N-CSR 1 d268760dncsr.htm NUVEEN VARIABLE RATE PREFERRED & INCOME FUND Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number  

  

811-23704

Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Nuveen Investments

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Mark L. Winget

Nuveen Investments

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end:    July 31                                

Date of reporting period:    July 31, 2022                   

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

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


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


LOGO

 

Closed-End Funds

 

31 July 2022

 

Nuveen Closed-End Funds

 

JPC    Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund
JPI    Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund
JPS    Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund
JPT    Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (formerly Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund)
NPFD    Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund

Annual Report


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LOGO


Table of Contents

 

Chair’s Letter to Shareholders

     4  

Important Notices

     5  

Portfolio Managers’ Comments

     7  

Fund Leverage

     14  

Common Share Information

     16  

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries

     20  

Shareholder Meeting Report

     30  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     31  

Portfolios of Investments

     33  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     66  

Statement of Operations

     67  

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

     68  

Statement of Cash Flows

     71  

Financial Highlights

     72  

Notes to Financial Statements

     79  

Shareholder Update

     97  

Important Tax Information

     139  

Additional Fund Information

     141  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     142  

Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process

     144  

Board Members & Officers

     155  

 

3


Chair’s Letter to Shareholders

 

LOGO

Dear Shareholders,

The question of whether economies are moving toward normalization or recession has dominated financial markets in 2022. Persistently high inflation has made the outcome more unpredictable, as it has dampened consumer sentiment, pushed central banks into raising interest rates more aggressively and contributed to considerable turbulence in the markets this year.

Inflation has surged partially due to COVID supply chain bottlenecks and exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and recent lockdowns across China to contain a large-scale COVID-19 outbreak. This has necessitated increasingly forceful responses from the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and other central banks, who have signaled their intentions to slow inflation while tolerating slower economic growth. As anticipated, the Fed began the rate hiking cycle in March 2022, raising its short-term rate by 0.25% from near zero for the first time since the pandemic was declared two years ago. Larger increases of 0.50% in May and 0.75% in June, July and September 2022 followed, bringing the target fed funds rate to a range of 3.00% to 3.25%. Additional rate hikes are expected in the remainder of this year, although Fed officials will closely monitor inflation data along with other economic measures and modify their rate setting policy based upon these factors. U.S. gross domestic product growth has now contracted for two consecutive quarters, according to government estimates, as consumer and business activity has slowed in part due to higher prices and borrowing costs. However, the still strong labor market suggests not all areas of the economy are weakening in unison.

While markets will likely continue fluctuating with the daily headlines, we encourage investors to keep a long-term perspective. To learn more about how well your portfolio is aligned to your time horizon, risk tolerance and investment goals, consider reviewing it with your financial professional.

On behalf of the other members of the Nuveen Fund Board, we look forward to continuing to earn your trust in the months and years ahead.

 

LOGO

Terence J. Toth

Chair of the Board

September 23, 2022

 

 

4


Important Notices

 

For Shareholders of

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS)

Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (JPT)

Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NPFD)

Fund Restructuring for Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (JPT)

On January 19, 2022, shareholders of Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (JPT) approved a proposal to restructure the fund (the “restructuring”). The restructuring allowed shareholders the opportunity to maintain their investment in JPT and its exposure to a leveraged strategy focused on preferred and other income producing securities in lieu of the scheduled termination of the fund. The effectiveness of the restructuring was contingent on the success of the fund’s tender offer.

On January 20, 2022, JPT conducted a tender offer, which allowed shareholders to offer up to 100% of their shares for repurchase for cash at a price per share equal to 100% of the net asset value (“NAV”) per share determined on the date the tender offer expired.

JPT’s tender offer expired on February 17, 2022. In the tender offer 2,454,617 shares were tendered, representing approximately 36% of JPT’s common shares outstanding. Properly tendered shares were repurchased at $23.2613 per share, which was the NAV of the fund as of the close of ordinary trading on the New York Stock Exchange on February 17, 2022.

As a result of the successful completion of the tender offer, the restructuring of the JPT was completed and on February 28, 2022 the following changes became effective.

 

   

JPT’s declaration of trust was amended to eliminate the term of the fund.

 

   

JPT’s investment policies were amended to permit investment in contingent capital securities (CoCos).

 

   

JPT’s name changed to Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund.

 

   

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the investment adviser to the fund, will waive 50% of the fund’s net management fees beginning February 8, 2022 and continuing over the first year following the elimination of the term.

More details about JPT’s restructuring is available on www.nuveen.com/cef.

Additional Market Disruption Risk

In late February 2022, Russia launched a large scale military attack on Ukraine. The invasion significantly amplified already existing geopolitical tensions among Russia, Ukraine, Europe, NATO and other western nations, including the U.S. In response to the military action by Russia, various countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom, and European Union issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia. Such sanctions included, among other things, a prohibition on doing business with certain Russian companies, large financial institutions, officials and oligarchs; a commitment by certain countries and the European Union to remove selected Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (“SWIFT”), the electronic banking network that connects banks globally; and restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from undermining the impact of the sanctions.

Additional sanctions may be imposed in the future. Such sanctions may adversely impact, among other things, the Russian economy and various sectors of the global economy, including but not limited to, the financials, energy, metals and mining, engineering and defense sectors. The sanctions and any related boycotts, tariffs, and financial restrictions

 

5


Important Notices (continued)

 

imposed on Russia’s government, companies and certain individuals may cause a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities; weaken the value of the ruble; downgrade the country’s credit rating; freeze Russian securities and/or funds invested in prohibited assets and impair the ability to trade in Russian securities and/or other assets; and have other adverse consequences on the Russian government, economy, companies and region. Further, several large corporations and U.S. states have announced plans to divest interests or otherwise curtail business dealings with certain Russian businesses.

The ramifications of the hostilities and sanctions, however, may not be limited to Russia and Russian companies but may spill over to and negatively impact other regional and global economic markets (including Europe and the United States), companies in other countries (particularly those that have done business with Russia) and on various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the actions discussed above and the potential for a wider conflict could increase financial market volatility, cause severe negative effects on regional and global economic markets, industries, and companies and have a negative effect on your Fund’s investments and performance beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. In addition, Russia may take retaliatory actions and other countermeasures, including cyberattacks and espionage against other countries and companies around the world, which may negatively impact such countries and the companies in which your Fund invests.

The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities, the extent and impact of existing and future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility, and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

6


Portfolio Managers’ Comments

 

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS)

Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (JPT) (formerly Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund)

Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NPFD)

Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM), an affiliate of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser, is the sub-adviser for the Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC), Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI), Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (JPT) and Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NPFD). The Funds’ portfolio managers are Douglas M. Baker, CFA and Brenda A. Langenfeld, CFA. The Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS) is sub-advised by a team of specialists at Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. (Spectrum), a wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Global Investors Holding Company (U.S.), LLC. The portfolio managers for JPS are Mark Lieb and Phil Jacoby.

Here the Funds’ portfolio management teams review economic and market conditions, key investment strategies and the Funds’ performance for the twelve-month reporting period July 31, 2022. For more information on the Funds’ investment objectives and policies, please refer to the Shareholder Update section of the report.

What factors affected the economy and the markets during the twelve-month annual reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

After recovering from the pandemic in 2021, the U.S. economy weakened in the first half of 2022. Overall, 2021 gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.7% as the economy reopened with the help of $5.3 trillion in crisis-related aid from the federal government, low borrowing rates for businesses and individuals, an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations and improved treatments for COVID-19. However, in early 2022, China’s COVID-19 lockdown and the Russia-Ukraine war worsened existing pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Inflation increased more than expected during the first half of 2022, putting pressure on global central banks to respond with more aggressive measures.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) began an interest rate hiking cycle in March 2022 with a 0.25% hike to the target federal funds rate, followed by larger increases of 0.50% in May 2022, 0.75% in June 2022 and another 0.75% in July 2022. Overall, the Fed raised the target federal funds rate from near zero at the start of 2022 to a range of 2.25% to 2.50% by July 2022. Subsequent to the end of the reporting period, the Fed raised the policy interest rate another 0.75% in September 2022 to a range of 3.00% to 3.25%. Interest rate, stock and bond price volatility increased as markets considered whether the Fed could cool inflation without putting the economy into a recession. Additionally, the U.S. dollar appreciated significantly relative to major world currencies beginning in March of 2022, serving as a headwind to the profits of international companies and U.S. domestic companies with overseas earnings. The dollar’s appreciation was driven in part by the Fed’s increasingly forceful response to inflation compared with other central banks, the relatively better prospects of the U.S. economy and “safe-haven” flows from investors uncertain about geopolitical and global economic conditions.

By mid-year, inflation and higher borrowing costs appeared to be dampening consumer confidence and consumer spending. Also, two consecutive quarters of negative U.S. GDP growth added to recession risks. U.S. GDP fell by an annual rate of 0.6% in the second quarter of 2022, according to the second estimate from the U.S. Bureau of Economic

 

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Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

Analysis. This followed a 1.6% annualized GDP decrease in the first quarter of 2022. However, the labor market, another key gauge of the economy’s health, has remained resilient. As of July 2022, the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, its pre-pandemic low, and the economy has now recovered the 22 million jobs lost since the beginning of the pandemic.

The preferred market struggled during the reporting period, with all segments of the market posting negative returns that were driven by a combination of wider credit spreads and higher U.S. Treasury rates. $1,000 par preferred securities were top performers, followed by $25 par securities and contingent capital securities (“CoCos”). Securities that have coupons with reset features also fared better than fixed-rate coupons during the same period. Those structures are predominately found in the $1,000 par and CoCo segments.

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (JPC)

What key strategies were used to manage the Fund during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

The Fund seeks to provide high current income and secondarily, total return, by investing at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred and other income producing securities, including hybrid securities such as contingent capital securities (CoCos). The Fund invests up to 20% opportunistically in other securities, primarily income-oriented securities such as corporate and taxable municipal debt and common equity. Additionally, at least 50% is invested in securities that are rated investment grade at the time of purchase or, if unrated, judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s investment management team. The Fund uses leverage.

The investment management team incorporated several active themes within the Fund relative to the JPC Blended Benchmark, including an overweight to $1,000 par preferred securities and securities that have coupons with reset features (floating rate, fixed-to-floating rate, fixed-to-fixed), an underweight to CoCos and a corresponding overweight to U.S.-domiciled issuers. The investment management team increased the Fund’s exposure to CoCos beginning in the second quarter of 2022. However, given the anticipated impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the European economy, the Fund shifted its allocation to core Western European countries and reduced exposure to periphery European countries. The Fund was strategically overweight in the more highly regulated bank and insurance sectors, so investors could benefit from the added scrutiny of regulatory oversight resulting in higher required capital levels.

How did the Fund perform during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022, JPC outperformed the JPC Blended Benchmark. For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the JPC Blended Benchmark. Effective April 1, 2022, the JPC Blended Benchmark was updated to consist of: 1) 60% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 2) 40% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). Benchmark performance prior to April 1, 2022 reflects the JPC Blended Benchmark’s previous composition of: 1) 50% ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index, 2) 30% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index, and 3) 20% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR).

The Fund’s outperformance was driven by an overweight to $1,000 par preferred securities, which gave the Fund greater exposure to securities that have coupons with reset features. These investments generally demonstrate lower sensitivity to interest rates. During the reporting period, these structures outperformed securities with fixed-rate coupons. The Fund’s relatively shorter leverage-adjusted duration was also accretive to performance. Historically, the investment management team has limited emerging markets exposure in the portfolio and the Fund held no securities from Russian, Ukrainian or Belarusian-domiciled issuers during the reporting period. Conversely, the JPC Blended Benchmark began 2022 with approximately a 1.4% weighting in US dollar denominated CoCos issued by Russian banks, whose prices dropped to zero by the end of the first quarter of 2022. While the absolute exposure to these securities was modest in the JPC Blended Benchmark, their price performance had a meaningful impact on the benchmark performance during the first quarter of 2022. The Fund’s lack of exposure was accretive to relative performance. The

 

8


 

Fund’s overweight exposure to Land O’ Lakes Inc. and CHS Inc. contributed to performance. Both of these consumer non-cyclical sector holdings outperformed the broader market that encountered headwinds due to uncertainty surrounding the global economy. The Fund continues to hold both positions.

Partially offsetting the outperformance was the Fund’s use of leverage through bank borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements, which significantly detracted from relative performance during the reporting period. However, the Fund’s use of leverage was accretive to overall common share income. Leverage is discussed in more detail in the Fund Leverage section of this report.

In addition to the use of leverage, the Fund’s modest overweight to consumer cyclicals detracted from performance as the market began to price in an economic slowdown and the sector underperformed the JPC Blended Benchmark during the second quarter of 2022. An underweight to the utilities sector also detracted from performance as that sector outperformed the JPC Blended Benchmark. Finally, the Fund’s overweight exposure to Deutsche Bank AG and General Motors Financial Co Inc. both detracted from performance. Deutsche Bank underperformed due to concerns about Russian exposure. Capital levels remain strong and the Fund continues to hold the position. An overweight to General Motors hindered performance due to increased economic uncertainty. The Fund continues to maintain an overweight given the company’s solid long-term fundamentals.

The Fund sold interest rate futures during the reporting period to manage its exposure to various points along the yield curve, with a net effect of decreasing the Fund’s overall interest rate sensitivity. During the reporting period, the interest rate futures had a negligible impact on relative performance.

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (JPI)

What key strategies were used to manage the Fund during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

The Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income and total return by investing at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred and other income-producing securities, including hybrid securities such as contingent capital securities, with a focus on securities issued by financial and insurance firms. At least 50% of its managed assets are rated investment grade at the time of purchase or, if unrated, judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s investment management team.

The investment management team incorporated several active themes within the Fund relative to the JPI Blended Benchmark that included an overweight to $1,000 par preferred securities and securities that have coupons with reset features (floating rate, fixed-to-floating rate, fixed-to-fixed), an underweight to CoCos and a corresponding overweight to U.S.-domiciled issuers. Given the anticipated impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the European economy, the investment management team modestly reduced the Fund’s CoCos exposure and correspondingly added to its preferred securities allocation. Within the CoCos allocation, the investment management team was more defensive given its relatively greater concern for the European economy. As a result, the team rotated some of the Fund’s exposure out of periphery European countries and added exposure to core Western European countries. The Fund was strategically overweight the more highly regulated bank and insurance sectors, so investors could benefit from the added scrutiny of regulatory oversight resulting in higher required capital levels.

How did the Fund perform during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022, JPI underperformed the JPI Blended Benchmark. The JPI Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 60% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 2) 40% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the JPI Blended Benchmark.

 

9


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

The Fund’s use of leverage through bank borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements significantly detracted from relative performance during the reporting period. However, the Fund’s use of leverage was accretive to overall common share income. Leverage is discussed in more detail in the Fund Leverage section of this report.

In addition to the use of leverage, the Fund’s longer leverage-adjusted duration for most of the reporting period and an underweight to the utilities sector detracted from relative performance. Also, the Fund’s overweight to Deutsche Bank AG and SBL Holdings both detracted from relative results. Deutsche Bank underperformed due to concerns about Russian exposure. Capital levels remain strong and the Fund continues to hold the position. SBL Holdings underperformance was related to selling pressure during the reporting period. The Fund continues to hold the position based on its solid credit metrics.

Partially offsetting the Fund’s relative detractors were overweight exposures to the consumer non-cyclical sector, $1,000 par preferred securities, and securities that have coupons with reset features, as well as selection within the CoCos allocation that contributed favorably to the Fund’s relative results. The Fund’s overweight exposure to Land O’ Lakes Inc. and CHS Inc. also contributed to performance. Both of these consumer non-cyclical sector holdings outperformed the broader market that encountered headwinds given uncertainty surrounding the global economy. The Fund continues to hold both positions.

The Fund sold interest rate futures during the reporting period to manage its exposure to various points along the yield curve, with a net effect of decreasing the Fund’s overall interest rate sensitivity. During the reporting period, the interest rate futures contributed to relative performance.

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund (JPS)

What key strategies were used to manage the Fund during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

The Fund primarily seeks to offer high current income consistent with capital preservation. The Fund invests at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred and other income-producing securities, including hybrid securities such as contingent capital securities. At least 50% is invested in securities that are rated investment grade. The Fund uses leverage.

The investment management team incorporated several strategies relative to the JPS Blended Benchmark, including an overweight to $1,000 par preferred securities and CoCos. The Fund was also underweight securities with a duration of at least 10 years and overweight securities with a duration of one to three years. As interest rates are expected to be elevated for some time, the Fund maintained an overall shorter-duration profile relative to the JPS Blended Benchmark.

How did the Fund perform during this twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022, JPS underperformed the JPS Blended Benchmark. The JPS Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 60% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index, and 2) 40% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the JPS Blended Benchmark.

The Fund’s use of leverage through bank borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements significantly detracted from relative performance during the reporting period. However, the Fund’s use of leverage was accretive to overall common share income. Leverage is discussed in more detail in the Fund Leverage section of this report.

In addition to the use of leverage, the Fund’s overweight to securities with a duration of one to three years detracted from relative performance. Although these securities had short-duration profiles, they underperformed because of the significant flattening on the front end of the yield curve. The longer-duration junior subordinated debt of MetLife and Nationwide Financial also detracted from performance. Longer-duration securities underperformed driven by rising interest rates during the reporting period. The Fund continues to hold these issues because the credits are stable and the current income has remained above market levels.

 

10


 

Partially offsetting some of the Fund’s underperformance was an underweight to securities with a duration of at least 10 years. As previously mentioned, longer-duration securities underperformed driven by rising interest rates during the reporting period. The Fund’s allocation to Bank of America Corp. perpetual preferred and PNC Financial Services Group Inc. PRP $25 par preferred also contributed to performance. The floating rate features of both holdings contributed to their outperformance. The Fund continues to maintain its allocation to Bank of America Corp. and PNC Financial Services Group.

Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (JPT) (formerly Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund)

What key strategies were used to manage the Fund during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

The Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income and total return. The Fund provides access to both the exchange-traded and over-the-counter preferred securities markets, seeking to capitalize on price discrepancies that may occur between these two markets. The Fund also has the flexibility to opportunistically invest in preferred securities with various coupon structures, including fixed-to-floating structures, which may help reduce interest rate risk and enhance performance in a rising rate environment. The Fund invests at least 80% of its managed assets in preferred and other income-producing securities, including hybrid securities such as contingent capital securities (CoCos). The Fund may invest without limit in below investment grade securities but no more than 10% in securities rated below B-/B3 at the time of investment. Up to 40% of its managed assets may be in securities issued by companies located anywhere in the world, but no more than 10% in securities of issuers in emerging markets countries, and 100% in U.S. dollar-denominated securities. The Fund uses leverage.

During the reporting period, the investment management team incorporated several active themes within the Fund relative to the JPT Blended Benchmark, including: an overweight to $1,000 par preferred securities; an overweight to securities that have coupons with reset features (floating rate, fixed-to-floating rate, fixed-to-fixed); and an underweight to CoCos with a corresponding overweight to U.S.-domiciled issuers. On February 28, 2022, JPT’s investment policies were amended to permit investment in CoCos. Following the policy change, the investment management team increased exposure to CoCo securities. However, given the anticipated impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the European economy, the Fund shifted its allocation to core Western European countries and reduced exposure to periphery European countries. In terms of sector exposure, the Fund was strategically overweight in the highly regulated bank and insurance sectors, so investors could benefit from the added scrutiny of regulatory oversight resulting in higher required capital levels.

How did the Fund perform during the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022?

For the twelve-month reporting period ended July 31, 2022, JPT performed in line with the JPT Blended Benchmark. For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the JPT Blended Benchmark. Effective February 28, 2022, the JPT Blended Benchmark was updated to consist of: 1) 60% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index, and 2) 40% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). Benchmark performance prior to February 28, 2022 consisted of the ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index.

Contributors to the Fund’s relative performance included overweight exposure to the consumer non-cyclical sector, $1,000 par preferred securities and securities that have coupons with reset features, as well as selection within the CoCo allocation. The Fund’s overweight to $1,000 par preferred securities gave the Fund greater exposure to securities that have coupons with reset features. These structures generally demonstrate lower sensitivity to interest rates and during the reporting period, they outperformed securities with fixed-rate coupons. Historically, the investment management team has limited emerging markets exposure in the portfolio and the Fund held no securities from Russian, Ukrainian or Belarusian domiciled issuers during the reporting period. Conversely, the JPT Blended Benchmark began 2022 with approximately a 1.4% weighting in USD CoCos issued by Russian banks, whose prices dropped to zero by the end of

 

11


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

the first quarter of 2022. While the absolute exposure was modest in the JPT Blended Benchmark, the price performance had a meaningful impact during the first quarter of 2022. The Fund’s lack of exposure was accretive to relative performance. The Fund’s overweight exposure to Land O’ Lakes Inc. and CHS Inc. also contributed to performance. Both of these consumer non-cyclical sector holdings outperformed the broader market that encountered headwinds due to uncertainty surrounding the global economy. The Fund continues to hold both positions.

The Fund sold interest rate futures during the reporting period to manage its exposure to various points along the yield curve, with a net effect of decreasing the Fund’s overall interest rate sensitivity. During the reporting period, the interest rate futures contributed to relative performance.

Serving to partially offset the contributors was the Fund’s use of leverage through bank borrowings, which significantly detracted from relative performance during the reporting period. However, the Fund’s use of leverage was accretive to overall common share income. Leverage is discussed in more detail in the Fund Leverage section of this report.

In addition to the use of leverage, the Fund’s relatively longer leverage-adjusted duration for most of the reporting period detracted from relative performance. The Fund’s modest overweight to consumer cyclicals detracted from performance as the market began to price in an economic slowdown and the sector underperformed the JPT Blended Benchmark during the second quarter of 2022. An underweight to the utilities sector also detracted from performance as that sector outperformed the JPT Blended Benchmark. Finally, the Fund’s overweight exposure to Deutsche Bank and SBL Holdings both detracted from performance. Deutsche Bank underperformed due to concerns about Russian exposure. Capital levels remain strong and the Fund continues to hold the position. SBL Holdings underperformance was related to selling pressure during the reporting period. The Fund continues to hold the position based on its solid credit metrics.

Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NPFD)

What key strategies were used to manage the Fund during the abbreviated reporting period since the Fund’s commencement on December 15, 2021 through July 31, 2022?

The Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income and total return by investing in primarily investment grade, variable rate preferred securities and other variable rate income-producing securities from high quality, highly regulated companies such as banks, utilities and insurance companies. All, or almost all, of the Fund’s distributions of net investment income are expected to be treated as qualified dividend income (QDI) which is generally taxed at a lower rate than interest and ordinary dividend income, assuming holding period and certain other requirements are met.

The Fund may invest up to 20% of managed assets in contingent capital securities or contingent convertible securities (CoCos) and up to 15% in companies located in emerging market countries but may only invest in U.S. dollar denominated securities. More than 25% of managed assets are invested in securities of companies in the financial services sector. The Fund uses leverage and has a 12-year term with the potential to convert to perpetual.

The overwhelming majority of the invest-up period was via the secondary market in attractive opportunities in both U.S.-domiciled and non-U.S.-domiciled issuers, including CoCos. Positioning favored highly regulated sectors such as banks and insurance. Given the anticipated impact of the Russian/Ukrainian war on the European economy, the investment management team slightly reduced the Fund’s CoCos exposure beginning in February 2022 and correspondingly added to its preferred securities allocation. Within the CoCos allocation, the team rotated some exposure out of periphery European countries and added exposure to core Western European countries.

How did the Fund perform during the abbreviated reporting period since the Fund’s commencement on December 15, 2021 through July 31, 2022?

For the abbreviated reporting period since the Fund’s commencement on December 15, 2021 through July 31, 2022, NPFD underperformed the NPFD Blended Benchmark. The NPFD Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 80% ICE Variable

 

12


 

Rate Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index, and 2) 20% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the NPFD Blended Benchmark.

The Fund’s use of leverage through bank borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements significantly detracted from relative performance during the reporting period. However, the Fund’s use of leverage was accretive to overall common share income. Leverage is discussed in more detail in the Fund Leverage section of this report.

In addition to the use of leverage, the Fund’s longer leverage-adjusted effective duration and modest steepening bias detracted from relative performance. The Fund’s overweight to consumer cyclicals detracted from performance as the market began to price in an economic slowdown during the second quarter of 2022 and the sector underperformed the benchmark. The Fund’s overweight exposure to SBL Holdings and General Motors also detracted from performance. SBL Holdings underperformance was related to selling pressure during the reporting period. The Fund continues to hold based on its solid credit metrics. An overweight to General Motors hindered performance due to increased economic uncertainty. The Fund continues to maintain an overweight given the company’s solid long-term fundamentals.

Partially offsetting the Fund’s relative detractors was the Fund’s lack of exposure to Russian-domiciled issuers. The investment management team has limited emerging markets exposure in the Fund and held no securities from Russian, Ukrainian or Belarusian-domiciled issuers during the reporting period. Conversely, the NPFD Blended Benchmark began 2022 with an estimated 0.7% weighting in USD CoCos issued by Russian banks, whose prices dropped to zero by the end of the first quarter of 2022 and resulted in removal from the index. While the absolute exposure was modest in the NPFD Blended Benchmark, the price performance had a meaningful impact. Overweight positions in the insurance and consumer non-cyclical sectors contributed favorably to the Fund’s relative performance versus the NPFD Blended Benchmark. These sectors outperformed the NPFD Blended Benchmark since the Fund’s inception. The Fund’s overweight exposure to CHS Inc. and NuStar Energy LP contributed to performance. Within the consumer non-cyclical sector, CHS Inc. outperformed the broader market, which encountered headwinds due to uncertainty surrounding the global economy. Nustar Energy was a strong performer tracking higher oil prices during the reporting period. The Fund continues to hold both positions.

The Fund sold interest rate futures during the reporting period to manage its exposure to various points along the yield curve, with a net effect of decreasing the Fund’s overall interest rate sensitivity. During the reporting period, the interest rate futures had a negligible impact on relative performance.

 

13


Fund Leverage

 

IMPACT OF THE FUNDS’ LEVERAGE STRATEGIES ON PERFORMANCE

One important factor impacting the returns of the Funds’ common shares relative to their comparative benchmarks was the Funds’ use of leverage through bank borrowings, Taxable Fund Preferred Shares (TFP) for JPS and reverse repurchase agreements for JPC, JPI, JPS and NPFD. The Funds use leverage because our research has shown that, over time, leveraging provides opportunities for additional income. The opportunity arises when short-term rates that a Fund pays on its leveraging instruments are lower than the interest the Fund earns on its portfolio securities that it has bought with the proceeds of that leverage. This has been particularly true in the recent market environment where short-term rates have been low by historical standards.

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

In addition, common share income in levered funds will typically decrease in comparison to unlevered funds when short-term interest rates increase and increase when short-term interest rates decrease. In recent quarters, fund leverage expenses have generally tracked the overall movement of short-term tax-exempt interest rates. While fund leverage expenses are somewhat higher than their all-time lows, leverage nevertheless continues to provide the opportunity for incremental common share income, particularly over longer-term periods.

The Funds’ use of leverage significantly detracted from relative performance during the reporting period. However, the Funds’ use of leverage was accretive to overall common share income.

JPC, JPI and JPS continued to use interest rate swap contracts to partially hedge the interest cost of leverage. During the period, these interest rate swaps contributed to the relative performance of JPC, JPI and JPS.

As of July 31, 2022, the Funds’ percentages of leverage are as shown in the accompanying table.

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT        NPFD  

Effective Leverage*

    37.28        36.72        38.09        33.59        36.46

Regulatory Leverage*

    32.38        30.85        31.18        33.59        27.04
*

Effective leverage is a Fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage and the leverage effects of reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivative and other investments in a Fund’s portfolio that increase the Fund’s investment exposure. Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued or borrowings of a Fund. Both of these are part of 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 effective leverage ratio. Regulatory leverage is subject to asset coverage limits set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

14


 

THE FUNDS’ LEVERAGE

Bank Borrowings

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

 

    Current Reporting Period           Subsequent to the Close of the Reporting Period  
Fund   Outstanding
Balance as of
August 1, 2021
    Draws     Paydowns     Outstanding
Balance as of
July 31, 2022
    Average Balance
Outstanding
           Draws     Paydowns     Outstanding
Balance as of
September 23, 2022
 

JPC

  $ 462,700,000     $ 10,700,000     $ (50,000,000   $ 423,400,000     $ 455,111,644             $     —     $ (150,000,000   $ 273,400,000  

JPI

  $ 234,800,000     $ 1,200,000     $ (20,000,000   $ 216,000,000     $ 231,129,315             $ 9,400,000     $     —     $ 225,400,000  

JPS

  $ 873,300,000     $
    —
 
  $ (374,000,000   $ 499,300,000     $ 829,047,945             $     —     $     —     $ 499,300,000  

JPT

  $ 47,000,000     $
    —
 
  $
    —
 
  $ 47,000,000     $ 47,000,000             $     —     $     —     $ 47,000,000  

NPFD

  $
    —
 
  $ 210,200,000     $ (21,600,000   $ 188,600,000     $ 197,116,832           $     —     $ (33,800,000   $ 154,800,000  
*

For the period January 11, 2022 (initial draw) through July 31, 2022.

Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 9 – Borrowing Arrangements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements for further details.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

As noted previously, JPC, JPI, JPS and NPFD used reverse repurchase agreements, in which the Funds sell to a counterparty a security that it holds with a contemporaneous agreement to repurchase the same security at an agreed-upon price and date. The Funds’ transactions in reverse repurchase agreements are as shown in the accompanying table.

 

    Current Reporting Period           Subsequent to the Close of the Reporting Period  
Fund   Outstanding
Balance as of
August 1, 2021
    Sales     Purchases     Outstanding
Balance as of
July 31, 2022
    Average Balance
Outstanding
           Sales     Purchases     Outstanding
Balance as of
September 23, 2022
 

JPC

  $ 121,000,000     $ 3,500,000     $ (22,400,000   $ 102,100,000     $ 115,558,630             $     —     $     —     $ 102,100,000  

JPI

  $ 56,500,000     $ 8,500,000     $     —     $ 65,000,000     $ 64,426,301             $     —     $     —     $ 65,000,000  

JPS

  $ 275,000,000     $     —     $
    —
 
  $ 275,000,000     $ 275,000,000             $     —     $     —     $ 275,000,000  

NPFD

  $
    —
 
  $ 120,000,000     $ (16,598,000   $ 103,402,000     $ 107,266,712 **            $ 52,197,000     $ (103,402,000   $ 52,197,000  
**

For the period January 5, 2022 (initial purchase of reverse repurchase agreements) through July 31, 2022.

Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 9 – Borrowing Arrangements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements for further details.

Taxable Fund Preferred Shares

As noted previously, in addition to bank borrowings, JPS also issued TFP. The Fund’s transactions in TFP are as shown in the accompanying table.

 

Current Reporting Period            Subsequent to the Close of the Reporting Period  
Outstanding
Balance as of
August 1, 2021
     Issuance      Redemptions      Outstanding
Balance as of
July 31, 2022
     Average Balance
Outstanding
           

Issuance

    

Redemptions

     Outstanding
Balance as of
September 23, 2022
 
  $    —        $270,000,000        $    —        $270,000,000        $270,000,000              $    —        $    —        $270,000,000  
*

For the period July 14, 2022 (first issuance date of shares) through July 31, 2022.

Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 5 – Fund Shares and Note 11 - Subsequent Events for further details on TFP.

 

15


Common Share Information

 

COMMON SHARE DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION

The following information regarding the Funds’ distributions is current as of July 31, 2022. Each Fund’s distribution levels may vary over time based on each Fund’s investment activity and portfolio investment value changes.

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

 

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

August 2021

  $ 0.0530        $ 0.1305        $ 0.0505        $ 0.1185        $  

September

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0505          0.1185           

October

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0505          0.1185           

November

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0505          0.1185           

December

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0505          0.1185           

January

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0505          0.1185           

February

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0505          0.1185          0.1380  

March

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0505          0.1350          0.1380  

April

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0475          0.1350          0.1380  

May

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0475          0.1350          0.1380  

June

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0475          0.1350          0.1380  

July 2022

    0.0530          0.1305          0.0435          0.1255          0.1380  

Total Distributions

  $ 0.6360        $ 1.5660        $ 0.5900        $ 1.4950        $ 0.8280  

Current Distribution Rate*

    7.76        7.64        6.72        7.43        8.29
*

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

NPFD declared its first distribution of $0.1380 during January 2022, for shareholders of record on February 15, 2022 and payable on March 1, 2022. Each Fund seeks to pay regular monthly dividends out of its net investment income at a rate that reflects its past and projected net income performance. To permit each Fund to maintain a more stable monthly dividend, the Fund may pay dividends at a rate that may be more or less than the amount of net income actually earned by the Fund during the period. Distributions to common shareholders are determined on a tax basis, which may differ from amounts recorded in the accounting records. In instances where the monthly dividend exceeds the earned net investment income, the Fund would report a negative undistributed net ordinary income. Refer to Note 6 – Income Tax Information for additional information regarding the amounts of undistributed net ordinary income and undistributed net long-term capital gains and the character of the actual distributions paid by the Fund during the period.

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

 

16


 

NUVEEN CLOSED-END FUND DISTRIBUTION AMOUNTS

The Nuveen Closed-End Funds’ monthly and quarterly periodic distributions to shareholders are posted on www.nuveen.com and can be found on Nuveen’s enhanced closed-end fund resource page, which is at https://www.nuveen.com/resource-center-closed-end-funds, along with other Nuveen closed-end fund product updates. To ensure timely access to the latest information, shareholders may use a subscribe function, which can be activated at this web page (https://www.nuveen.com/subscriptions).

COMMON SHARE EQUITY SHELF PROGRAMS

During the current reporting period, JPC and JPS were authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue additional common shares through an equity shelf program (Shelf Offering). Under these programs, JPC and JPS, subject to market conditions, may raise additional capital from time to time in varying amounts and offering methods at a net price at or above each Fund’s NAV per common share. The maximum aggregate offering under these Shelf Offerings, are as shown in the accompanying table.

 

     JPC        JPS  

Maximum aggregate offering

    Unlimited          Unlimited  

During the current reporting period, JPS and JPC sold common shares through their Shelf Offerings at a weighted average premium to its NAV per common share as shown in the accompanying table.

 

     JPC        JPS  

Common shares sold through shelf offering

    1,185,860          921,252  

Weighted average premium to NAV per common share sold

    1.18        1.16

Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 5 – Fund Shares for further details of Shelf Offerings and each Fund’s transactions.

COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES

During August 2022 (subsequent to the close of the reporting period), the Funds’ Board of Trustees reauthorized an open-market common share repurchase program for JPC, JPI, JPS and JPT and authorized an open-market common share repurchase for NPFD, allowing each Fund to repurchase an aggregate of up to approximately 10% of its outstanding common shares.

During the current reporting period, the Funds did not repurchase any of their outstanding common shares. As of July 31, 2022 (and since the inception of the Funds’ repurchase programs), each Fund has cumulatively repurchased and retired its outstanding common shares as shown in the accompanying table.

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT  

Common shares cumulatively repurchased and retired

    2,826,100          0          38,000          0  

Common shares authorized for repurchase

    10,380,000          2,275,000          20,475,000          680,000  

TENDER OFFER

The Fund’s Board of Trustees authorized JPT to conduct a tender offer pursuant to which the Fund offered to purchase up to 100% of JPT’s outstanding shares for cash on a pro rata basis at a price per share equal to 100% of the NAV per share, as determined on the date the tender offer expires.

On January 19, 2022, Nuveen announced the Fund’s tender offer, which commenced on January 20, 2022 and expired on February 17, 2022. In the tender offer, 2,454,617 common shares were tendered, representing approximately 36% of the Fund’s common shares outstanding, and therefore the Fund repurchased these outstanding shares from participating shareholders.

 

17


Common Share Information (continued)

 

During the current reporting period, JPT repurchased and retired their common shares, through the tender offer, at a price per share and a discount per share as shown in the accompanying table.

 

Common shares repurchased and retired through tender offer

    2,454,617  

Tender offer price per common share

  $ 23.2613  

Tender offer discount per common share

    0.00

Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 5 – Fund Shares, Tender Offer for further details on the tender offer.

OTHER COMMON SHARE INFORMATION

As of July 31, 2022, the Funds’ common share prices were trading at a premium/(discount) to their common share NAV and trading at an average premium/(discount) to NAV during the current reporting period, as follows.

 

     JPC        JPI        JPS        JPT        NPFD  

Common share NAV

  $ 8.41        $ 21.26        $ 8.25        $ 21.16        $ 21.06  

Common share price

  $ 8.20        $ 20.51        $ 7.77        $ 20.26        $ 19.98  

Premium/(Discount) to NAV

    (2.50 )%         (3.53 )%         (5.82 )%         (4.25 )%         (5.13 )% 

Average premium/(discount) to NAV

    (3.26 )%         (1.46 )%         (3.90 )%         (2.46 )%         (3.52 )% 

 

18


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19


JPC     

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2022

 

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

Average Annual Total Returns as of July 31, 2022*

 

    Average Annual  
     1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  
JPC at Common Share NAV     (9.05)%          2.04%          6.02%  
JPC at Common Share Price     (11.91)%          2.32%          6.58%  
ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index     (9.18)%          2.96%          5.29%  
JPC Blended Benchmark     (9.64)%          2.77%          4.62%  
*

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against the JPC Blended Benchmark. Effective April 1, 2022, the Fund’s Blended Benchmark was updated to consist of: 1) 60% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 2) 40% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). From December 31, 2013 through March 31, 2022, the Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 50% ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index, 2) 30% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 3) 20% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). Through December 30, 2013, the JPC Blended Benchmark’s consists of: 1) 82.5% ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index and 2) 17.5% Bloomberg Capital Securities Index. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this report for further details on the Fund’s Blended Benchmark compositions.

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

Daily Common Share NAV and Share Price

LOGO

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment as of July 31, 2022 - Common Share Price

LOGO

 

20


 

 

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

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

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     78.3%  
Contingent Capital Securities     50.7%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred     28.2%  
Corporate Bonds     0.7%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.6%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     1.0%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings and Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest

    159.5%  
Borrowings     (47.9)%  
Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest     (11.6)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Composition1

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     47.4%  
Insurance     14.4%  
Capital Markets     13.5%  
Food Products     4.7%  
Diversified Financial Services     3.7%  
Trading Companies & Distributors     2.7%  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels     2.5%  
Other     10.8%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.3%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation2

(% of total investments)

 

United States     60.5%  
United Kingdom     12.2%  
Switzerland     7.6%  
France     5.3%  
Spain     2.4%  
Netherlands     2.2%  
Canada     2.0%  
Australia     1.7%  
Germany     1.5%  
Ireland     1.4%  
Bermuda     1.1%  
Other     2.1%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

UBS Group AG     4.4%  
HSBC Holdings PLC     3.6%  
Citigroup Inc     3.3%  
Credit Suisse Group AG     3.2%  
Barclays PLC     2.9%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

A     0.1%  
BBB     65.6%  
BB or Lower     32.3%  

N/R (not rated)

    2.0%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

 

 

 

1

See the Portfolio of Investments for the remaining industries/sectors comprising “Other” and not listed in the Portfolio Composition above.

2

Includes 2.0% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

 

21


JPI     

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2022

 

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

Average Annual Total Returns as of July 31, 2022*

 

    Average Annual  
     1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  
JPI at Common Share NAV     (10.41)%          2.74%          6.56%  
JPI at Common Share Price     (16.35)%          2.86%          5.80%  
ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index     (9.18)%          2.96%          5.29%  
JPI Blended Benchmark     (9.48)%          3.16%          4.82%  
*

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against the JPI Blended Benchmark. The Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 60% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 2) 40% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). Through December 30, 2013, the Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 65% ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index and 2) 35% Bloomberg Capital Securities Index. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this report for further details on the Fund’s Blended Benchmark compositions.

Performance data shown represents past performance and does not predict or guarantee future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.

Daily Common Share NAV and Share Price

 

 

LOGO

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment as of July 31, 2022 - Common Share Price

 

 

LOGO

 

22


 

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

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

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     74.7%  
Contingent Capital Securities     51.1%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred     29.8%  
Corporate Bonds     0.7%  
Repurchase Agreements     1.0%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     0.8%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings and Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest

    158.1%  
Borrowings     (44.6)%  
Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest     (13.5)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Composition1

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     45.6%  
Insurance     14.4%  
Capital Markets     13.2%  
Diversified Financial Services     4.9%  
Food Products     4.9%  
Other     16.4%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.6%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation2

(% of total investments)

 

United States     59.2%  
United Kingdom     12.4%  
Switzerland     7.6%  
France     5.4%  
Spain     2.3%  
Netherlands     2.3%  
Canada     2.2%  
Australia     2.2%  
Germany     1.6%  
Bermuda     1.2%  
Ireland     1.2%  
Other     2.4%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

UBS Group AG     4.5%  
HSBC Holdings PLC     3.6%  
Citigroup Inc     3.2%  
Credit Suisse Group AG     3.1%  
Barclays PLC     2.9%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

A     0.2%  
BBB     64.9%  
BB or Lower     32.7%  

N/R (not rated)

    2.2%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

 

 

1

See the Portfolio of Investments for the remaining industries/sectors comprising “Other” and not listed in the Portfolio Composition above.

2

Includes 2.1% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

 

23


JPS     

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2022

 

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

Average Annual Total Returns as of July 31, 2022*

 

    Average Annual  
     1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  
JPS at Common Share NAV     (11.16)%          2.21%          6.18%  
JPS at Common Share Price     (17.04)%          1.41%          5.65%  
ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index     (9.18)%          2.96%          5.29%  
JPS Blended Benchmark     (9.48)%          3.16%          5.23%  
*

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against the JPS Blended Benchmark. The Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 60% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 2) 40% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). Through to December 30, 2013, the Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 55% ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index and 2) 45% Bloomberg Capital Securities Tier-1 Index. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this report for further details on the Fund’s Blended Benchmark compositions.

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

Daily Common Share NAV and Share Price

 

 

LOGO

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment as of July 31, 2022 - Common Share Price

 

 

LOGO

 

24


 

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

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

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred      79.0%  
Contingent Capital Securities      54.3%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred      17.3%  
Corporate Bonds      4.7%  
Convertible Preferred Securities      1.8%  
Investment Companies      1.1%  
Repurchase Agreements      1.8%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities      1.4%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings, Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest and Taxable Fund Preferred Shares, net of deferred offering costs

     161.4%  
Borrowings      (29.4)%  
Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest      (16.2)%  
Taxable Fund Preferred, net of deferred offering costs      (15.8)%  

Net Assets

     100%  

Portfolio Composition1

(% of total investments)

 

Banks      53.2%  
Capital Markets      14.9%  
Insurance      14.7%  
Electric Utilities      3.0%  
Other      12.3%  
Repurchase Agreements      1.2%  
Investment Companies      0.7%  

Total

     100%  

Country Allocation2

(% of total investments)

 

United States      54.6%  
United Kingdom      11.4%  
France      10.3%  
Switzerland      9.0%  
Finland      3.0%  
Spain      2.1%  
Canada      1.6%  
Netherlands      1.3%  
Norway      1.3%  
Australia      1.2%  
Japan      1.1%  
Other      3.1%  

Total

     100%  
 

 

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

Bank of America Corp      4.3%  
UBS Group AG      3.9%  
Credit Suisse Group AG      3.5%  
BNP Paribas SA      3.4%  
Barclays PLC      3.4%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

A     7.5%  
BBB     79.1%  
BB or Lower     13.4%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

 

 

1

See the Portfolio of Investments for the remaining industries/sectors comprising “Other” and not listed in the Portfolio Composition above.

2

Includes 0.0% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

 

25


JPT     

Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2022

 

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

Average Annual Total Returns as of July 31, 2022*

 

    Average Annual  
     1-Year        5-Year        Since
Inception
 
JPT at Common Share NAV     (9.81)%          2.33%          3.32%  
JPT at Common Share Price     (14.88)%          1.84%          2.31%  
ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index     (9.18)%          2.96%          3.97%  
JPT Blended Benchmark     (9.98)%          2.78%          3.80%  
*

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against the JPT Blended Benchmark. Effective February 28, 2022, the Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 60% ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index and 2) 40% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR). Prior to February 28, 2022, the Fund’s performance was measured against the ICE BofA U.S. All Capital Securities Index. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this report for further details.

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

Daily Common Share NAV and Share Price

 

LOGO

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment as of July 31, 2022 - Common Share Price

 

LOGO

 

1

Value on 1/26/17 is $24.63, which represents the Fund’s public offering price less sales load.

 

26


 

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

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

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     75.1%  
Contigent Capital Securities     44.9%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred     25.5%  
Corporate Bonds     3.9%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.2%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     1.0%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings

    150.6%  
Borrowings     (50.6)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long-term investments)

 

UBS Group AG     4.5%  
HSBC Holdings PLC     4.0%  
Citigroup Inc     3.3%  
Barclays PLC     3.0%  
Credit Suisse Group AG     3.0%  

Portfolio Composition1

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     44.6%  
Insurance     15.0%  
Capital Markets     13.5%  
Food Products     5.2%  
Diversified Financial Services     4.8%  

Trading Companies & Distributors

    3.1%  
Other     13.7%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.1%  

Total

    100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

A     0.2%  
BBB     65.3%  
BB or Lower     33.1%  
N/R (not rated)     1.4%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation2

(% of total investments)

 

United States     58.5%  
United Kingdom     11.8%  
Switzerland     7.5%  
France     5.8%  
Spain     2.2%  
Ireland     2.2%  
Germany     2.2%  
Netherlands     2.2%  
Canada     2.2%  
Australia     1.9%  
Bermuda     1.6%  
Other     1.9%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

1

See the Portfolio of Investments for the remaining industries/sectors comprising “Other” and not listed in the Portfolio Composition above.

2

Includes 2.6% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

 

27


NPFD     

Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of July 31, 2022

 

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

Cumulative Total Returns as of July 31, 2022*

 

        Since
Inception
 
NPFD at Common Share NAV        (12.48)%  
NPFD at Common Share Price        (16.77)%  
ICE Variable Rate Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index        (6.52)%  
NPFD Blended Benchmark        (7.15)%  
*

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against the NPFD Blended Benchmark. The Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 80% ICE Variable Rate Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index and 2) 20% ICE USD Contingent Capital Index (CDLR).

Since inception returns are from 12/15/2021. Performance data shown represents past performance and does not predict or guarantee future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.

Daily Common Share NAV and Share Price

 

LOGO

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment as of July 31, 2022 - Common Share Price

 

LOGO

1

Value on 12/15/21 is $25.00, which represents the Fund’s public offering price.

 

28


 

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

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

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     97.0%  
Contingent Capital Securities     29.4%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred     29.2%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.9%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     1.0%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings and Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest

    157.5%  
Borrowings     (37.1)%  
Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest     (20.4)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Composition1

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     43.0%  
Insurance     13.9%  
Capital Markets     13.3%  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels     5.3%  
Trading Companies & Distributors     3.8%  
Electric Utilities     3.1%  
Other     17.0%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.6%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation2

(% of total investments)

 

United States     68.1%  
United Kingdom     8.5%  
Canada     4.8%  
Switzerland     4.8%  
France     3.3%  
Ireland     2.3%  
Australia     2.0%  
Spain     1.5%  
Netherlands     1.4%  
Bermuda     1.0%  
Other     2.3%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

Top Five Issuers

(% of total long- term investments)

 

Citigroup Inc     4.4%  
JPMorgan Chase & Co     3.8%  
Wells Fargo & Co     3.8%  
Bank of America Corp     3.2%  
Morgan Stanley     3.0%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

A     0.2%  
BBB     67.4%  
BB or Lower     30.4%  
N/R (not rated)     2.0%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

1

See the Portfolio of Investments for the remaining industries/sectors comprising “Other” and not listed in the Portfolio Composition above.

2

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

 

29


Shareholder Meeting Report

 

The annual meeting of shareholders was held on April 8, 2022 for JPC, JPI, JPS and JPT. The meeting was held virtually due to public health concerns regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; at this meeting the shareholders were asked to elect Board members.

 

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

Approval of the Board Members was reached as follows:

                   

William C. Hunter

                   

For

       77,777,914          16,624,330          149,954,832          4,897,170  

Withhold

       2,497,315          564,757          4,122,817          242,767  

Total

       80,275,229          17,189,087          154,077,649          5,139,937  

Judith M. Stockdale

                   

For

       77,485,636          16,666,637          149,105,147          4,877,367  

Withhold

       2,789,593          522,450          4,972,502          262,570  

Total

       80,275,229          17,189,087          154,077,649          5,139,937  

Carole E. Stone

                   

For

       77,531,909          16,680,802          149,134,541          4,893,628  

Withhold

       2,743,320          508,285          4,943,108          246,309  

Total

       80,275,229          17,189,087          154,077,649          5,139,937  

Margaret L. Wolff

                   

For

       78,035,707          16,681,772          149,828,600          4,907,526  

Withhold

       2,239,522          507,315          4,249,049          232,411  

Total

       80,275,229          17,189,087          154,077,649          5,139,937  

 

30


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund, Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund, Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund, Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (formerly Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund), and Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Funds listed in Appendix A (the Funds), including the portfolios of investments, as of July 31, 2022, the related statements of operations, cash flows, and changes in net assets for the Funds and periods listed in Appendix A, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements) and the financial highlights for the Funds and periods listed in Appendix A. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of July 31, 2022, the results of their operations and their cash flows, and the changes in their net assets for the Funds and periods listed in Appendix A, and the financial highlights for the Funds and periods listed in Appendix A, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2022, by correspondence with custodians and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

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

Chicago, Illinois

September 28, 2022

 

31


Appendix A

Funds and Periods

For the year ended July 31, 2022 (statements of operations and cash flows); each of the years in the two-year period ended July 31, 2022 (statements of changes in net assets); each of the years in the five-year period ended July 31, 2022 (financial highlights):

Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund

Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund

Nuveen Preferred & Income Securities Fund

Nuveen Preferred and Income Fund (formerly Nuveen Preferred and Income 2022 Term Fund)

For the period December 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through July 31, 2022 (statement of operations, statement of cash flows, statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights):

Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund

 

32


JPC   

Nuveen Preferred & Income
Opportunities Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2022

 

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

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 157.9% (99.7% of Total Investments)

 

 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 78.3% (49.5% of Total Investments)

 

      Automobiles – 2.3%                           
$ 7,485    

General Motors Financial Co Inc (3)

    5.700%        N/A (4)        BB+      $ 7,092,038  
  14,640    

General Motors Financial Co Inc (5)

    5.750%        N/A (4)        BB+             13,119,060  
 

Total Automobiles

                               20,211,098  
      Banks – 30.8%                           
  1,415    

Bank of America Corp

    6.100%        N/A (4)        BBB+        1,430,746  
  3,540    

Bank of America Corp

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,565,358  
  5,560    

Bank of America Corp (5)

    6.300%        N/A (4)        BBB+        5,772,370  
  3,685    

Bank of America Corp

    4.375%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,344,137  
  21,125    

Bank of America Corp (3), (5)

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB+        21,661,619  
  1,820    

Citigroup Inc

    4.150%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,602,656  
  16,055    

Citigroup Inc (5)

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BBB-        16,457,659  
  6,290    

Citigroup Inc (5)

    5.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        5,823,701  
  9,981    

Citigroup Inc (3)

    5.950%        N/A (4)        BBB-        9,821,404  
  13,145    

Citigroup Inc (3)

    6.300%        N/A (4)        BBB-        12,700,423  
  2,015    

Citizens Financial Group Inc (5)

    4.000%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,698,548  
  1,685    

Citizens Financial Group Inc

    6.375%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,514,503  
  3,150    

CoBank ACB (5)

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,035,313  
  1,900    

Fifth Third Bancorp (5)

    4.500%        N/A (4)        Baa3        1,843,361  
  14,985    

First Citizens BancShares Inc/NC (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.972% spread) (3), (6)

    5.801%        N/A (4)        BB-        14,142,094  
  910    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    4.400%        N/A (4)        BB+        822,276  
  925    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    3.800%        N/A (4)        BBB-        798,166  
  2,314    

HSBC Capital Funding Dollar 1 LP, 144A

    10.176%        N/A (4)        BBB        3,118,798  
  5,525    

Huntington Bancshares Inc/OH

    5.625%        N/A (4)        Baa3        5,469,750  
  3,025    

Huntington Bancshares Inc/OH (5)

    5.700%        N/A (4)        Baa3        2,742,979  
  4,280    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

    3.650%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,917,056  
  24,555    

JPMorgan Chase & Co (5)

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BBB+        25,230,262  
  7,275    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

    5.000%        N/A (4)        BBB+        6,758,313  
  2,660    

JPMorgan Chase & Co (5)

    6.100%        N/A (4)        BBB+        2,661,596  
  2,485    

KeyCorp

    5.000%        N/A (4)        Baa3        2,305,648  
  6,970    

M&T Bank Corp (5)

    6.450%        N/A (4)        Baa2        6,902,191  
  1,880    

M&T Bank Corp

    5.125%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,739,402  
  1,440    

M&T Bank Corp (5)

    3.500%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,174,277  
  1,922    

PNC Financial Services Group Inc

    5.000%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,779,846  
  2,835    

PNC Financial Services Group Inc

    3.400%        N/A (4)        Baa2        2,324,700  
  16,977    

PNC Financial Services Group Inc (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.678% spread) (5), (6)

    3.804%        N/A (4)        Baa2        16,831,554  
  4,245    

PNC Financial Services Group Inc

    6.000%        N/A (4)        Baa2        4,271,531  
  8,290    

Regions Financial Corp (3)

    5.750%        N/A (4)        Baa3        8,430,455  
  3,290    

SVB Financial Group

    4.000%        N/A (4)        Baa2        2,667,042  
  785    

SVB Financial Group

    4.700%        N/A (4)        Baa2        626,336  
  875    

SVB Financial Group

    4.100%        N/A (4)        Baa2        680,488  
  17,735    

Truist Financial Corp (3)

    4.800%        N/A (4)        Baa2        16,822,498  
  1,930    

Truist Financial Corp (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.102% spread) (6)

    4.931%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,785,733  
  4,690    

Truist Financial Corp

    5.100%        N/A (4)        Baa2        4,485,996  
  11,747    

Wells Fargo & Co (5)

    3.900%        N/A (4)        Baa2        10,880,659  
  6,490    

Wells Fargo & Co (3)

    5.900%        N/A (4)        Baa2        6,160,860  
  13,950    

Wells Fargo & Co (3), (5)

    5.875%        N/A (4)        Baa2        14,071,625  
  1,385    

Wells Fargo & Co (5)

    7.950%        11/15/29        Baa1        1,664,707  
  9,666    

Zions Bancorp NA (3)

    7.200%        N/A (4)        BB+        9,783,189  
  1,105    

Zions Bancorp NA

    5.800%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,062,871  
 

Total Banks

                               272,384,696  

 

33


JPC    Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Capital Markets – 3.8%                           
$ 2,040    

Bank of New York Mellon Corp (3)

    4.700%        N/A (4)        Baa1      $ 2,031,840  
  7,425    

Charles Schwab Corp (3)

    5.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        7,539,345  
  1,825    

Charles Schwab Corp (5)

    4.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        1,659,600  
  4,325    

Charles Schwab Corp (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.820% spread) (6)

    7.602%        N/A (4)        BBB        4,317,040  
  7,411    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (3)

    5.300%        N/A (4)        BBB-        7,328,655  
  9,704    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    5.500%        N/A (4)        BBB-        9,650,603  
  1,555    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    4.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,368,066  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               33,895,149  
      Communications Equipment – 0.2%                           
  2,315    

Vodafone Group PLC (5)

    4.125%        6/04/81        BB+        1,873,911  
      Consumer Finance – 2.3%                           
  6,365    

Ally Financial Inc

    4.700%        N/A (4)        Ba2        5,021,612  
  6,609    

Ally Financial Inc (5)

    4.700%        N/A (4)        Ba2        5,569,404  
  3,060    

American Express Co

    3.550%        N/A (4)        Baa2        2,689,740  
  3,215    

Capital One Financial Corp

    3.950%        N/A (4)        Baa3        2,797,006  
  3,175    

Discover Financial Services (5)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        Ba2        3,241,749  
  1,465    

Discover Financial Services

    5.500%        N/A (4)        Ba2        1,247,876  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               20,567,387  
      Diversified Financial Services – 4.2%                           
  4,570    

American AgCredit Corp, 144A (5)

    5.250%        N/A (4)        BB+        4,181,550  
  2,590    

Capital Farm Credit ACA, 144A (5)

    5.000%        N/A (4)        BB        2,310,280  
  1,100    

Compeer Financial ACA, 144A

    4.875%        N/A (4)        BB+        970,751  
  13    

Compeer Financial ACA, 144A (5)

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BB+        12,726,000  
  7,470    

Equitable Holdings Inc (3)

    4.950%        N/A (4)        BBB-        7,328,395  
  9,696    

Voya Financial Inc (5)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        9,289,770  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               36,806,746  
      Electric Utilities – 2.5%                           
  2,070    

American Electric Power Co Inc

    3.875%        2/15/62        BBB        1,750,738  
  995    

Edison International (5)

    5.375%        N/A (4)        BB+        857,352  
  6,070    

Edison International (5)

    5.000%        N/A (4)        BB+        5,120,551  
  1,565    

Electricite de France SA, 144A (5)

    5.250%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,502,400  
  11,680    

Emera Inc (5)

    6.750%        6/15/76        BB+        11,607,551  
  1,905    

Southern Co

    4.000%        1/15/51        BBB-        1,774,206  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               22,612,798  
      Food Products – 4.7%                           
  2,145    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc, 144A

    7.125%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,994,850  
  7,435    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A (5)

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BB        7,108,306  
  3,860    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A (5)

    7.250%        N/A (4)        BB        3,763,500  
  28,560    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A (3), (5)

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BB        28,845,600  
 

Total Food Products

                               41,712,256  
      Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders – 1.8%                           
  2,200    

AES Andes SA, 144A (5)

    7.125%        3/26/79        BB        2,002,000  
  4,775    

AES Andes SA, 144A

    6.350%        10/07/79        BB        4,068,300  
  1,550    

Vistra Corp, 144A

    7.000%        N/A (4)        Ba3        1,441,407  
  8,525    

Vistra Corp, 144A (3)

    8.000%        N/A (4)        Ba3        8,258,594  
 

Total Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders

                               15,770,301  
 

Industrial Conglomerates – 1.5%

          
  14,026    

General Electric Co (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.330% spread) (3), (5), (6)

    5.159%        N/A (4)        BBB-        13,079,245  
      Insurance – 14.3%                           
  1,615    

Aegon NV

    5.500%        4/11/48        Baa1        1,558,785  
  1,550    

American International Group Inc (5)

    5.750%        4/01/48        BBB-        1,416,915  

 

34


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Insurance (continued)                           
$ 10,404    

Assurant Inc (3), (5)

    7.000%        3/27/48        Baa3      $ 10,424,153  
  11,519    

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc, 144A (5)

    6.400%        12/15/66        BBB+        11,113,075  
  2,465    

AXIS Specialty Finance LLC (5)

    4.900%        1/15/40        BBB        2,136,859  
  2,395    

Enstar Finance LLC

    5.750%        9/01/40        BBB-        2,237,646  
  5,720    

Enstar Finance LLC

    5.500%        1/15/42        BBB-        4,907,584  
  1,485    

Legal & General Group PLC Reg S

    5.250%        3/21/47        A3        1,438,579  
  8,710    

Markel Corp

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        8,840,553  
  11,660    

MetLife Capital Trust IV, 144A (5)

    7.875%        12/15/37        BBB        12,838,699  
  1,430    

MetLife Inc

    5.875%        N/A (4)        BBB        1,394,427  
  1,790    

MetLife Inc

    3.850%        N/A (4)        BBB        1,690,197  
  8,088    

MetLife Inc, 144A

    9.250%        4/08/38        BBB        9,629,504  
  575    

Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust (3)

    7.899%        3/01/37        Baa2        649,750  
  9,550    

Nationwide Financial Services Inc (5)

    6.750%        5/15/37        Baa2        9,542,306  
  2,485    

PartnerRe Finance B LLC (5)

    4.500%        10/01/50        Baa1        2,193,012  
  7,281    

Provident Financing Trust I (5)

    7.405%        3/15/38        BB+        8,009,100  
  745    

Prudential Financial Inc

    3.700%        10/01/50        BBB+        651,677  
  1,190    

Prudential Financial Inc (3)

    5.125%        3/01/52        BBB+        1,136,362  
  9,055    

QBE Insurance Group Ltd, 144A (5)

    7.500%        11/24/43        Baa1        9,184,649  
  2,960    

QBE Insurance Group Ltd, 144A (5)

    5.875%        N/A (4)        Baa2        2,881,560  
  6,715    

QBE Insurance Group Ltd Reg S

    6.750%        12/02/44        BBB        6,786,038  
  10,685    

SBL Holdings Inc, 144A (5)

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BB        8,759,938  
  9,700    

SBL Holdings Inc, 144A (3)

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BB        7,105,250  
 

Total Insurance

                               126,526,618  
      Media – 0.3%                           
  3,110    

Paramount Global

    6.375%        3/30/62        Baa3        2,937,505  
      Multi-Utilities – 2.1%                           
  2,125    

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (5)

    4.750%        1/18/82        BB+        1,876,587  
  7,999    

CenterPoint Energy Inc

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        7,218,915  
  1,210    

CMS Energy Corp (5)

    4.750%        6/01/50        BBB-        1,132,996  
  1,320    

NiSource Inc

    5.650%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,202,943  
  3,005    

Sempra Energy

    4.125%        4/01/52        BBB-        2,536,736  
  4,750    

Sempra Energy

    4.875%        N/A (4)        BBB-        4,604,742  
 

Total Multi-Utilities

                               18,572,919  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 2.3%                           
  2,578    

Enbridge Inc

    5.500%        7/15/77        BBB-        2,341,606  
  1,540    

Enbridge Inc (5)

    6.000%        1/15/77        BBB-        1,464,518  
  5,765    

Enbridge Inc (5)

    5.750%        7/15/80        BBB-        5,430,053  
  3,320    

Energy Transfer LP (5)

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BB        3,012,900  
  630    

Energy Transfer LP

    7.125%        N/A (4)        BB        567,000  
  1,735    

MPLX LP (5)

    6.875%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,663,847  
  3,015    

Transcanada Trust

    5.600%        3/07/82        BBB        2,814,943  
  3,010    

Transcanada Trust (5)

    5.500%        9/15/79        BBB        2,768,615  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               20,063,482  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 3.5%                           
  15,493    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A (5)

    6.500%        6/15/45        BB+        14,691,234  
  5,385    

AerCap Holdings NV

    5.875%        10/10/79        BB+        4,779,187  
  4,180    

Air Lease Corp (5)

    4.650%        N/A (4)        BB+        3,658,132  
  8,474    

ILFC E-Capital Trust I, 144A (3)

    5.100%        12/21/65        BB+        6,291,945  
  1,960    

ILFC E-Capital Trust I, 144A

    4.850%        12/21/65        B+        1,471,787  
 

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

                               30,892,285  
      U.S. Agency – 0.9%                           
  2,420    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A (5)

    5.700%        N/A (4)        Baa1        2,285,750  
  5,835    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A (5)

    6.200%        N/A (4)        BBB+        5,410,475  
 

Total U.S. Agency

                               7,696,225  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.8%                           
  6,644    

Vodafone Group PLC (3)

    7.000%        4/04/79        BB+        6,984,505  
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $719,728,761)

 

                       692,587,126  

 

35


JPC    Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1), (7)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 50.7% (32.0% of Total Investments)

 

        
      Banks – 36.4%                           
$ 2,025    

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd/United Kingdom, 144A (5)

    6.750%        N/A (4)        Baa2      $ 2,065,500  
  3,805    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA (5)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        Ba2        3,332,148  
  12,820    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    6.500%        N/A (4)        Ba2        12,289,003  
  3,120    

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA/Grand Cayman, 144A (5)

    7.625%        N/A (4)        Ba2        2,930,585  
  4,700    

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA/Grand Cayman, 144A (5)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Ba2        4,218,250  
  7,905    

Banco Santander SA

    4.750%        N/A (4)        Ba1        6,750,482  
  10,600    

Banco Santander SA Reg S (5)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Ba1        10,732,500  
  6,440    

Barclays PLC (3)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        6,210,092  
  19,365    

Barclays PLC (3)

    7.750%        N/A (4)        BBB-        19,508,162  
  14,810    

Barclays PLC (3)

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        15,254,300  
  13,810    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A (3)

    7.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        14,359,280  
  1,000    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        1,005,500  
  13,145    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A (3)

    6.625%        N/A (4)        BBB        13,189,127  
  7,754    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (4)        BBB        7,967,235  
  12,445    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A (3)

    8.125%        N/A (4)        BBB        13,238,369  
  1,840    

Danske Bank A/S Reg S

    4.375%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,582,400  
  1,815    

Danske Bank A/S Reg S

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,756,012  
  1,600    

Danske Bank A/S Reg S (5)

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,545,440  
  21,850    

HSBC Holdings PLC (3), (5)

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        20,961,396  
  3,415    

HSBC Holdings PLC (5)

    6.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        3,392,693  
  26,144    

HSBC Holdings PLC (3)

    6.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        26,387,712  
  9,280    

ING Groep NV (3)

    5.750%        N/A (4)        BBB        8,866,813  
  7,585    

ING Groep NV

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB        7,462,047  
  12,425    

ING Groep NV Reg S

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BBB        12,467,493  
  3,805    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A (5)

    7.700%        N/A (4)        BB-        3,557,675  
  11,190    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (3), (5)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Baa3        11,304,736  
  20,395    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (3)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Baa3        20,649,938  
  3,350    

Macquarie Bank Ltd/London, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BB+        3,100,157  
  9,649    

NatWest Group PLC (5)

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        9,413,854  
  12,440    

NatWest Group PLC (3)

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        12,844,300  
  3,985    

Nordea Bank Abp, 144A

    6.625%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,975,865  
  2,820    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    4.750%        N/A (4)        BB+        2,456,180  
  11,536    

Societe Generale SA, 144A (3)

    7.875%        N/A (4)        BB+        11,681,863  
  6,268    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BB        6,440,555  
  2,066    

Societe Generale SA, 144A (5)

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BB        1,942,139  
  5,300    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    4.300%        N/A (4)        BBB-        4,064,809  
  5,406    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A (5)

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        5,363,446  
  2,010    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.750%        N/A (4)        BBB-        2,060,602  
  5,500    

UniCredit SpA Reg S

    8.000%       
    N/A (4)
 
     BB-        5,330,325  
  325,418    

Total Banks

                               321,658,983  
      Capital Markets – 14.3%                           
  18,750    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (4)        BB        17,424,375  
  8,090    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A (3)

    6.375%        N/A (4)        Ba2        6,836,050  
  7,420    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A (3)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        BB        7,284,763  
  10,229    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A (3), (5)

    7.250%        N/A (4)        BB        9,062,894  
  3,445    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    9.750%        N/A (4)        BB        3,658,590  
  23,420    

Deutsche Bank AG (3), (5)

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BB-        20,258,300  
  3,755    

UBS Group AG, 144A

    3.875%        N/A (4)        BBB        3,238,480  
  2,940    

UBS Group AG, 144A

    4.875%        N/A (4)        BBB        2,619,930  
  17,870    

UBS Group AG, 144A (5)

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        18,193,983  
  15,645    

UBS Group AG Reg S (5)

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        16,268,610  
  15,780    

UBS Group AG Reg S (5)

    6.875%        N/A (4)        BBB        16,115,325  
  5,900    

UBS Group AG Reg S

    5.125%        N/A (4)        BBB        5,626,700  
  133,244    

Total Capital Markets

                               126,588,000  
 

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $463,586,185)

                               448,246,983  

 

36


  
  

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 28.2% (17.8% of Total Investments)

 

        
      Banks – 8.0%                           
  93,724    

CoBank ACB (8)

    6.200%           BBB+      $ 9,606,710  
  158,575    

CoBank ACB (8)

    6.250%           BBB+        15,897,144  
  165,500    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A (5), (8)

    6.750%           Baa1        16,839,625  
  221,181    

Fifth Third Bancorp (5)

    6.625%           Baa3        5,843,602  
  138,275    

KeyCorp

    6.125%           Baa3        3,686,411  
  219,461    

Regions Financial Corp

    6.375%           Baa3        5,842,052  
  61,900    

Regions Financial Corp

    5.700%           Baa3        1,556,166  
  91,115    

Synovus Financial Corp

    5.875%           BB-        2,329,811  
  68,200    

Wells Fargo & Co

    4.750%           Baa2        1,426,744  
  141,500    

Western Alliance Bancorp

    4.250%           Ba1        3,404,490  
  160,747    

Wintrust Financial Corp

    6.875%                 BB        4,259,795  
 

Total Banks

                               70,692,550  
      Capital Markets – 3.3%                           
  57,993    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    5.500%           BB+        1,454,464  
  203,611    

Morgan Stanley

    5.850%           BBB-        5,228,731  
  115,800    

Morgan Stanley (8)

    6.500%           BBB-        3,017,748  
  100,352    

Morgan Stanley

    6.375%           BBB-        2,657,321  
  110,293    

Morgan Stanley

    6.875%           BBB-        2,901,809  
  534,260    

Morgan Stanley (5)

    7.125%                 BBB-        14,024,325  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               29,284,398  
      Consumer Finance – 0.5%                           
  84,573    

Capital One Financial Corp (5)

    5.000%           Baa3        1,886,824  
  132,414    

Synchrony Financial (5)

    5.625%                 BB-        2,735,673  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               4,622,497  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.7%                           
  74,600    

AgriBank FCB (8)

    6.875%           BBB+        7,590,550  
  114,400    

Equitable Holdings Inc

    5.250%           BBB-        2,720,432  
  204,839    

Voya Financial Inc

    5.350%                 BBB-        5,053,378  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               15,364,360  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                           
  52,800    

AT&T Inc (5)

    4.750%                 BBB-        1,098,240  
      Food Products – 2.7%                           
  229,411    

CHS Inc (5)

    7.875%           N/R        6,464,802  
  279,909    

CHS Inc

    6.750%           N/R        7,470,771  
  295,991    

CHS Inc

    7.100%           N/R        7,837,842  
  23,900    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc, 144A (8)

    7.875%                 BB+        2,367,677  
 

Total Food Products

                               24,141,092  
      Insurance – 8.0%                           
  226,000    

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co

    6.625%           BB        5,805,940  
  460,300    

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co (3)

    5.950%           BB        11,203,702  
  107,800    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd

    5.625%           BB+        2,553,782  
  423,677    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd

    5.950%           BB+        10,252,983  
  82,800    

Assurant Inc

    5.250%           Baa3        1,932,552  
  236,052    

Athene Holding Ltd

    6.375%           BBB        6,217,610  
  411,533    

Athene Holding Ltd

    6.350%           BBB        11,037,315  
  63,400    

Delphi Financial Group Inc (8)

    4.601%           BBB        1,347,250  
  319,645    

Enstar Group Ltd

    7.000%           BBB-        7,760,981  
  219,645    

Maiden Holdings North America Ltd

    7.750%           N/R        4,164,469  
  157,800    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc

    5.750%           BBB+        4,142,250  
  113,445    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc (5)

    6.200%           BBB+        2,874,696  
  46,100    

Selective Insurance Group Inc

    4.600%                 BBB-        936,291  
 

Total Insurance

                               70,229,821  

 

37


JPC    Nuveen Preferred & Income Opportunities Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2022

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 1.8%                           
  60,200    

Energy Transfer LP

    7.600%           BB      $ 1,426,740  
  221,982    

NuStar Energy LP

    8.769%           B2        5,316,469  
  242,497    

NuStar Energy LP

    7.673%           B2        5,080,312  
  163,651    

NuStar Logistics LP

    9.246%                 B        4,088,002  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               15,911,523  
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 1.3%                           
  74,541    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp

    6.000%           N/R        2,200,823  
  337,570    

New York Community Bancorp Inc

    6.375%                 Ba2        8,837,583  
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                               11,038,406  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.8%                           
  207,815    

Air Lease Corp

    6.150%           BB+        5,072,764  
  76,500    

WESCO International Inc

    10.625%                 B        2,153,475  
 

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

                               7,226,239  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $250,812,767)

                               249,609,126  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 0.7% (0.4% of Total Investments)

          
      Banks – 0.2%                           
$ 1,180    

Commerzbank AG, 144A

    8.125%        9/19/23        Baa3      $ 1,209,651  
      Insurance – 0.5%                           
  2,575    

Fidelis Insurance Holdings Ltd, 144A

    6.625%        4/01/41        BB+        2,523,500  
  1,792    

Liberty Mutual Group Inc, 144A (5)

    7.800%        3/15/37        Baa3        2,082,649  
  4,367    

Total Insurance

                               4,606,149  
$ 5,547    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $5,390,060)

                               5,815,800  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $1,439,517,773)

                               1,396,259,035  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.6% (0.3% of Total Investments)

 

      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 0.6% (0.3% of Total Investments)                           
$ 4,813    

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 7/29/22, repurchase price $4,813,678, collateralized by $3,143,200, U.S. Treasury Inflation Index Government Bond, 2.500%, due 1/15/29, value 4,909,777

    0.450%        8/01/22               $ 4,813,498  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $4,813,498)

                               4,813,498  
 

Total Investments (cost $1,444,331,271) – 158.5%

                               1,401,072,533  
 

Borrowings – (47.9)% (9), (10)

                               (423,400,000
 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest – (11.6)% (11)

 

              (102,318,630
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 1.0% (12)

                               8,708,135  
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 884,062,038  

 

38


  
  

 

Investment in Derivatives

Interest Rate Swaps – OTC Uncleared

 

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

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, LLC

  $ 277,500,000       Receive       1-Month LIBOR       1.994     Monthly       6/01/18       7/01/25       7/01/27     $ 2,520,950     $ 2,520,950  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, LLC

    48,000,000       Receive       1-Month LIBOR       2.364       Monthly       7/01/19       7/01/26       7/01/28       (249,556     (249,556

Total

  $ 325,500,000                                                             $ 2,271,394     $ 2,271,394  

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

 

(1)

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

 

(2)

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

 

(3)

Investment, or portion of investment, is hypothecated. The total value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $378,989,172.

 

(4)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(5)

Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in reverse repurchase agreements. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $255,549,076 have been pledged as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements.

 

(6)

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

 

(7)

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

 

(8)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2.

 

(9)

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 30.2%.

 

(10)

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $985,779,981 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings.

 

(11)

Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest as a percentage of Total investments is 7.3%.

 

(12)

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

 

(13)

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

 

144A

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

 

LIBOR

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

N/A

Not Applicable

 

Reg S

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

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

39


JPI   

Nuveen Preferred and Income
Term Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2022

 

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

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 156.3% (99.4% of Total Investments)

 

 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 74.7% (47.5% of Total Investments)

 

      Automobiles – 2.3%  
$ 8,463    

General Motors Financial Co Inc (3)

    5.750%        N/A (4)        BB+      $ 7,583,784  
  3,610    

General Motors Financial Co Inc (3)

    5.700%        N/A (4)        BB+        3,420,475  
 

Total Automobiles

                               11,004,259  
      Banks – 25.8%  
  1,330    

Bank of America Corp

    6.100%        N/A (4)        BBB+        1,344,800  
  3,290    

Bank of America Corp (3)

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,313,567  
  2,430    

Bank of America Corp

    4.375%        N/A (4)        BBB+        2,205,225  
  3,815    

Bank of America Corp (3)

    6.300%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,960,718  
  3,620    

Bank of America Corp (3)

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,711,956  
  9,343    

Citigroup Inc (3)

    5.950%        N/A (4)        BBB-        9,193,605  
  6,565    

Citigroup Inc (3)

    6.300%        N/A (4)        BBB-        6,342,965  
  4,850    

Citigroup Inc (3)

    5.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        4,490,453  
  1,695    

Citigroup Inc

    4.150%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,492,583  
  2,870    

Citigroup Inc (5)

    6.250%        N/A (4)        BBB-        2,941,980  
  1,580    

Citizens Financial Group Inc

    6.375%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,420,128  
  1,530    

Citizens Financial Group Inc

    4.000%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,289,716  
  1,215    

Fifth Third Bancorp

    4.500%        N/A (4)        Baa3        1,178,781  
  2,670    

First Citizens BancShares Inc/NC (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.972% spread) (6)

    5.801%        N/A (4)        BB-        2,519,813  
  850    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    4.400%        N/A (4)        BB+        768,060  
  860    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    3.800%        N/A (4)        BBB-        742,079  
  2,121    

HSBC Capital Funding Dollar 1 LP, 144A

    10.176%        N/A (4)        BBB        2,858,673  
  4,740    

Huntington Bancshares Inc/OH

    5.625%        N/A (4)        Baa3        4,692,600  
  2,370    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

    6.100%        N/A (4)        BBB+        2,371,422  
  6,800    

JPMorgan Chase & Co (5)

    5.000%        N/A (4)        BBB+        6,317,049  
  2,305    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

    3.650%        N/A (4)        BBB+        2,109,536  
  10,092    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BBB+        10,369,530  
  2,430    

KeyCorp

    5.000%        N/A (4)        Baa3        2,254,618  
  1,340    

M&T Bank Corp

    3.500%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,092,730  
  1,570    

M&T Bank Corp

    6.450%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,554,726  
  1,765    

M&T Bank Corp

    5.125%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,633,002  
  2,130    

PNC Financial Services Group Inc

    3.400%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,746,600  
  1,407    

PNC Financial Services Group Inc

    5.000%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,302,936  
  2,340    

PNC Financial Services Group Inc

    6.000%        N/A (4)        Baa2        2,354,625  
  799    

PNC Financial Services Group Inc (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.678% spread) (6)

    3.804%        N/A (4)        Baa2        792,155  
  1,745    

Regions Financial Corp (3)

    5.750%        N/A (4)        Baa3        1,774,565  
  1,320    

SVB Financial Group

    4.000%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,070,059  
  830    

SVB Financial Group

    4.100%        N/A (4)        Baa2        645,491  
  730    

SVB Financial Group

    4.700%        N/A (4)        Baa2        582,453  
  9,280    

Truist Financial Corp (3), (5)

    4.800%        N/A (4)        Baa2        8,802,525  
  1,805    

Truist Financial Corp (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.102% spread) (5), (6)

    4.931%        N/A (4)        Baa2        1,670,076  
  2,520    

Truist Financial Corp

    5.100%        N/A (4)        Baa2        2,410,386  
  5,803    

Wells Fargo & Co (3)

    5.875%        N/A (4)        Baa2        5,853,594  
  1,230    

Wells Fargo & Co (5)

    7.950%        11/15/29        Baa1        1,478,404  
  3,256    

Wells Fargo & Co

    5.900%        N/A (4)        Baa2        3,090,872  
  7,240    

Wells Fargo & Co (3)

    3.900%        N/A (4)        Baa2        6,706,050  
  1,415    

Zions Bancorp NA (5)

    7.200%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,432,155  
  1,050    

Zions Bancorp NA

    5.800%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,009,968  
 

Total Banks

                               124,893,229  

 

40


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Capital Markets – 3.6%  
$ 1,395    

Bank of New York Mellon Corp

    4.700%        N/A (4)        Baa1      $ 1,389,420  
  1,950    

Charles Schwab Corp

    4.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        1,773,272  
  4,215    

Charles Schwab Corp (3)

    5.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        4,279,911  
  1,450    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    4.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,275,689  
  4,595    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

    5.500%        N/A (4)        BBB-        4,569,715  
  4,127    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (5)

    5.300%        N/A (4)        BBB-        4,081,144  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               17,369,151  
      Communications Equipment – 0.3%  
  1,920    

Vodafone Group PLC

    4.125%        6/04/81        BB+        1,554,173  
      Consumer Finance – 2.5%  
  2,570    

Ally Financial Inc

    4.700%        N/A (4)        Ba2        2,027,579  
  3,190    

Ally Financial Inc

    4.700%        N/A (4)        Ba2        2,688,213  
  2,850    

American Express Co

    3.550%        N/A (4)        Baa2        2,505,150  
  3,005    

Capital One Financial Corp

    3.950%        N/A (4)        Baa3        2,614,309  
  1,820    

Discover Financial Services

    6.125%        N/A (4)        Ba2        1,858,262  
  800    

Discover Financial Services

    5.500%        N/A (4)        Ba2        681,434  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               12,374,947  
      Diversified Financial Services – 4.8%                           
  2,010    

American AgCredit Corp, 144A

    5.250%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,839,150  
  2,425    

Capital Farm Credit ACA, 144A

    5.000%        N/A (4)        BB        2,163,100  
  12    

Compeer Financial ACA, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BB+        11,918,000  
  1,050    

Compeer Financial ACA, 144A

    4.875%        N/A (4)        BB+        926,626  
  3,430    

Equitable Holdings Inc (3)

    4.950%        N/A (4)        BBB-        3,364,979  
  3,171    

Voya Financial Inc (3), (5)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        3,038,146  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               23,250,001  
      Electric Utilities – 2.7%  
  1,920    

American Electric Power Co Inc (5)

    3.875%        2/15/62        BBB        1,623,873  
  2,110    

Edison International

    5.000%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,779,961  
  930    

Edison International

    5.375%        N/A (4)        BB+        801,344  
  1,460    

Electricite de France SA, 144A

    5.250%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,401,600  
  6,100    

Emera Inc (5)

    6.750%        6/15/76        BB+        6,062,162  
  1,670    

Southern Co

    4.000%        1/15/51        BBB-        1,555,341  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               13,224,281  
      Food Products – 4.9%  
  2,250    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc, 144A

    7.125%        N/A (4)        BB+        2,092,500  
  2,240    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A

    7.250%        N/A (4)        BB        2,184,000  
  12,550    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A (3)

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BB        12,675,500  
  7,223    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A (3)

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BB        6,905,621  
 

Total Food Products

                               23,857,621  
      Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders – 1.1%  
  1,240    

AES Andes SA, 144A

    7.125%        3/26/79        BB        1,128,400  
  2,550    

AES Andes SA, 144A (5)

    6.350%        10/07/79        BB        2,172,600  
  1,135    

Vistra Corp, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (4)        Ba3        1,099,531  
  1,095    

Vistra Corp, 144A

    7.000%        N/A (4)        Ba3        1,018,284  
 

Total Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders

                               5,418,815  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 1.5%  
  7,852    

General Electric Co (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.330% spread) (6)

    5.159%        N/A (4)        BBB-        7,321,990  
      Insurance – 14.5%  
  1,505    

Aegon NV

    5.500%        4/11/48        Baa1        1,452,614  
  1,447    

American International Group Inc (5)

    5.750%        4/01/48        BBB-        1,322,758  
  8,580    

Assurant Inc (5)

    7.000%        3/27/48        Baa3        8,596,620  
  10,595    

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc, 144A (5)

    6.400%        12/15/66        BBB+        10,221,637  
  2,320    

AXIS Specialty Finance LLC (5)

    4.900%        1/15/40        BBB        2,011,162  

 

41


JPI    Nuveen Preferred and Income Term Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    July 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Insurance (continued)  
$ 1,505    

Enstar Finance LLC (5)

    5.500%        1/15/42        BBB-      $ 1,291,244  
  1,540    

Enstar Finance LLC (5)

    5.750%        9/01/40        BBB-        1,438,820  
  1,375    

Legal & General Group PLC Reg S

    5.250%        3/21/47        A3        1,332,017  
  4,755    

Markel Corp (3)

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        4,826,272  
  1,850    

MetLife Inc

    3.850%        N/A (4)        BBB        1,746,852  
  3,440    

MetLife Inc, 144A

    9.250%        4/08/38        BBB        4,095,635  
  1,270    

MetLife Inc (5)

    5.875%        N/A (4)        BBB        1,238,407  
  2,335    

PartnerRe Finance B LLC (5)

    4.500%        10/01/50        Baa1        2,060,637  
  4,734    

Provident Financing Trust I (3)

    7.405%        3/15/38        BB+        5,207,400  
  700    

Prudential Financial Inc

    3.700%        10/01/50        BBB+        612,314  
  1,105    

Prudential Financial Inc (5)

    5.125%        3/01/52        BBB+        1,055,193  
  7,495    

QBE Insurance Group Ltd, 144A (3)

    7.500%        11/24/43        Baa1        7,602,313  
  2,770    

QBE Insurance Group Ltd, 144A (5)

    5.875%        N/A (4)        Baa2        2,696,595  
  1,135    

QBE Insurance Group Ltd Reg S

    6.750%        12/02/44        BBB        1,147,007  
  2,600    

SBL Holdings Inc, 144A

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BB        1,904,500  
  10,005    

SBL Holdings Inc, 144A (3)

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BB        8,202,450  
 

Total Insurance

                               70,062,447  
      Media – 0.3%                           
  1,660    

Paramount Global

    6.375%        3/30/62        Baa3        1,567,929  
      Multi-Utilities – 2.7%                           
  1,975    

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (5)

    4.750%        1/18/82        BB+        1,744,123  
  5,505    

CenterPoint Energy Inc (3)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        4,968,137  
  570    

CMS Energy Corp (5)

    4.750%        6/01/50        BBB-        533,725  
  1,215    

NiSource Inc

    5.650%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,107,254  
  2,365    

Sempra Energy

    4.875%        N/A (4)        BBB-        2,292,677  
  2,785    

Sempra Energy

    4.125%        4/01/52        BBB-        2,351,018  
 

Total Multi-Utilities

                               12,996,934  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 2.5%                           
  1,245    

Enbridge Inc

    5.500%        7/15/77        BBB-        1,130,837  
  1,440    

Enbridge Inc

    6.000%        1/15/77        BBB-        1,369,420  
  3,520    

Enbridge Inc (5)

    5.750%        7/15/80        BBB-        3,315,488  
  1,590    

Energy Transfer LP (5)

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BB        1,442,925  
  345    

Energy Transfer LP

    7.125%        N/A (4)        BB        310,500  
  1,620    

MPLX LP (5)

    6.875%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,553,563  
  1,650    

Transcanada Trust

    5.600%        3/07/82        BBB        1,540,516  
  1,645    

Transcanada Trust (5)

    5.500%        9/15/79        BBB        1,513,080  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               12,176,329  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 3.8%  
  7,045    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A (5)

    6.500%        6/15/45        BB+        6,680,420  
  2,915    

AerCap Holdings NV

    5.875%        10/10/79        BB+        2,587,062  
  2,045    

Air Lease Corp

    4.650%        N/A (4)        BB+        1,789,684  
  1,855    

ILFC E-Capital Trust I, 144A (5)

    4.850%        12/21/65        B+        1,392,942  
  7,902    

ILFC E-Capital Trust I, 144A (5)

    5.100%        12/21/65        BB+        5,867,235  
 

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

                               18,317,343  
      U.S. Agency – 0.7%  
  2,270    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A

    5.700%        N/A (4)        Baa1        2,144,072  
  1,180    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A

    6.200%        N/A (4)        BBB+        1,094,149  
 

Total U.S. Agency

                               3,238,221  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.7%  
  3,180    

Vodafone Group PLC

    7.000%        4/04/79        BB+        3,342,975  
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $376,375,937)

                               361,970,645  

 

42


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1), (7)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 51.1% (32.5% of Total Investments)

 

      Banks – 37.0%  
$ 1,970    

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd/United Kingdom, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (4)        Baa2      $ 2,009,400  
  3,570    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA (5)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        Ba2        3,126,352  
  5,600    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    6.500%        N/A (4)        Ba2        5,368,051  
  1,300    

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA/Grand Cayman, 144A (5)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Ba2        1,166,750  
  2,930    

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA/Grand Cayman, 144A (5)

    7.625%        N/A (4)        Ba2        2,752,120  
  4,660    

Banco Santander SA

    4.750%        N/A (4)        Ba1        3,979,411  
  5,200    

Banco Santander SA Reg S

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Ba1        5,265,000  
  8,350    

Barclays PLC (3), (5)

    7.750%        N/A (4)        BBB-        8,411,730  
  7,750    

Barclays PLC (5)

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        7,982,500  
  6,095    

Barclays PLC (3)

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        5,877,408  
  950    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        955,225  
  7,615    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A (3)

    7.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        7,917,880  
  7,110    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

    6.625%        N/A (4)        BBB        7,133,868  
  3,935    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (4)        BBB        4,043,212  
  6,979    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A (3)

    8.125%        N/A (4)        BBB        7,423,911  
  870    

Danske Bank A/S Reg S

    7.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        840,333  
  1,020    

Danske Bank A/S Reg S

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BBB-        986,850  
  970    

Danske Bank A/S Reg S

    4.375%        N/A (4)        BBB-        834,200  
  1,895    

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        1,882,621  
  14,356    

HSBC Holdings PLC (3)

    6.375%        N/A (4)        BBB        14,489,825  
  11,100    

HSBC Holdings PLC (3)

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB        10,648,581  
  4,850    

ING Groep NV (3)

    5.750%        N/A (4)        BBB        4,634,056  
  4,270    

ING Groep NV

    6.500%        N/A (4)        BBB        4,200,783  
  6,740    

ING Groep NV Reg S

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BBB        6,763,051  
  2,139    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A (5)

    7.700%        N/A (4)        BB-        1,999,965  
  10,645    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (3)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Baa3        10,754,148  
  6,550    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (3)

    7.500%        N/A (4)        Baa3        6,631,875  
  3,050    

Macquarie Bank Ltd/London, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (4)        BB+        2,822,531  
  5,255    

NatWest Group PLC

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        5,126,936  
  6,950    

NatWest Group PLC (5)

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        7,175,875  
  3,735    

Nordea Bank Abp, 144A (3)

    6.625%        N/A (4)        BBB+        3,726,439  
  6,163    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (4)        BB+        6,240,926  
  1,820    

Societe Generale SA, 144A (5)

    8.000%        N/A (4)        BB        1,870,104  
  2,635    

Societe Generale SA, 144A (5)

    4.750%        N/A (4)        BB+        2,295,048  
  1,928    

Societe Generale SA, 144A (5)

    6.750%        N/A (4)        BB        1,812,412  
  2,890    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    4.300%        N/A (4)        BBB-        2,216,471  
  1,875    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.750%        N/A (4)        BBB-        1,922,203  
  2,480    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    6.000%        N/A (4)        BBB-        2,460,478  
  2,990    

UniCredit