Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM N-Q

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

Investment Company Act file number 811-21293

Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

    333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606    

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Gifford R. Zimmerman—Vice President and Secretary

    333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 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:  October 31, 2017  

Form N-Q is to be used by management investment companies, other than small business investment companies registered on Form N-5 (§§ 239.24 and 274.5 of this chapter), to file reports with the Commission, not later than 60 days after the close of the first and third fiscal quarters, pursuant to rule 30b1-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30b1-5). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-Q in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-Q, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-Q 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 the 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. § 3507.

 

 

 

 

 


Item 1. Schedule of Investments

 

 


JPC

 

Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund

  

Portfolio of Investments

   October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)                           Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 147.6% (98.9% of Total Investments)

 

        
      COMMON STOCKS – 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments)                           
      Capital Markets – 0.3%                           
  184,035    

Ares Capital Corporation, (2)

                             $ 2,959,283  
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $3,036,663)

                               2,959,283  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (3)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 46.6% (31.2% of Total Investments)

 

      Banks – 12.0%                           
  128,500    

AgriBank FCB, (4)

    6.875%           BBB+      $ 14,231,375  
  80,244    

Boston Private Financial Holdings Inc.

    6.950%           N/R        2,064,678  
  148,791    

Citigroup Inc.

    8.125%           BB+        4,163,172  
  443,498    

Citigroup Inc., (2)

    7.125%           BB+        12,772,742  
  172,975    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, 144A, (4)

    6.250%           BBB+        18,594,812  
  73,511    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (4)

    6.200%           BBB+        7,872,572  
  38,725    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (4)

    6.125%           BBB+        3,957,691  
  148,251    

Countrywide Capital Trust III

    7.000%           BBB–        3,807,086  
  162,199    

Cowen Group, Inc.

    8.250%           N/R        4,324,225  
  218,164    

Fifth Third Bancorp., (2)

    6.625%           Baa3        6,215,492  
  178,757    

FNB Corporation, (5)

    7.250%           Ba2        5,182,165  
  138,932    

HSBC Holdings PLC, (2)

    8.000%           BBB+        3,737,271  
  434,200    

Huntington BancShares Inc.

    6.250%           Baa3        12,053,392  
  109,175    

KeyCorp Preferred Stock, (2)

    6.125%           Baa3        3,186,818  
  82,000    

People’s United Financial, Inc., (2)

    5.625%           BB+        2,210,720  
  499,744    

Regions Financial Corporation, (2)

    6.375%           Ba1        14,167,742  
  113,600    

U.S. Bancorp., (2)

    6.500%           A3        3,269,408  
  216,373    

Webster Financial Corporation, (2)

    6.400%           Baa3        5,480,728  
  107,000    

Wells Fargo REIT, (2)

    6.375%           BBB+        2,835,500  
  136,352    

Western Alliance Bancorp., (5)

    6.250%           N/R        3,601,056  
  39,465    

Zions Bancorporation, (2)

    6.300%                 BB–        1,086,471  
 

Total Banks

                               134,815,116  
      Capital Markets – 7.6%                           
  132,850    

Apollo Investment Corporation, (5)

    6.875%           BBB–        3,432,844  
  133,500    

Charles Schwab Corporation

    6.000%           BBB        3,659,235  
  129,169    

Charles Schwab Corporation, (5)

    5.950%           BBB        3,539,231  
  74,600    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    5.500%           Ba1        2,003,010  
  163,458    

Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated, (5)

    6.250%           BBB–        4,127,315  
  370,280    

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.

    8.000%           N/R        9,188,609  
  898,328    

Morgan Stanley, (2), (5)

    7.125%           BB+        26,006,596  
  269,900    

Morgan Stanley, (2)

    6.875%           BB+        7,705,645  
  221,100    

Morgan Stanley, (2)

    5.850%           BB+        5,969,700  
  74,448    

Northern Trust Corporation, (2)

    5.850%           BBB+        1,975,105  
  145,905    

Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation, (5)

    6.125%           BB        3,684,101  
  261,622    

Solar Capital Limited, (5)

    6.750%           BBB–        6,605,956  
  51,445    

State Street Corporation, (2)

    5.350%           Baa1        1,399,304  
  97,064    

Stifel Financial Corporation, (2)

    6.250%           BB–        2,596,462  
  119,001    

Triangle Capital Corporation, (5)

    6.375%                 N/R        3,009,535  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               84,902,648  
      Consumer Finance – 3.8%                           
  101,351    

Capital One Financial Corporation, (2)

    6.700%           Baa3        2,741,545  
  290,000    

Discover Financial Services

    6.500%           BB–        7,366,000  
  1,219,645    

GMAC Capital Trust I, (5)

    5.785%                 B+        32,027,878  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               42,135,423  

 

NUVEEN     1  


JPC    Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (3)      Value  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.5%                           
  122,780    

B. Riley Financial, Inc.

    7.500%           N/R      $ 3,164,041  
  398,718    

KKR Financial Holdings LLC, (5)

    7.375%           BBB        10,115,476  
  141,562    

Main Street Capital Corporation, (2)

    6.125%                 N/R        3,633,897  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               16,913,414  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.1%                           
  309,132    

Qwest Corporation, (5)

    7.000%           BBB–        7,842,679  
  197,715    

Qwest Corporation, (5)

    6.875%                 BBB–        5,083,253  
 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               12,925,932  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.4%                           
  46,684    

Colony Northstar, Inc., (5)

    8.250%           N/R        1,200,712  
  110,563    

Senior Housing Properties Trust, (5)

    5.625%                 BBB–        2,785,082  
 

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               3,985,794  
      Food Products – 3.9%                           
  365,568    

CHS Inc., (2), (5)

    7.875%           N/R        10,579,538  
  517,260    

CHS Inc., (2)

    7.100%           N/R        14,312,584  
  486,440    

CHS Inc., (2)

    6.750%           N/R        13,279,812  
  23,000    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (4)

    7.875%           Baa3        2,443,032  
  24,500    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (4)

    7.875%                 Baa3        2,793,000  
 

Total Food Products

                               43,407,966  
      Insurance – 9.4%                           
  68,885    

Arch Capital Group Limited, (2), (5)

    6.750%           BBB        1,746,924  
  302,283    

Argo Group US Inc., (5)

    6.500%           BBB–        7,665,897  
  394,916    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, (2)

    5.950%           BBB–        10,639,037  
  144,900    

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, (2)

    5.625%           BBB–        3,670,317  
  125,700    

Axis Capital Holdings Limited

    5.500%           BBB        3,183,981  
  56,900    

Delphi Financial Group, Inc., (2), (4)

    1.764%           BB+        1,209,125  
  230,276    

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., (2), (5)

    7.875%           BBB–        6,892,161  
  595,781    

Kemper Corporation, (2), (5)

    7.375%           Ba1        15,764,365  
  465,791    

Maiden Holdings Limited, (2)

    8.250%           BB        11,947,539  
  315,441    

Maiden Holdings NA Limited, (2), (5)

    7.750%           BBB–        8,365,495  
  106,195    

National General Holding Company

    7.625%           N/R        2,739,831  
  76,400    

National General Holding Company, (2)

    7.500%           N/R        1,957,368  
  153,954    

National General Holding Company, (2)

    7.500%           N/R        3,941,222  
  104,443    

PartnerRe Limited, (2), (5)

    7.250%           Baa2        3,041,380  
  182,434    

Reinsurance Group of America Inc., (2), (5)

    6.200%           BBB        5,117,274  
  411,700    

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., (2), (5)

    5.750%           BBB        11,445,260  
  215,972    

Torchmark Corporation, (2), (5)

    6.125%                 BBB+        5,872,279  
 

Total Insurance

                               105,199,455  
      Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trust – 0.6%                           
  178,638    

Arbor Realty Trust Incorporated

    7.375%           N/R        4,510,610  
  96,986    

MFA Financial Inc.

    8.000%                 N/R        2,488,661  
 

Total Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               6,999,271  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.9%                           
  80,400    

Nustar Energy LP, (2)

    8.500%           Ba3        2,110,500  
  50,000    

Nustar Energy LP

    7.625%           Ba3        1,272,500  
  256,105    

Nustar Logistics Limited Partnership, (2)

    7.625%                 Ba2        6,433,358  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               9,816,358  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.5%                           
  229,862    

Kennedy-Wilson Inc.

    7.750%                 BB        5,847,689  
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 1.5%                           
  195,996    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, (5)

    6.875%           N/R        5,248,773  
  143,500    

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.000%           N/R        3,910,375  

 

  2     NUVEEN


Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (3)      Value  
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance (continued)                           
  279,100    

New York Community Bancorp Inc., (2)

    6.375%                 Ba1      $ 7,795,263  
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                               16,954,411  
      U.S. Agency – 2.4%                           
  246    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A, (4)

    6.750%                 Baa1        27,093,000  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 1.0%                           
  413,715    

United States Cellular Corporation, (5)

    7.250%                 Ba1        11,021,368  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $493,753,716)

                               522,017,845  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 1.0% (0.7% of Total Investments)

 

      Electric Utilities – 1.0%                           
  167,100    

NextEra Energy Inc., (5)

    6.371%        9/1/18        BBB      $ 11,655,225  
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $10,100,296)

                               11,655,225  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 10.7% (7.1% of Total Investments)

          
      Biotechnology – 0.3%                           
$ 3,500    

AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., 144A, (2), (5)

    7.875%        9/01/23        BB–      $ 3,561,250  
      Chemicals – 0.5%                           
  4,675    

CVR Partners LP / CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp., 144A, (2), (5)

    9.250%        6/15/23        B+        4,978,875  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.6%                           
  6,040    

GFL Environmental Corporation, 144A, (2), (5)

    9.875%        2/01/21        B–        6,425,050  
      Consumer Finance – 0.5%                           
  5,425    

Navient Corporation, (2), (5)

    8.000%        3/25/20        BB        5,981,062  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.8%                           
  10,450    

Frontier Communications Corporation, (2), (5)

    11.000%        9/15/25        B+        8,843,313  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.7%                           
  8,175    

Communications Sales & Leasing Inc.

    8.250%        10/15/23        BB–        7,848,000  
      Food Products – 0.1%                           
  1,310    

Land O Lakes Capital Trust I, 144A

    7.450%        3/15/28        Ba1        1,532,700  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.6%                           
  7,020    

Kindred Healthcare Inc., (2), (5)

    8.000%        1/15/20        B–        7,087,041  
      Insurance – 0.2%                           
  2,010    

Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, 144A, (2)

    7.450%        10/01/33        BBB        2,408,144  
      Internet Software & Services – 0.4%                           
  3,960    

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.

    8.250%        10/15/24        B        4,252,050  
      Media – 1.0%                           
  9,775    

Dish DBS Corporation, (2), (5)

    7.750%        7/01/26        Ba3        10,691,406  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.6%                           
  6,200    

Enviva Partners LP / Enviva Partners Finance Corp.

    8.500%        11/01/21        BB–        6,649,500  

 

NUVEEN     3  


JPC    Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

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

Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC, 144A, (2), (5)

    8.250%        12/01/22        BB–      $ 3,409,280  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.9%                           
  9,000    

Micron Technology, Inc., (2), (5)

    7.500%        9/15/23        Baa2        9,967,500  
      Software – 0.4%                           
  3,700    

Conduent Finance Inc. / Xerox Business Services LLC, 144A, (2), (5)

    10.500%        12/15/24        BB        4,356,750  
      Specialty Retail – 0.6%                           
  6,450    

L Brands, Inc., (2), (5)

    6.875%        11/01/35        BB+        6,401,625  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 1.3%                           
  12,785    

Western Digital Corporation, (2), (5)

    10.500%        4/01/24        BB+        15,003,198  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.9%                           
  3,175    

Altice Financing SA, 144A, (2), (5)

    7.500%        5/15/26        BB–        3,488,531  
  5,875    

Viacom Inc., (2), (5)

    6.875%        4/30/36        BBB        6,605,182  
  9,050    

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               10,093,713  
$ 112,725    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $119,027,914)

                               119,490,457  
Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 68.7% (46.1% of Total Investments)  

 

      Automobiles – 1.1%                           
$ 11,735    

General Motors Financial Company Inc.

    5.750%        N/A (6)        BB+      $ 12,248,406  
      Banks – 31.5%                           
  32,620    

Bank of America Corporation, (5)

    6.500%        N/A (6)        BB+        37,309,125  
  11,235    

Bank of America Corporation

    6.300%        N/A (6)        BB+        12,799,811  
  3,575    

Barclays Bank PLC, 144A, (2)

    10.180%        N/A (6)        A–        4,414,182  
  6,825    

CIT Group Inc., Series A, (2)

    5.800%        N/A (6)        B+        7,070,359  
  19,280    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%        N/A (6)        BB+        21,955,100  
  8,885    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.125%        N/A (6)        BB+        9,529,162  
  12,885    

Citigroup Inc.

    5.875%        N/A (6)        BB+        13,489,306  
  2,925    

Citigroup Inc.

    5.800%        N/A (6)        BB+        3,060,281  
  7,214    

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%        N/A (6)        BB+        7,556,665  
  4,690    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2), (5)

    6.250%        N/A (6)        BBB+        5,151,787  
  4,960    

Commerzbank AG, 144A, (2)

    8.125%        9/19/23        BBB        6,028,010  
  4,204    

HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A

    10.176%        N/A (6)        BBB+        6,718,496  
  10,575    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    7.900%        N/A (6)        BBB–        10,844,663  
  32,580    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%        N/A (6)        BBB–        37,344,825  
  125    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.100%        N/A (6)        BBB–        139,375  
  13,290    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.300%        N/A (6)        BBB–        13,973,106  
  4,485    

KeyCorp

    5.000%        N/A (6)        Baa3        4,681,219  
  22,925    

Lloyds Bank PLC, 144A, (2), (5)

    12.000%        N/A (6)        BBB–        30,978,346  
  7,235    

M&T Bank Corporation, (5)

    6.450%        N/A (6)        Baa2        8,229,812  
  5,715    

M&T Bank Corporation

    5.125%        N/A (6)        Baa2        6,097,905  
  20,553    

PNC Financial Services Inc., (5)

    6.750%        N/A (6)        Baa2        23,122,125  
  5,655    

PNC Financial Services

    5.000%        N/A (6)        Baa2        5,994,300  
  4,633    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.648%        N/A (6)        Ba2        5,919,584  
  5,325    

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.625%        N/A (6)        Baa3        5,591,250  
  8,450    

SunTrust Bank Inc., (2)

    5.050%        N/A (6)        Baa3        8,665,475  
  250    

US Bancorp

    5.125%        N/A (6)        A3        265,000  
  3,750    

Wachovia Capital Trust III

    5.570%        N/A (6)        BBB        3,764,063  
  4,605    

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.900%        N/A (6)        BBB        5,049,613  
  38,160    

Wells Fargo & Company, (5)

    5.875%        N/A (6)        BBB        42,662,880  
  3,450    

Zions Bancorporation

    7.200%        N/A (6)        BB–        3,933,000  
 

Total Banks

                               352,338,825  

 

  4     NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Capital Markets – 2.3%                           
  4,270    

Bank of New York Mellon, (2)

    4.950%        N/A (6)        Baa1      $ 4,462,150  
  12,375    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.375%        N/A (6)        Ba1        12,825,141  
  1,745    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.300%        N/A (6)        Ba1        1,871,512  
  4,915    

Morgan Stanley

    5.550%        N/A (6)        BB+        5,160,750  
  1,725    

State Street Corporation

    5.250%        N/A (6)        Baa1        1,817,719  
 

Total Capital Markets

                               26,137,272  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.6%                           
  6,430    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A, (2)

    6.500%        6/15/45        BB        7,008,700  
      Consumer Finance – 2.5%                           
  4,396    

American Express Company

    5.200%        N/A (6)        Baa2        4,549,860  
  2,160    

American Express Company

    4.900%        N/A (6)        Baa2        2,216,700  
  12,455    

Capital One Financial Corporation

    5.550%        N/A (6)        Baa3        13,062,181  
  7,920    

Discover Financial Services

    5.500%        N/A (6)        BB–        8,078,400  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               27,907,141  
      Diversified Financial Services – 3.4%                           
  5,670    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.195%        N/A (6)        BBB        6,616,210  
  2,300    

Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, 144A

    4.875%        N/A (6)        A        2,386,250  
  14,800    

Compeer Financial, ACA, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (6)        BB        15,822,125  
  9,443    

Rabobank Nederland, 144A

    11.000%        N/A (6)        Baa2        10,717,805  
  1,955    

Voya Financial Inc., (2)

    5.650%        5/15/53        Baa3        2,064,089  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               37,606,479  
      Electric Utilities – 2.9%                           
  3,620    

Electricite de France, 144A

    5.250%        N/A (6)        BBB        3,769,325  
  25,485    

Emera, Inc., (2), (5)

    6.750%        6/15/76        BBB–        29,148,469  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               32,917,794  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.7%                           
  7,571    

Transcanada Trust, (2), (5)

    5.875%        8/15/76        BBB        8,271,318  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 1.3%                       
  11,705    

Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust, 144A

    12.000%        N/A (6)        Ba1        14,631,250  
      Food Products – 4.3%                           
  2,245    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A

    7.125%        N/A (6)        Baa3        2,505,981  
  34,865    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (6)        BB        38,700,150  
  6,740    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    7.250%        N/A (6)        BB        7,279,200  
 

Total Food Products

                               48,485,331  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 3.8%                           
  41,361    

General Electric Capital Corporation, (5)

    5.000%        N/A (6)        A        43,053,906  
      Insurance – 12.3%                           
  1,205    

AXA SA

    8.600%        12/15/30        A3        1,735,200  
  29,510    

Financial Security Assurance Holdings, 144A, (2)

    6.400%        12/15/66        BBB+        28,919,800  
  7,000    

Friends Life Group PLC, Reg S

    7.875%        N/A (6)        A–        7,393,750  
  2,108    

La Mondiale SAM, Reg S

    7.625%        N/A (6)        BBB        2,244,493  
  7,117    

Liberty Mutual Group, 144A, (2), (5)

    7.800%        3/07/87        Baa3        9,020,797  
  9,335    

MetLife Capital Trust IV, 144A, (5)

    7.875%        12/15/67        BBB        12,578,912  
  5,760    

MetLife Inc., 144A, (2), (5)

    9.250%        4/08/38        BBB        8,560,800  
  4,425    

MetLife Inc.

    5.250%        N/A (6)        BBB        4,627,930  
  1,150    

Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust, (2), (5)

    7.899%        3/01/37        Baa2        1,270,423  
  9,550    

Nationwide Financial Services Inc., (2), (5)

    6.750%        5/15/67        Baa2        10,719,875  
  900    

Principal Financial Group

    4.700%        5/15/55        Baa2        925,020  
  6,855    

Provident Financing Trust I

    7.405%        3/15/38        Baa3        7,848,975  
  3,315    

Prudential Financial Inc., (2)

    5.875%        9/15/42        BBB+        3,656,445  

 

NUVEEN     5  


JPC    Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Insurance (continued)                           
  1,270    

Prudential Financial Inc.

    5.625%        6/15/43        BBB+      $ 1,379,855  
  11,875    

QBE Insurance Group Limited, 144A, (2)

    7.500%        11/24/43        Baa2        13,739,375  
  2,540    

QBE Insurance Group Limited, Reg S

    6.750%        12/02/44        BBB        2,879,725  
  19,553    

Symetra Financial Corporation, 144A, (LIBOR reference rate + 4.177% spread), (2), (5), (13)

    5.530%        10/15/37        Baa2        19,650,765  
 

Total Insurance

                               137,152,140  
      Machinery – 0.2%                           
  2,215    

Stanley Black & Decker Inc., (2)

    5.750%        12/15/53        BBB+        2,280,343  
      Metals & Mining – 0.7%                           
  6,625    

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.250%        10/19/75        A–        7,254,375  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.2%                           
  1,790    

Enterprise Products Operating LLP

    5.250%        8/16/77        Baa2        1,839,225  
      U.S. Agency – 0.5%                           
  4,700    

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A, (2)

    10.000%        N/A (6)        Baa1        5,734,000  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.4%                       
  3,590    

Viacom Inc., (2)

    5.875%        2/28/57        Ba1        3,554,998  
  1,000    

Viacom Inc.

    6.250%        2/28/57        Ba1        991,800  
 

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               4,546,798  
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $714,461,052)

 

                       769,413,303  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 20.3% (13.6% of Total Investments) (7)

 

     
      Banks – 16.3%                           
$ 2,820    

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

    6.750%        N/A (6)        Baa2      $ 3,239,898  
  3,600    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A, Reg S

    9.000%        N/A (6)        BB        3,722,832  
  1,205    

Banco Mercantil del Norte, 144A

    7.625%        N/A (6)        BB        1,308,931  
  1,200    

Banco Santander SA, Reg S

    6.375%        N/A (6)        Ba1        1,248,000  
  14,135    

Barclays PLC

    8.250%        N/A (6)        BB+        15,024,374  
  6,510    

Barclays PLC, Reg S

    7.875%        N/A (6)        BB+        7,259,457  
  2,495    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (6)        BBB–        2,841,181  
  9,535    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    8.125%        N/A (6)        BBB–        11,477,032  
  3,950    

Credit Agricole, S.A, 144A

    6.625%        N/A (6)        BBB–        4,152,437  
  5,115    

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.875%        N/A (6)        BBB        5,632,894  
  1,750    

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.000%        N/A (6)        BBB        1,859,375  
  5,055    

ING Groep N.V.

    6.500%        N/A (6)        BBB–        5,548,368  
  1,000    

ING Groep N.V., Reg S

    6.875%        N/A (6)        BBB–        1,114,432  
  22,550    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

    7.700%        N/A (6)        BB–        24,635,875  
  23,990    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    7.500%        N/A (6)        BB+        27,378,588  
  5,000    

Nordea Bank AB, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (6)        BBB        5,456,250  
  10,625    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.500%        N/A (6)        Ba3        11,384,688  
  8,405    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    8.625%        N/A (6)        Ba3        9,517,822  
  8,726    

Societe Generale, 144A

    7.875%        N/A (6)        BB+        9,893,103  
  7,795    

Societe Generale, 144A

    7.375%        N/A (6)        BB+        8,613,475  
  2,660    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (6)        Ba1        2,917,887  
  2,600    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    6.500%        N/A (6)        Ba1        2,704,000  
  13,845    

UniCredit SpA, Reg S

    8.000%        N/A (6)        B+        15,326,083  
  164,566    

Total Banks

                               182,256,982  
      Capital Markets – 3.0%                           
  12,820    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (6)        BB        14,903,250  

 

  6     NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Capital Markets (continued)                           
$ 1,600    

Credit Suisse Group AG, Reg S

    7.125%        N/A (6)        Ba2      $ 1,752,000  
  2,900    

Macquarie Bank Limited, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (6)        Ba1        3,041,375  
  4,355    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    7.125%        N/A (6)        BBB–        4,692,512  
  8,230    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    7.000%        N/A (6)        BBB–        9,428,996  
  29,905    

Total Capital Markets

                               33,818,133  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.0%                           
  3,170    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.625%        N/A (6)        BBB–        3,554,362  
  6,065    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.375%        N/A (6)        BBB–        7,005,075  
  9,235    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               10,559,437  
$ 203,706    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $211,609,124)

                               226,634,552  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $1,551,988,765)

                               1,652,170,665  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.6% (1.1% of Total Investments)

 

     
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 1.6% (1.1% of Total Investments)                
$ 17,976    

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation dated 10/31/17, repurchase price $17,976,521, collateralized by $18,340,000 U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.125%, due 5/15/25, value $18,345,649

    0.120%        11/01/17               $ 17,976,461  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $17,976,461)

 

                       17,976,461  
 

Total Investments (cost $1,569,965,226) – 149.2%

 

                       1,670,147,126  
 

Borrowings – (39.0)% (8), (9)

                               (437,000,000
 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements – (11.2)% (10)

 

                       (125,000,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 1.0% (11)

                               11,056,615  
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

 

                     $ 1,119,203,741  

Investments in Derivatives as of October 31, 2017

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 (12)
    Optional
Termination
Date
    Maturity
Date
    Value     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

  $ 114,296,000       Receive       1-Month LIBOR       1.462     Monthly       12/01/17       12/01/18       12/01/20     $ 40,349     $ 1,605,108     $ (1,564,759

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, LLC

    277,500,000       Receive       1-Month LIBOR       1.994       Monthly       6/01/18       7/01/25       7/01/27       1,426,272             1,426,272  

Total

  $ 391,796,000                                                             $ 1,466,621     $ 1,605,108     $ (138,487

 

NUVEEN     7  


JPC    Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The following is a summary of the three-tiered hierarchy of valuation input levels.

 

Level 1 –   Inputs are unadjusted and prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 –   Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 –   Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the Fund’s fair value measurements as of the end of the reporting period:

 

      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Long-Term Investments:

           

Common Stocks

   $ 2,959,283      $      $      $ 2,959,283  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     443,823,238        78,194,607               522,017,845  

Convertible Preferred Securities

     11,655,225                      11,655,225  

Corporate Bonds

            119,490,457               119,490,457  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

            769,413,303               769,413,303  

Contingent Capital Securities

            226,634,552               226,634,552  

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

            17,976,461               17,976,461  

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Interest Rate Swaps*

            (138,487             (138,487

Total

   $ 458,437,746      $ 1,211,570,893      $       —      $ 1,670,008,639  
* Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

Income Tax Information

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to recognition of premium amortization, timing differences in the recognition of income on real estate investment trust (“REIT”) investments and timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities presented in the annual report, based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the net asset value of the Fund.

The tables below present below present the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the Fund’s investment portfolio, as determined on a federal income tax basis, as of October 31, 2017.

For purposes of this disclosure, derivative tax cost is generally the sum of any upfront fees or premiums exchanged and any amounts unrealized for income statement reporting but realized in income and/or capital gains for tax reporting. If a particular derivative category does not disclose any tax unrealized appreciation or depreciation, the change in value of those derivatives have generally been fully realized for tax purposes.

 

  8     NUVEEN


Tax cost of investments

     $ 1,571,569,851  

Gross unrealized:

    

Appreciation

     $ 103,338,637  

Depreciation

       (4,761,362

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     $ 98,577,275  
    

Tax cost of swaps

     $ 1,605,108  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps

     $ (138,487

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) Investment, or portion of investment, is hypothecated. The total value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $498,481,173.

 

(3) 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.

 

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

 

(5) Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives and/or reverse repurchase agreements.

 

(6) Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(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) The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $1,070,933,007 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings.

 

(9) Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 26.2%.

 

(10) Reverse Repurchase Agreements as a percentage of Total Investments is 7.5%.

 

(11) 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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

NUVEEN     9  


Item 2. Controls and Procedures.

 

  a. The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

  b. There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 3. Exhibits.

File as exhibits as part of this Form a separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)), exactly as set forth below: EX-99 CERT Attached hereto.

 

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant)    Nuveen Preferred and Income Opportunities Fund   
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman                                                        
   Gifford R. Zimmerman   
   Vice President and Secretary   

Date: December 29, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Cedric H. Antosiewicz                                                         
   Cedric H. Antosiewicz   
   Chief Administrative Officer (principal executive officer)   
Date: December 29, 2017      
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Stephen D. Foy                                                                     
   Stephen D. Foy   
   Vice President and Controller (principal financial officer)   
Date: December 29, 2017