NPORT-EX 2 FC26FC022924.htm flc-nport_022924


1

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

Preferred Stock & Hybrid Preferred Securities§ — 72.7%

 

Banking — 33.9%

$675,000

American AgCredit Corporation, 5.25% to 06/15/26 then
T5Y + 4.50%, Series A, 144A****

$634,500

*(1)(2) 

 

Bank of America Corporation:

$1,990,000

5.875% to 03/15/28 then TSFR3M + 3.19261%, Series FF

1,930,709

*(1)(2) 

$2,300,000

6.125% to 04/27/27 then T5Y + 3.231%, Series TT

2,303,817

*(1)(2)(3) 

23,546

Cadence Bank, 5.50%, Series A

492,582

*(1) 

 

Capital One Financial Corporation:

17,820

5.00%, Series I

366,379

*(1)(2) 

$1,180,000

3.95% to 09/01/26 then T5Y + 3.157%, Series M

1,041,220

*(1)(2) 

 

Citigroup, Inc.:

$600,000

3.875% to 02/18/26 then T5Y + 3.417%, Series X

565,128

*(1)(2) 

$300,000

4.00% to 12/10/25 then T5Y + 3.597%, Series W

284,685

*(1) 

$450,000

4.15% to 11/15/26 then T5Y + 3.00%, Series Y

406,677

*(1) 

$450,000

4.70% to 01/30/25 then TSFR3M + 3.4956%, Series V

433,424

*(1) 

$1,120,000

5.95% to 05/15/25 then TSFR3M + 4.16661%, Series P

1,111,828

*(1)(2)(3) 

$1,550,000

7.375% to 05/15/28 then T5Y + 3.209%, Series Z

1,588,953

*(1)(2)(3) 

$1,420,000

7.625% to 11/15/28 then T5Y + 3.211%, Series AA

1,467,844

*(1) 

87,501

TSFR3M + 4.30161%, 9.64974%(4), Series J

2,232,150

*(1)(2) 

 

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.:

49,100

6.35% to 04/06/24 then TSFR3M + 3.90361%, Series D

1,237,320

*(1)(2) 

$1,300,000

6.375% to 04/06/24 then TSFR3M + 3.41861%, Series C

1,232,707

*(1)(2)(3) 

 

CoBank ACB:

17,500

6.20% to 01/01/25 then TSFR3M + 4.0056%, Series H, 144A****

1,739,063

*(1)(2) 

$609,000

6.25% to 10/01/26 then TSFR3M + 4.9216%, Series I, 144A****

595,297

*(1)(2)(3) 

$2,755,000

Comerica, Inc., 5.625% to 10/01/25 then T5Y + 5.291%, Series A

2,643,803

*(1)(2)(3) 

$285,000

Compeer Financial ACA, 4.875% to 08/15/26 then
T5Y + 4.10%, Series B-1, 144A****

272,175

*(1) 

47,900

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc., 5.25% to 09/01/26 then T5Y + 4.42%, Series A

914,890

*(1)(2) 

39,000

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., 5.50%, Series A

652,860

*(1) 

 

Fifth Third Bancorp:

64,091

6.00%, Series A

1,584,329

*(1)(2) 

169,409

TSFR3M + 3.97161%, 9.30177%(4), Series I

4,362,282

*(1)(2) 

19,620

First Citizens BancShares, Inc., 5.375%, Series A

430,659

*(1)  


2

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

 

First Horizon Corporation:

21,200

6.50%, Series E

$524,064

*(1) 

3

FT Real Estate Securities Company, 9.50% 03/31/31, Series B, 144A****

3,510,000

875

First Horizon Bank, TSFR3M + 1.11161%, min 3.75%, 6.43735%(4),
Series A, 144A****

546,875

*(1) 

11,400

Fulton Financial Corporation, 5.125%, Series A

207,480

*(1) 

 

Goldman Sachs Group:

$300,000

4.95% to 02/10/25 then T5Y + 3.224%, Series R

294,302

*(1) 

$830,000

5.50% to 08/10/24 then T5Y + 3.623%, Series Q

823,158

*(1)(2) 

7,937

6.375% to 05/10/24 then TSFR3M + 3.81161%, Series K

201,917

*(1)(2) 

$565,000

7.50% to 02/10/29 then T5Y + 3.156%, Series W

595,523

*(1) 

42,600

Heartland Financial USA, Inc., 7.00% to 07/15/25 then T5Y + 6.675%, Series E

1,088,856

*(1)(2) 

 

HSBC Holdings PLC:

$1,400,000

HSBC Capital Funding LP, 10.176% to 06/30/30 then 3ML + 4.98%, 144A****

1,761,547

(1)(2)(3)(5) 

 

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.:

$405,000

4.45% to 10/15/27 then T7Y + 4.045%, Series G

356,673

*(1) 

$1,175,000

5.625% to 07/15/30 then T10Y + 4.945%, Series F

1,069,250

*(1)(2) 

43,600

6.875% to 04/15/28 then T5Y + 2.704%, Series J

1,069,508

*(1)(2) 

$1,400,000

TSFR3M + 3.14161%, 8.4556%(4), Series E

1,373,919

*(1)(2) 

 

JPMorgan Chase & Company:

$850,000

3.65% to 06/01/26 then T5Y + 2.85%, Series KK

792,547

*(1)(2) 

$1,000,000

6.125% to 04/30/24 then TSFR3M + 3.59161%, Series U

1,001,078

*(1) 

$750,000

TSFR3M + 3.56161%, 8.86804%(4), Series R

755,001

*(1)(2) 

$1,681,000

TSFR3M + 4.04161%, 9.34804%(4), Series S

1,691,248

*(1)(2) 

 

KeyCorp:

78,103

6.125% to 12/15/26 then TSFR3M + 4.15361%, Series E

1,836,202

*(1)(2) 

36,400

6.20% to 12/15/27 then T5Y + 3.132%, Series H

831,740

*(1)(2) 

 

M&T Bank Corporation:

$725,000

3.50% to 09/01/26 then T5Y + 2.679%, Series I

545,560

*(1)(2) 

$445,000

5.125% to 11/01/26 then TSFR3M + 3.78161%, Series F

390,487

*(1) 

23,066

5.625% to 12/15/26 then TSFR3M + 4.2816%, Series H

557,275

*(1)(2) 

$3,500,000

TSFR3M + 3.87161%, 9.1786%(4), Series E

3,520,361

*(1)(2)(3) 

21,000

Merchants Bancorp, 6.00% to 10/01/24 then 3ML + 4.569%, Series B

527,730

*(1) 

 

Morgan Stanley:

213,700

5.85%, Series K

5,383,103

*(1)(2) 

89,000

6.875%, Series F

2,260,600

*(1)(2) 

35,823

7.125%, Series E

910,979

*(1)(2) 

$540,000

TSFR3M + 3.42161%, 8.80624%(4), Series N

556,764

*(1)(2)  


3

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

235,200

New York Community Bancorp, Inc., 6.375% to 03/17/27 then
3ML + 3.821%, Series A

$4,480,560

*(1)(2) 

67,000

Northpointe Bancshares, Inc., 8.25% to 12/30/25 then TSFR3M + 7.99%, Series A

1,623,075

*(1) 

 

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.:

$400,000

3.40% to 09/15/26 then T5Y + 2.595%, Series T

339,518

*(1) 

$2,580,000

6.00% to 05/15/27 then T5Y + 3.00%, Series U

2,499,264

*(1)(2)(3) 

$760,000

6.20% to 09/15/27 then T5Y + 3.238%, Series V

749,698

*(1)(2)(3) 

$1,365,000

6.25% to 03/15/30 then T7Y + 2.808%, Series W

1,291,728

*(1)(2)(3) 

 

Regions Financial Corporation:

125,350

5.70% to 08/15/29 then TSFR3M + 3.4096%, Series C

2,909,373

*(1)(2) 

$65,000

5.75% to 09/15/25 then T5Y + 5.426%, Series D

63,363

*(1) 

$1,000,000

State Street Corporation, 6.70% to 03/15/29 then T5Y + 2.613%, Series I

999,793

*(1) 

 

Synchrony Financial:

55,500

5.625%, Series A

1,041,180

*(1)(2) 

54,000

8.25% to 05/15/29 then T5Y + 4.044%, Series B

1,352,700

*(1) 

91,848

Synovus Financial Corporation, 5.875% to 07/01/24 then T5Y + 4.127%, Series E

2,305,385

*(1)(2) 

35,900

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc., 5.75%, Series B

755,695

*(1)(2) 

 

Truist Financial Corporation:

$870,000

4.95% to 12/01/25 then T5Y + 4.605%, Series P

848,175

*(1)(2) 

$585,000

5.10% to 09/01/30 then T10Y + 4.349%, Series Q

536,416

*(1)(2) 

38,203

Valley National Bancorp, TSFR3M + 3.8396%, 9.18775%(4), Series B

916,108

*(1)(2) 

25,000

Washington Federal, Inc., 4.875%, Series A

395,250

*(1)(2) 

13,416

Webster Financial Corporation, 6.50%, Series G

308,568

*(1) 

 

Wells Fargo & Company:

53,000

4.25%, Series DD

1,003,820

*(1)(2) 

41,000

4.70%, Series AA

851,980

*(1)(2) 

325

7.50%, Series L

383,500

*(1) 

$925,000

3.90% to 03/15/26 then T5Y + 3.453%, Series BB

870,949

*(1)(2) 

106,200

6.625% to 03/15/24 then 10.315%, Series R

2,648,628

*(1)(2) 

$2,400,000

7.625% to 09/15/28 then T5Y + 3.606%, Series EE

2,545,510

*(1)(2)(3) 

49,000

WesBanco, Inc., 6.75% to 11/15/25 then T5Y + 6.557%, Series A

1,166,200

*(1)(2) 

25,300

Western Alliance Bancorp, 4.25% to 09/30/26 then T5Y + 3.452%, Series A

444,774

*(1) 

48,000

Wintrust Financial Corporation, 6.875% to 07/15/25 then T5Y + 6.507%, Series E

1,206,720

*(1)(2) 

$1,800,000

Zions Bancorporation, TSFR3M + 4.7016%, 10.08624%(4), Series J

1,763,663

*(1)(2) 

 

101,810,621


4

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

 

 

Financial Services — 3.9%

$3,510,000

AerCap Holdings NV, 5.875% to 10/10/24 then T5Y + 4.535%, 10/10/79

$3,477,847

**(2)(3)(5) 

 

Ally Financial, Inc.:

$1,390,000

4.70% to 05/15/26 then T5Y + 3.868%, Series B

1,196,335

*(1)(2)(3) 

$925,000

4.70% to 05/15/28 then T7Y + 3.481%, Series C

728,438

*(1)(2) 

$775,000

American Express Company, 3.55% to 09/15/26 then T5Y + 2.854%, Series D

701,160

*(1)(2) 

15,400

Carlyle Finance LLC, 4.625% 05/15/61

303,996

$880,000

Discover Financial Services, 6.125% to 09/23/25 then T5Y + 5.783%, Series D

887,277

*(1)(2) 

 

General Motors Financial Company:

$800,000

5.70% to 09/30/30 then T5Y + 4.997%, Series C

752,182

*(1)(2) 

$285,000

5.75% to 09/30/27 then 3ML + 3.598%, Series A

265,620

*(1)(2) 

$1,000,000

6.50% to 09/30/28 then 3ML + 3.436%, Series B

944,164

*(1)(2) 

21,000

Raymond James Financial, Inc., 6.375% to 07/01/26 then
TSFR3M + 4.3496%, Series B

530,460

*(1)(2) 

 

Stifel Financial Corp.:

21,000

4.50%, Series D

382,200

*(1) 

29,000

6.25%, Series B

712,530

*(1)(2) 

31,880

TPG Operating Group II LP, 6.95% 03/15/64

806,086

 

11,688,295

 

Insurance — 18.7%

67,000

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, 5.95% to 12/01/24 then
T5Y + 4.322%, Series A

1,595,270

*(1)(2) 

$2,150,000

American International Group, Inc., 8.175% to 05/15/38 then
3ML + 4.195%, 05/15/58, Series A-6

2,374,299

(2)(3) 

15,000

Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd., 5.625%

322,500

**(1)(2)(5) 

19,300

Assurant, Inc., 5.25% 01/15/61

412,441

 

Athene Holding Ltd.:

28,800

4.875%, Series D

541,440

**(1)(2) 

123,400

6.35% to 06/30/29 then 3ML + 4.253%, Series A

3,038,108

**(1)(2) 

38,520

7.25% to 03/30/29 then T5Y + 2.986%, 03/30/64

963,000

$880,000

AXIS Specialty Finance LLC, 4.90% to 01/15/30 then T5Y + 3.186%, 01/15/40

774,162

(2)(5) 

 

Chubb Ltd.:

$1,440,000

Ace Capital Trust II, 9.70% 04/01/30

1,692,055

(2)(3) 

16,100

CNO Financial Group, Inc., 5.125% 11/25/60

276,759

224,200

Delphi Financial Group, TSFR3M + 3.45161%, 8.7586%(4), 05/15/37

5,426,761

(2)(3)  


5

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

 

Enstar Group Ltd.:

61,000

7.00% to 09/01/28 then 3ML + 4.015%, Series D

$1,548,180

**(1)(2)(5) 

$720,000

Enstar Finance LLC, 5.50% to 01/15/27 then T5Y + 4.006%, 01/15/42

650,303

(2)(5) 

$575,000

Enstar Finance LLC, 5.75% to 09/01/25 then T5Y + 5.468%, 09/01/40

552,675

(2)(5) 

$150,000

Equitable Holdings, Inc., 4.95% to 12/15/25 then T5Y + 4.736%, Series B

145,813

*(1) 

$1,519,000

Everest Reinsurance Holdings, TSFR3M + 2.6466%, 7.9536%(4), 05/15/37

1,310,925

(2)(3) 

$1,590,000

Global Atlantic Fin Company, 4.70% to 10/15/26 then
T5Y + 3.796%, 10/15/51, 144A****

1,404,864

(2)(3) 

15,800

Jackson Financial, Inc., 8.00% to 03/30/28 then T5Y + 3.728%, Series A

424,230

*(1) 

$1,000,000

Kuvare US Holdings, Inc., 7.00% to 05/01/26 then
T5Y + 6.541%, 02/17/51, Series A, 144A****

1,015,000

*

 

Liberty Mutual Group:

$6,351,000

7.80% 03/15/37, 144A****

6,480,763

(2)(3) 

$940,000

4.125% to 12/15/26 then T5Y + 3.315%, 12/15/51, 144A****

827,415

(2)(3) 

 

Lincoln National Corporation:

21,200

9.00%, Series D

592,328

*(1)(2) 

$530,000

9.25% to 03/01/28 then T5Y + 5.318%, Series C

572,457

*(1)(2) 

 

MetLife, Inc.:

$5,335,000

9.25% 04/08/38, 144A****

6,092,645

(2)(3) 

$3,640,000

10.75% 08/01/39

4,903,638

(2)(3) 

$577,000

MetLife Capital Trust IV, 7.875% 12/15/37, 144A****

619,071

(2) 

 

Prudential Financial, Inc.:

$1,065,000

6.00% to 09/01/32 then T5Y + 3.234%, 09/01/52

1,063,733

(2)(3) 

$400,000

6.75% to 03/01/33 then T5Y + 2.848%, 03/01/53

416,486

(2) 

34,725

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., 7.125% to 10/15/27 then
T5Y + 3.456%, 10/15/52

909,100

(2) 

 

SBL Holdings, Inc.:

$1,500,000

6.50% to 11/13/26 then T5Y + 5.62%, Series B, 144A****

1,058,303

*(1)(2)(3) 

$1,300,000

7.00% to 05/13/25 then T5Y + 5.58%, Series A, 144A****

958,750

*(1)(2) 

 

Unum Group:

$5,803,000

Provident Financing Trust I, 7.405% 03/15/38

6,386,002

(2) 

33,000

Voya Financial, Inc., 5.35% to 09/15/29 then T5Y + 3.21%, Series B

822,030

*(1)(2) 

 

56,171,506

 

Utilities — 6.6%

 

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corporation:

$800,000

4.75% to 04/18/27 then T5Y + 3.249%, 01/18/82, Series 2022-B

693,090

(2)(3)(5) 

104,510

6.20% to 07/01/24 then 3ML + 4.01%, 07/01/79, Series 2019-A

2,638,877

(2)(3)(5)  


6

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

 

Commonwealth Edison:

$2,794,000

COMED Financing III, 6.35% 03/15/33

$2,782,342

(2)(3) 

$650,000

Dominion Energy, Inc., 4.35% to 04/15/27 then T5Y + 3.195%, Series C

609,614

*(1)(2) 

 

Edison International:

$1,733,000

5.00% to 03/15/27 then T5Y + 3.901%, Series B

1,649,846

*(1)(2) 

$560,000

5.375% to 03/15/26 then T5Y + 4.698%, Series A

541,158

*(1) 

$2,940,000

Emera, Inc., 6.75% to 06/15/26 then 3ML + 5.44%, 06/15/76, Series 2016-A

2,891,901

(2)(3)(5) 

 

NextEra Energy:

$500,000

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 6.70% to 09/01/29 then
T5Y + 2.364%, 09/01/54
, Series Q

499,310

40,000

NiSource, Inc., 6.50% to 03/15/24 then T5Y + 3.632%, Series B

998,400

*(1)(2) 

 

Sempra:

$1,000,000

4.125% to 04/01/27 then T5Y + 2.868%, 04/01/52

922,470

(2)(3) 

$1,400,000

4.875% to 10/15/25 then T5Y + 4.55%, Series C

1,374,037

*(1)(2)(3) 

 

Southern California Edison:

$840,000

TSFR3M + 4.46061%, 9.76704%(4), Series E

846,671

*(1)(2)(3) 

176

SCE Trust II, 5.10%, Series G

3,714

*(1) 

44,140

SCE Trust V, 5.45% to 03/15/26 then TSFR3M + 4.05161%, Series K

1,090,699

*(1)(2) 

43,600

SCE Trust VII, 7.50%, Series M

1,170,660

*(1) 

$832,000

Southern Company, 3.75% to 09/15/26 then T5Y + 2.915%, 09/15/51, Series 2021-A

781,886

(2) 

$185,000

Vistra Corporation, 7.00% to 12/15/26 then T5Y + 5.74%, Series B, 144A****

179,208

*(1) 

 

19,673,883

 

Energy — 5.0%

 

Enbridge, Inc.:

$1,500,000

6.00% to 01/15/27 then TSFR3M + 4.15161%, 01/15/77, Series 2016-A

1,460,109

(2)(3)(5) 

$1,000,000

8.50% to 01/15/34 then T5Y + 4.431%, 01/15/84, Series 2023-B

1,068,819

(5) 

 

Energy Transfer LP:

$2,236,000

7.125% to 05/15/30 then T5Y + 5.306%, Series G

2,160,804

(1)(2)(3) 

187,800

7.60% to 05/15/24 then TSFR3M + 5.4226%, Series E

4,732,560

(1)(2) 

$1,100,000

8.00% to 05/15/29 then T5Y + 4.02%, 05/15/54

1,143,841

$1,000,000

Enterprise Products Operating L.P., 5.25% to 08/16/27 then
TSFR3M + 3.29461%, 08/16/77, Series E

951,132

(2)(3) 

45,500

NuStar Logistics LP, TSFR3M + 6.99561%, 12.3096%(4), 01/15/43

1,184,365

(2) 

 

Transcanada Pipelines, Ltd.:

$2,250,000

5.50% to 09/15/29 then TSFR3M + 4.41561%, 09/15/79

2,020,340

(2)(5) 

$300,000

5.875% to 08/15/26 then 3ML + 4.64%, 08/15/76, Series 2016-A

288,468

(2)(3)(5) 

 

15,010,438


7

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

 

Communication — 1.0%

$500,000

British Telecommunications PLC, 4.875% to 11/23/31 then
T5Y + 3.493%, 11/23/81, 144A****

$440,890

(2)(5) 

$1,860,000

Paramount Global, 6.375% to 03/30/27 then T5Y + 3.999%, 03/30/62

1,615,298

(2)(3) 

$900,000

Vodafone Group PLC, 7.00% to 04/04/29 then SW5 + 4.873%, 04/04/79

923,450

(2)(3)(5) 

 

2,979,638

 

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) — 1.5%

4,540

Annaly Capital Management, Inc., TSFR3M + 5.2546%, 10.58477%(4), Series F

113,954

(1) 

 

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.:

9,792

6.375%, Series D

176,843

(1) 

67,100

6.25% to 10/30/26 then TSFR3M + 5.44%, Series F

1,273,558

(1)(2) 

95,536

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc., 6.50%, Series A

1,753,086

(1)(2) 

30,000

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., 6.875% to 10/15/26 then TSFR3M + 6.13%, Series F

588,300

(1) 

28,200

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc., 6.25%, Series C

461,634

(1) 

 

4,367,375

 

Miscellaneous Industries — 2.1%

47,920

Apollo Global Management, Inc., 7.625% to 12/15/28 then T5Y + 3.226%, 09/15/53

1,281,860

$440,000

Apollo Management Holdings LP, 4.95% to 12/17/24 then
T5Y + 3.266%, 01/14/50, 144A****

410,512

 

Land O’ Lakes, Inc.:

$1,500,000

7.00%, Series C, 144A****

1,147,500

*(1)(2) 

$4,350,000

7.25%, Series B, 144A****

3,512,625

*(1)(2) 

 

6,352,497

 

Total Preferred Stock & Hybrid Preferred Securities
(Cost $229,655,782)

218,054,253

 

Contingent Capital Securities — 21.0% 

 

Banking — 21.0%

$2,550,000

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., 6.75% to 06/15/26 then
ISDA5 + 5.168%, 144A****

2,562,541

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA:

$3,000,000

6.125% to 11/16/27 then SW5 + 3.87%

2,713,379

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$1,000,000

6.50% to 03/05/25 then T5Y + 5.192%, Series 9

987,937

**(1)(2)(5) 

$1,800,000

9.375% to 09/19/29 then T5Y + 5.099%, Series 12

1,903,932

**(1)(5)  


8

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

 

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA:

$800,000

6.625% to 01/24/32 then T10Y + 5.034%, 144A****

$701,844

**(1)(2)(5) 

$1,077,000

7.50% to 06/27/29 then T10Y + 5.47%, 144A****

1,056,271

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$710,000

7.625% to 01/10/28 then T10Y + 5.353%, 144A****

694,500

**(1)(2)(5) 

 

Banco Santander SA:

$6,200,000

4.75% to 05/12/27 then T5Y + 3.753%, 144A****

5,302,641

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$1,400,000

9.625% to 11/21/33 then T5Y + 5.298%, 144A****

1,502,855

**(1)(5) 

$940,000

Bank of Montreal, 7.70% to 05/26/29 then T5Y + 3.452%, 05/26/84, Series 4

940,000

**(5) 

$1,050,000

Bank of Nova Scotia, 8.00% to 01/27/29 then T5Y + 4.017%, 01/27/84, Series 5

1,062,922

**(5) 

 

Barclays Bank PLC:

$475,000

4.375% to 09/15/28 then T5Y + 3.41%

374,340

**(1)(5) 

$1,720,000

6.125% to 06/15/26 then T5Y + 5.867%

1,639,722

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$2,285,000

8.00% to 06/15/24 then T5Y + 5.672%

2,285,391

**(1)(2)(5) 

$485,000

8.00% to 09/15/29 then T5Y + 5.431%

477,763

**(1)(5) 

$785,000

9.625% to 06/15/30 then SOFR5Y + 5.775%

813,604

**(1)(5) 

$670,000

BBVA Bancomer SA, 5.875% to 09/13/29 then T5Y + 4.308%, 09/13/34, 144A****

619,830

(2)(3)(5) 

 

BNP Paribas:

$475,000

4.625% to 02/25/31 then T5Y + 3.34%, 144A****

381,419

**(1)(5) 

$7,830,000

7.375% to 08/19/25 then SW5 + 5.15%, 144A****

7,859,362

**(1)(2)(5) 

$970,000

7.75% to 08/16/29 then T5Y + 4.899%, 144A****

979,231

**(1)(2)(5) 

$511,000

8.50% to 08/14/28 then T5Y + 4.354%, 144A****

528,232

**(1)(5) 

$560,000

9.25% to 11/17/27 then T5Y + 4.969%, 144A****

596,397

**(1)(2)(5) 

$480,000

Credit Agricole SA, 4.75% to 09/23/29 then T5Y + 3.237%, 144A****

414,153

**(1)(5) 

$400,000

Deutsche Bank AG, 6.00% to 04/30/26 then T5Y + 4.524%

354,360

**(1)(5) 

 

HSBC Holdings PLC:

$500,000

6.00% to 05/22/27 then ISDA5 + 3.746%

474,340

**(1)(2)(5) 

$4,265,000

6.50% to 03/23/28 then ISDA5 + 3.606%

4,080,319

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$775,000

ING Groep NV, 3.875% to 11/16/27 then T5Y + 2.862%

631,714

**(1)(2)(5) 

 

Lloyds Banking Group PLC:

$2,750,000

7.50% to 09/27/25 then SW5 + 4.496%

2,715,599

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$1,800,000

8.00% to 03/27/30 then T5Y + 3.913%

1,776,532

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$730,000

Macquarie Bank Ltd., 6.125% to 03/08/27 then SW5 + 3.703%, 144A****

696,170

**(1)(2)(5) 

$425,000

NatWest Group PLC, 4.60% to 12/28/31 then T5Y + 3.10%

320,054

**(1)(5) 

 

Societe Generale SA:

$1,000,000

4.75% to 05/26/26 then T5Y + 3.931%, 144A****

883,472

**(1)(2)(5) 

$1,000,000

5.375% to 11/18/30 then T5Y + 4.514%, 144A****

809,221

**(1)(2)(5) 

$6,000,000

6.75% to 04/06/28 then SW5 + 3.929%, 144A****

5,303,777

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$4,240,000

9.375% to 05/22/28 then T5Y + 5.385%, 144A****

4,369,871

**(1)(2)(3)(5)  


9

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par

Value

 

Standard Chartered PLC:

$450,000

4.75% to 07/14/31 then T5Y + 3.805%, 144A****

$364,858

**(1)(5) 

$2,420,000

7.75% to 02/15/28 then T5Y + 4.976%, 144A****

2,444,263

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

 

UBS Group AG:

$675,000

4.375% to 02/10/31 then T5Y + 3.313%, 144A****

540,826

**(1)(2)(3)(5) 

$850,000

4.875% to 02/12/27 then T5Y + 3.404%, 144A****

776,007

**(1)(2)(5) 

$210,000

9.25% to 11/13/33 then T5Y + 4.758%, 144A****

232,547

**(1)(5) 

 

63,172,196

 

Total Contingent Capital Securities
(Cost $66,401,506)

63,172,196

 

Corporate Debt Securities§ — 2.5% 

 

Banking — 0.1%

10,900

Zions Bancorporation, TSFR3M + 4.1516%, 9.53624%(4), 09/15/28, Sub Notes

275,988

 

275,988

 

Insurance — 1.3%

$3,000,000

Liberty Mutual Insurance, 7.697% 10/15/97, 144A****

3,479,778

(2)(3) 

$500,000

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., 5.625% 11/30/26

463,415

 

3,943,193

 

Communication — 0.3%

 

Qwest Corporation:

29,941

6.50% 09/01/56

310,788

41,820

6.75% 06/15/57

464,202

(2) 

 

774,990

 

Miscellaneous Industries — 0.8%

$2,160,000

Pulte Group, Inc., 7.875% 06/15/32

2,498,601

(2)(3) 

 

2,498,601

 

Total Corporate Debt Securities
(Cost $7,487,443)

7,492,772

 

Money Market Fund — 4.3% 

 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds:

12,773,538

T-Fund, Institutional Class

12,773,538

 

 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $12,773,538)

12,773,538


10

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

 

Value

Total Investments (Cost $316,318,269***)

100.5

%

$301,492,759

Other Assets and Liabilities, excluding Loan Payable (net)

(0.5

)%

(1,518,738

)

Total Managed Assets

100.0

%‡

$299,974,021

Loan Principal Balance

(118,500,000

)

Net Assets Available To Common Stock

$181,474,021

  

§Date shown is maturity date unless referencing the end of the fixed-rate period of a fixed-to-floating rate security.

*Securities eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction and distributing Qualified Dividend Income.

**Securities distributing Qualified Dividend Income only.

***Aggregate cost of securities held.

****Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. At February 29, 2024, these securities amounted to $76,307,069 or 25.4% of total managed assets.

(1)Perpetual security with no stated maturity date.

(2)All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for the Fund’s loan. The total value of such securities was $237,893,381 at February 29, 2024.

(3)All or a portion of this security has been rehypothecated. The total value of such securities was $109,188,770 at February 29, 2024.

(4)Represents the rate in effect as of the reporting date.

(5)Foreign Issuer.

A Contingent Capital Security is a hybrid security with contractual loss-absorption characteristics.

The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of that category as a percentage of total managed assets.

ABBREVIATIONS:

3ML

3-Month Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) USD A/360

ISDA5

5-year USD ICE Swap Semiannual 30/360

SOFR5Y

5-year USD ICE Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Swap

SW5

5-year USD Swap Semiannual 30/360

T5Y

Federal Reserve H.15 5-Yr Constant Maturity Treasury Semiannual yield

T7Y

Federal Reserve H.15 7-Yr Constant Maturity Treasury Semiannual yield

T10Y

Federal Reserve H.15 10-Yr Constant Maturity Treasury Semiannual yield

TSFR3M

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (CME) Term SOFR 3-Month

The administrator of U.S. dollar LIBOR, ICE, ceased publication of daily U.S. dollar LIBOR panels after June 30, 2023. For securities where (i) issuers have announced replacement reference rates or (ii) the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act of 2022 was determined by the Adviser to apply, the new reference rate (usually Term SOFR) has been listed as the benchmark. The spread over that benchmark includes any tenor spread adjustment applicable upon benchmark transition. For all other securities, the original reference rate and spread continue to be listed.

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

Financial Highlights(1)

For the period December 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

For a Common Stock share outstanding throughout the period

 


11

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:

Net asset value, beginning of period

$16.32

INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

Net investment income

0.25

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

1.03

Total from investment operations

1.28

DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:

From net investment income

(0.25

)

Total distributions to Common Stock Shareholders

(0.25

)

Net asset value, end of period

$17.35

Market value, end of period

$15.09

Common Stock shares outstanding, end of period

10,456,821

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS: 

Net investment income†

5.84

%*

Operating expenses including interest expense

5.61

%*

Operating expenses excluding interest expense

1.41

%*

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:††

Portfolio turnover rate

3

%**

Total managed assets, end of period (in 000’s)

$299,974

Ratio of operating expenses including interest expense to
average total managed assets

3.37

%*

Ratio of operating expenses excluding interest expense to
average total managed assets

0.84

%*

  

(1)These tables summarize the three months ended February 29, 2024 and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s audited financial statements, including notes to the financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2023.

*Annualized.

**Not annualized.

The net investment income ratios reflect income net of operating expenses, including interest expense.

††Information presented under heading Supplemental Data includes loan principal balance.

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

Financial Highlights (Continued)

Per Share of Common Stock (Unaudited)

 


12

 

Total
Dividends
Paid

Net
Asset
Value

NYSE
Closing
Price

Dividend
Reinvestment
Price
(1) 

December 29, 2023

$0.0835

$16.99

$14.55

$14.63

January 31, 2024

 0.0835

 17.31

 15.14

 15.14

February 29, 2024

 0.0856

 17.35

 15.09

 15.16

  

(1)Whenever the net asset value per share of the Fund’s Common Stock is less than or equal to the market price per share on the reinvestment date, new shares issued will be valued at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the then current market price. Otherwise, the reinvestment shares of Common Stock will be purchased in the open market.

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

 

13

1.Aggregate Information for Federal Income Tax Purposes

At February 29, 2024, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $321,069,972 the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost was $4,592,255 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value was $24,169,468.

2. Additional Accounting Standards

Portfolio Valuation: Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 permits fund boards to designate a Valuation Designee to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, which requires a fund to fair value a security when market quotations are not readily available.

The net asset value of the Fund’s Common Stock is calculated by the Fund’s Administrator on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the Adviser, as the Valuation Designee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Fund. Net asset value is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s net assets available to Common Stock by the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. The value of the Fund’s net assets available to Common Stock is deemed to equal the value of the Fund’s total assets less (i) the Fund’s liabilities and (ii) the aggregate liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock. 

The Fund’s preferred and debt securities are valued on the basis of current market quotations provided by independent pricing services or dealers approved by the Valuation Designee. In determining the evaluated mean value of a particular preferred or debt security, a pricing service or dealer may use information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations (based on the mean of bid and asked price), market transactions in comparable investments, various relationships observed in the market between investments, and/or calculated yield measures based on valuation technology commonly employed in the market for such investments. Common stocks that are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price or official close price on the exchange, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available mean price. Futures contracts and option contracts on futures contracts are valued on the basis of the settlement price for such contracts on the primary exchange on which they trade. Investments in over-the-counter derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps and options thereon (“swaptions”), are valued using prices supplied by a pricing service, or if such prices are unavailable, prices provided by a single broker or dealer that is not the counterparty or, if no such prices are available, at a price at which the counterparty to the contract would repurchase the instrument or terminate the contract. Investments for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the Valuation Designee determines that the prices are not reflective of current market conditions are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee, including reference to valuations of other securities which are comparable in quality, maturity and type. 

Investments in money market instruments and all debt and preferred securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value. Investments in money market funds are valued at the net asset value of such funds.

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

14

Fair Value Measurements: The Fund has analyzed all existing investments to determine the significance and character of all inputs to their fair value determination. The levels of fair value inputs used to measure the Fund’s investments are characterized into a fair value hierarchy. Where inputs for an asset or liability fall into more than one level in the fair value hierarchy, the investment is classified in its entirety based on the lowest level input that is significant to that investment’s valuation. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 –

quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

Level 2 –

other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 –

significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at market value at the end of the period.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows:

 

Total
Value at
February 29, 2024

Level 1
Quoted
Price

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

Preferred Stock & Hybrid Preferred Securities

Banking

$101,810,621

$49,843,346

$51,967,275

$

Financial Services

 11,688,295

 1,929,186

 9,759,109

 —

Insurance

 56,171,506

 10,482,386

 45,689,120

 —

Utilities

 19,673,883

 5,902,350

 13,771,533

 —

Energy

 15,010,438

 5,916,925

 9,093,513

 —

Communication

 2,979,638

 —

 2,979,638

 —

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

 4,367,375

 4,367,375

 —

 —

Miscellaneous Industries

 6,352,497

 1,281,860

 5,070,637

 —

Contingent Capital Securities

Banking

 63,172,196

 —

 63,172,196

 —

Corporate Debt Securities

Banking

 275,988

 275,988

 —

 —

Insurance

 3,943,193

 —

 3,943,193

 —

Communication

 774,990

 774,990

 —

 —

Miscellaneous Industries

 2,498,601

 —

 2,498,601

 —

Money Market Fund

12,773,538

12,773,538

Total Investments

$301,492,759

$93,547,944

$207,944,815

$

 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

15

During the reporting period, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

The fair values of the Fund’s investments are generally based on market information and quotes received from brokers or independent pricing services that are unaffiliated with the Adviser. To assess the continuing appropriateness of security valuations, the Adviser regularly compares current prices to prior prices, prices across comparable securities, actual sale prices for securities in the Fund’s portfolio, and market information obtained by the Adviser as a function of being an active market participant.

Securities with quotes that are based on actual trades or actionable bids and offers with a sufficient level of activity on or near the measurement date are classified as Level 1. Securities that are priced using quotes derived from implied values, indicative bids and offers, or a limited number of actual trades—or the same information for securities that are similar in many respects to those being valued—are classified as Level 2. If market information is not available for securities being valued, or materially-comparable securities, then those securities are classified as Level 3. In considering market information, the Valuation Designee evaluates changes in liquidity, willingness of a broker to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from pricing services, and the existence of observable trades in the market.