agreement would require the Acquiring Fund to reimburse the liquidity provider, among other circumstances, upon termination of the TOB trust for the difference between the liquidation value of the bonds held in the trust and the principal amount and accrued interest due to the holders of floating rate securities issued by the trust. The Acquiring Fund will enter into such a recourse agreement (1) when the liquidity provider requires such a recourse agreement because the level of leverage in the TOB trust exceeds the level that the liquidity provider is willing to support absent such an agreement; and/or (2) to seek to prevent the liquidity provider from collapsing the trust in the event the municipal bond held in the trust has declined in value to the point where it may cease to exceed the face amount of outstanding short-term floaters. In an instance where the Acquiring Fund has entered such a recourse agreement, the Fund may suffer a loss that exceeds the amount of its original investment in the inverse floating rate securities; such loss could be as great as that original investment amount plus the face amount of the floating rate securities issued by the trust plus accrued interest thereon.

 

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The Acquiring Fund will segregate or earmark liquid assets with its custodian in accordance with the 1940 Act to cover its obligations with respect to its investments in TOB trusts.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in both inverse floating rate securities and floating rate securities (as discussed below) issued by the same TOB trust.

Floating Rate Securities. The Acquiring Fund may also invest in short-term floating rate securities, as described above, issued by TOB trusts. Generally, the interest rate earned will be based upon the market rates for municipal securities with maturities or remarketing provisions that are comparable in duration to the periodic interval of the tender option, which may vary from weekly, to monthly, to other periods of up to one year. Since the tender option feature provides a shorter term than the final maturity or first call date of the underlying municipal bond deposited in the trust, the Acquiring Fund, as the holder of the floating rate securities, relies upon the terms of the remarketing and liquidity agreements with the financial institution that acts as remarketing agent and/or liquidity provider as well as the credit strength of that institution. As further assurance of liquidity, the terms of the TOB trust provide for a liquidation of the municipal bond deposited in the trust and the application of the proceeds to pay off the floating rate securities. The TOB trusts that are organized to issue both short-term floating rate securities and inverse floaters generally include liquidation triggers to protect the investor in the floating rate securities.

Special Taxing Districts. Special taxing districts are organized to plan and finance infrastructure developments to induce residential, commercial and industrial growth and redevelopment. The bond financing methods such as tax increment finance, tax assessment, special services district and Mello-Roos bonds, generally are payable solely from taxes or other revenues attributable to the specific projects financed by the bonds without recourse to the credit or taxing power of related or overlapping municipalities. They often are exposed to real estate development-related risks and can have more taxpayer concentration risk than general tax-supported bonds, such as general obligation bonds. Further, the fees, special taxes, or tax allocations and other revenues that are established to secure such financings generally are limited as to the rate or amount that may be levied or assessed and are not subject to increase pursuant to rate covenants or municipal or corporate guarantees. The bonds could default if development failed to progress as anticipated or if larger taxpayers failed to pay the assessments, fees and taxes as provided in the financing plans of the districts.

Illiquid Securities

The Acquiring Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are not readily marketable), including, but 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, and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days.

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 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.

 

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When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions

The Acquiring Fund may buy and sell municipal 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. On such transactions, the payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. Beginning on the date the Acquiring Fund enters into a commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the Fund is required under interpretations of the SEC to maintain in a separate account liquid assets, consisting of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value, at all times, at least equal to the amount of the commitment. Income generated by any such assets which provide taxable income for federal income tax purposes is includable in the taxable income of the Acquiring Fund and, to the extent distributed, will be taxable to shareholders. The Acquiring Fund may enter into contracts to purchase municipal securities on a forward basis (i.e., where settlement will occur more than 60 days from the date of the transaction) only to the extent that the Fund specifically collateralizes such obligations with a security that is expected to be called or mature within 60 days before or after the settlement date of the forward transaction. The commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward basis may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the bonds prior to settlement and, at the time of delivery, the market value may be less than cost.

Derivatives

General. The Acquiring Fund may invest in certain derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objectives. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including interest rate and credit default swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts or other derivative instruments. Credit default swaps may require initial premium (discount) payments as well as periodic payments (receipts) related to the interest leg of the swap or to the default of a reference obligation. If the Acquiring Fund is a seller of a contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, with respect to such debt obligations. In return, the Acquiring Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Acquiring Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, the Acquiring Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If the Acquiring Fund is a buyer of a contract, the Fund would have the right to deliver a referenced debt obligation and receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of such debt obligation from the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event (such as a credit downgrade) by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporation, with respect to its debt obligations. In return, the Acquiring Fund would pay the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the counterparty would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligations to the Acquiring Fund. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Acquiring Fund with a counterparty of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. The Acquiring Fund will usually enter into interest rate swaps 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 Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments.

 

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The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser may use derivative instruments to seek to enhance return, to hedge some of the risks of the Acquiring Fund’s investments in municipal securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset. These types of strategies may generate taxable income.

There is no assurance that these derivative strategies will be available at any time or that the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser will determine to use them for the Acquiring Fund or, if used, that the strategies will be successful.

Limitations on the Use of Futures, Options on Futures and Swaps. The Adviser has claimed, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, the exclusion from the definition of “commodity pool operator” under the CEA provided by CFTC Regulation 4.5 and is therefore not currently subject to registration or regulation as such under the CEA with respect to the Fund. In addition, the Sub-Adviser has claimed the exemption from registration as a commodity trading advisor provided by CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) and is therefore not currently subject to registration or regulation as such under the CEA with respect to the Acquiring Fund. In February 2012, the CFTC announced substantial amendments to certain exemptions, and to the conditions for reliance on those exemptions, from registration as a commodity pool operator. Under amendments to the exemption provided under CFTC Regulation 4.5, if the Acquiring Fund uses futures, options on futures, or swaps other than for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and premiums on these positions (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which options that are “in-the-money” at the time of purchase are “in-the-money”) may not exceed 5% of the Fund’s net asset value, or alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of those positions may not exceed 100% of the Fund’s net asset value (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). The CFTC amendments to Regulation 4.5 took effect on December 31, 2012, and the Acquiring Fund intends to comply with amended Regulation 4.5’s requirements such that the Adviser will not be required to register as a commodity pool operator with the CFTC with respect to the Fund. The Acquiring Fund reserves the right to employ futures, options on futures and swaps to the extent allowed by CFTC regulations in effect from time to time and in accordance with the Fund’s policies. However, the requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code may limit the extent to which the Acquiring Fund may employ futures, options on futures or swaps.

Structured Notes

The Acquiring Fund may utilize structured notes and similar instruments for investment purposes and also for hedging purposes. Structured notes are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an “embedded index”), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending upon a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index or indices or other assets. Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss.

 

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Other Investment Companies

The Acquiring Fund may invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (including ETFs) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations issued thereunder and applicable exemptive orders issued by the SEC. In addition, the Acquiring Fund may invest a portion of its Managed Assets in pooled investment vehicles (other than investment companies) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. The Acquiring Fund generally expects that it may invest in other investment companies and/or other pooled investment vehicles either during periods when it has large amounts of uninvested cash or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive, high yielding municipal securities available in the market. The Acquiring Fund may invest in investment companies that are advised by the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser or their affiliates to the extent permitted by applicable law and/or pursuant to exemptive relief from the SEC. The Acquiring Fund has not applied for and currently does not intend to apply for such relief. As a shareholder 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 its own management fees with respect to assets so invested. Common shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Acquiring Fund invests in other investment companies.

The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser will take expenses into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in an investment company relative to available municipal security investments. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore 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 common shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.

Zero Coupon Bonds

The Acquiring Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon bond is a bond that typically does not pay interest for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. The market prices of zero coupon bonds are affected to a greater extent by changes in prevailing levels of interest rates and therefore tend to be more volatile in price than securities that pay interest periodically. In addition, because the Acquiring Fund accrues income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of such interest, it may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to obtain cash needed to pay income dividends in amounts necessary to avoid unfavorable tax consequences.

Hedging Strategies

The Acquiring Fund may use various investment strategies designed to limit the risk of bond price fluctuations and to preserve capital. These hedging strategies include using financial futures contracts, options on financial futures or options based on either an index of long-term municipal securities or on taxable debt securities whose prices, in the opinion of the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, correlate with the prices of the Acquiring Fund’s investments. These hedging strategies may generate taxable income.

Each Board recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of the Reorganization.

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 2—THE ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS

(COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OF THE TARGET FUND ONLY)

Pursuant to the organizational documents of the Target Fund, the Target Fund’s Board is divided into three classes (Class I, Class II and Class III), to be elected by the holders of the outstanding shares to serve until the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders subsequent to their election or thereafter, in each case until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. In addition, two (2) Target Fund Board Members are to be elected by the preferred shareholders of the Target Fund. The preferred shareholders of the Target Fund are being solicited to vote on this Proposal No. 2, including the election of such Board Members to be elected by the preferred shareholders of the Target Fund, by means of a separate proxy statement.

Three (3) Board Members are to be elected by holders of common and preferred shares of the Target Fund, voting together as a single class. Board Members Nelson, Toth and Young 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 2023 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Board Members Hunter and Moschner are nominees to be elected by holders of preferred shares for a term expiring at the next annual meeting or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

Board Members Evans, Stockdale, Stone and Wolff are current and continuing Board Members. Board Members Stockdale, Stone and Wolff have been designated as Class I Board Members for a term expiring at the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Board Member Evans has been designated as a Class III Board Member for a term expiring at the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. The Target Fund’s Board currently has one vacancy due to the resignation of Margo L. Cook on February 27, 2020, who was considered an “interested person” of the Funds by reason of her position with Nuveen and/or certain of its subsidiaries.

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 in the table below unless the proxy is marked otherwise. Each of the nominees has agreed 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 Target Fund’s current Board. The by-laws of the Target Fund establish qualification requirements applicable to any person who is recommended, nominated, elected, appointed, qualified or seated as a Board Member.

Class I Board Members Stockdale, Stone and Wolff were last elected at the annual meeting of shareholders held on December 5, 2019, as were Board Members Hunter and Moschner, elected by the holders of preferred shares. Class III Board Member Evans was last elected at the annual meeting of shareholders held on November 13, 2018. Class II Board Members Nelson, Toth and Young were last elected at the annual meeting of shareholders held on November 14, 2017. At its meeting held on August 4-6, 2020, the Board of the Target Fund appointed Matthew Thornton III as a new Board Member for the Target Fund designated as a Class III Board Member, effective November 16, 2020.

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 of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (previously defined as “Nuveen Fund Advisors” or the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Target Fund, and has never

 

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been an employee or director of the Adviser, the Adviser’s parent company, or any affiliate. Accordingly, such Board Members are deemed “Independent Board Members.”

The affirmative vote of a plurality (the greatest number of affirmative votes) of the shares present and entitled to vote at the Meeting will be required to elect each Board Member of the Target Fund. When there are three (3) nominees for election to the Board, as is the case here, a vote by plurality means the three nominees with the highest number of affirmative votes, regardless of the votes withheld for the nominees, will be elected. Because the election of Board Members does not require that a minimum percentage of the Target Fund’s outstanding common shares be voted in favor of any nominee, assuming the presence of a quorum, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election of the Target Fund’s 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 designated as a Class II Board Member.

 

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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 Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by  Board
Member
   

Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past Five
Years

Board Members/Nominees who are not “interested persons” of the Funds

   

Terence J. Toth

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1959

  Chairman of
the Board;
Board
Member
  Term: Class II
Board Member
until 2020
annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of
Service: Since
2008,
Chairman of
the Board since
2018

   Formerly, Co-Founding Partner, Promus Capital (2008-2017); Director, Quality Control Corporation (since 2012); formerly, Director, Fulcrum IT Services, LLC (2010-2019); 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); formerly, Member, Chicago Fellowship Board (2005-2016); Member, Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008) and Mather Foundation Board (since 2012) and Chair of its Investment Committee; 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).     155     None

 

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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 Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by  Board
Member
   

Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past Five
Years

Jack B. Evans

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1948

  Board
Member
  Term: Class III
Board Member
until 2021
annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of
Service: Since
1999

   Chairman (since 2019), formerly, President (1996-2019), The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation (since 1996); Director, Public Member (since 2015), American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; 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; formerly, Director, The Gazette Company.     155     Director and Chairman, United Fire Group, a publicly held company; formerly, Director, Alliant Energy.

William C. Hunter

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1948

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class I
Board Member
until 2022
annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of
Service: Since
2004

   Dean Emeritus (since 2012), formerly, Dean (2006-2012), Henry B. Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa; past Director (2005-2015) and past President (2010-2014), Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; 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).     155     Director (since 2009) of Wellmark, Inc.; formerly, Director (2004-2018) of Xerox Corporation.

 

75


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 Five 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

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1952

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class III
Board Member
until 2021
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).     155     Chairman (since 2019) and Director (since 2012), USA Technologies, Inc., a provider of solutions and services to facilitate electronic payment transactions; formerly, Director, Wintrust Financial Corporation (1996-2016).

 

76


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 Five 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

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1962

  Board
Member
  Term: Class II
Board Member
until 2020
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; served on The President’s Council, Fordham University (2010-2019) and previously was a Director of The Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (2009-2018); 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 (2010-2014 as trustee, 2011-2014 as Chairman); formerly, Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America and Global Head of the Financial Markets Division (2007-2008) and various executive leadership roles at ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (1996-2007).     155     None

Judith M. Stockdale

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1947

  Board
Member
  Term: Class I
Board Member
until 2022
annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of
Service: Since
1997

   Board Member of the Land Trust Alliance (since 2013); formerly, Board Member of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (2013-2019); formerly, Executive Director (1994-2012), Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (1990-1994).     155     None

 

77


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 Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by  Board
Member
   

Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past Five
Years

Carole E. Stone

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1947

  Board
Member
  Term: Class I
Board Member
until 2022
annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of
Service: Since
2007

   Former Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (2006-2017) and C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (2009-2017); formerly, Commissioner, New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform (2005-2010).     155     Former Director (2010-2020), Cboe Global Markets, Inc., formerly named CBOE Holdings, Inc.

Margaret L. Wolff

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1955

  Board
Member
  Term: Class I
Board Member
until 2022
annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of
Service: Since
2016

   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.     155     Formerly, Member of the Board of Directors (2013-2017) of Travelers Insurance Company of Canada and The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (each, a part of Travelers Canada, the Canadian operation of The Travelers Companies, Inc.).

 

78


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 Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by  Board
Member
   

Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past Five
Years

Robert L. Young

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1963

  Board
Member
  Term: Class II
Board Member
until 2020
annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2017

   Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Director, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (2010-2016); formerly, President and Principal Executive Officer (2013-2016), and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2005-2010) of J.P. Morgan Funds; formerly, Director and various officer positions for J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (formerly, JPMorgan Funds Management, Inc. and formerly, One Group Administrative Services) and JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. (formerly, One Group Dealer Services, Inc.) (1999-2017).     155     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.

Board Member Investments in the Funds

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 fund complex.

The following table sets forth for each Board Member the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in each Fund and all Nuveen funds overseen by the Board Member as of July 31, 2020. The information as to beneficial ownership is based on statements furnished by each Board Member/nominee.

Dollar Range of Equity Securities

 

Name of Board Member/Nominee

   Target
Fund
     Acquiring
Fund
   Family of
Investment
Companies(1)

Jack B. Evans

     None      None    Over $100,000

William C. Hunter

     None      None    Over $100,000

Albin F. Moschner

     None      None    Over $100,000

 

79


Name of Board Member/Nominee

   Target
Fund
     Acquiring
Fund
   Family of
Investment
Companies(1)

John K. Nelson

     None      None    Over $100,000

Judith M. Stockdale

     None      $50,001-$100,000    Over $100,000

Carole E. Stone

     None      None    Over $100,000

Terence J. Toth

     None      $50,001-$100,000    Over $100,000

Margaret L. Wolff

     None      None    Over $100,000

Robert L. Young

     None      None    Over $100,000

 

(1)

The amounts reflect the aggregate dollar range of equity securities of the number of shares beneficially owned by the Board Member/nominee of the Funds and in all Nuveen Funds overseen by each Board Member/nominee.

No Independent Board Member or his or her immediate family member owns beneficially or of record any security of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, the Funds’ sub-adviser (previously defined as “Nuveen Asset Management” or the “Sub-Adviser”), Nuveen or any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management or Nuveen.

As of September 1, 2020, Board Members and executive officers as a group beneficially owned approximately 1.08 million 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 October 14, 2020, each Board Member’s individual beneficial shareholdings of each Fund constituted less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of October 14, 2020, the Board Members and executive officers as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund. Information regarding beneficial owners of 5% or more of any class of shares of any Fund is provided under “General Information—Shareholders of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund.”

Compensation

Effective January 1, 2020, each Independent Board Member receives a $195,000 annual retainer, increased from $190,000 as of January 1, 2019, plus: (a) a fee of $6,750 per day, which was increased from $6,500 per day as of January 1, 2019, 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 $5,000 per meeting, which was increased from $2,500 per day as of January 1, 2019, 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; and (g) a fee of $500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at all other committee meetings ($1,000 for shareholder

 

80


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 $90,000, and 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 $15,000 each as 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 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. In certain instances fees and expenses will be allocated only to those Nuveen funds that are discussed at a given meeting. In certain circumstances, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board may hold in-person meetings by telephonic or videographic means and be compensated at the in-person rate.

The Funds do 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 Funds have no employees. The officers of the Funds and the Board Members of each Fund who are not Independent Board Members serve without any compensation from the Funds.

The table below shows, for each Independent Board Member, the aggregate compensation paid by each Fund to the Board Member/nominee for its last fiscal year.

 

81


Aggregate Compensation from the Fund(1)

 

Fund Name

  Jack B.
Evans
    William C.
Hunter
    Albin F.
Moschner
    John K.
Nelson
    Judith M.
Stockdale
    Carole E.
Stone
    Terence J.
Toth
    Margaret L.
Wolff
    Robert L.
Young
 

Target Fund

  $ 1,283     $ 1,346     $ 1,187     $ 1,350     $ 1,221     $ 1,241     $ 1,584     $ 1,161     $ 1,125  

Acquiring Fund

    17,541       18,263       16,222       18,333       16,922       17,993       21,462       16,656       15,741  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation from Nuveen Funds Paid to Board Members

  $ 400,437     $ 420,625     $ 376,050     $ 420,625     $ 388,232     $ 409,035     $ 490,225     $ 384,667     $ 363,189  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes deferred fees. Pursuant to a deferred compensation agreement with certain of the Funds, 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 Participating Funds (including the return from the assumed investment in the Participating Funds) payable are:

 

Fund Name

  Jack B.
Evans
    William C.
Hunter
    Albin F.
Moschner
    John K.
Nelson
    Judith M.
Stockdale
    Carole E.
Stone
    Terence J.
Toth
    Margaret L.
Wolff
    Robert L.
Young
 

Target Fund

  $ 122     $     $     $     $ 231     $ 600     $     $ 366     $ 1,125  

Acquiring Fund

    1,867                         3,279       9,333             5,823       15,741  

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 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 Funds’ business. With this overall framework in mind, when the Board, through its Nominating and Governance Committee discussed below, seeks nominees for the Board, the Board Members consider not only the 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

 

82


without any conflicts of interests arising from a position with Fund management. Accordingly, the Board Members have elected Terence J. Toth 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 Funds, 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 a 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 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 Terence J. Toth, Chair, Albin F. Moschner and Margaret L. Wolff. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Executive Committee did not meet.

Dividend Committee. The Dividend Committee is authorized to declare distributions on the Target Fund’s shares including, but not limited to, regular and special dividends, capital gains and ordinary income distributions. The members of the Dividend Committee are Robert L. Young, Chair, William C. Hunter, Albin F. Moschner and Margaret L. Wolff. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Dividend Committee met four times.

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee, in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the 1934 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. The Audit Committee assists the Board in: the oversight and monitoring of the accounting and reporting policies, processes and practices of the Funds, and the audits of the financial statements of the Funds; the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Funds; the Funds’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the Funds’ financial statements; the independent auditors’ qualifications, performance and independence; and the pricing procedures of the Funds and the internal valuation group of Nuveen. It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to select, evaluate and replace any independent auditors (subject only to Board and, if applicable, shareholder ratification) and to determine their compensation. The Audit Committee is also responsible for, among other things, overseeing the valuation of securities comprising the Funds’ portfolios. Subject to the Board’s general supervision of such actions, the Audit Committee addresses any valuation issues, oversees the Funds’ pricing procedures and actions taken by Nuveen’s internal valuation group which provides regular

 

83


reports to the Audit Committee, reviews any issues relating to the valuation of the Funds’ securities brought to its attention, and considers the risks to the Funds in assessing the possible resolutions of these matters. The Audit Committee may also consider any financial risk exposures for the Funds in conjunction with performing its functions.

To fulfill its oversight duties, the Audit Committee receives annual and semiannual reports and has regular meetings with the external auditors for the Funds 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 with legal and regulatory matters relating to the Funds’ financial statements. The Audit Committee operates under a written Audit Committee Charter (the “Charter”) adopted and approved by the Board, which Charter conforms to the listing standards of the NYSE. 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. The members of the Audit Committee are Carole E. Stone, Chair, Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, John K. Nelson and Judith M. Stockdale, each of whom is an Independent Board Member of the Funds. A copy of the Charter is available at https://www.nuveen.com/fund-governance. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, 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 Funds that are not otherwise under or within the jurisdiction of the other committees. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Funds’ compliance and risk matters. As part of its duties, the Compliance Committee: reviews the policies and procedures relating to compliance matters and recommends modifications thereto as necessary or appropriate to the full Board; develops new policies and procedures as new regulatory matters affecting the Funds 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 Funds in adopting a particular approach or resolution compared to the anticipated benefits to the Funds and their shareholders. In fulfilling its obligations, the Compliance Committee meets on a quarterly basis, and at least once a year in person. The Compliance Committee receives written and oral reports from the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) and meets privately with the CCO at each of its quarterly meetings. The CCO also provides an annual report to the full Board regarding the operations of the Funds’ and other service providers’ compliance programs as well as any recommendations for modifications thereto. The Compliance Committee also receives reports from the investment services group of Nuveen regarding various investment risks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the full Board also participates in discussions with management regarding certain matters relating to investment risk, such as the use of leverage and hedging. The investment services group therefore also reports to the full Board at its quarterly meetings regarding,

 

84


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. The members of the Compliance Committee are John K. Nelson, Chair, Albin F. Moschner, Terence J. Toth, Margaret L. Wolff and Robert L. Young. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Compliance Committee met five times.

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 Nominating and Governance 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 Nominating and Governance 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 Funds’ business.

In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee, among other things: makes recommendations concerning the continuing education of Board Members; monitors performance of legal counsel and other service providers; establishes and monitors a process by which security holders are able to communicate in writing with Board Members; and periodically reviews and makes recommendations about any appropriate changes to Board Member compensation. 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 William Siffermann, Manager of Fund Board Relations, Nuveen, 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 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

 

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collegial and collaborative manner toward other Board Members. The Nominating and Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Funds’ website at https://www.nuveen.com/fund-governance, and is composed entirely of Independent Board Members, who are also “independent” as defined by NYSE listing standards. The members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Terence J. Toth, Chair, Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, Albin F. Moschner, John K. Nelson, Judith M. Stockdale, Carole E. Stone, Margaret L. Wolff and Robert L. Young. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Nominating and Governance Committee met six 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 Closed-End Funds 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 Closed-End Funds Committee receives updates on the secondary closed-end fund market and evaluates the premiums and discounts of the Nuveen closed-end funds, including the Funds, at each quarterly meeting. The Closed-End Funds Committee, reviews, among other things, the premium and discount trends in the broader closed-end fund market, by asset category and by closed-end fund; the historical total return performance data for the Nuveen closed-end funds, including the Funds, based on net asset value and price over various periods; the volatility trends in the market; the use of leverage by the Nuveen closed-end funds, including the Funds; the distribution data of the Nuveen closed-end funds, including the Funds, and as compared to peer averages; and a summary of common share issuances, if any, and share repurchases, if any, during the applicable quarter. The Closed-End Funds Committee regularly engages in more in-depth discussions of premiums and discounts of the Nuveen closed-end funds. Additionally, the Closed-End Funds Committee members participate in in-depth workshops to explore, among other things, actions to address discounts of the Nuveen closed-end funds, potential share repurchases and available leverage strategies and their use. The Closed-End Funds Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board. The members of the Closed-End Funds Committee are Jack B. Evans, Chair, Carole E. Stone, Terence J. Toth, Margaret L. Wolff and Robert L. Young. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Closed-End Funds Committee met four times.

Board Member Attendance. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Target Fund’s Board held six regular meetings and nine special meetings.

During the last fiscal year, each Board Member attended 75% or more of the Target 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 shareholders of the Funds and the number of Board Members who attended the last annual meeting of shareholders of the Target Fund is posted on the Funds’ website at https://www.nuveen.com/fund-governance.

Board Diversification and Board Member Qualifications. In determining that a particular Board Member was qualified to serve on the Board, the Board considered 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

 

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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 document, 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.

Jack B. Evans

Mr. Evans has served as Chairman since 2019 and President (1996-2019) of The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation. 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 as well as a Director of Alliant Energy 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 American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery as a Public Member Director (since 2015), and is a Life Trustee of Coe College. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Coe College and an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa. Mr. Evans joined the Board in 1999.

William C. Hunter

Dr. Hunter became Dean Emeritus of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa in 2012, after having served as Dean of the College since July 2006. He had been 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. He has held faculty positions at Emory University, Atlanta University, the University of Georgia and Northwestern University. He has consulted with numerous foreign central banks and official agencies in Europe, Asia, Central America and South America. He has been a Director of Wellmark, Inc. since 2009. He is a past Director (2005-2015) and a past President (2010-2014) of Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society and a past Director (2004-2018) of the Xerox Corporation. Dr. Hunter joined the Board in 2004.

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

 

87


Executive Officer from 1995 to 1996, and as Director, President and Chief Operating Officer from 1994 to 1995. Mr. Moschner has been Chairman of the Board (since 2019) and a member of the Board of Directors (since 2012) 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 is emeritus (since 2018) of the Advisory Boards of the Kellogg School of Management (1995-2018) and the Archdiocese of Chicago Financial Council (2012-2018). 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 is currently on the Board of Directors of Core12, LLC. (since 2008), a private firm which develops branding, marketing, and communications strategies for clients. Mr. Nelson has extensive experience in global banking and markets, having 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, ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America. During his tenure at the bank, he also served as Global Head of its Financial Markets Division, which encompassed the bank’s Currency, Commodity, Fixed Income, Emerging Markets, and Derivatives businesses. 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. Mr. Nelson previously served as a senior, external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP (2012-2104). At Fordham University, he served as a director of The President’s Council (2010- 2019) and previously served as a director of The Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (2009-2018). He served as a trustee and Chairman of The Board of Trustees of Marian University (2011-2013). Mr. Nelson is a graduate of Fordham University and holds a BA in Economics (1984) and an MBA in Finance (1991). Mr. Nelson joined the Board in 2013.

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 Low Country of South Carolina. She is currently a board member of the Land Trust Alliance (since 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, Forefront f/k/a Donors Forum and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. 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 recently retired from the Board of Directors of the Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (formerly, CBOE Holdings, Inc.) having served from 2010-2020. She previously served on the Boards of the Chicago Board Options Exchange and C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated. Ms. Stone retired from the New York State Division of the Budget in 2004, having served as its Director for nearly five

 

88


years and as Deputy Director from 1995 through 1999. 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.

Matthew Thornton III

Mr. Thornton has over 40 years of broad leadership and operating experience from his career with FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”), which, through its portfolio of companies, provides transportation, e-commerce and business services. In November 2019, Mr. Thornton retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FedEx Freight Corporation (FedEx Freight), a subsidiary of FedEx, where, from May 2018 until his retirement, he had been responsible for day-to-day operations, strategic guidance, modernization of freight operations and delivering innovative customer solutions. From September 2006 to May 2018, Mr. Thornton served as Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations at Federal Express Corporation (FedEx Express), a subsidiary of FedEx. Prior to September 2006, Mr. Thornton held a range of positions of increasing responsibility with FedEx, including various management positions. In addition, Mr. Thornton currently (since 2014) serves on the Board of Directors of The Sherwin-Williams Company, where he is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Formerly (2012-2018), he was a member of the Board of Directors of Safe Kids Worldwide®, a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood injuries. Mr. Thornton is a member (since 2014) of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the nation’s premier organization of global black senior executives. He is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Mr. Thornton has been recognized by Black Enterprise on its 2017 list of the Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America and by Ebony on its 2016 Power 100 list of the world’s most influential and inspiring African Americans. Mr. Thornton received a B.B.A. degree from the University of Memphis in 1980 and an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee in 2001. Mr. Thornton has been appointed to the Board effective November 16, 2020.

Terence J. Toth

Mr. Toth, the Board’s Independent Chair, was a Co-Founding Partner of Promus Capital (2008 to 2017). From 2010 to 2019, he was a Director of Fulcrum IT Services, LLC and 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 Quality Control Corporation (since 2012) and Catalyst Schools of Chicago (since 2008). He 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,

 

89


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. From 2013 to November 2017, she was 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.). 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.

Robert L. Young

Mr. Young has more than 30 years of experience in the investment management industry. From 1997 to 2017, he held various positions with J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (“J.P. Morgan Investment”) and its affiliates (collectively, “J.P. Morgan”). Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of J.P. Morgan Investment (from 2010 to 2016) and as President and Principal Executive Officer of the J.P. Morgan Funds (from 2013 to 2016). As Chief Operating Officer of J.P. Morgan Investment, Mr. Young led service, administration and business platform support activities for J.P. Morgan’s domestic retail mutual fund and institutional commingled and separate account businesses, and co-led these activities for J.P. Morgan’s global retail and institutional investment management businesses. As President of the J.P. Morgan Funds, Mr. Young interacted with various service providers to these funds, facilitated the relationship between such funds and their boards, and was directly involved in establishing board agendas, addressing regulatory matters, and establishing policies and procedures. Before joining J.P. Morgan, Mr. Young, a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA), was a Senior Manager (Audit) with Deloitte & Touche LLP (formerly, Touche Ross LLP), where he was employed from 1985 to 1996. During his tenure there, he actively participated in creating, and ultimately led, the firm’s midwestern mutual fund practice. Mr. Young holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Dayton and, from 2008 to 2011, he served on the Investment Committee of its Board of Trustees. Mr. Young joined the Board in 2017.

Board Member Terms. Shareholders will be asked to elect Board Members as each Board Member’s term expires, and with respect to Board Members other than those elected by the holders of preferred shares only, such Board Members shall be elected for a term expiring at the time of the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders subsequent to their election or thereafter, in each case when their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. These provisions could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board.

 

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The Officers

The following table sets forth information with respect to each officer of the Funds. Officers receive no compensation from the Funds. 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)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years(3)

David J. Lamb

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1963

  Chief
Administrative
Officer
   Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service: since
2015

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President of Nuveen (2006-2017), Vice President prior to 2006; Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC.

Nathaniel T. Jones

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1979

  Vice President
and Treasurer
   Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2016

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017), formerly, Vice President (2011-2016) of Nuveen; Managing Director (since 2015) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst.

Walter M. Kelly

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1970

  Chief
Compliance
Officer and
Vice President
   Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2003

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2008-2017) of Nuveen.

Tina M. Lazar

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1961

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2002

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2014-2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC.

Brian J. Lockhart

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1974

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2019

   Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Vice President (2010-2017) of Nuveen; Head of Investment Oversight (since 2017), formerly, Team Leader of Manager Oversight (2015-2017).

Jacques M. Longerstaey

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

1963

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2019

   Senior Managing Director, Chief Risk Officer (since May 2019) of Nuveen; Senior Managing Director (since May 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; formerly, Chief Investment and Model Risk Officer, Wealth & Investment Management Division, Wells Fargo Bank (NA) (from 2013-2019).

 

91


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years(3)

Kevin J. McCarthy

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1966

  Vice President
and Assistant
Secretary
   Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2007

   Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary and General Counsel (since 2016) of Nuveen Investments, Inc., formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2008-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2008) of Nuveen Securities, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director (2008-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017), Secretary (since 2016) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017), Managing Director (2008-2016) and Assistant Secretary (2007-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017), Secretary (since 2016) and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2011- 2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017); Vice President (since 2007) and Secretary (since 2016), formerly, Assistant Secretary, of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC and Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Alternative Investments, LLC.

Jon Scott Meissner

TIAA

8500 Andrew

Carnegie Boulevard

Charlotte, NC 28262

1973

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2019

   Managing Director of Mutual Fund Tax and Financial Reporting (since 2017) of Nuveen; Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Senior Director (since 2016) of Teachers Advisors, LLC and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC; Senior Director, Mutual Fund Taxation (since 2015) of the TIAA-CREF Funds, the TIAA-CREF Life Funds, the TIAA Separate Account VA-1 and the CREF Accounts; has held various positions with TIAA since 2004.

 

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Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years(3)

William T. Meyers

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1966

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2018

   Senior Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2016-2017), Senior Vice President (2010-2016) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2016) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2016-2017), Senior Vice President (2010-2016) of Nuveen, has held various positions with Nuveen since 1991.

Deann D. Morgan

100 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10016

1969

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2020

   Executive Vice President, Global Head of Product of Nuveen (since November 2019); Co-Chief Executive Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since March 2020); Managing Member of MDR Collaboratory LLC (since 2018); Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management Product Structuring & COO Multi Asset Investing of The Blackstone Group (2013-2017).

Christopher M. Rohrbacher

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1971

  Vice President
and Assistant
Secretary
   Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2008

   Managing Director (since 2017) and Co-General Counsel (since 2019), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017) and Assistant Secretary (2016-2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director (since 2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2017) and Associate General Counsel (since 2016), formerly, Senior Vice President (2012-2017) and Assistant General Counsel (2008-2016) of Nuveen.

William A. Siffermann

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1975

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2017

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017) and Vice President (2011-2016) of Nuveen.

E. Scott Wickerham

TIAA

730 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

1973

  Vice President
and Controller
   Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2019

   Senior Managing Director, Head of Fund Administration of Nuveen (since 2019), formerly, Managing Director; Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (since 2017) to the TIAA-CREF Funds, the TIAA-CREF Life Funds, the TIAA Separate Account VA-1 and the Treasurer (since 2017) to the CREF Accounts; Senior Director, TIAA-CREF Fund Administration (2014-2015); has held various positions with TIAA since 2006.

 

93


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years(3)

Mark L. Winget

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1968

  Vice President
and Assistant
Secretary
   Term: Annual

 

Length of
Service:
Since 2008

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2008) and Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2019); Vice President (since 2010) and Associate General Counsel (since 2016), formerly, Assistant General Counsel (2008-2016) of Nuveen.

Gifford R. Zimmerman

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 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); Vice President (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2003-2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2003) of Symphony Asset Management LLC; Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (since 2002) of Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (since 2006) and of Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010); Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

(1)

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 Fund complex.

(2)

Length of Time Served indicates the year the individual became an officer of a fund in the Nuveen Fund complex.

(3)

Information as of September 1, 2020.

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee of each 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 Fund’s 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. The Audit Committee is currently composed of five Independent Board Members and operates under a written charter adopted and approved by each

 

94


Board. Each Audit Committee member meets the independence and experience requirements, as applicable, of the NYSE, Section 10A of the 1934 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 by Statement on Auditing Standards (“SAS”) No. 114 (The Auditor’s Communication With Those Charged With Governance), which supersedes SAS No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees). 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.

The current members of the Audit Committee are:

Jack B. Evans

William C. Hunter

John K. Nelson

Carole E. Stone

Judith M. Stockdale

Audit and Related Fees

The following tables provide 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 the 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     Audit Related Fees     Tax Fees     All Other Fees  
    Fund(1)     Fund(2)     Adviser and
Adviser
Entities
    Fund(3)     Adviser and
Adviser
Entities
    Fund(4)     Adviser and
Adviser
Entities
 
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
 

Target Fund

  $ 28,590     $ 28,040     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

 

95


    Audit Fees     Audit Related Fees     Tax Fees     All Other Fees  
    Fund(1)     Fund(2)     Adviser and
Adviser
Entities
    Fund(3)     Adviser and
Adviser
Entities
    Fund(4)     Adviser and
Adviser
Entities
 
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
 

Acquiring Fund

  $ 24,610     $ 24,610     $ 38,500     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

 

(1)

“Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements and services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

(2)

“Audit Related Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These fees include offerings related to the Fund’s common shares and leverage.

(3)

“Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning. These fees include: all global withholding tax services; excise and state tax reviews; capital gain, tax equalization and taxable basis calculation performed by the principal accountant.

(4)

“All Other Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees.” These fees represent all “Agreed-Upon Procedures” engagements pertaining to the Fund’s use of leverage.

 

     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  
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2020
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
 

Target Fund

   $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $  
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2019
     Fiscal
Year
Ended
2018
 

Acquiring 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 her 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

 

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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.

Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of each Fund has appointed KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as independent registered public accounting firm to audit the books and records of the Fund for its current fiscal year. A representative of KPMG will be present at the Annual Meetings to make a statement, if such representative so desires, and to respond to shareholders’ questions. KPMG has informed each Fund that it has no direct or indirect material financial interest in the Funds, Nuveen, the Adviser or any other investment company sponsored by Nuveen.

 

97


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUIRING FUND

Annual Expenses Excluding the Costs of Leverage

Based on information provided by the Adviser, the Boards considered that it was expected that the annual operating expense ratio of the combined fund following the Reorganization, excluding leverage, would be lower than the annual operating expense ratio of the Target Fund. The operating expense ratios presented below reflect the Target Fund’s fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Acquiring Fund’s six-month semi-annual period ended April 30, 2020 (annualized) and the pro forma expenses for the six months ended April 30, 2020 (annualized), for the combined fund following the Reorganization, based on the assumptions set forth in the “Comparative Fee Table” at page 17.

 

     Target
Fund
    Acquiring
Fund
    Nuveen
AMT-Free
Quality Municipal
Income  Fund
Pro Forma
 

Operating Expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares)

      

Management Fees

     0.93     0.87     0.86

Other Expenses

     0.08     0.07     0.07
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

     1.01     0.94     0.93
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 Acquiring Fund and requires that notice of such limited liability be given in each obligation, contract or instrument made or issued by the Acquiring Fund or the trustees. The Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust further provides for indemnification out of the assets and property of the Acquiring Fund for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund or to convert the Acquiring 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 entitled to vote, voting as a single class, except as described below, to authorize (1) a conversion of the Acquiring Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company, (2) a merger or consolidation of the Acquiring Fund with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or a reorganization or recapitalization of the Acquiring Fund or a series or class of the Acquiring Fund, (3) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Acquiring Fund’s assets (other than in the regular course of the Acquiring Fund’s investment activities), (4) in certain circumstances, a termination of the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund’s outstanding common shares and preferred shares entitled to vote, voting as a single class, is required;

 

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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. For the purposes of the foregoing, the term “recapitalization” will not mean, without limitation, the issuance or redemption of preferred shares pursuant to the terms of the declaration of trust or the applicable Statement adopted with respect to such preferred shares, whether or not in conjunction with the issuance, retirement or redemption of other securities or indebtedness of the Acquiring Fund. However, approval of shareholders is not required for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise, whereby the Acquiring 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 entitled to vote, 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 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 Acquiring Fund’s trustees individually, but only upon the assets and property of the Acquiring Fund, and that the trustees will not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. However, nothing in the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust 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. Holders of preferred shares, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect two of the Acquiring Fund’s trustees.

The by-laws of each Fund provide that a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of common shares in a “Control Share Acquisition” shall have the same voting rights as other common shares only to the extent authorized by shareholders. Such authorization shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the shares of the Fund entitled to vote in the election of trustees excluding Interested Shares. Interested Shares include shares held by Fund officers and any person who has acquired common shares in a Control Share Acquisition (the “Control Share Provisions”). The by-laws define a “Control Share Acquisition,” subject to various conditions and exceptions, generally to mean an acquisition of common shares that would give the beneficial owner, upon the acquisition of such shares, the ability to exercise voting power, but for the Control Share Provisions, in the election of trustees in any one of the following ranges: (i) one-tenth or more, but less than one-fifth of all voting power; (ii) one-fifth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power;

 

99


(iii) one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or (iv) a majority or more of all voting power. For this purpose, all common shares acquired by a person within ninety days before or after the date on which such person acquires shares that result in a Control Share Acquisition, and all common shares acquired by such person pursuant to a plan to make a Control Share Acquisition, shall be deemed to have been acquired in the same Control Share Acquisition. Subject to various conditions and procedural requirements, including the delivery of a “Control Share Acquisition Statement” to the Fund setting forth certain required information, a shareholder who obtains or proposes to obtain beneficial ownership of common shares in a Control Share Acquisition generally may request a vote of shareholders to approve the authorization of voting rights of such shareholder with respect to such shares.

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 Acquiring 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. However, they provide 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 Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund.

The Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust provides that common shareholders will have no right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any shares or securities of the Acquiring Fund, other than such right, if any, as the Acquiring Fund’s Board in its discretion may determine.

Reference should be made to the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust and by-laws 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.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time when the Acquiring Fund’s preferred shares are outstanding, the Acquiring Fund may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its common

 

100


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, including MFP Shares, VRDP Shares and AMTP Shares.

If the Acquiring Fund converted to an open-end investment company, it would be required to redeem all its preferred shares, including MFP Shares, VRDP Shares and AMTP Shares, then outstanding (requiring in turn that it liquidate a portion of its investment portfolio), 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 will 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.

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund MFP Shares

The Acquiring Fund’s outstanding MFP Shares, which will remain outstanding following the completion of the Reorganization are as follows:

 

Series

   Shares
Outstanding
     Par
Value
Per
Share
     Liquidation
Preference
Per Share
     Original
Issue Date
   Term
Redemption
Date

Series A MFP Shares

     1,850      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      February 2018    February 3, 2048

Series B MFP Shares

     3,350      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      March 2018    March 2, 2028

Series C MFP Shares

     2,380      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      March 2018    March 2, 2028

Series D MFP Shares

     200,000      $ 0.01      $ 1,000      March 2019    March 1, 2029

The Series A MFP Shares, the Series B MFP Shares and the Series C MFP Shares were issued to qualified institutional buyers through private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act. The Series D MFP Shares were issued in a public offering registered under the Securities Act.

The Series A MFP Shares and the Series B MFP Shares are in the “Variable Rate Mode—Adjustable Rate” (the “VR Mode”), in which the dividend is currently a variable rate determined by reference to an index rate plus an applicable spread. So long as the MFP Shares of a series are in the VR Mode, the Acquiring Fund and the beneficial owner or owners of the MFP Shares of the applicable series may agree from time to time to adjust the dividend rate and other economic terms.

 

101


The Series C MFP Shares are in the Variable Rate Demand Mode (the “VRD Mode”) in which the adjustable dividend rate is set weekly by a remarketing agent. Holders of the outstanding Series C MFP Shares have the right to give notice on any business day to tender the securities for remarketing in seven days. The outstanding Series C MFP Shares are also subject to a mandatory tender for remarketing upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the non-payment of dividends by the Acquiring Fund. Should a remarketing be unsuccessful, the dividend rate will reset to a maximum rate as defined in the governing documents of the Series C MFP Shares.

The Series C MFP Shares have the benefit of an unconditional demand feature pursuant to a purchase agreement provided by a bank acting as liquidity provider to ensure full and timely repayment of the liquidation preference amount plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to holders upon the occurrence of certain events. The agreement for the Series C MFP Shares requires the liquidity provider to purchase from holders all outstanding Series C MFP Shares tendered for sale that were not successfully remarketed. The liquidity provider also must purchase all outstanding Series C MFP Shares prior to termination of the purchase agreement, including by reason of the failure of the liquidity provider to maintain the requisite level of short-term ratings, if the Acquiring Fund has not obtained an alternate purchase agreement before the termination date.

The obligation of the liquidity provider for the Series C MFP Shares to purchase the outstanding Series C MFP Shares pursuant to the purchase agreement for such series runs to the benefit of the holders of the outstanding Series C MFP Shares and is unconditional and irrevocable, and as such the short-term rating assigned to the outstanding Series C MFP Shares is directly linked to the short-term creditworthiness of the associated liquidity provider. The liquidity provider for the Series C MFP Shares entered into a purchase agreement with respect to the outstanding Series C MFP Shares, subject to periodic extension by agreement with the Acquiring Fund.

The Series D MFP Shares are in the “Variable Rate Remarketed Mode” (the “VRR Mode”), in which the dividend generally is a clearing rate determined each business day by a remarketing agent appointed by the Acquiring Fund. Beneficial owners of Series D MFP Shares generally may on any business day tender their Series D MFP Shares to the remarketing agent, which has agreed to use its best efforts to remarket in seven days any tendered Series D MFP Shares. In the event of a failed remarketing, the dividend rate will step up, and the Acquiring Fund will redeem all outstanding Series D MFP Shares 365 days after the failed remarketing tender date, subject to a prior successful remarketing by the remarketing agent of all outstanding Series D MFP Shares or the successful transition by the Acquiring Fund of the Series D MFP Shares to a new mode.

The Acquiring Fund established the term of the VR Mode for the Series A MFP Shares and the Series B MFP Shares, the VRD Mode for the Series C MFP Shares and the VRR Mode for the Series D MFP Shares as ending on their respective Term Redemption Dates, subject to earlier redemption, repurchase or transition to a new mode by the Acquiring Fund. Under the statements establishing and fixing the rights and preferences of the outstanding MFP Shares, as supplemented (the “Statements”), the Acquiring Fund may terminate the VR Mode, VRD Mode or VRR Mode early and transition the applicable MFP Shares to a new mode (and, thereafter, until the term redemption date, subsequent new modes), during which many of the economic terms of the MFP Shares set forth in such Statements may be modified. Modified terms for a new mode may include provisions with respect to (but not limited to) optional tender provisions, mandatory tender provisions, a liquidity facility or other credit enhancement, mandatory purchase provisions, the dividend rate setting provisions (including as to any maximum rate), and, if the dividend may be determined by reference to an index, formula or other method, the manner in which it will be determined and redemption provisions.

 

102


Dividends

The holders of outstanding MFP Shares of each series are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor in accordance with the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust and applicable law, cumulative cash dividends at the dividend rate for the outstanding MFP Shares of such series payable on the dividend payment dates with respect to the outstanding MFP Shares of such series. Holders of outstanding MFP Shares are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of such cumulative dividends on the outstanding MFP Shares. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on outstanding MFP Shares which may be in arrears, and no additional sum of money will be payable in respect of such arrearage.

Redemption

The outstanding MFP Shares of each series are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The Acquiring Fund is obligated to redeem the outstanding MFP Shares on the Term Redemption Date set forth for each series in the table above, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Acquiring Fund, at a redemption price per share equal to the applicable liquidation preference per share ($100,000 or, in the case of Series D MFP Shares, $1,000) plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared). In the event the Acquiring Fund fails to comply with asset coverage and/or effective leverage ratio requirements, as applicable, and any such failure is not cured within the applicable cure period, the Acquiring Fund may become obligated to redeem such number of preferred shares as are necessary to achieve compliance with such requirements. In the case of Series A or B MFP Shares, the Acquiring Fund is obligated to redeem all of the outstanding MFP Shares of the applicable series, in the event a mode change is initiated and a failed transition to a new mode occurs, if such failure is not cured within the applicable cure period. In addition, as described above, the Acquiring Fund will be obligated to redeem all outstanding Series D MFP Shares 365 days after a failed remarketing tender date, subject to a prior successful remarketing by the remarketing agent of all outstanding Series D MFP Shares. Outstanding MFP Shares also may be redeemed in whole at any time or in part from time to time at the option of the Acquiring Fund at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared).

Voting and Consent Rights

Except as otherwise provided in the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust, the Statements, or as otherwise required by applicable law, (i) each holder of outstanding MFP Shares is entitled to one vote for each outstanding MFP Share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, and (ii) the holders of outstanding MFP Shares, along with holders of other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, vote with holders of common shares of the Acquiring Fund as a single class; provided, however, that holders of preferred shares, including outstanding MFP Shares, are entitled as a class to elect two trustees of the Acquiring Fund at all times. The holders of outstanding common shares and preferred shares, including outstanding MFP Shares, voting as a single class, elect the balance of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

Holders of outstanding MFP Shares of each series, as a separate class, have voting and consent rights with respect to certain actions that would materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of the outstanding MFP Shares or holders of outstanding MFP Shares of the applicable series. In addition, holders of outstanding Series A MFP Shares and Series B MFP Shares have certain consent

 

103


rights under the purchase agreement for the outstanding MFP Shares of the applicable series with respect to certain actions that would affect their investment in the Acquiring Fund. Holders of outstanding MFP Shares also are entitled to vote as a class with holders of other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund on matters that relate to the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company, certain plans of reorganization adversely affecting holders of the preferred shares or any other action requiring a vote of security holders of the Acquiring Fund under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. In certain circumstances, holders of preferred shares, including outstanding MFP Shares, are entitled to elect additional trustees in the event dividends are due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited for their payment, or at any time holders of preferred shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

Priority of Payment

The outstanding MFP Shares are senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The outstanding MFP Shares of each series have equal priority as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund with the other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including the other series of outstanding MFP Shares, the outstanding VRDP Shares and the AMTP Shares, including the New AMTP Shares.

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares

The Acquiring Fund’s outstanding VRDP Shares, each offered to qualified institutional buyers in private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act, which will remain outstanding following the completion of the Reorganization, are as follows:

 

Series

   Shares
Outstanding
     Par
Value
Per
Share
     Liquidation
Preference
Per Share
     Original
Issue Date
   Mandatory
Redemption Date

Series 1 VRDP Shares

     2,190      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      May 2013    June 1, 2040

Series 2 VRDP Shares

     1,309      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      May 2013    December 1, 2040

Series 3 VRDP Shares

     3,509      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      September 2016    March 1, 2040

Series 4 VRDP Shares

     4,895      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      September 2016    September 11, 2026

Series 5 VRDP Shares

     1,000      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      October 2016    October 1, 2046

Under the statements establishing and fixing the rights and preferences of the outstanding VRDP Shares (the “Statements”), the outstanding VRDP Shares of each series pay an adjustable dividend rate set weekly by a remarketing agent. Holders of the outstanding VRDP Shares of each series have the right to give notice on any business day to tender the securities for remarketing in seven days. The outstanding VRDP Shares of each series are also subject to a mandatory tender for remarketing upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the non-payment of dividends by the Acquiring Fund. Should a remarketing be unsuccessful, the dividend rate will reset to a maximum rate as defined in the governing documents of the outstanding VRDP Shares of the applicable series.

The outstanding VRDP Shares of each series have the benefit of an unconditional demand feature pursuant to a purchase agreement provided by a bank acting as liquidity provider to ensure full and timely repayment of the liquidation preference amount plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to holders upon the occurrence of certain events. The agreement for the outstanding VRDP Shares of

 

104


each series requires the applicable liquidity provider to purchase from holders all outstanding VRDP Shares of such series tendered for sale that were not successfully remarketed. The liquidity provider also must purchase all outstanding VRDP Shares of the applicable series prior to termination of the purchase agreement for such series, including by reason of the failure of the liquidity provider to maintain the requisite level of short-term ratings, if the Acquiring Fund has not obtained an alternate purchase agreement before the termination date.

The obligation of the liquidity provider for the outstanding VRDP Shares of each series to purchase the outstanding VRDP Shares of such series pursuant to the purchase agreement for such series runs to the benefit of the holders of the outstanding VRDP Shares of such series and is unconditional and irrevocable, and as such the short-term ratings assigned to the outstanding VRDP Shares of each series are directly linked to the short-term creditworthiness of the associated liquidity provider. The liquidity provider for the outstanding VRDP Shares of each series entered into a purchase agreement with respect to the outstanding VRDP Shares of such series, subject to periodic extension by agreement with the Acquiring Fund.

Dividends

The holders of outstanding VRDP Shares of each series are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor in accordance with the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust and applicable law, cumulative cash dividends at the dividend rate for the outstanding VRDP Shares of such series payable on the dividend payment dates with respect to the outstanding VRDP Shares of such series. Holders of outstanding VRDP Shares are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of such cumulative dividends on the outstanding VRDP Shares. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on outstanding VRDP Shares which may be in arrears, and no additional sum of money will be payable in respect of such arrearage. The amount of dividends per outstanding VRDP Share payable on any dividend payment date will equal the sum of dividends accumulated but not yet paid for each dividend reset period during the relevant monthly dividend period.

Redemption

The outstanding VRDP Shares of each series are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The Acquiring Fund is obligated to redeem the outstanding VRDP Shares on the Mandatory Redemption Date set forth for each series in the table above, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Acquiring Fund, at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share ($100,000) plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared). Pursuant to the Statement for the outstanding VRDP Shares of each series and the fee agreement with the liquidity provider for such series, the Acquiring Fund will have an obligation to redeem, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared) until, but excluding, the date fixed by the Board for redemption, shares of such series purchased by the liquidity provider pursuant to its obligations under the purchase agreement if the liquidity provider continues to be the beneficial owner for a period of six months and such shares cannot be successfully remarketed. The Acquiring Fund also will redeem, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation preference per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared) until, but excluding, the date fixed by the Board for redemption, such number of preferred shares as is necessary to achieve compliance, if the Acquiring Fund fails to

 

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maintain the minimum VRDP asset coverage required under the 1940 Act and the Acquiring Fund’s agreement with the liquidity provider for the outstanding VRDP Shares of the applicable series, and such failure is not cured by the applicable cure date. Outstanding VRDP Shares also may be redeemed in whole at any time or in part from time to time at the option of the Acquiring Fund at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared).

Voting Rights

Except as otherwise provided in the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust, the Statements, or as otherwise required by applicable law, (i) each holder of outstanding VRDP Shares is entitled to one vote for each outstanding VRDP Share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, and (ii) the holders of outstanding VRDP Shares, along with holders of other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, vote with holders of common shares of the Acquiring Fund as a single class; provided, however, that holders of preferred shares, including outstanding VRDP Shares, are entitled as a class to elect two trustees of the Acquiring Fund at all times. The holders of outstanding common shares and preferred shares, including outstanding VRDP Shares, voting as a single class, elect the balance of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

Holders of outstanding VRDP Shares of each series, as a separate class, have voting and consent rights with respect to certain actions that would materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of the outstanding VRDP Shares or holders of outstanding VRDP Shares of the applicable series. Holders of outstanding VRDP Shares also are entitled to vote as a class with holders of other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund on matters that relate to the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company, certain plans of reorganization adversely affecting holders of the preferred shares or any other action requiring a vote of security holders of the Acquiring Fund under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. In certain circumstances, holders of preferred shares, including outstanding VRDP Shares, are entitled to elect additional trustees in the event at least two full years’ dividends are due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited for their payment, or at any time holders of preferred shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

Priority of Payment

The outstanding VRDP Shares are senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The outstanding VRDP Shares have equal priority as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund with the other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including the outstanding MFP Shares, the other series of outstanding VRDP Shares and AMTP Shares, including the New AMTP Shares.

 

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Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares

The Outstanding AMTP Shares, offered to qualified institutional buyers in a private transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act, which will remain outstanding following the completion of the Reorganization, are as follows:

 

Series

   Shares
Outstanding
     Par
Value
Per
Share
     Liquidation
Preference
Per Share
     Private
Offering Time
   Mandatory
Redemption Date

Series 2028 AMTP Shares

     1,435      $ 0.01      $ 100,000      November 2018    December 1, 2028

Holders of Outstanding AMTP Shares are entitled to receive cash dividends when, as and if declared by the Acquiring Fund’s Board. The amount of dividends per Outstanding AMTP Share payable on any dividend payment date will equal the sum of dividends accumulated but not yet paid for each rate period during the relevant monthly dividend period. The dividend rate applicable to any rate period (which typically consists of seven days) is an index rate based on the SIFMA Municipal Swap Index plus an applicable spread. The applicable spread is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including a change in the credit rating assigned to the Outstanding AMTP Shares.

The Outstanding AMTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The Acquiring Fund is obligated to redeem the Outstanding AMTP Shares on the dates listed above, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Acquiring Fund, at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share ($100,000) plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon. The Outstanding AMTP Shares also may be redeemed in whole or in part at the option of the Acquiring Fund at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon. In the event the Acquiring Fund fails to comply with asset coverage and/or effective leverage ratio requirements and any such failure is not cured within the applicable cure period, the Acquiring Fund may become obligated to redeem such number of preferred shares as are necessary to achieve compliance with such requirements.

Voting and Consent Rights

Except as otherwise provided in the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust or the Statement for the Outstanding AMTP Shares or as otherwise required by applicable law, (1) each holder of Outstanding AMTP Shares is entitled to one vote for each Outstanding AMTP Share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, and (2) the holders of Outstanding AMTP Shares, along with holders of other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, vote with holders of common shares of the Acquiring Fund as a single class; provided, however, that holders of preferred shares, including Outstanding AMTP Shares, are entitled as a class to elect two trustees of the Acquiring Fund at all times. The holders of outstanding common shares and preferred shares, including Outstanding AMTP Shares, voting as a single class, elect the balance of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

With respect to certain actions that would materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of the Outstanding AMTP Shares or holders of Outstanding AMTP Shares, holders of Outstanding AMTP Shares vote separately. In addition, holders of Outstanding AMTP Shares have certain consent rights under the purchase agreement for the Outstanding AMTP Shares with respect to certain actions that would affect their investment in the Acquiring Fund. Holders of Outstanding AMTP Shares also are entitled to vote as a class with holders of other preferred shares of the Acquiring

 

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Fund on matters that relate to the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company, certain plans of reorganization adversely affecting holders of the preferred shares or any other action requiring a vote of security holders of the Acquiring Fund under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. Holders of preferred shares, including Outstanding AMTP Shares, are entitled to elect additional trustees constituting, when added to the two trustees elected exclusively by the holders of preferred shares, a majority of the trustees, in the event at least two full years’ dividends are due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited for their payment, or at any time holders of preferred shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

Priority of Payment

The Outstanding AMTP Shares are senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The Outstanding AMTP Shares have equal priority as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund with other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including the outstanding VRDP Shares, the outstanding MFP Shares and the New AMTP Shares to be issued in connection with the Reorganization.

Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Redemption and Paying 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. With respect to each Fund’s common shares and Outstanding AMTP Shares, the transfer, shareholder services and dividend disbursing agent and redemption and paying agent is Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021 (“Computershare”). Computershare will serve in such capacity with respect to the Acquiring Fund’s New AMTP Shares issued in the Reorganization. The Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286 acts as the tender agent, transfer agent and registrar, dividend disbursing agent and paying agent, calculation agent and redemption price disbursing agent with respect to the Acquiring Fund’s MFP Shares and VRDP Shares.

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, foreign, 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 occurs) as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of 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. The Acquiring Fund invests primarily in municipal securities. Thus, substantially all of the Acquiring Fund’s dividends paid to you should qualify as “exempt-interest dividends.” A shareholder treats an exempt-interest dividend as interest on state and local bonds exempt from regular federal income tax. Federal income tax law imposes an alternative

 

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minimum tax with respect to individuals, trusts and estates. Interest on certain municipal obligations, such as certain private activity bonds, is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund receives income from such municipal obligations, a portion of the dividends paid by the Acquiring Fund, although exempt from regular federal income tax, will be taxable to shareholders to the extent that their tax liability is determined under the federal alternative minimum tax. Pursuant to its non-fundamental investment policy adopted on February 4, 2016, the Acquiring Fund does not intend to acquire securities whose income is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. The Acquiring Fund will annually provide a report indicating the percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s income attributable to municipal obligations subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, if any.

Future legislation could limit the exclusion from gross income of tax-exempt interest (which includes exempt-interest dividends received from the Acquiring Fund). Such legislation could affect the value of the municipal securities owned by the Acquiring Fund. The likelihood of such legislation being enacted cannot be predicted. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the potential consequences of future legislation on their investment in the Acquiring Fund.

In addition to exempt-interest dividends, the Acquiring Fund may also distribute to its shareholders amounts that are treated as long-term capital gain or ordinary income (which may include short-term capital gains). These distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending on a shareholder’s situation. If so, they are taxable whether or not such distributions are reinvested. Distributions of net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) 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 are currently taxable to noncorporate shareholders 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. The Acquiring Fund does not expect that any part of its distributions to shareholders from its investments will qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders or as “qualified dividend income” to noncorporate shareholders.

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 gains. If the Acquiring Fund retains any net capital gains 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 gains, 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, (1) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their share of such undistributed amount; (2) 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 (3) 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 (2) of the preceding sentence.

The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) currently requires that a RIC that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as

 

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exempt interest, ordinary income and capital gains). Accordingly, the Acquiring Fund reports dividends made with respect to common shares and preferred shares as consisting of particular types of income (e.g., exempt interest, net capital gains and ordinary income) in accordance with each class’ proportionate share of the total dividends paid by the Acquiring Fund with respect to the year.

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.

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 even though the increase in value in such shares is attributable to tax-exempt interest income. The gain or loss on shares held for one year or less will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Current federal income tax law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the same rates applicable to ordinary income. However, for noncorporate taxpayers, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%, while short-term capital gains are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax may also apply to certain individual, estate or 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 disallowed to the extent of any distribution of exempt-interest dividends received with respect to such shares, unless the shares are of a RIC that declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. Any remaining loss on the sale or disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net capital gains 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.

Any interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the Acquiring Fund’s shares to which exempt-interest dividends are allocated is not deductible. Under certain applicable rules, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly used for the purchase or ownership of the shares. In addition, if you receive Social Security or certain railroad retirement benefits, you may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of such benefits as a result of receiving investment income, including exempt-interest dividends and other distributions paid by the Acquiring Fund.

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

 

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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) and its net tax-exempt income, including such income it is required to accrue, to qualify as a RIC and (with respect to its ordinary income and capital gain) 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 may hold or acquire municipal obligations 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.

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.

The Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 24% from all distributions (including exempt-interest dividends) 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.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) generally requires 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.

Pursuant to recently proposed regulations, the Treasury Department has indicated its intent to eliminate the requirements under FATCA of withholding on gross proceeds from the sale, exchange, maturity or other disposition of relevant financial instruments (including redemption of stock). The Treasury Department has indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization.

With respect to the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund issued in the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund will receive an opinion from special tax counsel that the preferred shares will constitute equity of the Acquiring Fund, and the foregoing discussion and the tax opinion received by

 

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the Funds regarding certain aspects of the Reorganization, including that the Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Code, relies on the position that the preferred shares will constitute equity of the Acquiring Fund. Accordingly, distributions with respect to the preferred shares (other than distributions in redemption of preferred shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of the Acquiring Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes and to the extent allocable to such distribution. Because the treatment of a corporate security as debt or equity is determined on the basis of the facts and circumstances of each case, and no controlling precedent exists for the preferred shares issued in the Reorganization, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not question special tax counsel’s opinion and the Acquiring Fund’s treatment of the preferred shares as equity. If the IRS were to succeed in such a challenge, holders of preferred shares could be characterized as receiving taxable interest income rather than exempt-interest or other dividends, possibly requiring them to file amended income tax returns and retroactively to recognize additional amounts of ordinary income and pay additional tax, interest and penalties.

Net Asset Value

The Acquiring Fund’s net asset value per common share is determined as of the close of 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 Acquiring Fund’s total assets, including interest or dividends accrued but not yet collected, less all liabilities, and dividing by the total number of common 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, Nuveen Asset Management.

In determining net asset value, securities and other assets for which market quotations are available are valued daily at market value and expenses are accrued and applied daily. The prices of fixed income securities are provided by a pricing service and are based on the mean between the bid and asked price. When price quotes are not readily available, which is typically the case for municipal bonds, the pricing service establishes a security’s fair value based on various factors, including prices of comparable fixed income securities utilizing a matrix pricing system. Due to the subjective and variable nature of fair value pricing, it is possible that the fair value determined for a particular security may be different from the value realized upon the sale of the security.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Board or its delegate at fair value. These securities generally include but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities that may not be publicly sold without registration under the 1933 Act) 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 net asset value; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value.” As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it upon its current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

 

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Legal Opinions

Certain legal matters in connection with the issuance of common shares and New AMTP 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 Reports for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 and February 29, 2020, respectively, are incorporated by reference herein. The Acquiring Fund’s financial statements as of and for the 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 fiscal years have been audited by KPMG, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon. The Target Fund’s financial statements as of and for the 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 fiscal years have been audited by KPMG, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such reports 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.

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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 as of September 8, 2020.

 

(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       278,590,267

Preferred shares

   Unlimited      

1,850 (Series A MFP)

3,350 (Series B MFP)

2,380 (Series C MFP)

200,000 (Series D MFP)

2,190 (Series 1 VRDP)

1,309 (Series 2 VRDP)

3,509 (Series 3 VRDP)

4,895 (Series 4 VRDP)

1,000 (Series 5 VRDP)

1,435 (Series 2028 AMTP)

Target Fund

        

Common shares

   Unlimited       20,226,887

Preferred shares

   Unlimited       1,730 (Series 2028 AMTP)

The common shares of the Acquiring Fund and Target Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbols NEA and NUM, respectively. Upon the closing of the Reorganization, it is expected that the common shares of the Acquiring Fund will continue to be listed on the NYSE. None of the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund and Target Fund are currently listed on any exchange.

Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund

As of September 30, 2020, the members of the Board and officers of each Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the total outstanding common shares and less than 1% of the total outstanding preferred shares of each Fund.

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 on or before September 30, 2020. The estimated pro forma information presented is calculated assuming that outstanding common and preferred shares were as of September 8, 2020 for each Fund.

 

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                     Estimated Pro Forma  

Fund and Class

 

Shareholder
Name and Address

  Number of
Shares
Owned
    Percentage
Owned
    Corresponding
Class of
Combined
Fund
    All
Preferred
Shares of
Combined
Fund
 

Acquiring Fund—

         

Series 2028 AMTP Shares

  Bank of America Preferred Funding Corporation 214 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255     1,435       100.00     100.00     1.47

Series A MFP Shares

  Bank of America Preferred Funding Corporation 214 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255     1,850       100.00     100.00     1.47

Series B MFP Shares

  Wells Fargo Bank, National Association 301 South Tryon Street, 11th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202     3,350       100.00     100.00     2.27

Target Fund—

         

Common Shares

  Saba Capital Management, L.P., Saba Capital Management GP, LLC and Boaz R. Weinstein, 405 Lexington Avenue 58th Floor, New York, New York 10174     1,158,240       5.70     0.40     N/A  

Series 2028 AMTP Shares

  Wells Fargo Bank, National Association 301 South Tryon Street, 11th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202-6000     1,730       100.00     100.00     2.27

As of September 30, 2020, the Target Fund is not aware of any shareholders holding more than 5% of its common shares. Neither Fund is aware of any person who, as of September 30, 2020, “controls” (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, a person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund is presumed to control the fund.

The Acquiring Fund Series C MFP Shares and the VRDP Shares of each series are designed to be eligible for purchase by money market funds and other short duration investors. Information with respect to aggregate holdings of these Series C MFP Shares and VRDP Shares associated with fund complexes identified by the remarketing agents as holding greater than 5% of the outstanding Series C MFP Shares and VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund, including the number of Series C MFP Shares or VRDP Shares associated with the fund complex and percentage of total outstanding, is as follows: Series C: [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)); Series 1: [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)); Series 2: [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)); Series 3: [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)); Series 4: [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●]shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●] shares [●]%)); Series 5: [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●]shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)), [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)).

 

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Information with respect to aggregate holdings of Series D MFP Shares associated with institutional investors identified by the remarketing agent as holding greater than 5% of the outstanding Series D MFP Shares of the Acquiring Fund, including the number of MFP Shares associated with the institutional investor and percentage of total outstanding, is as follows: [●] ([●] shares ([●]%)).

Expenses of Proxy Solicitation

Preferred shareholders will not bear any costs of the Reorganization. The cost of preparing, printing and mailing the enclosed proxy, accompanying notice and proxy statement and all other costs in connection with the solicitation of proxies will be borne indirectly by common shareholders of the Target Fund. Additional solicitation may be made by letter or telephone by officers or employees of Nuveen or Computershare Fund Services, or by dealers and their representatives.

The costs of the Reorganization are estimated to be $650,000. These costs represent the estimated nonrecurring expenses of the Funds in carrying out their obligations under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and consist of management’s estimate of professional service fees, printing costs and mailing charges related to the proposed Reorganization. The Reorganization costs will be allocated between the Funds based on projected benefits following the Reorganization, based on impact on common share net earnings. The Target Fund is expected to be allocated $590,000 and the Acquiring Fund is expected to be allocated $60,000 of the Reorganization costs. If the Reorganization is not consummated for any reason, including because the requisite shareholder approvals are not obtained, the Funds, and common shareholders of the Funds indirectly, will still bear the costs of the Reorganization.

The Funds have engaged Computershare Fund Services to assist in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated aggregate cost of $7,500 per Fund plus reasonable expenses, which is included in the foregoing estimate.

Shareholder Proposals

The Acquiring Fund expects to hold its 2021 annual meeting of shareholders in August 2021. To be considered for presentation at the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, a shareholder proposal (including the nomination of an individual for election as a Board Member) submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must have been received at the offices of the Fund, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, not later than March 2, 2021. A shareholder wishing to provide notice in the manner prescribed by Rule 14a-4(c)(1) under the Exchange Act of a proposal (including the nomination of an individual for election as a Board Member) submitted outside of the process of Rule 14a-8 must, pursuant to the Acquiring Fund’s by-laws, submit such written notice to the Acquiring Fund no earlier than April 1, 2021 and no later than April 16, 2021. Timely submission of a proposal does not mean that such proposal will be included in a proxy statement.

If Proposal No. 1 is approved at the Target Fund’s Meeting and the Reorganization is consummated, the Target Fund will cease to exist and will not hold its 2021 annual meeting. If the Reorganization is not approved or is not consummated, the Target Fund will hold its 2021 annual meeting of shareholders, expected to be held in November 2021.

To be considered for presentation at the Target Fund’s Meeting, a shareholder proposal (including the nomination of an individual for election as a Board Member) submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must have been received at the offices of the Funds, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, not later than [●], 2020. A shareholder wishing to provide

 

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notice in the manner prescribed by Rule 14a-4(c)(1) under the Exchange Act of a proposal (including the nomination of an individual for election as a Board Member) submitted outside of the process of Rule 14a-8 must, pursuant to the Fund’s by-laws, submit such written notice to the Target Fund not later than [●], 2020 or prior to [●], 2020. Timely submission of a proposal does not mean that such proposal will be included in a proxy statement.

Proposals may be presented by shareholders only if advance notice is duly submitted in accordance with applicable law and the Fund’s governing documents, and the subject matter of such proposal is a matter upon which the proposing shareholder is entitled to vote. Each Fund’s by-laws require shareholders submitting advance notices of proposals of business or nominations for election as Board Members to provide the Fund with certain information and representations about the proponent shareholder and the nominees or business being proposed. A shareholder wishing to present a proposal of business or nomination is encouraged to carefully review the applicable Fund’s by-laws.

Copies of the by-laws of each Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund will also furnish, without charge, a copy of its by-laws to a shareholder upon request. Such requests should be directed to the appropriate Fund at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, or by calling 1-800-257-8787.

Shareholder Communications

Fund shareholders who want to communicate with the Board or any individual Board Member should write to the attention of William Siffermann, Manager of Fund Board Relations, Nuveen Investments, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The letter should indicate that you are a Fund shareholder and note the Fund or Funds that you own. 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.

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year end for the Acquiring Fund is October 31. The fiscal year end for the Target Fund is February 28/29.

Shareholder Report Delivery

Shareholder reports will be made available to shareholders of record of each Fund following each Fund’s fiscal year end. Each Fund will furnish, without charge, a copy of its annual report and/or semi-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 (800) 257-8787.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on December 7, 2020

The Proxy Statement/Prospectus is available at http://www.nuveenproxy.com/Closed-End-Fund-Proxy-Information/. For more information, shareholders may also contact the applicable 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 a Fund who share an address, unless the Fund has received instructions to the contrary.

 

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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 applicable Fund at the address and phone number set forth above.

Other Information

Management of the Funds does not intend to present and does not have reason to believe that others will present any items of business at the Meetings, except as described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. However, if other matters are properly presented at the meetings 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 each Fund entitled to be present and to vote at the Meetings will be available at the offices of the Funds, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, for inspection by any shareholder of the Funds during regular business hours for ten days prior to the date of the Meetings.

In the absence of a quorum for a particular matter, business may proceed on any other matter or matters that may properly come before the Meetings if there is present, in person (including virtually) or by proxy, a quorum of shareholders in respect of such other matters. The chair of the meeting may, whether or not a quorum is present, announce one or more adjournments with respect to one or more or all matters to be considered at the Annual Meetings on behalf of the Funds to a designated time and place. No notice of the adjournment need be given where the date, time and place of the meeting were announced at the time of the adjournment. Any meeting of shareholders may be postponed prior to the meeting by the trustees or by the officers of a Fund, and the announcement of such postponement may be made by press release or other means of public communication as permitted or required by applicable law. Any adjourned or postponed meeting may reconvene or convene as designated or announced, and when a quorum is present any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

By returning the enclosed form of proxy, you are authorizing the persons named on the proxy to vote in their discretion on any matter that properly comes before the Meeting.

Broker-dealer firms holding shares in “street name” for the benefit of their customers and clients are generally required to request the instruction of such customers and clients on how to vote their shares on the 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 Proposal No. 1 described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. A signed proxy card or other authorization by a beneficial owner of shares of a Fund that does not specify how the beneficial owner’s shares are to be voted on the 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 [·], 2020, between Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”) and Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund (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 newly issued Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“AMTP Shares”) of the Acquiring Fund, with a par value of $0.01 per share and liquidation preference of $100,000 per share (the “Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares” and together with the Acquiring Fund Common Shares, the “Acquiring Fund 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 and Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares received by the Target Fund to the holders of common shares and AMTP Shares of the Target Fund, respectively, 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 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 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 (A) the number of Acquiring Fund Common Shares computed in the manner set forth in Section 2.3, and (B) the same number of Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares as the number of AMTP Shares of the Target Fund outstanding immediately prior to the Closing (as defined in this Section 1.1) and

 

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having substantially similar terms as the AMTP Shares of the Target Fund as of the Closing, and (ii) to assume substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund, if any, as set forth in Section 1.3. The Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares to be issued to the Target Fund will consist of a separate series, as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, and the shares of such series will (i) have equal priority with each other and with any other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund; and (ii) have, along with any other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, preference with respect to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund over the common shares of the Acquiring Fund. Such transactions shall take place at the closing provided for in Section 3.1 (the “Closing”).

 

1.2    ASSETS TO BE TRANSFERRED. The Target Fund shall 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 shall retain assets sufficient to pay the preferred share dividends as set forth in Section 1.4, and the dividend(s) set forth in Section 8.5 shall be paid as set forth in such section.

 

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, as set forth in the Acquiring Fund’s Registration Statement (as defined in Section 5.7), 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 Date. 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, 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 that the preferred share dividends as set forth in Section 1.4 and the dividend(s) as set forth in Section 8.5 shall be paid as set forth in those sections. 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 shall not assume any liabilities with respect to the preferred share dividends as set forth in Section 1.4 and the dividend(s) set forth in Section 8.5.

 

1.4    DECLARATION OF PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS. Dividends shall accumulate on the existing AMTP Shares of the Target Fund up to and including the day immediately preceding the Closing Date and then cease to accumulate, and dividends on the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares will accumulate from and including the Closing Date. Prior to the Valuation Time (as defined in Section 2.1), the Target Fund will declare all accumulated but unpaid dividends on its AMTP Shares up to and including the day immediately preceding the Closing Date. With respect to the AMTP Shares of the Target Fund, such accumulated and unpaid dividends will be paid by the Target Fund on the dividend payment date in respect of the first dividend period of the Acquiring

 

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Fund AMTP Shares for which such AMTP Shares of the Target Fund were exchanged to the holders entitled thereto. The Target Fund will retain assets in an amount sufficient to pay the dividends declared by it pursuant to this Section 1.4, and such assets will not be transferred to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing.

 

1.5    LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION.

 

(a)    As soon as practicable after the Closing, the Target Fund will distribute in complete liquidation of the Target Fund, (i) pro rata to its common shareholders of record (the “Target Fund Common 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 to the Acquiring Fund Common Shares to holders of record as of a time after the Valuation Time and payable prior to such distribution (“Interim Dividends”)) and (ii) pro rata to its preferred shareholders of record (“Target Fund Preferred Shareholders” and, together with Target Fund Common Shareholders, the “Target Fund Shareholders”), as of the time of such distribution, all of the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares received by the Target Fund pursuant to Section 1.1. Such distributions will be accomplished by the transfer of the Acquiring Fund Shares then credited to the account of the 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 Common Shareholder, such shareholder’s pro rata share of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by the Target Fund and, in the case of a Target Fund Preferred Shareholder, representing such shareholder’s pro rata share of the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares received by the Target Fund, and by paying to Target Fund Common Shareholders any Interim Dividends. All of the issued and outstanding common and preferred 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 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.

 

(b)    On or promptly after the Closing Date, 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 1.8 below.

 

1.6    OWNERSHIP OF SHARES. Ownership of Acquiring Fund Shares will be shown on the books of the Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent.

 

1.7    TRANSFER TAXES. Any transfer taxes payable upon the issuance of Acquiring Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Target Fund’s common shares or preferred shares on the books of the Target Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred.

 

1.8    TERMINATION. The Target Fund will completely liquidate and be dissolved, terminated and have its affairs wound up in accordance with the Target Fund’s governing documents, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the federal securities laws promptly following the Closing and the payment of all dividends and distributions pursuant to, as applicable, Sections 1.4 and 1.5.

 

1.9    REPORTING. Any reporting responsibility of the Target Fund, including, without limitation, the responsibility for filing of regulatory reports, tax returns or other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) or other regulatory authority, 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 shall remain the responsibility of the Target Fund.

 

1.10    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 and will be turned over to the Acquiring Fund as soon as practicable following the Closing.

 

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ARTICLE II

 

VALUATION

 

2.1    VALUATION OF TARGET FUND 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 shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties. For purposes of this Section 2.1, the value of the Target Fund’s net assets will be calculated net of the liquidation preference (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of all outstanding preferred shares of the Target Fund.

 

2.2    VALUATION OF ACQUIRING FUND COMMON 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. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the value of the Acquiring Fund’s net assets will be calculated net of the liquidation preference (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of all outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund.

 

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 Common Shareholders as of such time. In the event there are fractional Acquiring Fund Common Shares due Target Fund Common 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 shares on the exchange on which such shares are listed for the account of all such Target Fund Common Shareholders, and each such Target Fund Common 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 Common 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 Common 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 shall 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. Subject to Sections 2.1 and 2.2 above, all computations of net asset value in this Article II shall 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.

 

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ARTICLE III

 

CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE

 

3.1    CLOSING DATE. The conditions precedent set forth in Articles VI-VIII herein must be satisfied or waived with respect to both Funds in order for the closing of the Reorganization to take place. The Closing shall occur on [·], 2021 or such other date as the parties may agree (the “Closing Date”). Unless otherwise provided, all acts taking place at the Closing shall 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.

 

3.2    CUSTODIAN’S CERTIFICATE. The Target Fund shall cause the 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.

 

3.3    CERTIFICATES OF TRANSFER AGENT.

 

(a)    With respect to its common shares and AMTP Shares, the Target Fund shall issue and deliver, or cause the transfer agent with respect to its common shares and AMTP 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 common shares and AMTP Shares of the Target Fund and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding common shares and AMTP Shares held by each such Target Fund Shareholder immediately prior to the Closing.

 

(b)    The Acquiring Fund shall issue and deliver, or cause the transfer agent with respect to the Acquiring Fund Common Shares and Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares to issue and deliver, to the Target Fund a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Shares to be credited at the Closing to the Target Fund or provide evidence satisfactory to the Target Fund that such Acquiring Fund 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 shall deliver to the other party such bills of sale, checks, assignments, assumptions of liability, share certificates, opinions, receipts and other documents or instruments, 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 to the Acquiring Fund 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, By-Laws, Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, as supplemented (“Target Fund AMTP Statement”), 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.

 

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(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.

 

(e)    No litigation, administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body presently 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 February 29, 2020 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 an independent registered public accounting firm, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Acquiring Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Target Fund as of February 29, 2020, and there are no known liabilities, contingent or otherwise, 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 liabilities of a material nature, contingent or otherwise, of the Target Fund that have arisen after such date. Before the Closing Date, the Target Fund will advise the Acquiring Fund of all material liabilities contingent or otherwise, incurred by it subsequent to February 29, 2020, whether or not incurred in the ordinary course of business. For the purposes of this subsection (g), a decline in the net asset value of the Target Fund shall 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 shall 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 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 Target Fund are duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Target Fund (recognizing that under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 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 preferred shares other than the Target Fund AMTP Shares; no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of the Target Fund; and 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. 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 shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall 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 Target Fund shareholders described in Section 5.2 and as of the Closing, 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)    No consent, approval, authorization, or order of any court, governmental authority, or any stock exchange on which shares of the Target Fund are listed is required for the consummation by the Target Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as have been or will be obtained.

 

(o)    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 Subchapter M of 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 and excluding any net capital gain on which the Target Fund paid tax under Section 852(b)(3)(A) of the Code) (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. The Target Fund has not taken any action, caused any action to be taken or caused any action to fail to be taken which action or failure could cause the Target Fund to fail to qualify as a RIC. Prior to the Closing, the Target Fund will have had no earnings and profits accumulated in any taxable year to which the provisions of Part I of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply to it.

 

4.2    REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to the Target Fund 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 shareholder approval and compliance with the other provisions hereof) will not result, in violation of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, any Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of MuniFund Preferred Shares, as supplemented and amended (“Acquiring Fund

 

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MFP Statement”), any Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares, as supplemented and amended (“Acquiring Fund VRDP Statement”), any Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, as supplemented and amended (“Acquiring Fund AMTP Statement”), 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.

 

(d)    No litigation, administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body presently 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 October 31, 2019 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 an independent registered public accounting firm, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Target Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquiring Fund as of October 31, 2019 and there are no known liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of the Acquiring Fund as of such date that are not disclosed in such statements.

 

(f)    The unaudited semi-annual financial statements of the Acquiring Fund as of April 30, 2020 and for the period then ended, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Target Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquiring Fund as of April 30, 2020 and there are no known liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities or business (other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business), and there are no known liabilities of a material nature, contingent or otherwise, of the Acquiring Fund arising after such date. For the purposes of this subsection (g), a decline in the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund shall not constitute a material adverse change.

 

(h)    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.

 

(i)    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 the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Acquiring Fund shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund). The Acquiring Fund has no outstanding preferred shares other than as set forth in the capitalization table in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined in Section 5.7); no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of the Acquiring Fund; and no outstanding securities convertible into shares of the Acquiring Fund.

 

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(j)    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.

 

(k)    The Acquiring Fund 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 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 the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Acquiring Fund shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund).

 

(l)    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 shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall 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 Acquiring Fund shareholders described in Section 5.2 and as of the Closing, 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.

 

(n)    No consent, approval, authorization, or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as have been or will be obtained.

 

(o)    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 taxable 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. The Acquiring Fund has not taken any action, caused any action to be taken or caused any action to fail to be taken which action or failure could cause the Acquiring Fund to fail to qualify as a RIC. Prior to the Closing, the Acquiring Fund will have had no earnings and profits accumulated in any taxable year to which the provisions of Part I of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply to it.

 

(p)    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 consummate the transactions hereunder.

 

ARTICLE V

 

COVENANTS OF THE FUNDS

 

5.1    OPERATION IN ORDINARY COURSE. Subject to Sections 1.2, 1.4 and 8.5, each Fund will operate its respective 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.

 

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5.2    APPROVAL OF SHAREHOLDERS. The Funds will call meetings of their respective shareholders to consider and act upon the proposals required to effect the provisions of this Agreement, as applicable, and to take all other appropriate actions necessary to obtain approval of the transactions contemplated herein.

 

5.3    INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION. The Target Fund covenants that the Acquiring Fund 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 shares.

 

5.5    FURTHER ACTION. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take or cause to be taken all actions, 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 Common Shareholders and related matters (the “Registration Statement”), and a proxy statement relating to the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares to be issued to holders of the Target Fund’s AMTP Shares (the “AMTP Proxy Statement”). The Registration Statement shall 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 “Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). The Registration Statement and AMTP Proxy Statement shall 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 Registration Statement, including the proxy statements and related materials (the “Proxy Materials”), for inclusion therein, in connection with the meetings of the Funds’ shareholders to consider the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

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 shall 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

 

CONDITIONS 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 conditions:

 

6.1    All representations, covenants and warranties of the Acquiring Fund contained in this Agreement shall 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 shall 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 shall reasonably request.

 

6.2    The Acquiring Fund shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all terms, conditions, covenants, obligations, agreements and restrictions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or at the Closing.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND

 

The obligations of the Acquiring Fund to consummate the transactions provided for herein shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall reasonably request.

 

7.2    The Target Fund shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all terms, conditions, covenants, obligations, agreements and restrictions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or at the Closing.

 

7.3    The Target Fund shall 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.

 

7.4    Prior to the Valuation Time, the Target Fund will have declared the dividends and/or distributions contemplated by Section 1.4 and Section 8.5.

 

7.5    The Target Fund shall have delivered such records, agreements, certificates, instruments and such other documents as the Acquiring Fund shall reasonably request.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

 

FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

The obligations of the Funds to consummate the transactions under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the following conditions:

 

8.1    This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding common and preferred shares of the Target Fund in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of the Target Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and Target Fund AMTP Statement. In addition, this Agreement, the issuance of Acquiring Fund Shares and the transactions contemplated herein, will have been approved by the requisite votes of the holders of the outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund in accordance with applicable law, the requirements of any applicable national securities exchange(s) and the provisions of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, each Acquiring Fund MFP Statement, each Acquiring Fund VRDP Statement and each Acquiring Fund AMTP Statement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the parties may not waive the condition set forth in this Section 8.1.

 

8.2    As of the Closing, the Commission shall 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 shall 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, including without limitation holders of preferred shares or liquidity providers with respect to preferred shares, or other actions necessary to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will have been obtained or made.

 

8.4    The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act, and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued. To the best knowledge of the parties to this Agreement, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the 1933 Act.

 

8.5    The Target Fund shall have declared, prior to the Valuation Time, a dividend or dividends with respect to its common shares that, together with all other dividends paid by the Target Fund with respect to all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date, shall 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 and excluding any net capital gain on which the Target Fund paid tax under Section 852(b)(3)(A) of the Code). Prior to Closing, the Target Fund shall establish an escrow account and set aside assets in the amount of such dividend or dividends in such escrow account to be held solely for the benefit of Target Fund Common Shareholders as of the record date for such dividend or dividends. The Target Fund shall not have any rights with respect to, or interest in, the assets held in the escrow account.

 

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8.6    The Target Fund shall have received (i) an opinion from Vedder Price P.C., special counsel to the Acquiring Fund, and (ii) an opinion from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, with respect to matters governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 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 under its Declaration of Trust and Massachusetts law applicable to business trusts to conduct its business as described in the definitive Joint 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 Shares will be issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund 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 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as filed with the 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 the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 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 the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

(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, and except as may be required under any Massachusetts securities law, statute, rule or regulation, about which such counsel expresses no opinion.

 

(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, By-Laws, any Acquiring Fund MFP Statement, any Acquiring Fund VRDP Statement or any Acquiring Fund AMTP Statement (assuming the requisite approval of the Acquiring Fund’s shareholders has been obtained in accordance with the requirements of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, and each Acquiring Fund MFP Statement, each Acquiring Fund VRDP Statement and each Acquiring Fund AMTP Statement).

 

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 shall have received (i) an opinion from Vedder Price P.C., special counsel to the Target Fund, and (ii) an opinion from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, with respect to matters governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 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 under its Declaration of Trust and Massachusetts law applicable to business trusts to conduct its business as described in the definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act.

 

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(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, and except as may be required under any Massachusetts securities law, statute, rule or regulation, about which such counsel expresses no opinion.

 

(d)    To the knowledge of such counsel, the Target Fund has the power under its Declaration of Trust as a Massachusetts business trust to transfer its assets as contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(e)    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, By-Laws or Target Fund AMTP Statement (assuming the requisite approval of the Target Fund’s shareholders has been obtained in accordance with the requirements of the Target Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and Target Fund AMTP Statement).

 

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.

 

8.8    The Funds shall 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 Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all the liabilities of the Target Fund, immediately followed by the distribution of all the Acquiring Fund 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 under applicable state law promptly 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 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 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 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 Shares, except to the extent the Target Fund Common Shareholders receive cash in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share.

 

(e)    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 Target Fund 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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(f)    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 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 limitation, any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code) as to which any 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. Insofar as the opinions expressed above relate to or are dependent upon the classification of the Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Vedder Price P.C. may rely on the opinion delivered to the Acquiring Fund by Stradley Ronan Stevens &Young, LLP with respect to such issue.

 

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 based on the projected relative benefits to each Fund during the first year following the Reorganization, and each Fund shall 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; (f) proxy solicitation costs; 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 a RIC under the Code.

 

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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.

 

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, President 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 shall 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 subject to the prior review of each Fund’s counsel and the authorization of 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 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 shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

A-16


13.2    This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

 

13.3    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

13.4    This Agreement shall 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 shall be made by either party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall 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 shall not be binding upon any of the trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of such Fund personally, but shall 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 shall bind only the property of such Fund, as provided in the 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 AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
By:    
Name:   Gifford R. Zimmerman
Title:   Vice President and Secretary
NUVEEN MICHIGAN QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
By:    
Name:   Gifford R. Zimmerman
Title:   Vice President and Secretary

 

[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (NEA-NUM Reorganization)]


EXHIBIT A

 

Target Fund


  

Target Fund Preferred

Shares Outstanding


  

Acquiring Fund Preferred

Shares to be Issued in the

Reorganization


Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund    AMTP Shares, Series 2028
$100,000 liquidation preference per share
Term Redemption Date: December 1, 2028
   AMTP Shares, Series 2028-1
$100,000 liquidation preference per share
Term Redemption Date: December 1, 2028

 

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 most recent 10 fiscal years for each Fund.

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 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 financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended February 28/29, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, including the financial highlights for the fiscal years then ended, have been audited by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), an independent registered public accounting firm. KPMG’s report, along with the Target Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Target 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 periods ended February 28, 2014 and prior was audited by other auditors. A copy of the Annual Report may be obtained from www.sec.gov or by visiting www.nuveen.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through the website is not part of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Past results are not indicative of future performance.

 

B-1


    Year Ended February 28/29,  
Per Share Operating Performance   2020     2019     2018     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  

Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value (“NAV”)

  $ 15.12     $ 14.96     $ 15.10     $ 15.93     $ 15.80     $ 14.98     $ 16.35     $ 15.95     $ 14.18     $ 14.79  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Operations:

                   

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    0.56       0.55       0.61       0.68       0.76       0.80       0.80       0.74       0.89       0.94  

Net Realized/ Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    1.21       0.07       (0.12     (0.73     0.15       0.88       (1.28     0.55       1.75       (0.69

Distributions from Net Investment Income to ARPS Shareholders(e)

    0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       (0.01     (0.03
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    1.77       0.62       0.49       (0.05     0.91       1.68       (0.48     1.29       2.63       0.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions:

                   

From Net Investment Income

    (0.53     (0.53     (0.63     (0.72     (0.78     (0.86     (0.89     (0.89     (0.86     (0.83

From Accumulated Net Realized Gains

    0.00       0.00       0.00       (0.06     0.00     0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (0.53     (0.53     (0.63     (0.78     (0.78     (0.86     (0.89     (0.89     (0.86     (0.83
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Share:

                   

Discount per Share Repurchased and Retired

    0.00       0.07       0.00     0.00       0.00     0.00       0.00     0.00       0.00     0.00

Ending NAV

  $ 16.36     $ 15.12     $ 14.96     $ 15.10     $ 15.93     $ 15.80     $ 14.98     $ 16.35     $ 15.95     $ 14.18  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Share Price

  $ 14.20     $ 12.99     $ 12.84     $ 13.50     $ 14.01     $ 13.85     $ 13.45     $ 15.62     $ 15.40     $ 12.75  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Returns:

                   

Based on NAV(a)

    11.92     4.75     3.19     (0.40 )%      5.97     11.45     (2.76 )%      8.27     19.11     1.39

Based on Share Price(a)

    13.59     5.54     (0.39 )%      1.74     7.15     9.48     (8.00 )%      7.30     28.44     4.69

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                   

Ending Net Assets (000)

  $ 331,004     $ 305,745     $ 310,917     $ 314,297     $ 331,466     $ 329,232     $ 312,180     $ 341,057     $ 184,270     $ 163,876  

Ratios to Average Net Assets(b)

                   

Expenses(c)

    2.29     2.46     2.07     1.88     1.52     1.57     1.95     1.84     1.56     1.18

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    3.56     3.67     3.98     4.34     4.85     5.14     5.32     5.09     5.97     6.37

Portfolio Turnover Rate(d)

    14     13     8     20     12     15     15     12     14     6

Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (AMTP) Shares at the End of Period:

                   

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 173,000     $ 173,000     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share

  $ 291,332     $ 276,731     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

Auction Rate Preferred Shares (ARPS) at the End of Period:

                   

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 87,325  

Asset Coverage Per $25,000 Share

  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 71,915  

MuniFund Term Preferred (MTP) Shares at the End of Period(f):

                   

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 16,313     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $10 Share

  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 31.57     $     $  

Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (VMTP) Shares at the End of Period:

                   

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $ 173,000     $ 173,000     $ 159,000     $ 159,000     $ 159,000     $ 141,800     $ 87,900     $  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share

  $     $     $ 279,721     $ 281,675     $ 308,469     $ 307,064     $ 296,340     $ 315,704     $ 309,636     $  

MTP and VMTP Shares at the End of Period:

                   

Asset Coverage Per $1 Liquidation Preference

  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 3.16     $     $  

 

(a)

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.

(b)

Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to preferred shares issued by the Fund.

 

B-2


(c)

The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to preferred shares and/or the interest expense deemed to have been paid by the Fund on the floating rate certificates issued by the special purpose trusts for the self-deposited inverse floaters held by the Fund, where applicable, as follows:

 

Year Ended 2/28-2/29:

  

2020

     1.28

2019

     1.43  

2018

     1.06  

2017

     0.88  

2016

     0.52  

2015

     0.53  

2014

     0.84  

2013

     0.70  

2012

     0.46  

2011

     0.02  

 

(d)

Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term market value during the period.

(e)

The amounts shown for the Auction Rate Preferred Shares (“ARPS”) are based on common share equivalents.

(f)

The Ending and Average Market Value Per Share for each Series of the Fund’s MTP Shares were as follows:

 

Michigan Quality Income (NUM)

             
Series 2015 (NUM PRC)    Ending Market
Vale per Share
     Average Market
Value per Share
 

2015

   $      $  

2014

            10.02 ^^ 

2013

     10.08        10.06

 

^

For the Period January 7, 2013 (effective date of the reorganizations) through February 28, 2013.

^^

For the period March 1, 2013 through December 20, 2013.

*

Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

 

B-3


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 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 financial statements as of and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, including the financial highlights for the fiscal years or period then ended, have been audited by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), an 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 periods ended October 31, 2013 and prior was audited by other auditors. The information with respect to six months ended April 30, 2020 is unaudited and is included in the Fund’s 2020 Semi-Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the Annual Report and the Semi-Annual Report may be obtained from www.sec.gov or by visiting www.nuveen.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through the website is not part of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Past results are not indicative of future performance.

 

B-4


    Period
Ended
April 30,
2020(f)
    Year Ended October 31,  
    2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  
Per Share Operating Performance                                    

Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value (“NAV”)

  $ 15.58     $ 14.16     $ 15.07     $ 15.36     $ 14.82     $ 15.13  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Operations:

           

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    0.32       0.66       0.68       0.71       0.72       0.77  

Net Realized/Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    (1.13     1.40       (0.91     (0.26     0.58       (0.28

Distributions from Net Investment Income to ARPS(e)

    0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (0.81     2.06       (0.23     0.45       1.30       0.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions to Common Shareholders:

           

From Net Investment Income

    (0.32     (0.64     (0.68     (0.74     (0.76     (0.80
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (0.32     (0.64     (0.68     (0.74     (0.76     (0.80
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Share:

           

Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and Retired

    0.00       0.00       0.00     0.00       0.00       0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending NAV

  $ 14.45     $ 15.58     $ 14.16     $ 15.07     $ 15.36     $ 14.82  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Common Share Price

  $ 12.91     $ 14.20     $ 12.13     $ 13.57     $ 13.75     $ 13.26  

Common Share Total Returns:

           

Based on NAV(a)

    (5.29 )%      14.81     (1.62 )%      3.16     8.84     3.38

Based on Share Price(a)

    (6.99 )%      22.78     (5.84 )%      4.21     9.33     2.30

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA/RATIOS

           

Ending Net Assets (000)

  $ 4,024,314     $ 4,093,389     $ 3,719,774     $ 3,959,861     $ 4,037,193     $ 1,168,847  

Ratios to Average Net Assets Before Reimbursement(b)

           

Expenses(c)

    2.20 %**      2.40     2.29     1.94     1.77     1.46

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    4.18 %**      4.41     4.63     4.80     4.59     5.16

Ratios to Average Net Assets After Reimbursement

           

Expenses

    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Portfolio Turnover Rate(d)

    9     8     11     15     12     18

Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (AMTP) Shares at the End of Period:

           

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 143,000     $     $     $     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share

  $ 268,255     $     $     $     $     $  

Auction Rate Preferred Shares (ARPS) at the End of Period:

           

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $     $     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $25,000 Share

  $     $     $     $     $     $  

MuniFund Term Preferred (MTP) Shares at the End of Period(g):

           

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $     $     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $10 Share

  $     $     $     $     $     $  

Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (VMTP) Shares at the End of Period:

           

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $     $ 773,000     $ 773,000     $ 151,000  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share

  $     $     $     $ 291,919     $ 295,667     $ 333,349  

Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares at the End of Period:

           

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 1,290,000     $ 1,290,300     $ 1,290,300     $ 1,290,300     $ 1,290,300     $ 349,900  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share

  $ 268,255     $ 282,066     $ 265,448     $ 291,919     $ 295,667     $ 333,349  

MuniFund Preferred (MFP) Shares at the End of Period:

           

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 958,000     $ 958,000     $ 958,000     $     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share(h)

  $ 268,255     $ 282,066     $ 265,448     $     $     $  

AMTP, ARPS, MTP, VMTP, VRDP and/or MFP Shares at the End of Period:

           

Asset Coverage Per $1 Liquidation Preference

  $ 2.68     $ 2.82     $ 2.65     $ 2.92     $ 2.96     $ 3.33  

 

B-5


    Year Ended October 31,  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
Per Share Operating Performance          

Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value (“NAV”)

  $ 13.73     $ 15.49     $ 14.70     $ 14.98     $ 14.42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Operations:

         

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    0.79       0.72       0.78       0.84       0.87  

Net Realized/Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    1.43       (1.66     0.85       (0.29     0.52  

Distributions from Net Investment Income to ARPS(e)

    0.00       0.00       0.00       (0.01     (0.02
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    2.22       (0.94     1.63       0.54       1.37  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions to Common Shareholders:

         

From Net Investment Income

    (0.82     (0.82     (0.84     (0.82     (0.81
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (0.82     (0.82     (0.84     (0.82     (0.81
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Share:

         

Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and Retired

    0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending NAV

  $ 15.13     $ 13.73     $ 15.49     $ 14.70     $ 14.98  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Common Share Price

  $ 13.75     $ 12.37     $ 15.80     $ 13.85     $ 14.95  

Common Share Total Returns:

         

Based on NAV(a)

    16.58     (6.25 )%      11.32     3.92     9.76

Based on Share Price(a)

    18.31     (16.89 )%      20.64     (1.60 )%      17.27

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA/RATIOS

         

Ending Net Assets (000)

  $ 1,193,109     $ 1,083,339     $ 344,487     $ 326,909     $ 333,074  

Ratios to Average Net Assets Before Reimbursement(b)

         

Expenses(c)

    1.60     1.97     2.13     2.02     1.76

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    5.48     5.14     5.13     5.86     5.80

Ratios to Average Net Assets After Reimbursement

         

Expenses

    N/A       N/A       N/A       2.01     1.63

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    N/A       N/A       N/A       5.87     5.93

Portfolio Turnover Rate(d)

    13     26     26     2     2

Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (AMTP) Shares at the End of Period:

         

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share

  $     $     $     $     $  

Auction Rate Preferred Shares (ARPS) at the End of Period:

         

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $     $     $ 67,375  

Asset Coverage Per $25,000 Share

  $     $     $     $     $ 80,374  

MuniFund Term Preferred (MTP) Shares at the End of Period(g):

         

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $ 83,000     $ 83,000     $ 83,000     $ 83,000  

Asset Coverage Per $10 Share

  $     $ 31.65     $ 32.87     $ 31.71     $ 32.15  

Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (VMTP) Shares at the End of Period:

         

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 151,000     $ 67,600     $ 67,600     $ 67,600     $  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share

  $ 338,193     $ 316,451     $ 328,743     $ 317,071     $  

Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares at the End of Period:

         

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 349,900     $ 349,900     $     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share

  $ 338,193     $ 316,451     $     $     $  

MuniFund Preferred (MFP) Shares at the End of Period:

         

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $     $     $     $     $  

Asset Coverage Per $100,000 Share(h)

  $     $     $     $     $  

AMTP, ARPS, MTP, VMTP, VRDP and/or MFP Shares at the End of Period:

         

Asset Coverage Per $1 Liquidation Preference

  $ 3.38     $ 3.16     $ 3.29     $ 3.17     $ 3.21  

 

(a)

Total Return Based on Common Share 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 reinvest 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. 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.

(b)

Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to Preferred Shares issued by the Fund.

 

B-6


(c)

The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to Preferred Shares and/or the interest expense deemed to have been paid by the Fund on the floating rate certificates issued by the special purpose trusts for the self-deposited inverse floaters held by the Fund, where applicable, as follows:

 

Period
Ended
April 30,
2020(f)
  Year Ended October 31,  
  2019   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
1.28%**   1.47     1.35     1.00     0.78     0.50     0.61     0.87     1.07     0.94     0.67

 

(d)

Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term market value during the period.

(e)

The amounts shown for ARPS are based on common share equivalents.

(f)

For the six months ended April 30, 2020 (unaudited).

(g)

The Ending and Average Market Value Per Share for each Series of the Fund’s MTP Shares outstanding were as follows:

 

     2014     2013      2012      2011      2010  

Series 2015 (NEA PRCCL)

             

Ending Market Value per Share

   $     $ 10.07      $ 10.16      $ 10.14      $ 10.14  

Average Market Value per Share

     10.05     10.10        10.14        10.08        10.15 ^^ 

 

(h)

NEA’s Series D MFP Shares have a $1,000 liquidation preference per share, while all other MFP Shares have a $100,000 liquidation preference per share. The asset coverage per $1,000 for NEA’s Series D MFP Shares were as follows:

 

NEA    Asset
Coverage
Per $1,000
Share
 

Series D

  

Year Ended 10/31:

  

2020(f)

   $ 2,683  

2019

     2,800  

2018

      

2017

      

2016

      

2015

      

 

^

For the period November 1, 2013 through December 20, 2013.

^^

For the period January 19, 2010 (first issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2010.

*

Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

**

Annualized.

N/A

Fund no longer has a reimbursement agreement with the Investment Adviser.

 

B-7


 

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Nuveen Investments

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286

(800) 257-8787

 

www.nuveen.com    NUM 1220


[FORM OF PROXY CARD]

EVERY SHAREHOLDER’S VOTE IS IMPORTANT

 

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VOTE AT THE VIRTUAL MEETING

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enter the 14-digit control number from
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NUVEEN AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 7, 2020

  

PREFERRED SHARES

THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. The undersigned shareholder(s) of Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund, revoking previous proxies, hereby appoints Gifford R. Zimmerman, Kevin J. McCarthy, Christopher M. Rohrbacher and Mark L. Winget, or any one of them as true and lawful attorneys with power of substitution of each, to vote all shares of Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held virtually at the following Website: www.meetingcenter.io/238367439, on December 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof as indicated on the reverse side. To participate in the virtual meeting, enter the 14-digit control number from the shaded box on this card. The Password for this meeting is NUVC2020. 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 Special Meeting of Shareholders and the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is hereby acknowledged. The shares of Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund represented hereby will be voted as indicated or FOR the proposal if no choice is indicated.

  VOTE VIA THE INTERNET: www.proxy-direct.com

  VOTE VIA THE TELEPHONE: 1-800-337-3503

 

                 

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

 

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EVERY SHAREHOLDER’S VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

VOTE THIS PROXY CARD TODAY!

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for

Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund

Special Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held Virtually on December 7, 2020.

The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for this meeting is available at:

http://www.nuveenproxy.com/Closed-End-Fund-Proxy-Information/

 

IF YOU VOTE ON THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE,

YOU NEED NOT RETURN THIS PROXY CARD

 

 

 

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” the proposal.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN IN THIS EXAMPLE: T

 

 

  A  

 

   Proposal           FOR          AGAINST      ABSTAIN
1.   

To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to which Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Target Fund”) would (i) transfer substantially all of its assets to Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”) in exchange solely for newly issued common shares and preferred 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 and preferred shareholders of the Target Fund, 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

 

  Note:

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this Proxy Card, and date it. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, guardian, administrator, trustee, officer of corporation or other entity or in another representative capacity, please give the full title under the signature.

 

Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below

 

    

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Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box

 

            /        /                           

 

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EVERY SHAREHOLDER’S VOTE IS IMPORTANT

 

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Call 1-800-337-3503

Follow the recorded instructions

available 24 hours

 

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Vote, sign and date this Proxy

Card and return in the

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LOGO

 

VOTE AT THE VIRTUAL MEETING

Visit: www.meetingcenter.io/238367439 on

December 7 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time.

To participate in the Virtual Meeting,

enter the 14-digit control number from

the shaded box on this card.

The Password for this meeting is

NUVC2020.

 

                 

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NUVEEN MICHIGAN QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 7, 2020

  

COMMON SHARES

THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. The undersigned shareholder(s) of Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust, revoking previous proxies, hereby appoints Gifford R. Zimmerman, Kevin J. McCarthy, Christopher M. Rohrbacher and Mark L. Winget, or any one of them as true and lawful attorneys with power of substitution of each, to vote all shares of Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held virtually at the following Website: www.meetingcenter.io/238367439, on December 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof as indicated on the reverse side. To participate in the virtual meeting, enter the 14-digit control number from the shaded box on this card. The Password for this meeting is NUVC2020. 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 of Shareholders and the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is hereby acknowledged. The shares of Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund represented hereby will be voted as indicated or FOR the proposals if no choice is indicated.

VOTE VIA THE INTERNET: www.proxy-direct.com

VOTE VIA THE TELEPHONE: 1-800-337-3503

 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EVERY SHAREHOLDER’S VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

VOTE THIS PROXY CARD TODAY!

 

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for

Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund

Annual Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held Virtually on December 7, 2020.

The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for this meeting is available at:

http://www.nuveenproxy.com/Closed-End-Fund-Proxy-Information/

 

IF YOU VOTE ON THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE,

YOU NEED NOT RETURN THIS PROXY CARD

 

 

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” the proposals.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN IN THIS EXAMPLE: T

 

 

 

  A  

 

   Proposals           FOR          AGAINST      ABSTAIN
1.   

To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to which Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Target Fund”) would (i) transfer substantially all of its assets to Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”) in exchange solely for newly issued common shares and preferred 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 and preferred shareholders of the Target Fund, and (iii) liquidate, dissolve and terminate in accordance with applicable law.

        
                    
2.   

Election of Board Members:

 

        
   Class II:           FOR ALL          WITHHOLD ALL      FOR ALL EXCEPT
   01. John K. Nelson    02. Terence J. Toth            03. Robert L. Young            
  

INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark the box “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and write the nominee’s number on the line provided                                                                      

 

        
                    

 

  B  

 

   Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Sign and Date Below

 

  Note:

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this Proxy Card, and date it. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, guardian, administrator, trustee, officer of corporation or other entity or in another representative capacity, please give the full title under the signature.

 

Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below

 

    

Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box

 

    

Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box

 

            /        /                           

 

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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 a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION,

DATED OCTOBER 21, 2020

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

RELATING TO THE REORGANIZATION OF

NUVEEN AMT-FREE QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA)

AND

NUVEEN MICHIGAN QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NUM)

(EACH, A “FUND” AND COLLECTIVELY, THE “FUNDS”)

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is available to shareholders of Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”) and Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund (the “Target Fund”) in connection with the proposed reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization 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, newly issued Adjustable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“AMTP Shares”) of the Acquiring Fund, with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $100,000 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 and Acquiring Fund AMTP Shares by the Target Fund to its common shareholders and holders of AMTP Shares, respectively, 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 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated [●], 2020 and filed on Form N-14 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) relating to the proposed Reorganization of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund (the “Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). A copy of the Joint 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 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or this SAI. You may also obtain a copy of the Joint 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 assigned to them in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

This SAI is dated [●], 2020.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Investment Objectives and Policies

     S-1  

Portfolio Composition

     S-2  

Investment Restrictions

     S-21  

Management of the Funds

     S-26  

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

     S-37  

Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser

     S-48  

Portfolio Managers

     S-50  

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

     S-53  

Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

     S-54  

Federal Income Tax Matters

     S-56  

Experts

     S-63  

Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent, and Redemption and Paying Agent

     S-64  

Pro Forma Financial Information

     S-64  

Additional Information

     S-64  

Appendix A Ratings of Investments

     A-1  

Appendix B Taxable Equivalent Yield Table

     B-1  

Appendix C Nuveen Asset Management Proxy Voting Policies

     C-1  


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The following information supplements the information contained in the Joint 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 as otherwise noted, are not fundamental policies and may be changed by a Fund’s Board of Trustees, as applicable (each, a “Board” or the “Board,” and each trustee, a “Board Member”), without the approval of shareholders.

The Funds have similar investment objectives, policies and risks, but there are differences. Each Fund seeks to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. Each Fund also seeks to enhance portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by investing in tax-exempt municipal securities that the Fund’s investment adviser believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. However, the Acquiring Fund is a national municipal bond fund, while the Target Fund, in contrast, seeks to provide current income exempt from Michigan individual income taxes. The Acquiring Fund also seeks to provide current income exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals.

As a fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes (“Assets”) in municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals at the time of purchase. As a non-fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest 100% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals at the time of purchase. The Acquiring Fund defines “Managed Assets” as 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 leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles), and derivatives will be valued at their market value. As a non-fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities rated, at the time of investment, below the three highest grades (Baa or BBB or lower) by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), which includes below-investment grade securities, or unrated securities judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s sub-adviser.

As a fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Target Fund invests at least 80% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal and Michigan income taxes. The Target Fund defines “Managed Assets” as its net assets, including assets attributable to any principal amount of any borrowings (including the issuance of commercial paper or notes) and any preferred shares outstanding. As a non-fundamental policy, normal circumstances, the Target Fund invests at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Target Fund’s investment adviser. As a non-fundamental investment policy, under normal circumstances, the Target Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the investment adviser. No more than 10% of the Target Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the investment adviser.

 

S-1


Each Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and currently employs leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and the use of inverse floating rate securities.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

In addition to and supplementing the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio will be composed principally of the investments described below.

Municipal Securities

General.    The Acquiring Fund may invest in various municipal securities, including municipal bonds and notes, other securities issued to finance and refinance public projects, and other related securities and derivative instruments creating exposure to municipal bonds, notes and securities that provide for the payment of interest income that is exempt from regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. Municipal securities are generally debt obligations issued by state and local governmental entities and may be issued by U.S. territories to finance or refinance public projects such as roads, schools, and water supply systems. Municipal securities may also be issued on behalf of private entities or for private activities, such as housing, medical and educational facility construction, or for privately owned transportation, electric utility and pollution control projects. Municipal securities may be issued on a long-term basis to provide permanent financing. The repayment of such debt may be secured generally by a pledge of the full faith and credit taxing power of the issuer, a limited or special tax, or any other revenue source including project revenues, which may include tolls, fees and other user charges, lease payments and mortgage payments. Municipal securities may also be issued to finance projects on a short-term interim basis, anticipating repayment with the proceeds of the later issuance of long-term debt. Municipal securities may be issued and purchased in the form of bonds, notes, leases or certificates of participation; structured as callable or non-callable; with payment forms including fixed coupon, variable rate, zero coupon, capital appreciation bonds, tender option bonds and residual interest bonds, or inverse floating rate securities; or acquired through investments in pooled vehicles, partnerships or other investment companies. Inverse floating rate securities are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term tax-exempt interest rates and represent a leveraged investment in an underlying municipal security, which may increase the effective leverage of the Acquiring Fund.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in municipal bonds issued by U.S. territories and possessions (such as Puerto Rico or Guam) that are exempt from regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. The yields on municipal securities depend on a variety of factors, including prevailing interest rates and the condition of the general money market and the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. The market value of municipal securities will vary with changes in interest rate levels and as a result of changing evaluations of the ability of their issuers to meet interest and principal payments.

Tobacco Settlement Bonds.    Included in the general category of municipal securities described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus are “tobacco settlement bonds.” The Acquiring Fund may invest in tobacco settlement bonds, which are municipal securities that are backed solely by expected revenues to be derived from lawsuits involving tobacco related deaths and illnesses which were settled

 

S-2


between certain states and American tobacco companies. Tobacco settlement bonds are secured by an issuing state’s proportionate share in the Master Settlement Agreement (“MSA”). The MSA is an agreement, reached out of court in November 1998 between 46 states and nearly all of the U.S. tobacco manufacturers. The MSA provides for annual payments in perpetuity by the manufacturers to the states in exchange for releasing all claims against the manufacturers and a pledge of no further litigation. Tobacco manufacturers pay into a master escrow trust based on their market share, and each state receives a fixed percentage of the payment as set forth in the MSA. A number of states have securitized the future flow of those payments by selling bonds pursuant to indentures or through distinct governmental entities created for such purpose. The principal and interest payments on the bonds are backed by the future revenue flow related to the MSA. Annual payments on the bonds, and thus risk to the Acquiring Fund, are highly dependent on the receipt of future settlement payments to the state or its governmental entity.

The actual amount of future settlement payments is further dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to, annual domestic cigarette shipments, reduced cigarette consumption, increased taxes on cigarettes, inflation, financial capability of tobacco companies, continuing litigation and the possibility of tobacco manufacturer bankruptcy. The initial and annual payments made by the tobacco companies will be adjusted based on a number of factors, the most important of which is domestic cigarette consumption. If the volume of cigarettes shipped in the U.S. by manufacturers participating in the settlement decreases significantly, payments due from them will also decrease. Demand for cigarettes in the U.S. could continue to decline due to price increases needed to recoup the cost of payments by tobacco companies. Demand could also be affected by: anti-smoking campaigns, tax increases, reduced advertising, enforcement of laws prohibiting sales to minors; elimination of certain sales venues such as vending machines; and the spread of local ordinances restricting smoking in public places. As a result, payments made by tobacco manufacturers could be negatively impacted if the decrease in tobacco consumption is significantly greater than the forecasted decline. A market share loss by the MSA companies to non-MSA participating tobacco manufacturers would cause a downward adjustment in the payment amounts. A participating manufacturer filing for bankruptcy also could cause delays or reductions in bond payments. The MSA itself has been subject to legal challenges and has, to date, withstood those challenges.

Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation.    The Acquiring Fund also may purchase municipal securities that represent lease obligations and certificates of participation in such leases. These carry special risks because the issuer of the securities may not be obligated to appropriate money annually to make payments under the lease. A municipal lease is an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase that is issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Income from such obligations generally is exempt from state and local taxes in the state of issuance. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of “non-appropriation” clauses that relieve the governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition, such leases or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments in the event the issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or utilizing the leased equipment or facilities. Although the obligations may be secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure

 

S-3


might prove difficult, time consuming and costly, and result in a delay in recovering, or the failure to recover fully, the Acquiring Fund’s original investment. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be monitored on an ongoing basis. In order to reduce this risk, the Acquiring Fund will only purchase municipal securities representing lease obligations only where the Fund’s investment adviser, Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (“Nuveen Fund Advisors” or the “Adviser”), and/or the Fund’s sub-adviser, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser” or “NAM”) believes the issuer has a strong incentive to continue making appropriations until maturity.

A certificate of participation represents an undivided interest in an unmanaged pool of municipal leases, an installment purchase agreement or other instruments. The certificates typically are issued by a municipal agency, a trust or another entity that has received an assignment of the payments to be made by the state or political subdivision under such leases or installment purchase agreements. Such certificates provide the Acquiring Fund with the right to a pro rata undivided interest in the underlying municipal securities. In addition, such participations generally provide the Acquiring Fund with the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days’ notice, of all or any part of the Fund’s participation interest in the underlying municipal securities, plus accrued interest.

Municipal Notes.    Municipal securities in the form of notes generally are used to provide for short-term capital needs, in anticipation of an issuer’s receipt of other revenues or financing, and typically have maturities of up to three years. Such instruments may include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes and construction loan notes. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance the working capital needs of governments. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various tax revenues, such as income, sales, property, use and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other kinds of revenue, such as federal revenues available under federal revenue sharing programs. Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term bond financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the funds needed for repayment of the bond anticipation notes. Tax and revenue anticipation notes combine the funding sources of both tax anticipation notes and revenue anticipation notes. Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. Mortgage notes insured by the Federal Housing Authority secure these notes; however, the proceeds from the insurance may be less than the economic equivalent of the payment of principal and interest on the mortgage note if there has been a default. The anticipated revenues from taxes, grants or bond financing generally secure the obligations of an issuer of municipal notes. An investment in such instruments, however, presents a risk that the anticipated revenues will not be received or that such revenues will be insufficient to satisfy the issuer’s payment obligations under the notes or that refinancing will be otherwise unavailable.

Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities.    The principal of, and interest on, pre-refunded municipal securities are no longer paid from the original revenue source for the securities. Instead, the source of such payments is typically an escrow fund consisting of U.S. government securities. The assets in the escrow fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer as the pre-refunded municipal securities. Issuers of municipal securities use this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to securities that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer. For example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded municipal securities. However, except for a change in the revenue source from which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded

 

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municipal securities remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are redeemed by the issuer. Legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 repealed the federal income tax exclusion from gross income for interest paid on certain pre-refunded municipal securities effective for such bonds issued after December 31, 2017.

Private Activity Bonds.    Private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal securities, although the current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues. The Fund’s distributions of its interest income from private activity bonds may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum tax.

Inverse Floating Rate Securities.    The Acquiring Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities. Inverse floating rate securities are securities whose interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Generally, inverse floating rate securities represent beneficial interests in a special purpose trust, commonly referred to as a “tender option bond trust” (“TOB trust”), that holds municipal bonds. The TOB trust typically sells two classes of beneficial interests or securities: floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as short-term floaters or tender option bonds), and inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters). Both classes of beneficial interests are represented by certificates or receipts. The floating rate securities have first priority on the cash flow from the municipal bonds held by the TOB trust. In this structure, the floating rate security holders have the option, at periodic short-term intervals, to tender their securities to the trust for purchase and to receive the face value thereof plus accrued interest. The obligation of the trust to repurchase tendered securities is supported by a remarketing agent and by a liquidity provider. As consideration for providing this support, the remarketing agent and the liquidity provider receive periodic fees. The holder of the short-term floater effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. However, the trust is not obligated to purchase tendered short-term floaters in the event of certain defaults with respect to the underlying municipal bonds or a significant downgrade in the credit rating assigned to the bond issuer.

As the holder of an inverse floating rate investment, the Acquiring Fund receives the residual cash flow from the TOB trust. Because the holder of the short-term floater is generally assured liquidity at the face value of the security plus accrued interest, the holder of the inverse floater assumes the interest rate cash flow risk and the market value risk associated with the municipal bond deposited into the TOB trust. The volatility of the interest cash flow and the residual market value will vary with the degree to which the trust is leveraged. This is expressed in the ratio of the total face value of the short-term floaters to the value of the inverse floaters that are issued by the TOB trust, and it can exceed three times for more “highly leveraged” trusts. All voting rights and decisions to be made with respect to any other rights relating to the municipal bonds held in the TOB trust are passed through, pro rata, to the holders of the short-term floaters and to the Acquiring Fund as the holder of the associated inverse floaters.

Because any increases in the interest rate on the short-term floaters issued by a TOB trust would reduce the residual interest paid on the associated inverse floaters, and because fluctuations in the value of the municipal bond deposited in the TOB trust would affect only the value of the inverse floater and not the value of the short-term floater issued by the trust so long as the value of the

 

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municipal bond held by the trust exceeded the face amount of short-term floaters outstanding, the value of inverse floaters is generally more volatile than that of an otherwise comparable municipal bond held on an unleveraged basis outside a TOB trust. Inverse floaters generally will underperform the market of fixed-rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment (i.e., when bond values are falling), but they will tend to outperform the market of fixed-rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable. Although volatile in value and return, inverse floaters typically offer the potential for yields higher than those available on fixed-rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity or illiquidity based primarily upon the inverse floater holder’s ability to sell the underlying bonds deposited in the TOB trust at an attractive price.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by TOB trusts in which the liquidity providers have recourse to the Fund pursuant to a separate shortfall and forbearance agreement. Such an agreement would require the Acquiring Fund to reimburse the liquidity provider, among other circumstances, upon termination of the TOB trust for the difference between the liquidation value of the bonds held in the trust and the principal amount and accrued interest due to the holders of floating rate securities issued by the trust. The Acquiring Fund will enter into such a recourse agreement (1) when the liquidity provider requires such a recourse agreement because the level of leverage in the TOB trust exceeds the level that the liquidity provider is willing to support absent such an agreement; and/or (2) to seek to prevent the liquidity provider from collapsing the trust in the event the municipal bond held in the trust has declined in value to the point where it may cease to exceed the face amount of outstanding short-term floaters. In an instance where the Acquiring Fund has entered such a recourse agreement, the Fund may suffer a loss that exceeds the amount of its original investment in the inverse floating rate securities; such loss could be as great as that original investment amount plus the face amount of the floating rate securities issued by the trust plus accrued interest thereon.

The Acquiring Fund will segregate or earmark liquid assets with its custodian in accordance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), to cover its obligations with respect to its investments in TOB trusts.

The Acquiring Fund may invest in both inverse floating rate securities and floating rate securities (as discussed below) issued by the same TOB trust.

Floating Rate Securities.    The Acquiring Fund may also invest in floating rate securities, as described above, issued by special purpose trusts. Floating rate securities may take the form of short-term floating rate securities or the option period may be substantially longer. Generally, the interest rate earned will be based upon the market rates for municipal securities with maturities or remarketing provisions that are comparable in duration to the periodic interval of the tender option, which may vary from weekly, to monthly, to extended periods of one year or multiple years. Since the option feature has a shorter term than the final maturity or first call date of the underlying bond deposited in the trust, the Acquiring Fund, as the holder of the floating rate securities, relies upon the terms of the agreement with the financial institution furnishing the option as well as the credit strength of that institution. As further assurance of liquidity, the terms of the trust provide for a liquidation of the municipal bond deposited in the trust and the application of the proceeds to pay off the floating rate securities. The trusts that are organized to issue both short-term floating rate securities and inverse floaters generally include liquidation triggers to protect the investor in the floating rate securities.

 

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Special Taxing Districts.    Special taxing districts are organized to plan and finance infrastructure developments to induce residential, commercial and industrial growth and redevelopment. The bond financing methods such as tax increment finance, tax assessment, special services district and Mello-Roos bonds generally are payable solely from taxes or other revenues attributable to the specific projects financed by the bonds without recourse to the credit or taxing power of related or overlapping municipalities. They often are exposed to real estate development-related risks and can have more taxpayer concentration risk than general tax-supported bonds, such as general obligation bonds. Further, the fees, special taxes, or tax allocations and other revenues that are established to secure such financings generally are limited as to the rate or amount that may be levied or assessed and are not subject to increase pursuant to rate covenants or municipal or corporate guarantees. The bonds could default if development failed to progress as anticipated or if larger taxpayers failed to pay the assessments, fees and taxes as provided in the financing plans of the districts.

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 total assets in cash equivalents and short-term taxable fixed-income securities, although the Fund intends to invest in taxable short-term investments only in the event that suitable tax-exempt short-term investments are not available at reasonable prices and yields. Investment in taxable short-term investments would result in a portion of the dividends paid being subject to regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. 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) 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 and 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 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 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.

 

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(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 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 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 a major NRSRO and which matures within one year of the date of purchase or carries a variable or floating rate of interest.

Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fixed-Income Securities.    Short-term tax-exempt fixed-income securities are securities that are exempt from regular federal income tax and mature within three years or less from the date of issuance. Short-term tax-exempt fixed-income securities are defined to include, without limitation, the following:

(1) Bond Anticipation Notes (“BANs”) are usually general obligations of state and local governmental issuers which are sold to obtain interim financing for projects that will eventually be funded through the sale of long-term debt obligations or bonds. The ability of an issuer to meet its obligations on its BANs is primarily dependent on the issuer’s access to the long-term municipal bond market and the likelihood that the proceeds of such bond sales will be used to pay the principal and interest on the BANs.

(2) Tax Anticipation Notes (“TANs”) are issued by state and local governments to finance the current operations of such governments. Repayment is generally to be derived from specific future tax revenues. TANs are usually general obligations of the issuer. A weakness in an issuer’s capacity to raise taxes due to, among other things, a decline in its tax base or a rise in delinquencies could adversely affect the issuer’s ability to meet its obligations on outstanding TANs.

 

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(3) Revenue Anticipation Notes (“RANs”) are issued by governments or governmental bodies with the expectation that future revenues from a designated source will be used to repay the notes. In general, they also constitute general obligations of the issuer. A decline in the receipt of projected revenues, such as anticipated revenues from another level of government, could adversely affect an issuer’s ability to meet its obligations on outstanding RANs. In addition, the possibility that the revenues would, when received, be used to meet other obligations could affect the ability of the issuer to pay the principal and interest on RANs.

(4) Construction loan notes are issued to provide construction financing for specific projects. Frequently, these notes are redeemed with funds obtained from the Federal Housing Administration.

(5) Bank notes are notes issued by local government bodies and agencies, such as those described above to commercial banks as evidence of borrowings. The purposes for which the notes are issued are varied, but they are frequently issued to meet short-term working capital or capital project needs. These notes may have risks similar to the risks associated with TANs and RANs.

(6) Tax-exempt commercial paper (“Municipal Paper”) represents very short-term unsecured, negotiable promissory notes, issued by states, municipalities and their agencies. Payment of principal and interest on issues of municipal paper may be made from various sources to the extent the funds are available therefrom. Maturities of municipal paper generally will be shorter than the maturities of TANs, BANs or RANs. There is a limited secondary market for issues of Municipal Paper.

Certain municipal securities may carry variable or floating rates of interest whereby the rate of interest is not fixed but varies with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as a bank prime rate or a tax-exempt money market index.

While the various types of notes described above as a group represent the major portion of the short-term tax-exempt note market, other types of notes are available in the marketplace, and the Acquiring Fund may invest in such other types of notes to the extent permitted under its investment objectives, policies and limitations. Such notes may be issued for different purposes and may be secured differently from those mentioned above.

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions

The Acquiring Fund may buy and sell municipal 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. On such transactions, the payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. Beginning on the date the Acquiring Fund enters into a commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, the Fund is required under interpretations of the SEC to maintain in a separate account liquid assets, consisting of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value, at all times, at least equal to the amount of the commitment. Income generated by any such assets which provide taxable income for federal income tax purposes is includable in the taxable income of the Acquiring Fund and, to the extent distributed, will be taxable to shareholders. The Acquiring Fund may enter into contracts to purchase municipal securities on a forward basis (i.e., where settlement will occur more than 60 days from the date of the transaction) only to the extent that the Fund specifically collateralizes such obligations with a security that is expected to be called or to mature within 60 days before or after the settlement date of the forward transaction. The commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or

 

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forward basis may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the bonds prior to settlement and, at the time of delivery, the market value may be less than cost.

Derivatives and Hedging Strategies

The Acquiring Fund may periodically engage in hedging transactions, and otherwise use various types of derivative instruments, described below, to reduce risk, to effectively gain particular market exposures, to seek to enhance returns, and to reduce transaction costs, among other reasons. In addition to inverse floating rate securities and structured notes, the Acquiring Fund may invest in certain other derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objectives. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including interest rate and credit default swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts or other derivative instruments whose prices, in the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Adviser’s opinion, correlate with the prices of the Acquiring Fund’s investments. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser uses derivatives to shorten or lengthen the effective duration of the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio securities, and therefore the interest rate risk, and to adjust other aspects of the portfolio’s risk/return profile. The Acquiring Fund may use these instruments if the Fund deems it more efficient from a transaction cost, total return or income standpoint than investing in cash securities.

“Hedging” is a term used for various methods of seeking to preserve portfolio capital value by offsetting price changes in one investment through making another investment whose price should tend to move in the opposite direction.

A “derivative” is a financial contract whose value is based on (or “derived” from) a traditional security (such as a stock or a bond), an asset (such as a commodity like gold), or a market index (such as the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index). Some forms of derivatives may trade on exchanges, while non-standardized derivatives, which tend to be more specialized and complex, trade “over-the-counter” (“OTC”) or on a one-on-one basis. It may be desirable and possible in various market environments to partially hedge the portfolio against fluctuations in market value due to market interest rate or credit quality fluctuations, or instead to gain a desired investment exposure, by entering into various types of derivative transactions, including financial futures and index futures as well as related put and call options on such instruments, structured notes, or interest rate swaps on taxable or tax-exempt securities or indexes (which may be “forward-starting”), credit default swaps, and options on interest rate swaps, among others.

These transactions present certain risks. In particular, the imperfect correlation between price movements in the futures contract and price movements in the securities being hedged creates the possibility that losses on the hedge by the Acquiring Fund may be greater than gains in the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances. As a result, in volatile markets, the Acquiring Fund may not be able to close out the transaction without incurring losses substantially greater than the initial deposit. Finally, the potential deposit requirements in futures contracts create an ongoing greater potential financial risk than do options transactions, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium. Losses due to hedging transactions will reduce yield. The Acquiring Fund will invest in these instruments only in markets believed by the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser to be active and sufficiently liquid. Net gains, if any, from hedging and other transactions in derivatives may generate taxable income which will be distributed as taxable distributions to shareholders.

 

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The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser may use derivative instruments to seek to enhance return, to hedge some of the risk of the Acquiring Fund’s investments in municipal securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset.

There is no assurance that these derivative strategies will be available at any time or that the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser will determine to use them for the Acquiring Fund or, if used, that the strategies will be successful.

Swap Transactions.    The Acquiring Fund may enter into total return, interest rate and credit default swap agreements and interest rate caps, floors and collars. The Acquiring Fund may also enter into options on the foregoing types of swap agreements (“swap options”).

Swap agreements typically are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount” (e.g., the change in the value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index).

The “notional amount” of a swap agreement is the agreed-upon basis for calculating the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. Under most swap agreements entered into by the Acquiring Fund, the obligations of the parties would be exchanged on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Acquiring Fund’s obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement. See “—Segregation of Assets” below.

The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banking firms acting as both principals and agents using standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. However, swap agreements may still be subject to liquidity risk, which exists when a particular swap is difficult to purchase or sell. If a swap transaction is particularly large, or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not been fully developed and, accordingly, swaps with these features are less liquid.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) sets forth a regulatory framework for certain derivatives, such as swaps, in which the Acquiring Fund may be authorized to invest. The Dodd-Frank Act requires many swap transactions to be executed on registered exchanges or through swap execution facilities, cleared through a regulated clearinghouse and publicly reported. In addition, many market participants are now regulated as swap dealers or major swap participants and are subject to required business conduct standards and other regulatory burdens, and will be subject to certain minimum capital and margin requirements upon the adoption of final capital rules. The statutory requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act are being implemented primarily through rules and regulations adopted by the SEC and/or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). The CFTC is responsible for the regulation of most swaps, and it has completed most of its rules implementing the Dodd-Frank Act swap regulations. The SEC has jurisdiction over a small

 

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segment of the market referred to as “security-based swaps,” which includes swaps on single securities or credits, or narrow-based indices of securities or credits, but has not yet completed its rulemaking.

Cleared swaps are transacted through CFTC-registered futures commission merchants that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as a central counterparty similar to transactions in futures contracts. Currently, central clearing is required only for certain categories of swaps, although central clearing for additional categories of swaps is expected to be implemented by the CFTC. The Acquiring Fund may face the indirect risk of the failure of another clearing member customer to meet its obligations to its clearing member. Such scenario could arise due to a default by the clearing member on its obligations to the clearinghouse, triggered by a customer’s failure to meet its obligations to the clearing member. In addition, the CFTC and bank regulators have imposed new margin requirements on uncleared OTC swaps that could adversely affect the Acquiring Fund’s ability to enter into swaps in the OTC market. The SEC is expected to adopt similar margin requirements for uncleared security based swaps. These requirements may increase the amount of collateral the Acquiring Fund is required to provide and the costs associated with providing it. These developments could cause the Acquiring Fund to terminate new or existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such instruments at an inopportune time. Until the mandated rulemaking and regulations are implemented completely, it will not be possible to determine the complete impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations on the Acquiring Fund, and the establishment of centralized clearinghouses and trading facilities for swap transactions may not result in swaps being easier to value or trade. However, it is expected that swap dealers, major market participants and swap counterparties will experience other new and/or additional regulations, requirements, compliance burdens and associated costs, and that such costs will be passed on to customers such as the Acquiring Fund. The rules that have been and will be promulgated may exert a negative effect on the Acquiring Fund’s ability to meet its investment objectives, either through limits or requirements imposed on the Acquiring Fund or its counterparties. The swap market could be disrupted or limited as a result of the new requirements, which may increase the cost of the Acquiring Fund’s investments and of doing business, which could adversely affect the Acquiring Fund’s ability to buy or sell derivatives. The overall impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on the Acquiring Fund remains highly uncertain and it is unclear how the swap markets will adapt to this regulatory regime, along with additional, sometimes overlapping, regulatory requirements imposed by non-U.S. regulators.

Interest Rate Swaps, Caps, Collars and Floors.    Interest rate swaps are bilateral contracts in which each party agrees to make periodic payments to the other party based on different referenced interest rates (e.g., a fixed rate and a floating rate) applied to a specified notional amount. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate floor. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index rises above a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. Interest rate collars involve selling a cap and purchasing a floor or vice versa to protect the Acquiring Fund against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

The use of interest rate transactions, such as 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 could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Fund’s common shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate swap or

 

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cap could decline and could result in a decline in the net asset value of the common shares. In addition, if short-term interest rates are lower than the Acquiring Fund’s fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will reduce common-share net earnings. If, on the other hand, short-term interest rates are higher than the fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will enhance common-share net earnings. Buying interest rate caps could enhance the performance of the common shares by providing a maximum leverage expense. Buying interest rate caps could also decrease the net earnings of the common shares in the event that the premium paid by the Acquiring Fund to the counterparty exceeds the additional amount the Fund would have been required to pay had it not entered into the cap agreement.

Total Return Swaps.    In a total return swap, one party agrees to pay the other the “total return” of a defined underlying asset during a specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. A total return swap may be applied to any underlying asset but is most commonly used with equity indices, single stocks, bonds and defined baskets of loans and mortgages. The Acquiring Fund might enter into a total return swap involving an underlying index or basket of securities to create exposure to a potentially widely diversified range of securities in a single trade. An index total return swap can be used by the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser to assume risk, without the complications of buying the component securities from what may not always be the most liquid of markets.

In connection with the Acquiring Fund’s position in a swap contract, the Fund will segregate liquid assets or will otherwise cover its position in accordance with applicable SEC requirements. See “—Segregation of Assets” below.

Credit Default Swaps.    A credit default swap is a bilateral contract that enables an investor to buy or sell protection against a defined-issuer credit event. The Acquiring Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements either as a buyer or as a seller. The Acquiring Fund may buy protection to attempt to mitigate the risk of default or credit quality deterioration in an individual security or a segment of the fixed-income securities market to which it has exposure, or to take a “short” position in individual bonds or market segments which it does not own. The Acquiring Fund may sell protection in an attempt to gain exposure to the credit quality characteristics of particular bonds or market segments without investing directly in those bonds or market segments.

As the buyer of protection in a credit default swap, the Acquiring Fund would pay a premium (by means of an upfront payment or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the agreement) in return for the right to deliver a referenced bond or group of bonds to the protection seller and receive the full notional or par value (or other agreed-upon value) upon a default (or similar event) by the issuer(s) of the underlying referenced obligation(s). If no default occurs, the protection seller would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligation to the Fund. Thus, the cost to the Acquiring Fund would be the premium paid with respect to the agreement. However, if a credit event occurs the Acquiring Fund may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity that may have little or no value. The Acquiring Fund bears the risk that the protection seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations.

If the Acquiring Fund is a seller of protection in a credit default swap and no credit event occurs, the Fund would generally receive an up-front payment or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the swap. However, if a credit event occurs, generally the Acquiring Fund would have to pay the buyer the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable

 

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obligations of the reference entity that may have little or no value. As the protection seller, the Acquiring Fund effectively adds economic leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to being subject to investment exposure on its total net assets, the Acquiring Fund is subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. See “—Segregation of Assets” below. Thus, the Acquiring Fund bears the same risk as it would by buying the reference obligations directly, plus the additional risks related to obtaining investment exposure through a derivative instrument discussed below under “—Risks Associated with Swap Transactions.”

Swap Options.    A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation), in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement at some designated future time on specified terms. A cash-settled option on a swap gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the underlying swap as of the exercise date. The Acquiring Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swap options. Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, the Acquiring Fund generally would incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swap option than when it purchases a swap option. When the Acquiring Fund purchases a swap option, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when the Acquiring Fund writes a swap option, upon exercise of the option the Fund would become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.

Risks Associated with Swap Transactions.    The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity which involves strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. If the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of default risks, market spreads or other applicable factors or events, the investment performance of the Acquiring Fund would diminish compared with what it would have been if these techniques were not used. As the protection seller in a credit default swap, the Acquiring Fund effectively adds economic leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to being subject to investment exposure on its total net assets, the Fund is subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. The Acquiring Fund generally may only close out a swap, cap, floor, collar or other two-party contract only with its particular counterparty, and generally it may only transfer a position only with the consent of that counterparty. In addition, the price at which the Acquiring Fund may close out such a two-party contract may not correlate with the price change in the underlying reference asset. If the counterparty defaults, the Acquiring Fund will have contractual remedies, but there can be no assurance that the counterparty will be able to meet its contractual obligations or that the Fund will succeed in enforcing its rights. It also is possible that developments in the derivatives market, including changes in government regulation, could adversely affect the Acquiring Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap or other agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

Futures and Options on Futures Generally.    A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a security, index or interest rate (each, a “financial instrument”) for a set price on a future date. Certain futures contracts, such as futures contracts relating to individual securities, call for making or taking delivery of the underlying financial instrument. However, these contracts generally are closed out before delivery by entering into an offsetting purchase or sale of a matching futures contract (same exchange, underlying financial instrument and delivery month). Other futures contracts, such as futures contracts on interest rates and indices, do not call for making or taking delivery of the underlying financial instrument, but rather are agreements pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the

 

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financial instrument at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the contract was originally written. These contracts also may be settled by entering into an offsetting futures contract.

Unlike when the Acquiring Fund purchases or sells a security, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Acquiring Fund will be required to deposit with the futures broker, known as a futures commission merchant (“FCM”), an amount of cash or securities equal to a varying specified percentage of the contract amount. This amount is known as initial margin. The margin deposit is intended to ensure completion of the contract. Minimum initial margin requirements are established by the futures exchanges and may be revised. In addition, FCMs may establish margin deposit requirements that are higher than the exchange minimums. Cash held in the margin account generally is not income producing. However, coupon-bearing securities, such as Treasury securities, held in margin accounts generally will earn income. Subsequent payments to and from the FCM, called variation margin, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying financial instrument fluctuates, making the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as marking the contract to market. Changes in variation margin are recorded by the Acquiring Fund as unrealized gains or losses. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Acquiring Fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position that will operate to terminate its position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Acquiring Fund, and the Fund realizes a gain or loss. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, the Fund may be entitled to the return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM’s other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Fund. Futures transactions also involve brokerage costs, and the Acquiring Fund may have to segregate additional liquid assets in accordance with applicable SEC requirements. See “—Segregation of Assets” below.

A futures option gives the purchaser of such option the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or a short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the purchaser acquires a long position in the futures contract, and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. Upon the exercise of a put option, the opposite is true.

Bond Futures and Forward Contracts.    Bond futures contracts are agreements in which one party agrees to deliver to the other an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific bond at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of securities is made. Forward contracts are agreements to purchase or sell a specified security or currency at a specified future date (or within a specified time period) and price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are usually entered into with banks, foreign exchange dealers or broker-dealers and are usually for less than one year, but they may be renewed. Forward contracts are generally purchased or sold in OTC transactions.

Under regulations of the CFTC currently in effect, which may change from time to time, with respect to futures contracts purchased by the Acquiring Fund, the 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.

 

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Parties to a futures contract must make “initial margin” deposits to secure performance of the contract. There are also requirements to make “variation margin” deposits from time to time as the value of the futures contract fluctuates.

Index Futures.    A tax-exempt bond index which assigns relative values to the tax-exempt bonds included in the index is traded on the Chicago Board of Trade. The index fluctuates with changes in the market values of all tax-exempt bonds included rather than a single bond. An index future is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash—rather than any security—equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index future was originally written. Thus, an index future is similar to traditional financial futures, except that settlement is made in cash.

Index Options.    The Acquiring Fund may also purchase put or call options on U.S. government or tax-exempt bond index futures and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position. Options on index futures are similar to options on debt instruments, except that an option on an index future gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in an index contract rather than an underlying security at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance of the writer’s futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the index futures contract, at exercise, is less than the exercise price of the option on the index future.

Bond index futures and options transactions would be subject to risks similar to transactions in financial futures and options thereon as described above.

Limitations on the Use of Futures, Options on Futures and Swaps.    The Adviser has claimed, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, the exclusion from the definition of “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended (“CEA”), provided by CFTC Regulation 4.5 and is therefore not currently subject to registration or regulation as such under the CEA with respect to the Acquiring Fund. In addition, the Sub-Adviser has claimed the exemption from registration as a commodity trading advisor provided by CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) and is therefore not currently subject to registration or regulation as such under the CEA with respect to the Acquiring Fund. In February 2012, the CFTC announced substantial amendments to certain exemptions, and to the conditions for reliance on those exemptions, from registration as a commodity pool operator. Under amendments to the exemption provided under CFTC Regulation 4.5, if the Acquiring Fund uses futures, options on futures, or swaps other than for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and premiums on these positions (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which options that are “in-the-money” at the time of purchase are “in-the-money”) may not exceed 5% of the Fund’s net asset value, or alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of those positions may not exceed 100% of the Fund’s net asset value (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). The CFTC amendments to Regulation 4.5 took effect on December 31, 2012, and the Acquiring Fund intends to comply with amended Regulation 4.5’s requirements such that the Adviser will not be required to register as a commodity pool operator with the CFTC with respect to the Fund. The Acquiring Fund reserves the right to employ futures, options on futures, and swaps to the extent allowed by CFTC regulations in effect from time to time and in accordance with

 

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the Fund’s policies. However, the requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), may limit the extent to which the Acquiring Fund may employ futures, options on futures, or swaps.

Structured Notes

The Acquiring Fund may utilize structured notes and similar instruments for investment purposes and also for hedging purposes. Structured notes are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an “embedded index”), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending upon a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index or indices or other assets. Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss.

Inter-Fund Borrowing and Lending

The SEC has granted an exemptive order permitting the Nuveen registered open-end and closed-end funds, including the Acquiring Fund, to participate in an inter-fund lending facility whereby those funds may directly lend to and borrow money from each other for temporary purposes (e.g., to satisfy redemption requests or when a sale of securities “fails,” resulting in an unanticipated cash shortfall) (the “Inter-Fund Program”). The closed-end Nuveen funds will participate only as lenders, and not as borrowers, in the Inter-Fund Program because such closed-end funds rarely, if ever, need to borrow cash to meet redemptions. The Inter-Fund Program is subject to a number of conditions, including, among other things, the requirements that (1) no fund may borrow or lend money through the Inter-Fund Program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than is typically available from a bank or other financial institution for a comparable transaction; (2) no fund may borrow on an unsecured basis through the Inter-Fund Program unless the fund’s outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the inter-fund borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets; provided that if the borrowing fund has a secured borrowing outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another fund, the inter-fund loan must be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value; (3) if a fund’s total outstanding borrowings immediately after an inter-fund borrowing would be greater than 10% of its total assets, the fund may borrow through the inter-fund loan on a secured basis only; (4) no fund may lend money if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the Inter-Fund Program to exceed 15% of its net assets at the time of the loan; (5) a fund’s inter-fund loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund’s net assets; (6) the duration of inter-fund loans will be limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days; and (7) each inter-fund loan may be called on one business days’ notice by a lending fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing fund. In addition, a Nuveen fund may participate in the Inter-Fund Program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. The Board of Trustees of the Nuveen Funds is responsible for overseeing the Inter-Fund

 

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Program. The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting the Inter-Fund Program are designed to minimize the risks associated with Inter-Fund Program for both the lending fund and the borrowing fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money from another fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher rate or take other actions to payoff such loan if an inter-fund loan is not available from another fund. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.

Other Investment Companies

The Acquiring Fund may invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (including exchange-traded funds) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Acquiring Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses and would remain subject to payment of its own advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Common shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Acquiring Fund invests in other investment companies. The Acquiring Fund will consider the investments of underlying investment companies when determining compliance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act and when determining compliance with its own concentration policy, in each case to the extent the Acquiring Fund has sufficient information about such investments after making a reasonable effort to obtain current information about the investments in underlying companies.

The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser will take expenses into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in an investment company relative to available municipal security investments. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore 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 common shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.

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 positions of the SEC and its staff. In accordance with these laws, rules and positions, the Acquiring Fund must maintain liquid assets (often referred to as “asset segregation”), or engage in other SEC or staff-approved measures, to “cover” open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivative instruments and financial agreements (such as reverse repurchase agreements). Generally, the Acquiring Fund will maintain an amount of liquid assets with its custodian in an amount at least equal to the amount of its obligations, including the value of unpaid past and future payment obligations, under derivative instruments and financial agreements, in accordance with SEC guidance. However, the Acquiring Fund also may “cover” certain obligations by other means such as through ownership of the underlying security or financial instrument. The Acquiring Fund also may enter into offsetting transactions with respect to certain obligations so that its combined position, coupled with any liquid assets maintained by its custodian, equals its net outstanding obligation in related derivatives or financial agreements. In the case of financial futures 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 financial futures contracts that are

 

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contractually required to cash settle, however, the Acquiring Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Fund’s daily net liability) under the contracts, if any, rather than such contracts’ full notional value. If the Acquiring Fund writes credit default swaps, it will segregate the full notional amount of the payment obligation under the credit default swap that must be paid upon the occurrence of a credit event. The Acquiring Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts. With respect to such investments, the Fund will segregate or earmark assets in an amount equal to at least 100% of the face amount of the floating rate securities issued by such trusts.

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.

The Acquiring Fund generally will use its assets to cover its obligations as required by the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, and applicable positions of the SEC and its staff. As a result of their segregation, such assets may not be used for other operational purposes. The Adviser 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 Policies and Techniques

Illiquid Securities.    The Acquiring Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are not readily marketable), including, but not limited to, restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), securities that may only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), that are deemed to be illiquid certain repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days.

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 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.

Portfolio Trading and Turnover Rate.    Portfolio trading may be undertaken to accomplish the investment objectives of the Acquiring Fund in relation to actual and anticipated movements in interest rates. In addition, a security may be sold and another of comparable quality purchased at approximately the same time to take advantage of what the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser believes to be a temporary price disparity between the two securities. Temporary price disparities between two comparable securities may result from supply and demand imbalances where, for example, a temporary oversupply of certain bonds may cause a temporarily low price for such bonds, as compared with other bonds of like quality and characteristics. The Acquiring Fund may also engage to a limited extent in short-term trading consistent with its investment objectives. Securities may be sold in anticipation of a market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchased in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sold, but the Fund will not engage in trading solely to recognize gain.

 

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Subject to the foregoing, the Acquiring Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objectives by prudent selection of municipal securities with a view to holding them for investment. While there can be no assurance thereof, the Acquiring Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will generally not exceed 100%. However, the rate of turnover will not be a limiting factor when the Acquiring Fund deems it desirable to sell or purchase securities. Therefore, depending upon market conditions, the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Acquiring Fund may exceed 100% in particular years. A higher portfolio turnover rate would result in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Acquiring Fund. In addition, 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 or may result in greater amounts of net capital gain distributions. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”

Repurchase Agreements.    As temporary investments, the Acquiring Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a contractual agreement whereby the seller of securities (U.S. government securities or municipal bonds) agrees to repurchase the same security at a specified price on a future date agreed upon by the parties. The agreed-upon repurchase price determines the yield during the Acquiring Fund’s holding period. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans collateralized by the underlying security that is the subject of the repurchase contract. Income generated from transactions in repurchase agreements is taxable to the Acquiring Fund and, to the extent distributed, will be taxable to shareholders. See “Federal Income Tax Matters” below. The Acquiring Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements only with registered securities dealers or domestic banks that, in the opinion of the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, present minimal credit risk. The risk to the Acquiring Fund is limited to the ability of the issuer to pay the agreed-upon repurchase price on the delivery date; however, although the value of the underlying collateral at the time the transaction is entered into always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price, if the value of the collateral declines there is a risk of loss of both principal and interest. In the event of default, the collateral may be sold, but the Acquiring Fund might incur a loss if the value of the collateral declines, and it might incur disposition costs or experience delays in connection with liquidating the collateral. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization upon the collateral by the Acquiring Fund may be delayed or limited. The Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser will monitor the value of the collateral at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times subsequent during the term of the repurchase agreement in an effort to determine that such value always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price. In the event the value of the collateral declines below the repurchase price, the Adviser will demand additional collateral from the issuer to increase the value of the collateral to at least that of the repurchase price, including interest.

Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk.    Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by a Fund with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment, and represent borrowings of the Fund. 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. A Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of the collateral held by the 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 Fund. The use by a 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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Zero Coupon Bonds and Other Original Issue Discount Instruments.    A zero coupon bond is a bond that typically does not pay interest either for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. 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 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 income 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 noncash accrual of interest over the life of the bond or other instrument. As a result, the Adviser receives nonrefundable cash payments based on such noncash accruals while investors incur the risk that such noncash accruals ultimately may not be realized.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

In addition to each Fund’s investment objectives, the Acquiring Fund’s policy to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Assets in a portfolio of securities the income from which is exempt from both regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, the Target Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from regular federal and Michigan income taxes and 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 of such Fund, voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, voting separately as a single class. For this purpose, “a majority of the outstanding shares” means the vote of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities, whichever is less.

 

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Except as described below, each Fund may not:

 

    

Acquiring Fund1

  

Target Fund1

1.    Invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer, except that this limitation shall not apply to bonds issued by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities or to the investment of 25% of its total assets.    Invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer, except that this limitation shall not apply to securities of the United States Government, its agencies and instrumentalities or to the investment of 25% of its total assets.
2.    Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes or for repurchase of its shares, and then only in an amount not exceeding one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including the amount borrowed) less the Fund’s liabilities (other than borrowings).    Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes or for repurchase of its shares, and then only in an amount not exceeding one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets including the amount borrowed. While any such borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets, no additional purchases of investment securities will be made.
3.    Issue senior securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, other than preferred shares, except to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and except as otherwise described in the Fund’s prospectus.    Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than preferred shares, except to the extent such issuance might be involved with respect to borrowings described [in subparagraph 2 above] or with respect to transactions involving futures contracts or the writing of options within the limits described in [the Target Fund’s registration statement].
4.    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.    Underwrite any issue of securities, except to the extent that the purchase of Municipal Obligations in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and limitations may be deemed to be an underwriting.
5.    Invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry; provided, however, that such limitation shall not apply to municipal bonds other than those municipal bonds backed only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental users.    Invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry; provided, however, that such limitation shall not be applicable to Municipal Obligations other than those Municipal Obligations backed only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental users, nor shall it apply to Municipal Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

 

1 

This 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.

 

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Acquiring Fund1

  

Target Fund1

6.    Purchase or sell real estate, but this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in municipal bonds secured by real estate or interests therein or foreclosing upon and selling such security.    Purchase or sell real estate, but this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in municipal securities secured by real estate or interests therein.
7.    Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts or 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 (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts, or derivative instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).
8.    Make loans, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and exemptive orders granted under the Investment Company Act of 1940.    Make loans, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and exemptive orders granted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
9.    Issue debt securities that rank senior to preferred shares other than for temporary or emergency purposes.   
10.       Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except that, to secure borrowings permitted by subparagraph (2) above, it may pledge securities having a market value at the time of pledge not exceeding 20% of the value of the Fund’s total assets.
11.       Invest more than 10% of its total assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
12.   

   Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer other than the securities of the Fund if, to the Fund’s knowledge, those [trustees] of the Fund, or those officers and directors of the Adviser, who individually own beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such issuer, together own beneficially more than 5% of such outstanding securities.

For purposes of the foregoing, “majority of the outstanding,” when used with respect to particular shares of the Fund, 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.

For the purpose of applying the 25% industry limitation set forth in subparagraph (5) above, with respect to the Acquiring Fund only, the Fund will consider the investments of underlying

 

S-23


investment companies when determining compliance with its own concentration policy, to the extent the Fund has sufficient information about such investments after making a reasonable effort to obtain current information about the investments in underlying companies.

For the purpose of applying the 25% industry limitation set forth in subparagraph (5) above, with respect to the Acquiring Fund only, such limitation will apply to tax-exempt municipal securities if the payment of principal and interest for such securities is derived principally from a specific project associated with an issuer that is not a governmental entity or a political subdivision of a government, and in that situation the Acquiring Fund will consider such municipal securities to be an industry associated with the project.

For the purpose of applying the limitation set forth in subparagraph (1) above, an issuer shall be deemed the sole 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, such as an industrial corporation or a privately owned or operated hospital, 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 sole 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 security 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 security will be determined in accordance with the principles set forth above. The foregoing restrictions do not limit the percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s assets that may be invested in municipal securities insured by any given insurer.

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 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 shares of beneficial interest 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 the 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 the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may be leveraged and therefore will be subject to leverage risk.

 

S-24


In addition to the foregoing fundamental investment policies, the Funds are also subject to the following non-fundamental restrictions and policies that may be changed by the Boards of the Funds without prior shareholder notice. Each Fund may not:

(1) Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold at no added cost, 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) Invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (and, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, including ETFs)) except in compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any exemptive relief obtained thereunder.

(3) Enter into futures contracts or related options or forward contracts, if more than 30% of the Fund’s net assets would be represented by futures contracts or more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets would be committed to initial margin deposits and premiums on futures contracts and related options.

(4) Purchase securities when borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets if and so long as preferred shares are outstanding.

(5) Purchase securities of companies for the purpose of exercising control, except that the Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in tax-exempt or taxable fixed-income securities or equity securities for the purpose of acquiring control of an issuer whose municipal bonds (a) the Fund already owns and (b) have deteriorated or are expected shortly to deteriorate significantly in credit quality, provided that the Adviser determines that such investment should enable the Fund to better maximize the value of its existing investment in such issuer.

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.

The Funds 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 the Funds 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 the Funds by the 1940 Act. If these restrictions were to apply, it is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines would impede the Investment Adviser and the Funds’ investment sub-adviser, NAM, from managing the Funds’ portfolio in accordance with the Funds’ investment objectives and policies.

Portfolio Turnover

Each Fund may buy and sell municipal securities to accomplish its investment objectives in relation to actual and anticipated changes in interest rates. Each Fund also may sell one municipal bond and buy another of comparable quality at about the same time to take advantage of what the Adviser believes to be a temporary price disparity between the two bonds that may result from imbalanced supply and demand. Each Fund also may engage to a limited extent in short-term trading consistent with its investment objectives. Securities may be sold in anticipation of a market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchased in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sold,

 

S-25


but, with respect to the Target Fund, will not engage in trading solely to recognize a gain. Each Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objectives by prudent selection of municipal securities with a view to holding them for investment. While there can be no assurance, each Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will generally not exceed 100% under normal circumstances.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2018, the portfolio turnover rates of the Acquiring Fund were as follows:

 

Acquiring Fund

2019

  

2018

8%

   11%

For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, the portfolio turnover rates of the Target Fund were as follows:

 

Target Fund

2020

  

2019

14%

   13%

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 or may result in greater amounts of net capital gain distributions.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

Board Members and Officers

The management of the Funds, including general supervision of the duties performed for each Fund under its investment management agreement with Nuveen Fund Advisors (each, an “Investment Management Agreement”), is the responsibility of the Funds’ Board. (The same Board and officers oversee each Fund.) The number of Board Members is nine (9), each of whom is not considered an “interested person” (as the term “interested person” is defined in the 1940 Act). None of the Board Members has ever been a trustee, director or employee of, or a consultant to, Nuveen, LLC (“Nuveen”), Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management or their affiliates.

With respect to the Acquiring Fund, the Board is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, with the Class I Board Members serving until the 2022 annual meeting, the Class II Board Members serving until the 2020 annual meeting and the Class III Board Members serving until the 2021 annual meeting, in each case until their respective successors are elected and qualified. Currently, Judith M. Stockdale, Carole E. Stone and Margaret L. Wolff are slated in Class I, John K. Nelson, Terence J. Toth and Robert L. Young are slated in Class II, and Jack B. Evans is slated in Class III. In addition, two Board Members are to be elected by holders of preferred shares annually. Currently, William C. Hunter and Albin F. Moschner serve as a Class I and Class III Board Member, respectively on an annual term and are elected by holders of preferred shares on an annual basis.

 

S-26


With respect to the Target Fund, the Board is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III. Class I Board Members Stockdale, Stone and Wolff and Board Members Hunter and Moschner were last elected at the annual meeting of shareholders held on December 5, 2019. Class III Board Member Evans was last elected at the annual meeting of shareholders held on November 13, 2018. Class II Board Members Nelson, Toth and Young were last elected at the annual meeting of shareholders held on November 14, 2017.

At its meeting held on August 4-6, 2020, the Board of each Fund appointed Matthew Thornton III as a new Board Member for each Fund designated as a Class III Board Member, effective November 16, 2020.

The names, business addresses and birthdates of the Board Members and officers of the Funds, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each Board Member oversees and other directorships they hold are set forth below. Except as noted in the table below, as of September 1, 2020, the Board Members of the Funds are directors or trustees, as the case may be, of 155 Nuveen-sponsored registered investment companies (the “Nuveen Funds”), which include 73 open-end mutual funds, 69 closed-end funds and 13 exchange-traded funds.

 

S-27


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 Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by  Board
Member
   

Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past Five
Years

Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Funds

   

Terence J. Toth(2)

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1959

  Chairman of
the Board;
Board
Member
  Term: Class II
Board Member
until 2020 annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of Service:
Since 2008,
Chairman of the
Board since 2018

   Formerly, Co-Founding Partner, Promus Capital (2008-2017); Director, Quality Control Corporation (since 2012); formerly, Director, Fulcrum IT Services, LLC (2010-2019); 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); formerly, Member, Chicago Fellowship Board (2005-2016); Member, Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008) and Mather Foundation Board (since 2012) and Chair of its Investment Committee; 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).     155     None

 

S-28


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 Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by  Board
Member
   

Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past Five
Years

Jack B. Evans

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1948

  Board
Member
  Term: Class III
Board Member
until 2021 annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of Service:
Since 1999

   Chairman (since 2019), formerly, President (1996-2019), The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation (since 1996); Director, Public Member (since 2015), American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; 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; formerly, Director, The Gazette Company.     155     Director and Chairman, United Fire Group, a publicly held company; formerly, Director, Alliant Energy.

William C. Hunter

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1948

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual or
Class I Board
Member until
2022 annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of Service:
Since 2004

   Dean Emeritus (since 2012), formerly, Dean (2006-2012), Henry B. Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa; past Director (2005-2015) and past President (2010-2014), Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; 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).     155     Director (since 2009) of Wellmark, Inc.; formerly, Director (2004-2018) of Xerox Corporation.

 

S-29


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 Five 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

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1952

  Board
Member
  Term: Class III
Board Member
until 2021 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).     155     Chairman (since 2019) and Director (since 2012), USA Technologies, Inc., a provider of solutions and services to facilitate electronic payment transactions; formerly, Director, Wintrust Financial Corporation (1996-2016).

 

S-30


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 Five 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

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1962

  Board
Member
  Term: Class II
Board Member
until 2020 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; served on The President’s Council, Fordham University (2010-2019) and previously was a Director of The Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (2009-2018); 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 (2010-2014 as trustee, 2011-2014 as Chairman); formerly, Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America and Global Head of the Financial Markets Division (2007-2008) and various executive leadership roles at ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (1996-2007).     155     None

Judith M. Stockdale

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1947

  Board
Member
  Term: Class I
Board Member
until 2022 annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of Service:
Since 1997

   Board Member of the Land Trust Alliance (since 2013); formerly, Board Member of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (2013-2019); formerly, Executive Director (1994-2012), Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (1990-1994).     155     None

 

S-31


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 Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by  Board
Member
   

Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past Five
Years

Carole E. Stone

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1947

  Board
Member
  Term: Class I
Board Member
until 2022 annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of Service:
Since 2007

   Former Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (2006-2017) and C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (2009-2017); formerly, Commissioner, New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform (2005-2010).     155     Former Director (2010-2020), Cboe Global Markets, Inc., formerly named CBOE Holdings, Inc.

Margaret L. Wolff

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1955

  Board
Member
  Term: Class I
Board Member
until 2022 annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of Service:
Since 2016

   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.     155     Formerly, Member of the Board of Directors (2013-2017) of Travelers Insurance Company of Canada and The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (each, a part of Travelers Canada, the Canadian operation of The Travelers Companies, Inc.).

 

S-32


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 Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by  Board
Member
   

Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past Five
Years

Robert L. Young

c/o Nuveen

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

1963

  Board
Member
  Term: Class II
Board Member
until 2020 annual
shareholder
meeting

 

Length of Service:
Since 2017

   Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Director, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (2010-2016); formerly, President and Principal Executive Officer (2013-2016), and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2005-2010) of J.P. Morgan Funds; formerly, Director and various officer positions for J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (formerly, JPMorgan Funds Management, Inc. and formerly, One Group Administrative Services) and JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. (formerly, One Group Dealer Services, Inc.) (1999-2017).     155     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)

Board Member 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 Board Member 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.

The following table sets forth information with respect to each officer of the Funds. Officers receive no compensation from the Funds. 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)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years(3)

Nathaniel T. Jones

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1979

  Vice President
and Treasurer
   Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2016

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017), formerly, Vice President (2011-2016) of Nuveen; Managing Director (since 2015) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst.

Walter M. Kelly

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1970

  Chief
Compliance
Officer and
Vice President
   Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2003

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2008-2017) of Nuveen.

 

S-33


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years(3)

David J. Lamb

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1963

  Chief
Administrative
Officer
   Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
since 2015

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President of Nuveen (2006-2017), Vice President prior to 2006; Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC.

Tina M. Lazar

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1961

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2002

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2014-2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC.

Brian J. Lockhart

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1974

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2019

   Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Vice President (2010-2017) of Nuveen; Head of Investment Oversight (since 2017), formerly, Team Leader of Manager Oversight (2015-2017).

Jacques M. Longerstaey

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

1963

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2019

   Senior Managing Director, Chief Risk Officer (since May 2019) of Nuveen; Senior Managing Director (since May 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; formerly, Chief Investment and Model Risk Officer, Wealth & Investment Management Division, Wells Fargo Bank (NA) (from 2013-2019).

 

S-34


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years(3)

Kevin J. McCarthy

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1966

  Vice President
and Assistant
Secretary
   Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2007

   Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary and General Counsel (since 2016) of Nuveen Investments, Inc., formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2008-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2008) of Nuveen Securities, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director (2008-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017), Secretary (since 2016) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017), Managing Director (2008-2016) and Assistant Secretary (2007-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017), Secretary (since 2016) and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2011- 2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017); Vice President (since 2007) and Secretary (since 2016), formerly, Assistant Secretary, of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC and Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Alternative Investments, LLC.

Jon Scott Meissner

TIAA

8500 Andrew Carnegie Boulevard

Charlotte, NC 28262

1973

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2019

   Managing Director of Mutual Fund Tax and Financial Reporting (since 2017) of Nuveen; Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Senior Director (since 2016) of Teachers Advisors, LLC and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC; Senior Director, Mutual Fund Taxation (since 2015) of the TIAA-CREF Funds, the TIAA-CREF Life Funds, the TIAA Separate Account VA-1 and the CREF Accounts; has held various positions with TIAA since 2004.

 

S-35


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years(3)

William T. Meyers

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606 1966

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2018

   Senior Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2016-2017), Senior Vice President (2010-2016) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2016) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2016-2017), Senior Vice President (2010-2016) of Nuveen, has held various positions with Nuveen since 1991.

Deann D. Morgan

100 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10016

1969

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2020

   Executive Vice President, Global Head of Product of Nuveen (since November 2019); Co-Chief Executive Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since March 2020); Managing Member of MDR Collaboratory LLC (since 2018); Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management Product Structuring & COO Multi Asset Investing of The Blackstone Group (2013-2017).

Christopher M. Rohrbacher

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1971

  Vice President
and Assistant
Secretary
   Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2008

   Managing Director (since 2017) and Co-General Counsel (since 2019), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017) and Assistant Secretary (2016-2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director (since 2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2017) and Associate General Counsel (since 2016), formerly, Senior Vice President (2012-2017) and Assistant General Counsel (2008-2016) of Nuveen.

William A. Siffermann

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1975

  Vice President    Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2017

   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017) and Vice President (2011-2016) of Nuveen.

E. Scott Wickerham

TIAA

730 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

1973

  Vice
President and
Controller
   Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2019

   Senior Managing Director, Head of Fund Administration of Nuveen (since 2019), formerly, Managing Director; Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (since 2017) to the TIAA-CREF Funds, the TIAA-CREF Life Funds, the TIAA Separate Account VA-1 and the Treasurer (since 2017) to the CREF Accounts; Senior Director, TIAA-CREF Fund Administration (2014-2015); has held various positions with TIAA since 2006.

 

S-36


Name, Address
and Year of Birth

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1)(2)
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years(3)

Mark L. Winget

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

1968

  Vice President
and Assistant
Secretary
   Term: Annual

 

Length of Service:
Since 2008

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2008) and Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2019); Vice President (since 2010) and Associate General Counsel (since 2016), formerly, Assistant General Counsel (2008-2016) of Nuveen.

Gifford R. Zimmerman

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 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); Vice President (since 2017), formerly, Managing Director (2003-2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2003) of Symphony Asset Management LLC; Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (since 2002) of Nuveen Investments Advisers, LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (since 2006) and of Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010); Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

(1)

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 Fund complex.

(2)

Length of Time Served indicates the year the individual became an officer of a fund in the Nuveen Fund complex.

(3)

Information as of September 1, 2020.

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND RISK OVERSIGHT

The Board of each 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 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 Funds’ business. With this overall framework in mind, when the Board, through its Nominating and Governance Committee discussed below, seeks nominees for the Board, the Board Members consider not only the 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

 

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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 Terence J. Toth 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 Funds, 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 a 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 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 Terence J. Toth, Chair, Albin F. Moschner and Margaret L. Wolff. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Executive Committee met one time.

 

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Dividend Committee.    The Dividend Committee is authorized to declare distributions on each Fund’s shares including, but not limited to, regular and special dividends, capital gains and ordinary income distributions. The members of the Dividend Committee are Robert L. Young, Chair, William C. Hunter, Albin F. Moschner and Margaret L. Wolff. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Dividend Committee met four times.

Audit Committee.    The Board has an Audit Committee, in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the 1934 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. The Audit Committee assists the Board in: the oversight and monitoring of the accounting and reporting policies, processes and practices of the Funds, and the audits of the financial statements of the Funds; the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Funds; the Funds’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the Funds’ financial statements; the independent auditors’ qualifications, performance and independence; and the pricing procedures of the Funds and the internal valuation group of Nuveen. It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to select, evaluate and replace any independent auditors (subject only to Board and, if applicable, shareholder ratification) and to determine their compensation. The Audit Committee is also responsible for, among other things, overseeing the valuation of securities comprising the Funds’ portfolios. Subject to the Board’s general supervision of such actions, the Audit Committee addresses any valuation issues, oversees the Funds’ pricing procedures and actions taken by Nuveen’s internal valuation group which provides regular reports to the Audit Committee, reviews any issues relating to the valuation of the Funds’ securities brought to its attention, and considers the risks to the Funds in assessing the possible resolutions of these matters. The Audit Committee may also consider any financial risk exposures for the Funds in conjunction with performing its functions.

To fulfill its oversight duties, the Audit Committee receives annual and semiannual reports and has regular meetings with the external auditors for the Funds 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 with legal and regulatory matters relating to the Funds’ financial statements. The Audit Committee operates under a written Audit Committee Charter (the “Charter”) adopted and approved by the Board, which Charter conforms to the listing standards of the NYSE. 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. The members of the Audit Committee are Carole E. Stone, Chair, Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, John K. Nelson and Judith M. Stockdale, each of whom is an Independent Board Member of the Funds. A copy of the Charter is available at https://www.nuveen.com/fund-governance. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, 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 Funds that are not otherwise under or within the jurisdiction of the other committees. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Funds’ compliance and risk matters. As part of its duties, the Compliance Committee: reviews the policies and procedures relating to compliance matters and recommends modifications thereto as necessary or appropriate to the full Board; develops new policies and procedures as new regulatory matters affecting the Funds arise from time to time; evaluates or considers any comments or reports from examinations from regulatory

 

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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 Funds in adopting a particular approach or resolution compared to the anticipated benefits to the Funds and their shareholders. In fulfilling its obligations, the Compliance Committee meets on a quarterly basis, and at least once a year in person. The Compliance Committee receives written and oral reports from the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) and meets privately with the CCO at each of its quarterly meetings. The CCO also provides an annual report to the full Board regarding the operations of the Funds’ and other service providers’ compliance programs as well as any recommendations for modifications thereto. The Compliance Committee also receives reports from the investment services group of Nuveen regarding various investment risks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the full Board also participates in discussions with management regarding certain matters relating to investment risk, such as the use of leverage and hedging. The investment services group therefore also reports to the full Board at its quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance. Accordingly, the Board directly and/or in conjunction with the Compliance Committee oversees matters relating to investment risks. Matters not addressed at the committee level are addressed directly by the full Board. The Compliance Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board. The members of the Compliance Committee are John K. Nelson, Chair, Albin F. Moschner, Terence J. Toth, Margaret L. Wolff and Robert L. Young. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Compliance Committee met six times.

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 Nominating and Governance 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 Nominating and Governance 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 Funds’ business.

In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee, among other things: makes recommendations concerning the continuing education of Board Members; monitors performance of

 

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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. 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 William Siffermann, Manager of Fund Board Relations, Nuveen, 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 weight given to these factors will depend on the composition of the Board and the skills and backgrounds of the incumbent Board Members at the time of consideration of the nominees. All candidates, however, must meet high expectations of personal integrity, independence, governance experience and professional competence. All candidates must be willing to be critical within the Board and with management and yet maintain a collegial and collaborative manner toward other Board Members. The Nominating and Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Funds’ website at https://www.nuveen.com/fund-governance, and is composed entirely of Independent Board Members, who are also “independent” as defined by NYSE listing standards. The members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Terence J. Toth, Chair, Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, Albin F. Moschner, John K. Nelson, Judith M. Stockdale, Carole E. Stone, Margaret L. Wolff and Robert L. Young. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Nominating and Governance Committee met six 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 Closed-End Funds 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 Closed-End Funds Committee receives updates on the secondary closed-end fund market and evaluates the premiums and discounts of the Nuveen closed-end funds, including the Funds, at each quarterly meeting. The Closed-End Funds Committee, reviews, among other things, the premium and discount trends in the broader closed-end fund market, by asset category and by closed-end fund; the historical total return performance data for the Nuveen closed-end funds, including the Funds, based on net asset value and price over various periods; the volatility trends in the market; the use of leverage by the Nuveen closed-end funds, including the Funds; the distribution data of the Nuveen closed-end funds, including the Funds, and as compared to peer averages; and a summary of common share issuances, if any, and share repurchases, if any, during the applicable quarter. The Closed-End Funds Committee regularly engages in more in-depth discussions of premiums and discounts of the Nuveen closed-end funds. Additionally, the Closed-End Funds Committee members participate in in-depth workshops to explore, among other things, actions to address discounts of the Nuveen

 

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closed-end funds, potential share repurchases and available leverage strategies and their use. The Closed-End Funds Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board. The members of the Closed-End Funds Committee are Jack B. Evans, Chair, Carole E. Stone, Terence J. Toth, Margaret L. Wolff and Robert L. Young. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Closed-End Funds Committee met four times.

Board Member Attendance.    During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Acquiring Fund’s Board held six regular meetings and nine special meetings.

During the last fiscal year, each Board Member attended 75% or more of the Target 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 shareholders of the Funds and the number of Board Members who attended the last annual meeting of shareholders of each Fund is posted on the Funds’ website at https://www.nuveen.com/fund-governance.

Board Diversification and Board Member Qualifications

In determining that a particular Board Member was qualified to serve on the Board, the Board considered 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 document, 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.

Jack B. Evans

Mr. Evans has served as Chairman since 2019 and President (1996-2019) of The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation. 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 as well as a Director of Alliant Energy 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 American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery as a Public Member Director (since 2015), and is a Life Trustee of Coe College. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Coe College and an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa. Mr. Evans joined the Board in 1999.

 

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William C. Hunter

Dr. Hunter became Dean Emeritus of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa in 2012, after having served as Dean of the College since July 2006. He had been 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. He has held faculty positions at Emory University, Atlanta University, the University of Georgia and Northwestern University. He has consulted with numerous foreign central banks and official agencies in Europe, Asia, Central America and South America. He has been a Director of Wellmark, Inc. since 2009. He is a past Director (2005-2015) and a past President (2010-2014) of Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society and a past Director (2004-2018) of the Xerox Corporation. Dr. Hunter joined the Board in 2004.

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. Mr. Moschner has been Chairman of the Board (since 2019) and a member of the Board of Directors (since 2012) 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 is emeritus (since 2018) of the Advisory Boards of the Kellogg School of Management (1995-2018) and the Archdiocese of Chicago Financial Council (2012-2018). 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 is currently on the Board of Directors of Core12, LLC. (since 2008), a private firm which develops branding, marketing, and communications strategies for clients. Mr. Nelson has extensive experience in global banking and markets, having 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, ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America. During his tenure at the bank, he also served as Global Head of its Financial Markets Division, which encompassed the bank’s Currency, Commodity, Fixed Income, Emerging Markets, and Derivatives businesses. 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. Mr. Nelson previously served as a senior, external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP (2012-2104). At Fordham University, he served as a director of The President’s Council (2010- 2019) and previously served as a director of The Curran Center for

 

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Catholic American Studies (2009-2018). He served as a trustee and Chairman of The Board of Trustees of Marian University (2011-2013). Mr. Nelson is a graduate of Fordham University and holds a BA in Economics (1984) and an MBA in Finance (1991). Mr. Nelson joined the Board in 2013.

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 Low Country of South Carolina. She is currently a board member of the Land Trust Alliance (since 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, Forefront f/k/a Donors Forum and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. 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 recently retired from the Board of Directors of the Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (formerly, CBOE Holdings, Inc.) having served from 2010-2020. She previously served on the Boards of the Chicago Board Options Exchange and C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated. 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. 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.

Matthew Thornton III

Mr. Thornton has over 40 years of broad leadership and operating experience from his career with FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”), which, through its portfolio of companies, provides transportation, e-commerce and business services. In November 2019, Mr. Thornton retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FedEx Freight Corporation (FedEx Freight), a subsidiary of FedEx, where, from May 2018 until his retirement, he had been responsible for day-to-day operations, strategic guidance, modernization of freight operations and delivering innovative customer solutions. From September 2006 to May 2018, Mr. Thornton served as Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations at Federal Express Corporation (FedEx Express), a subsidiary of FedEx. Prior to September 2006, Mr. Thornton held a range of positions of increasing responsibility with FedEx, including various management positions. In addition, Mr. Thornton currently (since 2014) serves on the Board of Directors of The Sherwin-Williams Company, where he is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Formerly (2012-2018), he was a member of the Board of Directors of Safe Kids Worldwide®, a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood injuries. Mr. Thornton is a member (since 2014) of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the nation’s premier organization of global black senior executives. He is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Mr. Thornton has been recognized by Black

 

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Enterprise on its 2017 list of the Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America and by Ebony on its 2016 Power 100 list of the world’s most influential and inspiring African Americans. Mr. Thornton received a B.B.A. degree from the University of Memphis in 1980 and an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee in 2001. Mr. Thornton has been appointed to the Board effective November 16, 2020.

Terence J. Toth

Mr. Toth, the Board’s Independent Chair, was a Co-Founding Partner of Promus Capital (2008 to 2017). From 2010 to 2019, he was a Director of Fulcrum IT Services, LLC and 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 Quality Control Corporation (since 2012) and Catalyst Schools of Chicago (since 2008). He 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. From 2013 to November 2017, she was 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.). 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.

Robert L. Young

Mr. Young has more than 30 years of experience in the investment management industry. From 1997 to 2017, he held various positions with J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (“J.P. Morgan Investment”) and its affiliates (collectively, “J.P. Morgan”). Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of J.P. Morgan Investment (from 2010 to 2016) and as President and Principal Executive Officer of the J.P. Morgan Funds (from 2013 to 2016). As Chief Operating Officer of J.P. Morgan Investment, Mr. Young led service, administration and business platform support activities for J.P. Morgan’s domestic retail mutual fund and institutional commingled and separate account businesses, and co-led these activities for J.P. Morgan’s global retail and institutional investment management businesses. As President of the J.P. Morgan Funds, Mr. Young interacted with

 

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various service providers to these funds, facilitated the relationship between such funds and their boards, and was directly involved in establishing board agendas, addressing regulatory matters, and establishing policies and procedures. Before joining J.P. Morgan, Mr. Young, a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA), was a Senior Manager (Audit) with Deloitte & Touche LLP (formerly, Touche Ross LLP), where he was employed from 1985 to 1996. During his tenure there, he actively participated in creating, and ultimately led, the firm’s midwestern mutual fund practice. Mr. Young holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Dayton and, from 2008 to 2011, he served on the Investment Committee of its Board of Trustees. Mr. Young joined the Board in 2017.

Board Member Terms

For each Fund, shareholders will be asked to elect Board Members as each Board Member’s term expires, and with respect to Board Members other than those elected by the holders of preferred shares only, such Board Members shall be elected for a term expiring at the time of the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders subsequent to their election or thereafter, in each case when their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. These provisions could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board.

Share Ownership

The following table sets forth for each Board Member the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in each Fund and in all Nuveen funds overseen by the Board Member as of July 31, 2020:

Dollar Range of Equity Securities

 

Name of Board Member

   Target
Fund
     Acquiring
Fund
   Family  of
Investment
Companies(1)
 

Jack B. Evans

     None      None    Over $ 100,000  

William C. Hunter

     None      None    Over $ 100,000  

Albin F. Moschner

     None      None    Over $ 100,000  

John K. Nelson

     None      None    Over $ 100,000  

Judith M. Stockdale

     None      $50,001-$100,000    Over $ 100,000  

Carole E. Stone

     None      None    Over $ 100,000  

Terence J. Toth

     None      $50,001-$100,000    Over $ 100,000  

Margaret L. Wolff

     None      None    Over $ 100,000  

Robert L. Young

     None      None    Over $ 100,000  

 

(1)

The amounts reflect the aggregate dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Board Member in the Funds and in all Nuveen funds overseen by the Board Member.

No Independent Board Member or his or her immediate family member owns beneficially or of record any security of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, the Funds’ sub-adviser (previously defined as “Nuveen Asset Management” or the “Sub-Adviser”), Nuveen or any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management or Nuveen.

As of September 1, 2020, Board Members and executive officers as a group beneficially owned approximately 1.08 million shares of all funds managed by the Adviser (including shares held by the

 

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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 September 30, 2020, each Board Member’s individual beneficial shareholdings of each Fund constituted less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of September 30, 2020, the Board Members and executive officers as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund. Information regarding beneficial owners of 5% or more of any class of shares of any Fund is provided under “General Information—Shareholders of the Target Fund and the Acquiring Fund.”

Compensation

Effective January 1, 2020, each Independent Board Member receives a $195,000 annual retainer, increased from $190,000 as of January 1, 2019, plus: (a) a fee of $6,750 per day, which was increased from $6,500 per day as of January 1, 2019, 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 $5,000 per meeting, which was increased from $2,500 per day as of January 1, 2019, 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; 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 $90,000, and 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 $15,000 each as 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 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. In certain instances fees and expenses will be allocated only to those Nuveen funds that are discussed at a given meeting.

 

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The Funds do 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 Funds have no employees. The officers of the Funds and the Board Members of each Fund who are not Independent Board Members serve without any compensation from the Funds.

The table below shows, for each Independent Board Member, the aggregate compensation paid by each Fund to the Board Member for its last fiscal year.

Aggregate Compensation from the Fund(1)

 

Fund Name

  Jack B.
Evans
    William C.
Hunter
    Albin F.
Moschner
    John K.
Nelson
    Judith M.
Stockdale
    Carole E.
Stone
    Terence J.
Toth
    Margaret L.
Wolff
    Robert L.
Young
 

Target Fund

  $ 1,283     $ 1,346     $ 1,187     $ 1,350     $ 1,221     $ 1,241     $ 1,584     $ 1,161     $ 1,125  

Acquiring Fund

    17,541       18,263       16,222       18,333       16,922       17,993       21,462       16,656       15,741  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation from Nuveen Funds Paid to Board Members

  $ 400,437     $ 420,625     $ 376,050     $ 420,625     $ 388,232     $ 409,035     $ 490,225     $ 384,667     $ 363,189  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes deferred fees. Pursuant to a deferred compensation agreement with certain of the Funds, 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 Participating Funds (including the return from the assumed investment in the Participating Funds) payable are:

 

Fund Name

  Jack B.
Evans
    William C.
Hunter
    Albin F.
Moschner
    John K.
Nelson
    Judith M.
Stockdale
    Carole E.
Stone
    Terence J.
Toth
    Margaret L.
Wolff
    Robert L.
Young
 

Target Fund

  $ 122     $     $     $     $ 231     $ 600     $     $ 366     $ 1,125  

Acquiring Fund

    1,867                         3,279       9,333             5,823       15,741  

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER

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.

Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, each Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee for the overall advisory and administrative services and general office facilities

 

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provided by Nuveen Fund Advisors. Each Fund’s management fee is separated into two components—a complex-level component, based on the aggregate amount of Nuveen-branded closed- and open-end registered investment companies organized in the U.S., and a specific fund-level component, based only on the amount of assets within the Fund. This pricing structure enables Nuveen Fund shareholders to benefit from growth in the assets within each individual fund as well as from growth in the amount of complex-wide assets 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, 2021. 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.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, a registered investment adviser, is a subsidiary of Nuveen, 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 June 30, 2020, Nuveen managed approximately $1.05 trillion in assets, of which approximately $144.4 billion was managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors.

The total dollar amounts paid to Nuveen Fund Advisors by each Fund under each Fund’s Investment Management Agreement for each Fund’s last three fiscal years are as follows:

 

Acquiring Fund

   2019      2018      2017  

Gross Advisory Fees

   $ 34,715,769      $ 34,242,711      $ 34,037,129  

Waiver

   $      $      $  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Advisory Fees

   $ 34,715,769      $ 34,242,711      $ 34,037,129  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Target Fund

   2020      2019      2018  

Gross Advisory Fees

   $ 2,943,055      $ 2,882,629      $ 2,963,812  

Waiver

   $      $      $  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Advisory Fees

   $ 2,943,055      $ 2,882,629      $ 2,963,812  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-Adviser

Nuveen Fund Advisors has selected NAM to serve as sub-adviser to each Fund. Nuveen Fund Advisors compensates NAM for the portfolio management services it provides to the Funds from the management fees paid by the Funds. Nuveen Fund Advisors and NAM retain the right to reallocate investment advisory responsibilities and fees between themselves in the future.

For the services provided pursuant to each Fund’s Sub-Advisory Agreement, Nuveen Fund Advisors pays NAM a portfolio management fee, payable monthly, equal to 38.4615% of the management fee (net of applicable breakpoints, waivers and reimbursements) paid by the Fund to Nuveen Fund Advisors.

 

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The total dollar amounts paid to NAM by Nuveen Fund Advisors during each Fund’s last three fiscal years are as follows:

 

Acquiring Fund

   2019      2018      2017  

Sub-Advisory Fees

     $13,352,205        $13,170,260        $13,091,190  

Target Fund

   2020      2019      2018  

Sub-Advisory Fees

     $1,227,546        $1,108,702        $1,139,927  

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Unless otherwise indicated, the information below is provided as of the date of this SAI.

Portfolio Management.    Christopher L. Drahn, CFA is the portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund, and Daniel J. Close is the portfolio manager of the Target Fund. Christopher L. Drahn, CFA will manage the combined 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 October 31, 2019 for Mr. Drahn and as of February 29, 2020 for Mr. Close:

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Type of Account Managed

  Number of
Accounts
   Assets*

Christopher L. Drahn

   Registered Investment Companies   9    $7.83 billion
   Other Pooled Investment Vehicles   0    $0
   Other Accounts   4    $122 million

Daniel J. Close

   Registered Investment Companies   12    $6.93 billion
   Other Pooled Investment Vehicles   14    $3.93 billion
   Other Accounts   25    $5.24 billion

 

*

Assets are as of October 31, 2019 for Mr. Drahn and as of February 29, 2020 for Mr. Close. 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.

Portfolio managers are compensated through a combination of base salary and variable components consisting of (i) a cash bonus; (ii) a long-term performance award; and (iii) participation in a profits interest plan.

Base salary.    A portfolio manager’s base salary is determined based upon an analysis of the portfolio manager’s general performance, experience and market levels of base pay for such position.

Cash bonus.    A portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus that is based on three variables: risk-adjusted investment performance relative to benchmark generally measured over the most recent three and five year periods (unless the portfolio manager’s tenure is shorter), ranking versus Morningstar peer funds generally measured over the most recent three and five year periods (unless the portfolio manager’s tenure is shorter), and management and peer reviews.

 

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Long-term performance award.    A portfolio manager is eligible to receive a long-term performance award that vests after three years. The amount of the award when granted is based on the same factors used in determining the cash bonus. The value of the award at the completion of the three-year vesting period is adjusted based on the risk-adjusted investment performance of Fund(s) managed by the portfolio manager during the vesting period and the performance of the TIAA organization as a whole.

Profits interest plan.    Portfolio managers are eligible to receive profits interests in Nuveen Asset Management and its affiliate, Teachers Advisors, LLC, which vest over time and entitle their holders to a percentage of the firms’ annual profits. Profits interests are allocated to each portfolio manager based on such person’s overall contribution to the firms.

There are generally no differences between the methods used to determine compensation with respect to the Funds and the other accounts shown in the table above.

Potential Material Conflicts of Interest

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple accounts are presented with 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. NAM seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most accounts managed by a portfolio manager in a particular investment strategy are managed using the same investment models.

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, an account may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. To deal with these situations, NAM has adopted procedures for allocating limited opportunities across multiple accounts.

With respect to many of its clients’ accounts, NAM 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, NAM 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, NAM 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 a Fund or the other accounts.

Some clients are subject to different regulations. As a consequence of this difference in regulatory requirements, some clients may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions or to engage in these transactions to the same extent as the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where NAM 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.

 

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NAM has adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts common among investment managers. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

Conflicts of interest may also arise when the Sub-Adviser invests one or more of its client accounts in different or multiple parts of the same issuer’s capital structure, including investments in public versus private securities, debt versus equity, or senior versus junior/subordinated debt, or otherwise where there are different or inconsistent rights or benefits. Decisions or actions such as investing, trading, proxy voting, exercising, waiving or amending rights or covenants, workout activity, or serving on a board, committee or other involvement in governance may result in conflicts of interest between clients holding different securities or investments. Generally, individual portfolio managers will seek to act in a manner that they believe serves the best interest of the accounts they manage. In cases where a portfolio manager or team faces a conflict among its client accounts, it will seek to act in a manner that it believes best reflects its overall fiduciary duty, which may result in relative advantages or disadvantages for particular accounts.

Beneficial Ownership of Securities.    The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Funds’ portfolio managers as of September 1, 2020:

 

Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned
in the  Acquiring
Fund
   Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned
in the Target  Fund

Christopher L. Drahn

   None    None

Daniel J. Close

   None    None

Code of Ethics

The Fund, Nuveen Fund Advisors, NAM, Nuveen and other related entities have adopted codes of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that essentially prohibit certain of their personnel, including the Portfolio Manager, from engaging in personal investments that compete or interfere with, or attempt to take advantage of a client’s, including the Fund’s, 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. Personnel subject to the Code of Ethics may purchase shares of the Fund and may generally invest in securities in which the Fund may also invest subject to the restrictions set forth in the Code of Ethics. Text-only versions of the Code of Ethics of the Fund, Nuveen Fund Advisors, NAM and Nuveen can be viewed online or downloaded from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet web site at www.sec.gov. 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.

Proxy Voting Policies

The Funds invest primarily in municipal securities. On rare occasions a Fund may acquire, directly or through a special purpose vehicle, equity securities of a municipal bond issuer whose bonds the Fund already owns when such bonds have deteriorated or are expected shortly to deteriorate significantly in credit quality. The purpose of acquiring equity securities generally will be to acquire control of the municipal bond issuer and to seek to prevent the credit deterioration or facilitate the

 

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liquidation or other workout of the distressed issuer’s credit problem. In the course of exercising control of a distressed municipal issuer, NAM may pursue the Fund’s interests in a variety of ways, which may entail negotiating and executing consents, agreements and other arrangements, and otherwise influencing the management of the issuer. NAM does not consider such activities proxy voting for purposes of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, but nevertheless provides reports to a Fund’s Board on its control activities on a quarterly basis.

In the rare event that a municipal issuer held by a Fund were to issue a proxy, or that the Fund were to receive a proxy issued by a cash management security, NAM 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 Board or its representative. In the case of a conflict of interest, the proxy would be submitted to the Board to determine how the proxy should be voted. A member of NAM’s legal department would oversee the administration of the voting and ensure that records were maintained in accordance with Rule 206(4)-6, reports were filed with the SEC on Form N-PX, and the results were provided to the Board and made available to shareholders as required by applicable rules. NAM’s proxy voting policies and procedures are attached hereto as Appendix C. If applicable, information regarding how a Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 257-8787 or from the Fund’s website at http://www.nuveen.com, and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Subject to the supervision of the Board and Nuveen Fund Advisors, NAM is 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 usually 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 NAM’s obligation 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 or affiliates of NAM except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

It is NAM’s policy to seek the best execution under the circumstances of each trade. NAM 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 NAM’s practice to select dealers that, in addition, furnish research information (primarily credit analyses of issuers and general economic reports) and statistical and other services to NAM. 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 NAM’s own research efforts, the receipt of research information is not expected to reduce significantly NAM’s expenses. While NAM will be primarily responsible for the placement of the business of the Funds, NAM’s policies and practices in this regard must be consistent with the foregoing and will, at all times, be subject to review by the Board of the Funds.

 

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NAM 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. NAM seeks 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) NAM 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 NAM’s management outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from NAM’s larger management activities and its need to allocate securities.

The information in the table below reflects the aggregate brokerage commission paid by the Acquiring and Target Fund for the last three fiscal years:

 

     2019      2018      2017  

Acquiring Fund

   $      $      $ 402  

 

     2020      2019      2018  

Target Fund

   $      $      $  

During the 2019 and 2020 fiscal year, the Acquiring Fund and the Target Fund, respectively, did not pay commissions in return for research services or hold any securities of its regular broker-dealers.

Under the 1940 Act, each Fund may not purchase portfolio securities from any underwriting syndicate of which Nuveen Securities, LLC is a member except under certain limited conditions set forth in Rule 10f-3. The Rule sets forth requirements relating to, among other things, the terms of a security purchased by the Funds, the amount of securities that may be purchased in any one issue and the assets of the Funds that may be invested in a particular issue. In addition, purchases of securities made pursuant to the terms of the Rule must be approved at least quarterly by each Fund’s Board, including a majority of the independent trustees.

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

 

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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. However, there can be no assurance 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 Exchange Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

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 current 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, 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 Fund 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, (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, 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

 

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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 Joint 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, and the Fund’s preferred shares 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 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 will 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. Substantially similar consequences would be relevant to a shareholder that acquires, holds and/or disposes of shares of the Target Fund. This discussion addresses only 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, conversion transaction or other integrated transaction, holders who are subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (except as discussed below), investors with “applicable financial statements” within the meaning of section 451(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) 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 federal income 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

 

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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.

If a partnership holds shares of the Acquiring Fund, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. The discussion below may not be applicable to an investor who is a partner in a partnership holding Acquiring Fund shares. Such investors should consult their own tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of shares of the Acquiring Fund.

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 Code and to satisfy conditions which enable its dividends that are attributable to interest on municipal securities to be exempt from federal income tax in the hands of owners of such stock, subject to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax.

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 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 gains 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.

The Acquiring Fund intends to continue to qualify to pay “exempt-interest” dividends, as defined in the Code, by satisfying the requirement that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets consist of tax-exempt state and local bonds. Exempt-interest

 

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dividends are dividends or any part thereof (other than a capital gain dividend) paid by the Acquiring Fund which are attributable to interest on state and local bonds that pay interest exempt from regular federal income tax and are so reported by the Acquiring Fund. Exempt-interest dividends will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, subject to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax.

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 gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), if any, that it distributes to shareholders. The Acquiring Fund may retain for investment its net capital gains. However, if the Acquiring Fund retains any net capital gains 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 gains, 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 gains, 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 gains 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.

The Acquiring Fund may acquire municipal obligations and other 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

 

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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) and net tax-exempt interest, including such income it is required to accrue, to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and (with respect to taxable income) 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 it 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.

A portion of the Acquiring Fund’s expenditures that would otherwise be deductible may not be allowed as deductions by reason of the Acquiring Fund’s investment in municipal securities (with such disallowed portion, in general, being the same percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s aggregate expenses as the percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s aggregate income (other than capital gain income) that constitutes exempt-interest income). A similar disallowance rule also applies to interest expense paid or incurred by the Acquiring Fund, if any. Such disallowed deductions, if any, will reduce the amount that the Acquiring Fund can report as exempt-interest dividends by the disallowed amount. Income distributions by the Acquiring Fund in excess of the amount of the Acquiring Fund’s exempt-interest dividends may be taxable as ordinary income.

Section 163(j) of the Code provides a limitation on the deductibility of business interest. Generally, the provision limits the deduction for net business interest expenses to 30% of a taxpayer’s adjusted taxable income (50% for taxable years beginning in 2019 or 2020). The deduction for interest expenses is not limited to the extent of any business interest income, which is interest income attributable to a trade or business and not investment income. The IRS has issued proposed regulations clarifying that all interest expense and interest income of a RIC is treated as properly allocable to a trade or business for purposes of the limitation on the deductibility of business interest. As a result, this limitation may impact the Fund’s ability to use leverage (e.g., borrow money, issue debt securities, etc.).

Distributions to shareholders of net investment income received by the Acquiring Fund from investments that generate taxable income, if any, and of net short-term capital gains realized by the Acquiring Fund, if any, will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions by the Acquiring Fund of net capital gains (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), if any, are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has owned the shares with respect to which such distributions are made. The amount of taxable income allocable to the Acquiring Fund’s shares will depend upon the amount of such income realized by the Acquiring Fund, but it is not generally expected to be significant. Taxable distributions are subject to federal income tax whether reinvested in additional shares of the Acquiring Fund or paid in cash.

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). “Qualified dividend income” received by noncorporate shareholders is taxed for federal income tax purposes at

 

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rates equivalent to long-term capital gains tax rates, which reach a maximum of 20%. Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from non-U.S. corporations that meet certain specified criteria. As long as the Acquiring Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company under the Code, it is not expected that any part of its distributions to shareholders from its investments will qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction available to corporate shareholders or as qualified dividend income in the case of noncorporate shareholders.

The IRS currently requires that the Acquiring Fund report distributions paid with respect to its common shares and its preferred shares as consisting of a portion of each type of income distributed by the Acquiring Fund. The portion of each type of income deemed received by the holders of each class of shares will be equal to the portion of the total Acquiring Fund dividends received by such class. Thus, the Acquiring Fund will report dividends paid as exempt-interest dividends in a manner that allocates such dividends between the holders of the common shares and the preferred shares in proportion to the total dividends paid to each such class with respect to the taxable year, or otherwise as required by applicable law. Net capital gain dividends and ordinary income dividends will similarly be allocated between the two classes.

Earnings and profits for the current year are generally treated, for federal income tax purposes, as first being used to pay distributions on preferred shares, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to pay distributions on the common shares.

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 Fund’s ability to make distributions on its common shares and/or preferred 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. Upon any failure to meet the asset coverage requirements imposed by the 1940 Act, the Acquiring Fund may, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, purchase or redeem preferred shares in order to maintain or restore the requisite asset coverage and avoid the adverse consequences to the Acquiring Fund and its shareholders of failing to meet the distribution requirements. However, there can be no assurance that any such action would achieve these objectives. The Acquiring Fund endeavors to avoid restrictions on its ability to distribute dividends.

The Code provides that interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the Acquiring Fund’s shares to which exempt-interest dividends are allocated is not deductible. Under rules used by the IRS for determining when borrowed funds are considered used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds, even though such funds are not directly used for the purchase or ownership of such shares.

The interest on private activity bonds in most instances is not federally tax-exempt to a person who is a “substantial user” of a facility financed by such bonds or a “related person” of such “substantial user.” As a result, the Acquiring Fund may not be an appropriate investment for a shareholder who is considered either a “substantial user” or a “related person” within the meaning of the Code. In general, a “substantial user” of a facility includes a “nonexempt person who regularly uses

 

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a part of such facility in his trade or business.” “Related persons” are in general defined to include persons among whom there exists a relationship, either by family or business, which would result in a disallowance of losses in transactions among them under various provisions of the Code (or if they are members of the same controlled group of corporations under the Code), including a partnership and each of its partners (and certain members of their families), an S corporation and each of its shareholders (and certain members of their families) and various combinations of these and other relationships. The foregoing is not a complete description of all of the provisions of the Code covering the definitions of “substantial user” and “related person.”

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.

Certain of the Acquiring Fund’s investment practices 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 sale, exchange or redemption of shares of the Acquiring Fund normally will result in capital gains or losses to shareholders who hold their shares as capital assets. Generally, a shareholder’s gain or loss will be long-term capital gains or losses if the shares have been held for more than one year, even though the increase in value in such shares is attributable to tax-exempt interest income. The gain or loss on shares held for one year or less will generally be treated as short-term capital gains or losses. Current federal income tax law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the same rates applicable to ordinary income. However, for noncorporate taxpayers, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%, while short-term capital gains are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. Any loss on the sale of shares that have been held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any distribution of exempt-interest dividends received with respect to such shares, unless the shares are of a regulated investment company that declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. 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.

 

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Federal income tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to individuals, trusts and estates. Interest on certain “private activity” bonds is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income. Pursuant to its non-fundamental investment policy adopted on February 4, 2016, the Acquiring Fund does not intend to acquire securities whose income is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. However, to the extent that the Acquiring Fund receives income from municipal securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, a portion of the dividends paid by the Acquiring Fund, although otherwise exempt from U.S. federal income tax, would be taxable to its shareholders to the extent that their tax liability is determined under the federal alternative minimum tax. The Acquiring Fund will annually provide a report indicating the percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s income attributable to municipal securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals.

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 certain 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.

Tax-exempt income, including exempt-interest dividends paid by the Acquiring Fund, is taken into account in calculating the amount of Social Security and railroad retirement benefits that may be subject to federal income tax.

The Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 24% from all distributions (including exempt-interest dividends) 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 (or the Acquiring Fund has 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.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) generally requires 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 laws or regulations. 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.

Pursuant to recently proposed regulations, the Treasury Department has indicated its intent to eliminate the requirements under FATCA of withholding on gross proceeds from the sale, exchange,

 

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maturity or other disposition of relevant financial instruments (including redemption of stock). The Treasury Department has indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization.

The Code provides that every shareholder required to file a tax return must include for information purposes on such return the amount of tax-exempt interest received during the taxable year, including any exempt-interest dividends received from the Acquiring Fund.

With respect to the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund issued in the Reorganization, the Acquiring Fund will receive an opinion from special tax counsel that the preferred shares will constitute equity of the Acquiring Fund, and the foregoing discussion and the tax opinion received by the Funds regarding certain aspects of the Reorganization, including that the Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Code, relies on the position that the preferred shares will constitute equity of the Acquiring Fund. Accordingly, distributions with respect to the preferred shares (other than distributions in redemption of preferred shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of the Acquiring Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes and to the extent allocable to such distribution. Because the treatment of a corporate security as debt or equity is determined on the basis of the facts and circumstances of each case, and no controlling precedent exists for the preferred shares issued in the Reorganization, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not question special tax counsel’s opinion and the Acquiring Fund’s treatment of the preferred shares as equity. If the IRS were to succeed in such a challenge, holders of preferred shares could be characterized as receiving taxable interest income rather than exempt-interest or other dividends, possibly requiring them to file amended income tax returns and retroactively to recognize additional amounts of ordinary income and to pay additional tax, interest and penalties.

EXPERTS

The audited financial statements and financial highlights and related independent registered public accounting firm’s report for the Acquiring Fund contained in the Acquiring Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October  31, 2019 (File No. 811- 21213), and the audited financial statements and financial highlights and related independent registered public accounting firm’s report for the Target Fund contained in the Target Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 (File No.  811-06383) are incorporated by reference herein. The Acquiring Fund’s financial statements as of and for the 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 fiscal years have been audited by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon. The Target Fund’s financial statements as of and for the 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 fiscal years have been audited by KPMG, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such reports 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.

 

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CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT, AND REDEMPTION AND PAYING AGENT

The custodian of the Funds’ assets is State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. The custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. With respect to each Fund’s common shares and AMTP Shares, the transfer, shareholder services and dividend disbursing agent with respect to its common shares is Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021 (“Computershare”). Computershare will serve in such capacity with respect to the Acquiring Fund’s AMTP Shares issued in the Reorganization. The Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286 acts as the tender agent, transfer agent and registrar, dividend disbursing agent and paying agent, calculation agent and redemption price disbursing agent with respect to the Acquiring Fund’s MFP Shares and VRDP Shares.

PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Pro forma financial statements for the combined fund are not provided because the Target Fund’s net asset value does not exceed 10% of the Acquiring Fund’s net asset value as of September 30, 2020.

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 Joint 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 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and this SAI as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein 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.

 

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APPENDIX A

RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS

Standard & Poor’s Corporation—A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies (“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 forward-looking opinion about 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 opinion reflects Standard & Poor’s view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

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. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

Issue credit ratings are based in varying degrees, on S&P’s analysis of 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.

Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. 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 has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

 

  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 to a 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.

 

A-1


  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.

 

  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. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but Standard & Poor’s expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

  C

An obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

 

  D

An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer

 

  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.

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.

 

A-2


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-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 vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

  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 default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM NOTE RATINGS DEFINITIONS

A Standard & Poor’s U.S. municipal note rating reflects Standard & Poor’s opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating.

In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, Standard & Poor’s analysis will review the following considerations:

1.        Amortization schedule—the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

2.        Source of payment—the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

  SP-1

Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

A-3


  SP-2

Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

  SP-3

Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

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:

LONG-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

Moody’s long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

  Aaa

Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

  Aa

Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

  A

Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

  Baa

Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

  Ba

Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

  B

Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

  Caa

Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative, of poor standing, and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

  Ca

Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

  C

Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1,2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aaa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

Moody’s short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments. Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

  P-1

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A-4


  P-2

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

  P-3

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

  NP

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

U.S. MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

The Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale is used to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years’ maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels—MIG 1 through MIG 3—while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG.

 

  MIG1

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.

 

  MIG2

This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

  MIG3

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.

Fitch Ratings, Inc.— A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns and insurance companies, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The “threshold” default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts, although the agency recognizes that issuers may also make pre-emptive and therefore voluntary use of such mechanisms.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency’s view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default. For historical information on the default experience of Fitch-rated issuers, please consult the transition and default performance studies available from the Fitch Ratings website.

LONG-TERM CREDIT RATINGS

 

  AAA

Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

A-5


  AA

Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of a very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

  A

High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

  BBB

Good credit quality. ‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

  BB

Speculative. ‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.

 

  B

Highly speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

 

  CCC

Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

  CC

Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

 

  C

Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include:

 

  a.

the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

 

  b.

the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; or

 

  c.

Fitch Ratings otherwise believes a condition of ‘RD’ or ‘D’ to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal announcement of a distressed debt exchange.

 

  RD

Restricted default. ‘RD’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased business. This would include:

 

  a.

the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;

 

  b.

the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;

 

  c.

the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or

 

  d.

execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

 

A-6


  D

Default. ‘D’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business. Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, nonpayment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

“Imminent” default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice.

Note: The modifiers “+” 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 IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below ‘B’.

Specific limitations relevant to the issuer credit rating scale include:

 

   

The ratings do not predict a specific percentage of default likelihood over any given time period.

 

   

The ratings do not opine on the market value of any issuer’s securities or stock, or the likelihood that this value may change.

 

   

The ratings do not opine on the liquidity of the issuer’s securities or stock.

 

   

The ratings do not opine on the possible loss severity on an obligation should an issuer default.

 

   

The ratings do not opine on the suitability of an issuer as counterparty to trade credit.

 

   

The ratings do not opine on any quality related to an issuer’s business, operational or financial profile other than the agency’s opinion on its relative vulnerability to default.

Ratings assigned by Fitch Ratings articulate an opinion on discrete and specific areas of risk. The above list is not exhaustive, and is provided for the reader’s convenience.

SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

 

  F1

Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

A-7


  F2

Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

  F3

Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

  B

Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

  C

High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

  RD

Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Applicable to entity ratings only.

 

  D

Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

Specific limitations relevant to the Short-Term Ratings scale include:

 

   

The ratings do not predict a specific percentage of default likelihood over any given time period.

 

   

The ratings do not opine on the market value of any issuer’s securities or stock, or the likelihood that this value may change.

 

   

The ratings do not opine on the liquidity of the issuer’s securities or stock.

 

   

The ratings do not opine on the possible loss severity on an obligation should an obligation default.

Ratings assigned by Fitch Ratings articulate an opinion on discrete and specific areas of risk. The above list is not exhaustive, and is provided for the reader’s convenience.

RATING WATCHES AND RATING OUTLOOKS

Rating Watch

Rating Watches indicate that there is a heightened probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such a change. These are designated as “Positive”, indicating a potential upgrade, “Negative”, for a potential downgrade, or “Evolving”, if ratings may be raised, lowered or affirmed. However, ratings that are not on Rating Watch can be raised or lowered without being placed on Rating Watch first, if circumstances warrant such an action.

A Rating Watch is typically event-driven and, as such, it is generally resolved over a relatively short period. The event driving the Watch may be either anticipated or have already occurred, but in both cases, the exact rating implications remain undetermined. The Watch period is typically used to gather further information and/or subject the information to further analysis. Additionally, a Watch may be used where the rating implications are already clear, but where a triggering event (e.g. shareholder or regulatory approval) exists. The Watch will typically extend to cover the period until the triggering event is resolved or its outcome is predictable with a high enough degree of certainty to permit resolution of the Watch.

 

A-8


Rating Watches can be employed by all analytical groups and are applied to the ratings of individual entities and/or individual instruments. At the lowest categories of speculative grade (‘CCC’, ‘CC’ and ‘C’) the high volatility of credit profiles may imply that almost all ratings should carry a Watch. Watches are nonetheless only applied selectively in these categories, where a committee decides that particular events or threats are best communicated by the addition of the Watch designation.

Rating Outlook

Rating Outlooks indicate the direction a rating is likely to move over a one- to two-year period. They reflect financial or other trends that have not yet reached the level that would trigger a rating action, but which may do so if such trends continue. The majority of Outlooks are generally Stable, which is consistent with the historical migration experience of ratings over a one- to two-year period. Positive or Negative rating Outlooks do not imply that a rating change is inevitable and, similarly, ratings with Stable Outlooks can be raised or lowered without a prior revision to the Outlook, if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, where the fundamental trend has strong, conflicting elements of both positive and negative, the Rating Outlook may be described as Evolving.

Outlooks are currently applied on the long-term scale to issuer ratings in corporate finance (including sovereigns, industrials, utilities, financial institutions and insurance companies) and public finance outside the U.S.; to issue ratings in public finance in the U.S.; to certain issues in project finance; to Insurer Financial Strength Ratings; to issuer and/or issue ratings in a number of National Rating scales; and to the ratings of structured finance transactions. Outlooks are not applied to ratings assigned on the short-term scale and are applied selectively to ratings in the ‘CCC’, ‘CC’ and ‘C’ categories. Defaulted ratings typically do not carry an Outlook.

Deciding When to Assign Rating Watch or Outlook

Timing is informative but not critical to the choice of a Watch rather than an Outlook. A discrete event that is largely clear and the terms of which are defined, but which will not happen for more than six months—such as a lengthy regulatory approval process—would nonetheless likely see ratings placed on Watch rather than a revision to the Outlook. An Outlook revision may, however, be deemed more appropriate where a series of potential event risks has been identified, none of which individually warrants a Watch but which cumulatively indicate heightened probability of a rating change over the following one to two years.

A revision to the Outlook may also be appropriate where a specific event has been identified, but where the conditions and implications of that event are largely unclear and subject to high execution risk over an extended period—for example a proposed, but politically controversial, privatization.

STANDARD RATING ACTIONS

 

Affirmed*    The rating has been reviewed and no change has been deemed necessary.
Confirmed    Action taken in response to an external request or change in terms. Rating has been reviewed in either context, and no rating change has been deemed necessary.
Downgrade*    The rating has been lowered in the scale.
Matured*/Paid-In-Full   

a.   ‘Matured’—This action is used when an issue has reached the end of its repayment term and rating coverage is discontinued. Denoted as ‘NR’.

b.  ‘Paid-In-Full’—This action indicates that the issue has been paid in full. As the issue no longer exists, it is therefore no longer rated. Denoted as ‘PIF’.

New Rating*    Rating has been assigned to a previously unrated issue primarily used in cases of shelf issues such as MTNs or similar programs.

 

A-9


Prerefunded*    Assigned to long-term US Public Finance issues after Fitch assesses refunding escrow.
Publish*    Initial public announcement of rating on the agency’s website, although not necessarily the first rating assigned. This action denotes when a previously private rating is published.
Upgrade*    The rating has been raised in the scale.
Withdrawn*    The rating has been withdrawn and the issue or issuer is no longer rated by Fitch Ratings. Indicated in rating databases with the symbol ‘WD’.
Rating Modifier Actions    Modifiers include Rating Outlook, Rating Watch, and Recovery Rating.
Rating Watch Maintained*    The issue or issuer has been reviewed and remains on active Rating Watch status.
Rating Watch On*    The issue or issuer has been placed on active Rating Watch status.
Rating Watch Revision*    Rating Watch status has changed.
Support Floor Rating Revision    Applicable only to Support ratings related to Financial Institutions, which are amended only with this action.
Under Review*    Applicable to ratings that may undergo a change in scale not related to changes in fundamental credit quality. Final action will be “Revision Rating”
Revision Outlook*    The Rating Outlook status has changed independent of a full review of the underlying rating.

 

*

A rating action must be recorded for each rating in a required cycle to be considered compliant with Fitch policy concerning aging of ratings. Not all Ratings or Data Actions, or changes in rating modifiers, will meet this requirement. Actions that meet this requirement are noted with an “ * “ in the above definitions.

 

A-10


APPENDIX B

TAXABLE EQUIVALENT YIELD TABLE

The taxable equivalent yield is the current yield you would need to earn on a taxable investment in order to equal a stated tax-free yield on a municipal investment. To assist you to more easily compare municipal investments like the Funds with taxable alternative investments, the table below presents the approximate taxable equivalent yields for individuals for a range of hypothetical tax-free yields, assuming the stated marginal federal income tax rates for 2020 listed below. This table should not be considered a representation or guarantee of future results.

2020 Taxable Equivalent of Tax-Free Yields

 

Single-Return
Bracket

  Joint-Return
Bracket
  Federal
Tax
Rate
    4.00%     4.50%     5.00%     5.50%     6.00%     6.50%     7.00%     7.50%  
0 - $9,875   0 - $19,750     10     4.44     5.00     5.56     6.11     6.67     7.22     7.78     8.33
$9,876 - $40,125   $19,751 - $80,250     12     4.55     5.11     5.68     6.25     6.82     7.39     7.95     8.52
$40,126 - $85,525   $80,251 - $171,050     22     5.13     5.77     6.41     7.05     7.69     8.33     8.97     9.62
$85,526 - $163,300   $171,051 - $326,600     24     5.26     5.92     6.58     7.24     7.89     8.55     9.21     9.87
$163,301 - $207,350   $326,601 - $414,700     32     5.88     6.62     7.35     8.09     8.82     9.56     10.29     11.03
$207,351 - $518,400   $414,701 - $622,050     35     6.15     6.92     7.69     8.46     9.23     10.00     10.77     11.54
Over $518,400   Over $622,050     37     6.35     7.14     7.94     8.73     9.52     10.32     11.11     11.90

 

*

Please note that the table does not reflect (i) any federal limitations on the amounts of allowable itemized deductions, phase-outs of personal or dependent exemption credits or other allowable credits, (ii) any state or local taxes imposed or (iii) any alternative minimum taxes or any taxes other than regular federal individual income taxes.

 

B-1


APPENDIX C

NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PROXY VOTING POLICIES

Nuveen Asset Management, LLC

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

Effective Date: January 1, 2011, as last amended March 05, 2020

General Principles

Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“NAM”) is an investment sub-adviser for certain of the Nuveen Funds (the “Funds”) and investment adviser for institutional and other separately managed accounts (collectively, with the Funds, “Accounts”). As such, Accounts may confer upon NAM complete discretion to vote proxies.1

When NAM has proxy voting authority, it is NAM’s duty to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients (which may involve affirmatively deciding that voting the proxies may not be in the best interests of certain clients on certain matters). In voting proxies, NAM also seeks to enhance total investment return for its clients.

If NAM contracts with another investment adviser to act as a sub-adviser for an Account, NAM may delegate proxy voting responsibility to the sub-adviser. Where NAM has delegated proxy voting responsibility, the sub-adviser will be responsible for developing and adhering to its own proxy voting policies, subject to oversight by NAM.

NAM’s Proxy Voting Committee (“PVC”) provides oversight of NAM’s proxy voting policies and procedures, including (1) providing an administrative framework to facilitate and monitor the exercise of such proxy voting and to fulfill the obligations of reporting and recordkeeping under the federal securities laws; and (2) approving the proxy voting policies and procedures.

Policies

The PVC after reviewing and concluding that such policies are reasonably designed to vote proxies in the best interests of clients, has approved and adopted the proxy voting policies (“Policies”) of Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”), a leading national provider of proxy voting administrative and research services.i As a result, such Policies set forth NAM’s positions on recurring proxy issues and criteria for addressing non-recurring issues. These Policies are reviewed periodically by ISS, and therefore are subject to change. Even though it has adopted the Policies as drafted by ISS, NAM maintains the fiduciary responsibility for all proxy voting decisions.

Procedures

Supervision of Proxy Voting. Day-to-day administration of proxy voting may be provided internally or by a third-party service provider, depending on client type, subject to the ultimate oversight of the PVC. The PVC shall supervise the relationships with NAM’s proxy voting services, ISS. ISS apprises Nuveen Global Operations (“NGO”) of shareholder meeting dates, and casts the actual proxy votes. ISS also provides research on proxy

 

1 

NAM does not vote proxies where a client withholds proxy voting authority, and in certain non- discretionary and model programs NAM votes proxies in accordance with its Policies in effect from time to time. Clients may opt to vote proxies themselves, or to have proxies voted by an independent third party or other named fiduciary or agent, at the client’s cost. i ISS has separate polices for Taft Hartley plans and it is NAM’s policy to apply the Taft Hartley polices to accounts that are Taft Hartley plans and have requested the application of such policies.

 

C-1


proposals and voting recommendations. ISS serves as NAM’s proxy voting record keepers and generate reports on how proxies were voted. NGO periodically reviews communications from ISS to determine whether ISS voted the correct amount of proxies, whether the votes were cast in a timely manner, and whether the vote was in accordance with the Policies or NAM’s specific instructions

General Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest.

NAM believe that most conflicts of interest faced by NAM in voting proxies can be avoided by voting in accordance with the Policies. Examples of such conflicts of interest are as follows:2

The issuer or proxy proponent (e.g., a special interest group) is TIAA- CREF, the ultimate principal owner of NAM, or any of its affiliates.

The issuer is an entity in which an executive officer of NAM or a spouse or domestic partner of any such executive officer is or was (within the past three years of the proxy vote) an executive officer or director.

The issuer is a registered or unregistered fund or other client for which NAM or another affiliated adviser has a material relationship as investment adviser or sub-adviser (e.g., Nuveen Funds and TIAA Funds) or an institutional separate account.

Any other circumstances that NAM is aware of where NAM’s duty to serve its clients’ interests, typically referred to as its “duty of loyalty,” could be materially compromised.

To further minimize this risk, Compliance will review ISS’ conflict avoidance policy at least annually to ensure that it adequately addresses both the actual and perceived conflicts of interest ISS may face.

In the event that ISS faces a material conflict of interest with respect to a specific vote, the PVC shall direct ISS how to vote. The PVC shall receive voting direction from appropriate investment personnel. Before doing so, the PVC will consult with Legal to confirm that NAM faces no material conflicts of its own with respect to the specific proxy vote.

Where ISS is determined to have a conflict of interest, or NAM determines to override the Policies and is determined to have a conflict, the PVC will recommend to NAM’s Compliance Committee or designee a course of action designed to address the conflict. Such actions could include, but are not limited to:

Obtaining instructions from the affected client(s) on how to vote the proxy;

Disclosing the conflict to the affected client(s) and seeking their consent to permit NAM to vote the proxy;

Voting in proportion to the other shareholders;

Recusing the individual with the actual or potential conflict of interest from all discussion or consideration of the matter, if the material conflict is due to such person’s actual or potential conflict of interest; or

Following the recommendation of a different independent third party.

In addition to all of the above-mentioned and other conflicts, the Head of Equity Research, NGO and any member of the PVC must notify NAM’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of any direct, indirect or perceived

 

2 

A conflict of interest shall not be considered material for the purposes of these Policies and Procedures with respect to a specific vote or circumstance if the matter to be voted on relates to a restructuring of the terms of existing securities or the issuance of new securities or a similar matter arising out of the holding of securities, other than common equity, in the context of a bankruptcy or threatened bankruptcy of the issuer.

 

C-2


improper influence exerted by any employee, officer or director of TIAA or its subsidiaries with regard to how NAM should vote proxies. NAM Compliance will investigate any such allegations and will report the findings to the PVC and, if deemed appropriate, to NAM’s Compliance Committee. If it is determined that improper influence was attempted, appropriate action shall be taken. Such appropriate action may include disciplinary action, notification of the appropriate senior managers, or notification of the appropriate regulatory authorities. In all cases, NAM will not consider any improper influence in determining how to vote proxies, and will vote in the best interests of clients.

Proxy Vote Override. From time to time, a portfolio manager of an account (a “Portfolio Manager”) may initiate action to override the Policies’ recommendation for a particular vote. Any such override by a NAM Portfolio Manager (but not a sub-adviser Portfolio Manager) shall be reviewed by NAM’s Legal Department for material conflicts. If the Legal Department determines that no material conflicts exist, the approval of one member of the PVC shall authorize the override. If a material conflict exists, the conflict and, ultimately, the override recommendation will be rejected and will revert to the original Policies recommendation or will be addressed pursuant to the procedures described above under “Conflicts of Interest.”

In addition, the PVC may determine from time to time that a particular recommendation in the Policies should be overridden based on a determination that the recommendation is inappropriate and not in the best interests of shareholders. Any such determination shall be reflected in the minutes of a meeting of the PVC at which such decision is made.

Securities Lending.

In order to generate incremental revenue, some clients may participate in a securities lending program. If a client has elected to participate in the lending program then it will not have the right to vote the proxies of any securities that are on loan as of the shareholder meeting record date. A client, or a Portfolio Manager, may place restrictions on loaning securities and/or recall a security on loan at any time. Such actions must be affected prior to the record date for a meeting if the purpose for the restriction or recall is to secure the vote.

Portfolio Managers and/or analysts who become aware of upcoming proxy issues relating to any securities in portfolios they manage, or issuers they follow, will consider the desirability of recalling the affected securities that are on loan or restricting the affected securities prior to the record date for the matter. If the proxy issue is determined to be material, and the determination is made prior to the shareholder meeting record date the Portfolio Manager(s) will contact the Securities Lending Agent to recall securities on loan or restrict the loaning of any security held in any portfolio they manage, if they determine that it is in the best interest of shareholders to do so.

Proxy Voting Records. As required by Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, NAM shall make and retain five types of records relating to proxy voting; (1) NAM’s Policies; (2) proxy statements received for securities in client accounts; (3) records of proxy votes cast by NAM on behalf of clients accounts; (4) records of written requests from clients about how NAM voted their proxies, and written responses from NAM to either a written or oral request by clients; and (5) any documents prepared by the adviser that were material to making a proxy voting decision or that memorialized the basis for the decision. NAM relies on ISS to make and retain on NAM’s behalf certain records pertaining to Rule 204-2.

Fund of Funds Provision. In instances where NAM provides investment advice to a fund of funds that acquires shares of affiliated funds or three percent or more of the outstanding voting securities of an unaffiliated fund, the acquiring fund shall vote the shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders of the acquired fund. If compliance with this procedure results in a vote of any shares in a manner different than the Policies’ recommendation, such vote will not require compliance with the Proxy Vote Override procedures set forth above.

 

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Legacy Securities. To the extent that NAM receives proxies for securities that are transferred into an account’s portfolio that were not recommended or selected by it and are sold or expected to be sold promptly in an orderly manner (“legacy securities”), NAM will generally refrain from voting such proxies. In such circumstances, since legacy securities are expected to be sold promptly, voting proxies on such securities would not further NAM’s interest in maximizing the value of client investments. NAM may agree to an account’s special request to vote a legacy security proxy, and would vote such proxy in accordance with the Policies.

Terminated Accounts. Proxies received after the termination date of an account generally will not be voted. An exception will be made if the record date is for a period in which an account was under NAM’s discretionary management or if a separately managed account (“SMA”) custodian failed to remove the account’s holdings from its aggregated voting list.

Non-votes. NGO shall be responsible for obtaining reasonable assurance from ISS that it voted proxies on NAM’s behalf, and that any special instructions from NAM about a given proxy or proxies are submitted to ISS in a timely manner. It should not be considered a breach of this responsibility if NGO or NAM does not receive a proxy from ISS or a custodian with adequate time to analyze and direct to vote or vote a proxy by the required voting deadline.

NAM may determine not to vote proxies associated with the securities of any issuer if as a result of voting such proxies, subsequent purchases or sales of such securities would be blocked. However, NAM may decide, on an individual security basis that it is in the best interests of its clients to vote the proxy associated with such a security, taking into account the loss of liquidity. In addition, NAM may determine not to vote proxies where the voting would in NAM’s judgment result in some other financial, legal, regulatory disability or burden to the client (such as imputing control with respect to the issuer) or to NAM or its affiliates.

NAM may determine not to vote securities held by SMAs where voting would require the transfer of the security to another custodian designated by the issuer. Such transfer is generally outside the scope of NAM’s authority and may result in significant operational limitations on NAM’s ability to conduct transactions relating to the securities during the period of transfer. From time to time, situations may arise (operational or otherwise) that prevent NAM from voting proxies after reasonable attempts have been made.

Review and Reports.

The PVC shall maintain a review schedule. The schedule shall include reviews of the Policies and the policies of any Sub-adviser engaged by NAM, the proxy voting record, account maintenance, and other reviews as deemed appropriate by the PVC. The PVC shall review the schedule at least annually.

The PVC will report to NAM’s Compliance Committee with respect to all identified conflicts and how they were addressed. These reports will include all accounts, including those that are sub-advised. NAM also shall provide the Funds that it sub-advises with information necessary for preparing Form N-PX.

Vote Disclosure to Clients. NAM’s institutional and SMA clients can contact their relationship manager for more information on NAM’s Policies and the proxy voting record for their account. The information available includes name of issuer, ticker/CUSIP, shareholder meeting date, description of item and NAM’s vote.

Responsible Parties

PVC

NGO

NAM Compliance

Legal Department

 

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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

 

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(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 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.

The trustees and officers of the Registrant are covered by joint errors and omissions insurance policies against liability and expenses of claims of wrongful acts arising out of their position with the Registrant and other Nuveen funds, subject to such policies’ coverage limits, exclusions and deductibles.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, 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 1933 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 of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Item 16. Exhibits.

 

(1)(a)   Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated July 29, 2002.(1)
(1)(b)   Certificate of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated November  18, 2009.(2)
(1)(c)   Certificate of Name Change Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated January 2, 2012.(3)
(1)(d)   Certificate of Name Change Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated August 31, 2016.(4)
(2)   By-Laws of the Registrant (Amended and Restated as of October 5, 2020).(9)
(3)   Not applicable.
(4)   Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization is filed as Appendix A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration Statement.
(5)   Not applicable.
(6)(a)   Investment Management Agreement, dated October 1, 2014.(3)
(6)(b)   Renewal of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 28, 2015.(5)

 

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(6)(c)   Renewal of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 27, 2016.(5)
(6)(d)   Renewal of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 24, 2017.(6)
(6)(e)   Renewal of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 24, 2018.(7)
(6)(f)   Continuance of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 30, 2019.(8)
(6)(g)   Continuance of Investment Management Agreement, dated July 30, 2020.(10)
(6)(h)   Investment Sub-Advisory  Agreement, dated October 1, 2014.(3)
(6)(i)   Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2015.(5)
(6)(j)   Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 28, 2016.(5)
(6)(k)   Notice of Continuance of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 24, 2017.(6)
(6)(l)   Notice of Continuance of Investment  Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 24, 2018.(7)
(6)(m)   Notice of Continuance of Investment  Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 24, 2019.(8)
(6)(n)   Notice of Continuance of Investment  Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 31, 2020.(10)
(7)   Not applicable.
(8)   Not applicable.
(9)(a)   Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between the Nuveen Investment Companies and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated July 15, 2015.(3)
(9)(b)   Amendment and revised Appendix A to Custodian Agreement, dated July 31, 2020.(10)
(10)   Not applicable.
(11)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel is filed herewith.
(12)(a)   Opinion and Consent of Vedder Price P.C. supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.*
(12)(b)   Opinion and Consent of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.*
(13)(a)   Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated June  15, 2017 between Registrant and Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A.(5)
(13)(b)   Amendment and Schedule A to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated September 7, 2017.(5)
(13)(c)   Second Amendment and updated Schedule A, dated February  26, 2018, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 15, 2017 between the Registrant and Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A.(10)
(13)(d)   Third Amendment and updated Schedule A, dated May  11, 2020, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 15, 2017 between the Registrant and Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A.(10)
(14)   Consent of Independent Auditor is filed herewith.
(15)   Not applicable.
(16)   Powers of Attorney.(11)
(17)   Form of Proxy is filed herein and appears following the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration Statement.

 

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(1)

Filed on October 4, 2002 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-100320) and incorporated by reference herein.

(2)

Filed on March 18, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-172940) and incorporated by reference herein.

(3)

Filed on March 11, 2016 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-210113) and incorporated by reference herein.

(4)

Filed on October 5, 2016 as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-210113) and incorporated by reference herein.

(5)

Filed on December 13, 2016 as an exhibit to Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-215072) and incorporated by reference herein.

(6)

Filed on November 16, 2017 as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Nuveen California AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-184971) and incorporated by reference herein.

(7)

Filed on October 1, 2018 as an exhibit to Nuveen Dow 30SM Dynamic Overwrite Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-226218) and incorporated by reference herein.

(8)

Filed on March 11, 2020 as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Nuveen California AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-225399) and incorporated by reference herein.

(9)

Filed on October 6, 2020 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 8-K (File No. 811-21213) and incorporated by reference herein.

(10)

Filed on September 1, 2020 as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-223524) and incorporated by reference herein.

(11)

Filed on September 11, 2020 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-248721) and incorporated by reference herein.

*

To be filed by amendment.

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 executed opinions of counsel supporting the tax matters discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission following the closing of the Reorganization.

 

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SIGNATURES

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, on the 21st day of October, 2020.

 

Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund

By:

 

 

/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

  Gifford R. Zimmerman
  Vice President and Secretary

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registrant’s registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Capacity

     

Date

/s/ David J. Lamb

   Chief Administrative Officer     October 21, 2020
David J. Lamb    (principal executive officer)    

/s/ E. Scott Wickerham

   Vice President and Controller     October 21, 2020
E. Scott Wickerham    (principal financial and
accounting officer)
   
      
Terence J. Toth*    Chairman of the Board and Trustee   )  
     )  
Jack B. Evans*    Trustee   )  

By: /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

     )   Gifford R. Zimmerman
William C. Hunter*    Trustee   )   Attorney-in-Fact
     )   October 21, 2020
Albin F. Moschner*    Trustee   )  
     )  
John K. Nelson*    Trustee   )  
     )  
Judith M. Stockdale*    Trustee   )  
     )  
Carole E. Stone*    Trustee   )  
     )  
Margaret L. Wolff*    Trustee   )  
     )  
Robert L. Young*    Trustee   )  

 

*

An original power of attorney authorizing, among others, Kevin J. McCarthy, Mark L. Winget, Christopher M. Rohrbacher and Gifford R. Zimmerman to execute this registration statement, and any amendments hereto, 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

(11)    Opinion and Consent of Counsel.
(14)    Consent of Independent Auditor.