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  

  

811-23627

Nuveen Core Plus Impact 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:    December 31                                

Date of reporting period:    December 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

 

December 31,

2022

 

Nuveen Closed-End Funds

 

JGH    Nuveen Global High Income Fund
NPCT    Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund
JLS    Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund

Annual Report


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LOGO


Table of Contents

 

Chair’s Letter to Shareholders

     4  

Portfolio Managers’ Comments

     5  

Fund Leverage

     9  

Common Share Information

     11  

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries

     15  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     21  

Portfolios of Investments

     22  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     47  

Statement of Operations

     48  

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

     49  

Statement of Cash Flows

     51  

Financial Highlights

     53  

Notes to Financial Statements

     58  

Shareholder Update

     76  

Important Tax Information

     106  

Additional Fund Information

     107  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     108  

Board Members & Officers

     110  

 

3


Chair’s Letter to Shareholders

 

LOGO

Dear Shareholders,

With more economic indicators pointing to a broadening contraction across the world’s economies, the conversation has shifted from debating whether a global recession would happen to considering how long and severe a recession would be. Higher than expected 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 over the past year.

Inflation has surged partially due to pandemic-related supply chain bottlenecks, exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s recurring COVID-19 lockdowns throughout the year until China’s zero-COVID policy effectively ended in December 2022. This necessitated forceful responses from the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and other central banks, who signaled their intentions to slow inflation even if it meant tolerating materially slower economic growth and some softening in the labor market. In March 2022, the Fed began the fastest interest rate hiking cycle in its history, raising the target fed funds rate by 4.50% over a ten-month span to a range of 4.50% to 4.75% by January 2023. While inflation began to ease over the second half of 2022, it remains far higher than the Fed’s inflation target. Fed officials are closely monitoring inflation data and other economic measures to modify their rate setting policy based upon these factors and has more recently slowed the pace of monetary tightening. But additional rate hikes are expected until the Fed sees sustainable progress toward its inflation goals. Despite contracting in the first half of 2022, U.S. gross domestic product grew 2.1% in the year overall compared to 2021. Consumer spending remained relatively resilient in 2022, supported by a surprisingly strong labor market that suggested not all areas of the economy were 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.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Terence J. Toth

Chair of the Board

February 23, 2023

 

 

4


Portfolio Managers’ Comments

 

Nuveen Global High Income Fund (JGH)

Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT)

Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS)

The Nuveen Global High Income Fund (JGH) features portfolio management by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM) an affiliate of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser. The Fund’s portfolio managers are Kevin Lorenz, CFA, Anders S. Persson, CFA, and Jacob J. Fitzpatrick, CFA.

The Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT) features portfolio management by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM) an affiliate of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser. The Fund’s portfolio managers are Stephen M. Liberatore, CFA, Jessica Zarzycki, CFA and Kristal Y. Seales, CFA.

The Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS) features portfolio management by Teachers Advisors, LLC (TAL), an affiliate of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser. The Fund’s portfolio managers are Aashh K. Parekh, CFA, Nicholas Travaglino and Stephen Virgilio.

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

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

In 2022, the U.S. economy grew at a pace of 2.1%, normalizing from its rapid post-pandemic recovery in 2021 when it expanded 5.9%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Although a moderation was largely expected, gross domestic product (GDP) unexpectedly contracted in the first half of the year. China’s Zero-COVID restrictions (later lifted in December 2022) and the Russia-Ukraine war worsened existing pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and drove food and energy prices higher. Inflation rose more than expected over much of 2022, which pressured global central banks to respond with more aggressive measures and increased recession risks.

 

 

This material is not intended to be a recommendation or investment advice, does not constitute a solicitation to buy, sell or hold a security or an investment strategy and is not provided in a fiduciary capacity. The information provided does not take into account the specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor’s objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors.

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Discussions of specific investments are for illustration only and are not intended as recommendations of individual investments. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are those of the portfolio managers as of the date of this report. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements and the views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. The Funds disclaim any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein.

Each Fund uses credit quality ratings for its portfolio securities provided by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s), Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). For JGH and NPCT, if all three of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch provide a rating for a security, the middle rating is used; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower rating is used; and if only one rating agency rates a security, that rating is used. For JLS, the highest rating given by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch is used. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. 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. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

 

5


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

Beginning in March 2022, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised its target fed funds rate seven times during the reporting period, bringing it from near zero at the start of the year to a range of 4.25% to 4.50%. In early 2023, after the close of the reporting period, the Fed raised its rate by 0.25% to a range of 4.50% to 4.75%. The Fed’s activity led to significant volatility in bond and stock markets in 2022. In addition, it contributed to a surge in the U.S. dollar’s value relative to major world currencies, which acts as a headwind to the profits of international companies and U.S. domestic companies with overseas earnings. Global currency and bond markets were further roiled in September 2022 by an unpopular fiscal spending proposal in the U.K. but recovered after the plans were abandoned.

Inflation and higher borrowing costs weighed on consumer confidence and spending and notably cooled the housing market in 2022. However, the labor market, another key gauge of the economy’s health, remained resilient. By July 2022, the economy had recovered the 22 million jobs lost since the beginning of the pandemic. As of December 2022, the unemployment rate remained near its pre-pandemic low of 3.5%, although monthly job growth appeared to be slowing. The strong labor market and wage gains helped U.S. GDP return to expansion in the third and fourth quarters of 2022, growing at an annualized rate of 3.2% and 2.9%, respectively.

The securitized credit market declined during the reporting period, primarily driven by rising interest rates, widening spreads and economic uncertainty. While all three asset classes had negative returns, residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) were the best performers with asset-backed securities (ABS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) underperforming RMBS.

Nuveen Global High Income Fund (JGH)

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

The Fund seeks to deliver high current income through a diversified portfolio of global high-income securities that may span the capital structure and credit spectrum, including high yield bonds from the U.S. and developed markets (DM) and emerging markets (EM), as well as preferred and convertible securities. The Fund uses leverage. Leverage is discussed in more detail later in the Fund Leverage section of this report.

During this reporting period, the Fund’s portfolio management team emphasized more defensive industries over more cyclical industries. The portfolio management team improved the Fund’s portfolio credit quality by lowering its overweight exposure to B and CCC-rated debt, reducing its underweight exposure to BB-rated securities and modestly increasing the Fund’s position in cash and equivalents. The Fund maintained overweight positions in energy, insurance, and service-based industries like technology. Key sector and industry underweight exposure included capital goods, communications, finance companies, and aerospace and defense. The Fund maintained out-of-index exposures in senior loans, preferred securities, and contingent capital (CoCo) securities. EM quasi-sovereign debt remained an underweight because of significant policy and fiscal issues impacting a broad array of sovereign issuers. Duration was kept close to neutral versus the index.

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

For the twelve-month reporting period ended December 31, 2022, JGH underperformed the Bloomberg Global High Yield Index (USD Hedged). For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the Bloomberg Global High Yield Index (USD Hedged).

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

The Fund’s out-of-index exposures to preferred securities and CoCo securities also detracted from relative performance, as these segments underperformed the index during the reporting period. The valuations of these securities were

 

6


 

pressured by rising interest rates, market volatility and deteriorating economic conditions. Additionally, the CoCo segment was negatively impacted by the effects of negative European bank headlines, energy supply issues in Europe and the dramatic fall of the euro and British pound versus the U.S. dollar. However, within the preferred securities and CoCo segments, the Fund’s favorable security selection offset much of the negative drag from the allocation decisions.

Partially offsetting these detractors was favorable security selection across DM and EM high yield corporate holdings and among all the major ratings allocations represented in the Fund’s portfolio. Within the DM high yield segment, security selection was particularly favorable in the communications, basic industry, consumer cyclical and banking sectors. Within the EM high yield segment, the Fund benefited from its lack of exposure to Chinese real estate development companies in the index. Significant policy changes implemented by the Chinese government in 2020 continued to negatively impact the country’s real estate market, leading to widespread bond defaults among these developers during 2022. Security selection was also strong within the BB and B credit ratings exposure.

Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT)

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

The Fund seeks total return through high current income and capital appreciation, investing primarily in fixed income investments while giving special consideration to certain impact and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) criteria. The Fund uses leverage. Leverage is discussed in more detail later in the Fund Leverage section of this report.

During the reporting period, the portfolio management team continued to seek out attractively valued, yield-producing securities with a focus on expanding impact exposure. At year end, the portfolio held approximately 62% in impact investments and 38% in issuers demonstrating ESG leadership. Impact investing focuses on projects that create a positive social or environmental impact, while ESG leadership focuses on companies that are implementing better standards in their business practices. The portion of the portfolio invested in accordance with the impact framework is not additionally subject to ESG criteria.

The Fund remained broadly diversified across impact categories, with around 35% in renewable energy and climate change, 18% in natural resources and 9% in community and economic development. The natural resources component increased the most during the reporting period, growing by more than 200 basis points.

At the sector level, the Fund remained most heavily invested in corporate bonds, including investment grade, below investment grade and emerging markets (EM) bonds. The portfolio also included preferred securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), with small allocations to senior loans, municipal bonds and asset-backed securities (ABS).

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

For the twelve-month reporting period ended December 31, 2022, NPCT significantly underperformed the NPCT Blended Benchmark, which consists of 60% Bloomberg MSCI U.S. Green Bond Index and 40% Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index. For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the NPCT 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.

Another significant detractor from the Fund’s relative performance during the reporting period was its duration posture. The portfolio’s duration was significantly longer than the Blended Benchmark’s during a period of rapidly rising rates and aggressive central bank monetary policy tightening. Similarly, yield curve positioning was an additional detractor

 

7


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

during the reporting period. The Fund was overweight the intermediate and longer segments of the curve, which had an outsized effect on performance relative to the blended benchmark. In addition, security selection detracted among the Fund’s smaller and more idiosyncratic positions, primarily in the CMBS and ABS sectors. Exposure to the office sector within the Fund’s CMBS holdings was a headwind during the reporting period, as office usage remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Partially offsetting these detractors was a small allocation to bank loans, which contributed favorably to relative performance. These credit-sensitive instruments have short-term coupon resets and therefore have a very short-duration profile. This made them less sensitive to rising interest rates throughout the reporting period. Security selection within the taxable municipal sector was also a positive contributor during the reporting period.

During the reporting period, the Fund used cross-currency swaps and foreign exchange forwards to hedge its euro exposure to U.S. dollars. The cross-currency swaps contributed to relative performance, while the foreign exchange forwards had a negligible impact on relative results during the period.

Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS)

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

The Fund’s objective is to generate high current income through opportunistic investments in securitized credit. The Fund invests in mortgage-backed securities (MBS), including residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), and non-mortgage related asset-backed securities (ABS). ABS includes but is not limited to collateralized loan obligations as well as pools of consumer auto loans, credit card receivables, aircraft leases and maintenance agreements, timeshare agreements, and solar cells. The Fund uses leverage. Leverage is discussed in more detail in the Fund Leverage section of this report.

During the reporting period, the Fund’s trading activity focused on adding value by searching for tactical trades in all three sectors. During periods of weakness, the portfolio management team traded tactically to add core exposure to the RMBS and CMBS sectors. In particular, the CMBS sector provided attractive opportunities during the market sell-off in the second half of the reporting period. The Fund’s exposure to ABS was reduced in keeping with its investment objective.

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

For the twelve-month reporting period ended December 31, 2022, JLS underperformed the JLS Blended Benchmark, which consists of a 50/50 blend of USD-denominated, investment grade fixed and floating-rate ABS and fixed-rate CMBS. For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the JLS Blended Benchmark.

The Fund’s use of leverage through its issuance of reverse repurchase agreements and borrowings detracted significantly from relative performance during the reporting period. However, the Fund’s use of leverage was accretive to overall common share income.

Additional detractors from the Fund’s relative performance included longer-duration and lower-coupon holdings as volatility and the combination of persistent inflation, interest rate hikes and slowing economic growth over the reporting period weighed heavily on risk assets. The largest detractors were newer vintage, BBB-rated CMBS with office and retail exposure and longer-duration, low-coupon esoteric ABS.

Partially offsetting these detractors were the Fund’s CMBS holdings, especially during the fourth quarter of 2022. BBB and BB-rated credit risk transfer securities (CRTs) (CRTs use subordination structures to reduce public risk on mortgage-related securities, offering partial guarantees for loans based on the credit quality of the loan pools) were the top performers for the reporting period as credit spreads compressed. In general, higher quality floating rate securities and shorter-duration securities contributed to relative performance during the reporting period.

 

8


Fund Leverage

 

IMPACT OF THE FUND’S LEVERAGE STRATEGY ON PERFORMANCE

One important factor impacting the common share returns of the Funds relative to their comparative benchmarks was the use of leverage through bank borrowings, Taxable Fund Preferred Shares (TFP) for NPCT and reverse repurchase agreements for NPCT and JLS. 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 the 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.

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 interest rates. While fund leverage expenses are somewhat higher than their recent 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.

JGH also continued to use interest rate swap contracts to partially hedge its future interest cost of leverage. The interest rate swaps contributed to relative performance during the reporting period largely because of the improvement in mark-to-market values driven by the increase in rates.

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

 

     JGH        NPCT        JLS  

Effective Leverage*

    29.99        38.55        29.82

Regulatory Leverage*

    29.99        33.22        10.79
*

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 the 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.

 

9


Fund Leverage (continued)

 

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
January 1, 2022
    Draws     Paydowns     Outstanding
Balance as of
December 31, 2022
    Average
Balance
Outstanding
           Draws     Paydowns     Outstanding
Balance as of
February 23, 2023
 

JGH

  $ 159,000,000     $ 1,000,000     $ (33,000,000   $ 127,000,000     $ 140,021,918             $     —     $     —     $ 127,000,000  

NPCT

  $ 167,000,000     $ 68,600,000     $ (130,100,000   $ 105,500,000     $ 131,003,562             $     —     $     —     $ 105,500,000  

JLS

  $ 8,455,000     $ 7,000,000     $ (2,960,000   $ 12,495,000     $ 9,599,247             $     —     $ (2,500,000   $ 9,995,000  

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

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

As noted previously, JLS and NPCT use reverse repurchase agreements, in which the Fund sells 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
January 1, 2022
    Sales     Purchases     Outstanding
Balance as of
December 31, 2022
    Average
Balance
Outstanding
           Sales     Purchases     Outstanding
Balance as of
February 23, 2023
 

NPCT

  $ 137,800,000     $ 557,935,000     $ (649,915,000   $ 45,820,000     $ 100,223,575             $ 12,000,000     $ (12,000,000   $ 45,820,000  

JLS

  $ 34,231,000     $ 141,434,000     $ (143,520,000   $ 32,145,000     $ 33,064,474             $ 31,375,000     $ (31,375,000   $ 32,145,000  

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, NPCT 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
January 1, 2022
     Issuance      Redemptions      Outstanding
Balance as of
December 31, 2022
     Average
Balance
Outstanding
            Issuance      Redemptions      Outstanding
Balance as of
February 23, 2023
 
  $    —        $70,000,000        $    —        $70,000,000        $70,000,000                $    —        $    —        $70,000,000  
*

For the period August 19, 2022 (first issuance date of shares) through December 31, 2022.

Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 5 – Fund Shares for further details on TFP.

 

10


Common Share

Information

 

COMMON SHARE DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION FOR JGH AND JLS

The following information regarding the distributions for JGH and JLS are current as of December 31, 2022, the Funds’ fiscal and tax year end, and may differ from previously issued distribution notices.

The Funds have implemented a level distribution program. The goal of the level distribution program is to provide shareholders with stable, but not guaranteed, cash flow, independent of the amount or timing of income earned or capital gains realized by the Funds. The Funds intend to distribute all or substantially all of their net investment income through their regular monthly distribution and to distribute realized capital gains at least annually. In any monthly period, in order to maintain its level distribution amount, each Fund may pay out more or less than its net investment income during the period. As a result, regular distributions throughout the year are expected to include net investment income and potentially a return of capital or capital gains for tax purposes. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the distribution or from the terms of the level distribution program. A return of capital is a non-taxable distribution of a portion of a Fund’s capital. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect a Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are for financial reporting purposes and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and character of the distributions for tax reporting purposes will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV, which will be sent to shareholders shortly after calendar year-end. Because distribution source estimates are updated throughout the current fiscal year based on a Fund’s performance, those estimates may differ from both the tax information reported to you in your Fund’s 1099 statement, as well as the ultimate economic sources of distributions over the life of your investment. The figures in the table below provide the sources of distributions and may include amounts attributed to realized gains and/or returns of capital. More details about each Fund’s distributions are available on www.nuveen.com/en-us/closed-end-funds.

Data as of December 31, 2022

 

    Current Month
Percentage of Distributions
   

 

    Fiscal YTD
Per Share Amounts
 
Fund   Net
Investment
Income
    Realized
Gains
    Return of
Capital
           Total
Distributions
    Net
Investment
Income
    Realized
Gains
    Return of
Capital
 

JGH

    72.99     0.00     27.01     $ 1.3560     $ 0.9897     $ 0.0000     $ 0.3663  

JLS

    80.72     0.00     19.28           $ 1.0620     $ 0.8573     $ 0.0000     $ 0.2047  

 

11


Common Share Information (continued)

 

The following table provides information regarding Fund distributions and total return performance over various time periods. This information is intended to help you better understand whether Fund returns for the specified time periods were sufficient to meet Fund distributions.

Data as of December 31, 2022

 

                         Annualized             Cumulative  
Fund   Inception
Date
    

Latest

Monthly
Per Share
Distribution

             Current
Distribution
on NAV
     1-Year
Return on
NAV
     5-Year
Return on
NAV
             Fiscal YTD
Distributions
on NAV
     Fiscal
YTD Return
on NAV
 

JGH

    11/24/2014        $0.1130           10.60%        (15.10)%        0.46%           10.60%        (15.10)%  

JLS

    11/25/2009        $0.1160                 7.38%        (10.30)%        0.37%                 5.63%        (10.30)%  

COMMON SHARE DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION FOR NPCT

The following information regarding the Fund’s distributions is current as of December 31, 2022, the Fund’s fiscal and tax year end, and may differ from previously issued distribution notifications. This notice provides shareholders with information regarding fund distributions, as required by current securities laws. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Managed Distribution Policy.

The following table provides the Fund’s distribution sources, reflecting year-to-date cumulative experience through the month-end prior to the latest distribution. The Fund attributes these estimates equally to each regular distribution throughout the year. Consequently, the information as of the specified month-end shown below is for the current distribution, and also represents all prior months in the year. The Fund has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the distributions may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are for financial reporting purposes and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The Fund will send a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. More details about the Fund’s distributions and the basis for these estimates are available on www.nuveen.com/cef.

Data as of December 31, 2022

 

         

 

    Fiscal YTD  
         

 

    Per Share Sources of Distribution    

 

    Percentage of the Distribution  
Fund   Per Share
Distribution
           Net
Investment
Income
    Long-Term
Gains
    Short-Term
Gains
    Return of
Capital
           Net
Investment
Income
    Long-Term
Gains
    Short-Term
Gains
    Return of
Capital
 

NPCT (FYE 12/31)

    $1.2360               $0.7816       $0.0000       $0.0000       $0.4544               63.24%       0.00%       0.00%       36.76%  

The following tables provide information regarding the Fund’s common share distributions and total return performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. This information is intended to help you better understand whether the Funds’ returns for the specified time period were sufficient to meet its distributions.

 

                           

 

    Annualized    

 

    Cumulative  
Fund   Inception
Date
    Latest
Monthly
Distribution
    Fiscal YTD
Distribution
    Net Asset
Value (NAV)
           Since Inception
Return on
NAV
    Fiscal YTD
Distribution
Rate on NAV
           Fiscal YTD
Return on
NAV
    Fiscal YTD
Distribution
Rate on NAV
 

NPCT (FYE 12/31)

    4/27/2021       $0.1030       $1.2360       $12.27               (19.54)%       10.07%               (31.89)%       10.07%  

 

 

12


 

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 REPURCHASES

During August 2022, the Funds’ Board of Trustees reauthorized an open-market common share repurchase program, allowing each Fund to repurchase an aggregate of up to approximately 10% of its outstanding common shares.

As of December 31, 2022, and since the inception of the Funds’ repurchase program, each Fund have cumulatively repurchased and retired its outstanding common shares as shown in the accompanying table.

 

     JGH        NPCT        JLS  

Common shares cumulatively repurchased and retired

    900,000              —          10,814  

Common shares authorized for repurchase

    2,315,000          2,875,000          545,000  

During the current reporting period, JLS repurchased and retired their common shares at a weighted average price per share and a weighted average discount per share as shown in the following table.

 

     JLS  

Common shares repurchased and retired

    10,814  

Weighted average price per common share repurchased and retired

  $ 15.90  

Weighted average discount per common share repurchased and retired

    (15.69 )% 

OTHER COMMON SHARE INFORMATION

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

 

     JGH        NPCT        JLS  

Common share NAV

  $ 12.79        $ 12.27        $ 18.86  

Common share price

  $ 11.25        $ 10.36        $ 16.18  

Premium/(Discount) to NAV

    (12.04 )%         (15.57 )%         (14.21 )% 

Average premium/(discount) to NAV

    (9.27 )%         (12.29 )%         (13.01 )% 

 

13


THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

14


JGH     

Nuveen Global High Income Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of December 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 December 31, 2022*

 

    Average Annual  
     1-Year        5-Year        Since
Inception
 
JGH at Common Share NAV     (15.10)%          0.46%          2.50%  
JGH at Common Share Price     (21.07)%          0.58%          3.00%  
Bloomberg Global High Yield Index (USD Hedged)     (11.05)%          1.23%          3.28%  
*

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against the Bloomberg Global High Yield Index (USD Hedged).

Since inception returns are from 11/24/14. 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 December 31, 2022 — Common Share Price

 

LOGO

 

1

Value on 10/31/14 is $20, which represents the Fund’s public offering price. Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC reimbursed the Fund for any sales load and offering expenses.

 

15


 

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.

The Fund uses credit quality ratings for its portfolio securities provided by Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Fitch, Inc. If all three provide a rating for a security, the middle is used; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower rating is used; and if only one rating agency rates a security, that rating is used. 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)

 

Corporate Bonds     93.4%  
Sovereign Debt     16.4%  
Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests     10.1%  
$1000 Par(or similar) Institutional Preferred     8.6%  
Contingent Capital Securities     5.5%  
$25 Par(or similar) Retail Preferred     1.5%  
Asset-Backed Securities     0.2%  
Common Stocks     0.1%  
Repurchase Agreements     5.5%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     1.5%  

Net Assets Plus Borrowings

    142.8%  
Borrowings     (42.8)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Top Five Issuers

(% of total investments)

 

Tenet Healthcare Corp     1.2%  
EQM Midstream Partners LP     1.1%  
Albion Financing 2SARL     1.1%  
Presidio Holdings Inc     1.1%  
Triton Water Holdings Inc     1.1%  

Portfolio Composition1

(% of total investments)

 

Sovereign Debt     11.6%  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels     11.4%  
Banks     4.9%  
Media     4.2%  
Metals & Mining     4.2%  
Insurance     3.9%  
Specialty Retail     3.4%  
IT Services     3.4%  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure     3.2%  
Capital Markets     3.1%  
Health Care Providers & Services     2.9%  
Chemicals     2.5%  
Auto Components     2.5%  
Trading Companies & Distributors     2.4%  
Software     2.2%  
Beverages     2.2%  
Wireless Telecommunication Services     2.1%  
Diversified Telecommunication Services     2.0%  
Personal Products     1.8%  
Electric Utilities     1.8%  
Commercial Services & Supplies     1.7%  
Asset-Backed Securities     0.1%  
Other     18.6%  
Repurchase Agreements     3.9%  

Total

    100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term investments)

 

BBB     8.6%  
BB or Lower     90.5%  
N/R (not rated)     0.8%  
N/A (not applicable)     0.1%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation2

(% of total investments)

 

United States     55.4%  
Canada     5.5%  
Mexico     2.9%  
Australia     2.7%  
Brazil     2.1%  
Netherlands     1.9%  
Colombia     1.9%  
Luxembourg     1.8%  
Turkey     1.7%  
South Africa     1.6%  
France     1.6%  
Israel     1.4%  
United Kingdom     1.4%  
Other3     18.1%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

1

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

2

Includes 25.8% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

3

“Other” countries include thirty-seven countries that individually constitute less than 1.4% as a percentage of total investments.

 

16


NPCT     

Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of December 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 December 31, 2022*

 

    Average Annual  
     1-Year        Since
Inception
 
NPCT at Common Share NAV     (31.89)%          (19.54)%  
NPCT at Common Share Price     (37.45)%          (26.63)%  
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index     (13.01)%          (11.97)%  
NPCT Blended Benchmark     (11.78)%          (6.15)%  
*

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against the NPCT Blended Benchmark. The Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of: 1) 60% of Bloomberg MSCI U.S. Green Bond Index and 2) 40% Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index.

Since inception returns are from 4/27/21. 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 December 31, 2022 — Common Share Price

 

LOGO

 

1

Value on 4/27/21 is $20, which represents the Fund’s public offering price. Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC reimbursed the Fund for any sales load and offering expenses.

 

17


 

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.

The Fund uses credit quality ratings for its portfolio securities provided by Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Fitch, Inc. If all three provide a rating for a security, the middle is used; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower rating is used; and if only one rating agency rates a security, that rating is used. 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)

 

Corporate Bonds     90.7%  
$1000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     24.3%  
Asset-Backed Securities     12.6%  
Mortgage-Backed Securities     10.8%  
$25 Par(or similar) Retail Preferred     8.6%  
Sovereign Debt     5.8%  
Municipal Bonds     3.5%  
Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests     3.0%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.2%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     3.2%  
Net Assets Plus Borrowings, Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including
accrued interest and Taxable Fund Preferred Shares, net of deferred offering costs
    162.7%  
Borrowings     (29.9)%  
Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest     (13.1)%  
Taxable Fund Preferred, net of deferred offering costs     (19.7)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Composition1

(% of total investments)

 

Banks     14.2%  
Electric Utilities     13.6%  
Asset-Backed Securities     7.9%  
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders     7.2%  
Mortgage-Backed Securities     6.7%  
Multi-Utilities     4.1%  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts     3.7%  
Sovereign Debt     3.6%  
Trading Companies & Distributors     3.3%  
Chemicals     2.6%  
Automobiles     2.6%  
Gas Utilities     2.5%  
Insurance     2.5%  
Capital Markets     2.2%  
Municipal Bonds     2.2%  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels     2.1%  
Commercial Services & Supplies     2.0%  
Other     16.9%  
Repurchase Agreements     0.1%  

Total

    100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term investments)

 

AA     1.5%  
A     8.3%  
BBB     42.4%  
BB or Lower     36.6%  
N/R (not rated)     11.2%  

Total

    100%  

Country Allocation2

(% of total investments)

 

United States     59.3%  
Chile     4.3%  
United Kingdom     4.1%  
Italy     4.1%  
India     3.3%  
Australia     2.9%  
Mexico     2.7%  
Switzerland     2.5%  
Canada     2.4%  
Indonesia     2.1%  
South Korea     1.5%  
Brazil     1.5%  
Other3     9.3%  

Total

    100%  
 
1

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

2

Includes 21.1% (as a percentage of total investments) in emerging market countries.

3

“Other” countries include eleven countries that individually constitute less than 1.5% as a percentage of total investments.

 

18


JLS     

Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund

Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of December 31, 2022

 

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

Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2022*

 

       Average Annual  
        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  
JLS at Common Share NAV        (10.30)%          0.37%          3.70%  
JLS at Common Share Price        (17.88)%          (2.30)%          2.34%  
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        (13.01)%          0.02%          1.06%  
JLS Blended Benchmark        (7.20)%          1.15%          1.62%  
*

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against the JLS Blended Benchmark (ICE BofA U.S. ABS & CMBS Index). The Fund’s Blended Benchmark consists of a 50/50 blend of USD-denominated, investment grade fixed and floating-rate asset backed securities (ABS) and fixed-rate commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) publicly issued in the U.S. The Fund’s performance was measured against the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index through October 13, 2019. Refer to Glossary of Terms Used in This Report for further details.

Performance prior to October 14, 2019, reflects the Fund’s performance under the management of a sub-adviser using investment strategies that differed from those currently in place. 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 December 31, 2022 — Common Share Price

 

LOGO

 

19


 

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.

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)

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities     105.3%  
Asset-Backed Securities     36.5%  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

    1.9%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities     (0.2)%  

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

    143.5%  
Borrowings     (12.1)%  

Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest

    (31.4)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total investments)

 

U.S. Treasury/Agency     1.3%  
AA     1.3%  
A     11.9%  
BBB     20.5%  
BB or Lower     39.4%  
N/R (not rated)     25.6%  

Total

    100%  
 

 

20


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of

Nuveen Global High Income Fund,

Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund and

Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of each of the funds listed in the table below (hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2022, the related statements of operations, of cash flows, and of changes in net assets for each of the periods indicated in the table below, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2022, and the results of each of their operations, each of their cash flows, the changes in each of their net assets, and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Nuveen Global High Income Fund (1)
Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (2)
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (1)

(1)   Statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2022

(2)   Consolidated statement of asset and liabilities, including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statement of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the consolidated statement of changes in net assets and consolidated financial highlights for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the period April 27, 2021 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2021.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements 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 of these financial statements 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 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, 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. 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and agent banks; when replies were not received from brokers or agent banks, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 28, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in Nuveen Funds since 2002.

 

21


JGH   

Nuveen Global High Income Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

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

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 135.8% (96.1% of Total Investments)

          
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 93.4% (66.1% of Total Investments)

          
      Aerospace & Defense – 0.2%                           
$ 475    

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV, 144A

    6.950%        1/17/28        BB+      $ 475,000  
      Air Freight & Logistics – 0.2%                           
  500    

Cargo Aircraft Management Inc, 144A

    4.750%        2/01/28        BB        453,805  
      Airlines – 0.9%                           
  1,100    

Allegiant Travel Co, 144A

    7.250%        8/15/27        BB+        1,046,278  
  1,710    

Grupo Aeromexico SAB de CV, 144A

    8.500%        3/17/27        B        1,510,343  
  2,810    

Total Airlines

                               2,556,621  
      Auto Components – 3.1%                           
  2,000    

Adient Global Holdings Ltd, 144A

    4.875%        8/15/26        BB–        1,861,960  
  3,000    

Dana Inc

    4.250%        9/01/30        BB+        2,416,860  
  3,000    

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co

    5.250%        4/30/31        BB–        2,490,886  
  3,000    

IHO Verwaltungs GmbH, (cash 6.375%, PIK 7.125%), 144A

    6.375%        5/15/29        Ba2        2,535,075  
  11,000    

Total Auto Components

                               9,304,781  
      Automobiles – 0.4%                           
  1,200    

Ford Motor Credit Co LLC

    7.350%        11/04/27        BB+        1,229,640  
      Banks – 1.4%                           
  875    

Access Bank PLC, 144A

    6.125%        9/21/26        B3        671,213  
  1,000    

Akbank TAS, 144A

    6.800%        2/06/26        B3        963,972  
  1,250    

Grupo Aval Ltd, 144A

    4.375%        2/04/30        BB+        1,012,538  
  1,525    

Turkiye Vakiflar Bankasi TAO, 144A

    5.500%        10/01/26        B–        1,361,749  
  4,650    

Total Banks

                               4,009,472  
      Beverages – 2.2%                           
  730    

Central American Bottling Corp / CBC Bottling Holdco SL / Beliv Holdco SL, 144A

    5.250%        4/27/29        BB+        680,521  
  3,500    

Primo Water Holdings Inc, 144A

    4.375%        4/30/29        B1        3,022,570  
  3,425    

Triton Water Holdings Inc, 144A

    6.250%        4/01/29        CCC+        2,747,329  
  7,655    

Total Beverages

                               6,450,420  
      Biotechnology – 0.3%                           
  1,500    

Emergent BioSolutions Inc, 144A

    3.875%        8/15/28        B        745,605  
      Building Products – 0.2%                           
  625    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

    5.125%        9/08/71        BB–        577,506  
      Capital Markets – 3.7%                           
  135    

AG TTMT Escrow Issuer LLC, 144A

    8.625%        9/30/27        B2        135,675  
  1,000    

Banco BTG Pactual SA/Cayman Islands, 144A

    2.750%        1/11/26        Ba2        908,750  
  2,000    

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, 144A

    5.000%        1/15/32        B+        1,580,126  
  600    

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, 144A

    5.250%        4/15/29        B+        513,475  
  2,000    

Hunt Cos Inc, 144A

    5.250%        4/15/29        BB–        1,681,025  
  1,550    

Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp

    4.375%        2/01/29        BB        1,310,757  
  1,275    

Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp

    5.250%        5/15/27        BB        1,167,390  
  1,900    

LPL Holdings Inc, 144A

    4.375%        5/15/31        Baa3        1,615,284  
  1,000    

NFP Corp, 144A

    7.500%        10/01/30        B1        940,384  
  1,250    

NFP Corp, 144A

    6.875%        8/15/28        CCC+        1,030,349  
  12,710    

Total Capital Markets

                               10,883,215  
      Chemicals – 3.4%                           
  905    

ASP Unifrax Holdings Inc, 144A

    5.250%        9/30/28        BB        728,223  
  495    

Avient Corp, 144A

    7.125%        8/01/30        BB–        483,878  

 

22


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Chemicals (continued)                           
$ 1,000    

Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP / Calumet Finance Corp, 144A

    11.000%        4/15/25        B–      $ 1,042,288  
  1,905    

SK Invictus Intermediate, 144A

    5.000%        10/30/29        B+        1,562,100  
  600    

OCP SA, 144A

    5.125%        6/23/51        BB+        453,821  
  960    

Olympus Water US Holding Corp, 144A

    4.250%        10/01/28        B2        779,380  
  1,160    

Olympus Water US Holding Corp, 144A

    6.250%        10/01/29        CCC+        880,679  
  1,500    

Sasol Financing USA LLC

    5.500%        3/18/31        BB+        1,221,218  
  2,000    

Trinseo Materials Operating SCA / Trinseo Materials Finance Inc, 144A

    5.125%        4/01/29        B2        1,295,440  
  1,600    

Tronox Inc, 144A

    4.625%        3/15/29        BB–        1,330,000  
  380    

WR Grace Holdings LLC, 144A

    4.875%        6/15/27        BB+        336,729  
  12,505    

Total Chemicals

                               10,113,756  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 2.3%                           
  1,275    

ADT Security Corp, 144A

    4.875%        7/15/32        BB–        1,083,532  
  1,750    

ADT Security Corp/The, 144A

    4.125%        8/01/29        BB–        1,488,298  
  2,000    

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp/Atlas Luxco 4 Sarl, 144A

    4.625%        6/01/28        B        1,651,860  
  500    

Covanta Holding Corp, 144A

    4.875%        12/01/29        B        409,635  
  1,500    

Garda World Security Corp, 144A

    4.625%        2/15/27        BB+        1,324,470  
  1,100    

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance Inc, 144A

    6.250%        1/15/28        B–        1,001,176  
  8,125    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                               6,958,971  
      Communications Equipment – 0.5%                           
  1,725    

Viasat Inc, 144A

    5.625%        9/15/25        BB–        1,600,434  
      Construction Materials – 0.6%                           
  900    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

    7.375%        6/05/27        BB+        923,625  
  750    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

    3.875%        7/11/31        BB+        633,026  
  214    

Volcan Cia Minera SAA, 144A

    4.375%        2/11/26        BB        184,371  
  1,864    

Total Construction Materials

                               1,741,022  
      Containers & Packaging – 1.2%                           
  900    

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC / Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC, 144A

    4.000%        9/01/29        B+        713,275  
  1,000    

LABL Inc, 144A

    8.250%        11/01/29        CCC+        796,472  
  1,400    

LABL Inc, 144A

    5.875%        11/01/28        B2        1,219,778  
  945    

Pactiv Evergreen Group Issuer Inc/Pactiv Evergreen Group Issuer LLC, 144A

    4.375%        9/30/28        B+        844,263  
  4,245    

Total Containers & Packaging

                               3,573,788  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.6%                           
  1,125    

Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp

    7.750%        2/01/28        B        1,035,540  
  815    

Mexico Remittances Funding Fiduciary Estate Management Sarl, 144A

    4.875%        1/15/28        BB+        725,350  
  1,940    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               1,760,890  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 2.9%                           
  1,830    

Altice France SA/France, 144A

    5.500%        10/15/29        B        1,395,430  
  1,000    

Cablevision Lightpath LLC, 144A

    3.875%        9/15/27        B1        824,144  
  1,905    

Frontier Communications Holdings LLC, 144A

    6.000%        1/15/30        BB–        1,496,516  
  1,155    

Iliad Holding SASU, 144A

    6.500%        10/15/26        BB–        1,071,209  
  2,375    

Iliad Holding SASU, 144A

    7.000%        10/15/28        BB–        2,146,501  
  2,000    

Telecom Italia Capital SA

    7.200%        7/18/36        BB–        1,623,800  
  10,265    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               8,557,600  
      Electric Utilities – 0.9%                           
  750    

AES Andres BV, 144A

    5.700%        5/04/28        BB–        648,750  
  800    

Electricidad Firme de Mexico Holdings SA de CV, 144A

    4.900%        11/20/26        Ba2        703,000  
  1,400    

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, 144A

    6.350%        8/10/28        Ba2        1,291,500  
  750    

NPC Ukrenergo, 144A

    6.875%        11/09/28        Caa3        129,510  
  3,700    

Total Electric Utilities

                               2,772,760  
      Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.9%                           
  3,125    

Imola Merger Corp, 144A

    4.750%        5/15/29        BB+        2,711,292  

 

23


JGH    Nuveen Global High Income Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.9%                           
$ 1,200    

Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp, 144A

    6.875%        4/01/27        B+      $ 1,145,597  
  1,625    

Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp, 144A

    6.250%        4/01/28        B+        1,486,895  
  2,825    

Total Energy Equipment & Services

                               2,632,492  
      Entertainment – 0.5%                           
  1,070    

Cinemark USA Inc, 144A

    8.750%        5/01/25        BB+        1,080,506  
  530    

Univision Communications Inc, 144A

    7.375%        6/30/30        B+        506,521  
  1,600    

Total Entertainment

                               1,587,027  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.2%                           
  880    

XHR LP, 144A

    4.875%        6/01/29        B+        720,831  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.5%                           
  750    

BRF SA, 144A

    5.750%        9/21/50        Ba2        535,260  
  1,065    

Performance Food Group Inc, 144A

    4.250%        8/01/29        BB–        922,950  
  1,815    

Total Food & Staples Retailing

                               1,458,210  
      Food Products – 0.4%                           
  1,225    

Amaggi Luxembourg International Sarl, 144A

    5.250%        1/28/28        BB        1,154,562  
      Gas Utilities – 2.0%                           
  4,425    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

    5.875%        4/01/29        B        3,639,208  
  250    

Suburban Propane Partners LP/Suburban Energy Finance Corp, 144A

    5.000%        6/01/31        BB–        212,496  
  2,250    

Superior Plus LP / Superior General Partner Inc, 144A

    4.500%        3/15/29        BB–        1,923,750  
  6,925    

Total Gas Utilities

                               5,775,454  
      Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 0.4%                           
  1,495    

Embecta Corp, 144A

    5.000%        2/15/30        Ba3        1,265,144  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 2.7%                           
  450    

CHS/Community Health Systems Inc, 144A

    5.625%        3/15/27        BB–        385,857  
  460    

DaVita Inc, 144A

    3.750%        2/15/31        B+        343,321  
  920    

Owens & Minor Inc, 144A

    6.625%        4/01/30        BB–        790,648  
  2,000    

Team Health Holdings Inc, 144A

    6.375%        2/01/25        CCC–        1,152,480  
  2,400    

Tenet Healthcare Corp, 144A

    4.375%        1/15/30        BB–        2,077,356  
  3,500    

Tenet Healthcare Corp, 144A

    6.125%        10/01/28        B+        3,133,620  
  9,730    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                               7,883,282  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 4.3%                           
  725    

Arcos Dorados BV, 144A

    6.125%        5/27/29        Ba2        702,518  
  152    

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc, 144A

    5.875%        4/04/27        Ba2        147,630  
  1,050    

CDI Escrow Issuer Inc, 144A

    5.750%        4/01/30        B+        941,251  
  1,980    

Cinemark USA Inc, 144A

    5.250%        7/15/28        B        1,470,328  
  2,210    

Constellation Merger Sub Inc, 144A

    8.500%        9/15/25        Caa2        1,944,800  
  835    

Fertitta Entertainment LLC / Fertitta Entertainment Finance Co Inc, 144A

    4.625%        1/15/29        B        706,606  
  400    

Fertitta Entertainment LLC / Fertitta Entertainment Finance Co Inc, 144A

    6.750%        7/15/30        CCC+        322,640  
  830    

Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Escrow LLC / Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Esc, 144A

    5.000%        6/01/29        BB–        713,800  
  1,400    

International Game Technology PLC, 144A

    5.250%        1/15/29        BB+        1,304,603  
  1,700    

Life Time Inc, 144A

    5.750%        1/15/26        B        1,581,850  
  1,175    

MGM China Holdings Ltd, 144A

    5.875%        5/15/26        B+        1,097,246  
  600    

Playtika Holding Corp, 144A

    4.250%        3/15/29        B+        470,970  
  1,750    

Wynn Macau Ltd, 144A

    5.500%        10/01/27        B+        1,529,658  
  14,807    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                               12,933,900  

 

24


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Independent Power And Renewable Electricity Producers – 1.1%                           
$ 2,815    

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure PLC, 144A

    4.125%        6/15/28        BB+      $ 2,495,453  
  825    

Investment Energy Resources Ltd, 144A

    6.25%        4/26/2029        BB–        788,288  
  3,640    

Total Independent Power And Renewable Electricity Producers

                               3,283,741  
      Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders – 0.4%                           
  1,000    

EnfraGen Energia Sur SA / EnfraGen Spain SA / Prime Energia SpA, 144A

    5.375%        12/30/30        BBB–        699,984  
  628    

UEP Penonome II SA2020 1, 144A

    6.500%        10/01/38        BB        459,100  
  1,628    

Total Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders

                               1,159,084  
      Insurance – 3.8%                           
  2,125    

Acrisure LLC / Acrisure Finance Inc, 144A

    10.125%        8/01/26        CCC+        2,066,799  
  2,475    

Acrisure LLC / Acrisure Finance Inc, 144A

    4.250%        2/15/29        B        2,042,899  
  100    

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Co-Issuer, 144A

    4.250%        10/15/27        B        89,563  
  520    

AmWINS Group Inc, 144A

    4.875%        6/30/29        B–        441,036  
  4,200    

BroadStreet Partners Inc, 144A

    5.875%        4/15/29        CCC+        3,574,542  
  1,000    

Fidelis Insurance Holdings Ltd, 144A

    6.625%        4/01/41        BB+        920,000  
  1,500    

GTCR AP Finance Inc, 144A

    8.000%        5/15/27        N/R        1,436,820  
  1,000    

SBL Holdings Inc, 144A

    6.500%        12/30/49        BB        772,500  
  12,920    

Total Insurance

                               11,344,159  
      Interactive Media & Services – 0.6%                           
  1,000    

Getty Images Inc, 144A

    9.750%        3/01/27        B        987,064  
  1,225    

Rackspace Technology Global Inc, 144A

    3.500%        2/15/28        B1        711,872  
  2,225    

Total Interactive Media & Services

                               1,698,936  
      Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 0.1%                           
  650    

B2W Digital Lux Sarl, 144A

    4.375%        12/20/30        BB        411,185  
      IT Services – 4.7%                           
  4,200    

Ahead DB Holdings LLC, 144A

    6.625%        5/01/28        CCC+        3,375,750  
  2,225    

CA Magnum Holdings, 144A

    5.375%        10/31/26        BB–        2,027,482  
  2,225    

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 144A

    5.500%        9/01/28        Ba3        1,735,723  
  5,000    

Presidio Holdings Inc, 144A

    8.250%        2/01/28        CCC+        4,635,400  
  3,000    

Virtusa Corp, 144A

    7.125%        12/15/28        CCC+        2,278,014  
  16,650    

Total IT Services

                               14,052,369  
      Machinery – 1.5%                           
  1,060    

Chart Industries Inc, 144A

    9.500%        1/01/31        B        1,087,147  
  3,625    

WASH Multifamily Acquisition Inc, 144A

    5.750%        4/15/26        B–        3,416,562  
  4,685    

Total Machinery

                               4,503,709  
      Media – 5.4%                           
  100    

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp, 144A

    4.500%        8/15/30        BB+        82,616  
  1,250    

CSC Holdings LLC, 144A

    5.375%        2/01/28        B+        1,007,813  
  2,285    

Directv Financing LLC / Directv Financing Co-Obligor Inc, 144A

    5.875%        8/15/27        BBB–        2,044,298  
  2,550    

DISH DBS Corp

    5.125%        6/01/29        B        1,645,031  
  1,750    

DISH Network Corp, 144A

    11.750%        11/15/27        Ba3        1,802,325  
  1,545    

Gray Escrow Inc, 144A

    5.375%        11/15/31        BB–        1,113,404  
  1,325    

Gray Television Inc, 144A

    4.750%        10/15/30        BB–        958,459  
  1,275    

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC, 144A

    5.125%        7/15/29        BB+        1,056,220  
  2,500    

UPC Broadband Finco BV, 144A

    4.875%        7/15/31        BB+        2,079,487  
  925    

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, 144A

    5.500%        5/15/29        BB+        828,596  
  4,000    

VZ Secured Financing BV, 144A

    5.000%        1/15/32        BB        3,250,486  
  19,505    

Total Media

                               15,868,735  
      Metals & Mining – 5.9%                           
  3,000    

AngloGold Ashanti Holdings PLC

    6.500%        4/15/40        Baa3        2,874,055  
  700    

Cia de Minas Buenaventura SAA, 144A

    5.500%        7/23/26        BB        600,300  
  890    

Commercial Metals Co

    4.375%        3/15/32        BB+        774,235  
  875    

Constellium SE, 144A

    3.750%        4/15/29        B+        710,883  
  875    

First Quantum Minerals Ltd, 144A

    6.875%        3/01/26        B+        828,644  
  3,000    

FMG Resources August 2006 Pty Ltd, 144A

    5.875%        4/15/30        BB+        2,794,582  
  1,500    

Gold Fields Orogen Holdings BVI Ltd, 144A

    6.125%        5/15/29        BBB–        1,515,843  

 

25


JGH    Nuveen Global High Income Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Metals & Mining (continued)                           
$ 1,580    

Mineral Resources Ltd, 144A

    8.000%        11/01/27        BB      $ 1,615,582  
  2,070    

Mineral Resources Ltd, 144A

    8.500%        5/01/30        BB        2,098,007  
  4,270    

SunCoke Energy Inc, 144A

    4.875%        6/30/29        BB        3,665,315  
  18,760    

Total Metals & Mining

                               17,477,446  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 15.0%                           
  1,335    

Antero Midstream Partners LP / Antero Midstream Finance Corp, 144A

    5.375%        6/15/29        BB        1,220,510  
  1,430    

Callon Petroleum Co, 144A

    7.500%        6/15/30        B+        1,308,450  
  625    

Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP / Calumet Finance Corp, 144A

    8.125%        1/15/27        B–        584,375  
  1,875    

Cosan SA, 144A

    5.500%        9/20/29        BB        1,764,844  
  1,900    

Crestwood Midstream Partners LP / Crestwood Midstream Finance Corp, 144A

    5.625%        5/01/27        BB        1,767,000  
  625    

Ecopetrol SA

    6.875%        4/29/30        Baa3        566,770  
  1,000    

Ecopetrol SA

    5.875%        11/02/51        Baa3        672,522  
  2,351    

Energean Israel Finance Ltd, 144A , Reg S

    5.875%        3/30/31        BB–        2,048,309  
  200    

EnLink Midstream LLC, 144A

    5.625%        1/15/28        BB+        190,500  
  4,500    

EQM Midstream Partners LP

    6.500%        7/15/48        BB        3,373,088  
  425    

EQM Midstream Partners LP, 144A

    4.500%        1/15/29        BB        356,969  
  335    

EQM Midstream Partners LP, 144A

    7.500%        6/01/30        BB        322,779  
  525    

EQM Midstream Partners LP, 144A

    4.750%        1/15/31        BB        429,188  
  275    

EQM Midstream Partners LP, 144A

    7.500%        6/01/27        BB        269,296  
  500    

Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp

    6.500%        10/01/25        B        477,855  
  1,305    

Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co, 144A

    6.250%        4/15/32        BB+        1,126,105  
  1,305    

Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co, 144A

    6.000%        4/15/30        BB+        1,160,505  
  500    

Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co, 144A

    6.000%        2/01/31        BB+        431,279  
  525    

Kosmos Energy Ltd, 144A

    7.750%        5/01/27        B+        437,748  
  1,500    

Leviathan Bond Ltd, 144A , Reg S

    6.500%        6/30/27        BB        1,448,763  
  500    

Medco Laurel Tree Pte Ltd, 144A

    6.950%        11/12/28        B+        442,740  
  1,000    

Medco Oak Tree Pte Ltd, 144A

    7.375%        5/14/26        B1        950,411  
  4,000    

MEG Energy Corp, 144A

    5.875%        2/01/29        BB–        3,772,100  
  1,600    

Murphy Oil Corp

    5.875%        12/01/27        BB+        1,539,664  
  700    

NGL Energy Operating LLC / NGL Energy Finance Corp, 144A

    7.500%        2/01/26        B        623,274  
  1,325    

Parkland Corp/Alberta, 144A

    4.500%        10/01/29        BB        1,104,078  
  1,890    

Parkland Corp/Canada, 144A

    4.625%        5/01/30        BB        1,563,975  
  550    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

    5.500%        6/10/51        Ba1        421,735  
  980    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

    6.900%        3/19/49        Ba1        879,531  
  4,671    

Petroleos Mexicanos

    6.700%        2/16/32        BBB        3,667,889  
  619    

Saka Energi Indonesia PT, 144A

    4.450%        5/05/24        B+        590,670  
  1,000    

SierraCol Energy Andina LLC, 144A

    6.000%        6/15/28        B1        784,759  
  2,000    

SM Energy Co

    5.625%        6/01/25        BB–        1,919,981  
  1,000    

SM Energy Co

    6.750%        9/15/26        BB–        970,850  
  475    

Sunoco LP / Sunoco Finance Corp

    4.500%        5/15/29        BB+        415,482  
  1,410    

Sunoco LP / Sunoco Finance Corp

    4.500%        4/30/30        BB+        1,223,951  
  1,180    

Tullow Oil PLC, 144A

    10.250%        5/15/26        B–        946,360  
  3,000    

USA Compression Partners LP / USA Compression Finance Corp

    6.875%        9/01/27        BB–        2,805,001  
  50,936    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               44,579,306  
      Personal Products – 2.4%                           
  3,000    

Coty Inc/HFC Prestige Products Inc/HFC Prestige International US LLC, 144A

    4.750%        1/15/29        BB–        2,715,000  
  1,175    

Kronos Acquisition Holdings Inc / KIK Custom Products Inc, 144A

    5.000%        12/31/26        B2        1,016,375  
  3,325    

Kronos Acquisition Holdings Inc / KIK Custom Products Inc, 144A

    7.000%        12/31/27        CCC        2,734,813  
  745    

Natura &Co Luxembourg Holdings Sarl, 144A

    6.000%        4/19/29        BB        652,019  
  8,245    

Total Personal Products

                               7,118,207  
      Pharmaceuticals – 2.1%                           
  2,740    

Bausch Health Cos Inc, 144A

    4.875%        6/01/28        B        1,742,754  
  2,650    

ORGANON & CO/ORG, 144A

    5.125%        4/30/31        BB–        2,294,583  
  1,800    

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV

    6.750%        3/01/28        Ba2        1,755,000  
  495    

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV

    5.125%        5/09/29        Ba2        440,821  
  7,685    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                               6,233,158  

 

26


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 2.0%                           
$ 975    

Howard Hughes Corp, 144A

    4.125%        2/01/29        BB      $ 816,563  
  1,050    

Howard Hughes Corp/The, 144A

    4.375%        2/01/31        BB        849,522  
  1,125    

Kennedy-Wilson Inc

    4.750%        3/01/29        BB        891,615  
  2,175    

Kennedy-Wilson Inc

    5.000%        3/01/31        BB        1,637,215  
  2,310    

Realogy Group LLC / Realogy Co-Issuer Corp, 144A

    5.250%        4/15/30        B+        1,685,168  
  7,635    

Total Real Estate Management & Development

                               5,880,083  
      Road & Rail – 0.4%                           
  1,340    

First Student Bidco Inc / First Transit Parent Inc, 144A

    4.000%        7/31/29        BB+        1,108,351  
      Software – 1.6%                           
  2,000    

Condor Merger Sub Inc, 144A

    7.375%        2/15/30        CCC+        1,608,062  
  4,000    

Rocket Software Inc, 144A

    6.500%        2/15/29        CCC        3,153,305  
  6,000    

Total Software

                               4,761,367  
      Specialty Retail – 3.6%                           
  1,035    

Asbury Automotive Group Inc, 144A

    4.625%        11/15/29        BB        872,132  
  2,605    

Asbury Automotive Group Inc, 144A

    5.000%        2/15/32        BB        2,143,134  
  950    

Builders FirstSource Inc, 144A

    6.375%        6/15/32        Ba2        892,284  
  945    

LCM Investments Holdings II LLC, 144A

    4.875%        5/01/29        BB–        756,745  
  750    

Michaels Cos Inc, 144A

    5.250%        5/01/28        B1        603,398  
  3,900    

Michaels Cos Inc, 144A

    7.875%        5/01/29        Caa1        2,605,856  
  1,000    

Staples Inc, 144A

    10.750%        4/15/27        CCC+        720,100  
  2,500    

Staples Inc, 144A

    7.500%        4/15/26        B        2,151,700  
  13,685    

Total Specialty Retail

                               10,745,349  
      Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.2%                           
  725    

Wolverine World Wide Inc, 144A

    4.000%        8/15/29        BB–        549,231  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 2.2%                           
  2,090    

Albion Financing 1 SARL / Aggreko Holdings Inc, 144A

    6.125%        10/15/26        BB+        1,863,883  
  5,470    

Albion Financing 2SARL, 144A

    8.750%        4/15/27        BB–        4,657,944  
  7,560    

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

                               6,521,827  
      Transportation Infrastructure – 0.3%                           
  1,000    

Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI SA, 144A

    6.750%        3/30/29        BB–        967,500  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 2.3%                           
  1,375    

America Movil SAB de CV, 144A

    5.375%        4/04/32        Baa3        1,240,937  
  1,550    

C&W Senior Financing DAC, 144A

    6.875%        9/15/27        BB–        1,441,500  
  725    

CT Trust, 144A

    5.125%        2/03/32        Ba1        636,617  
  900    

Millicom International Cellular SA2028 2028, 144A

    5.125%        1/15/28        BB+        836,932  
  250    

Millicom International Cellular SA, 144A

    4.500%        4/27/31        BB+        210,280  
  2,880    

Vmed O2 UK Financing I PLC, 144A

    4.750%        7/15/31        BB+        2,339,568  
  7,680    

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               6,705,834  
$ 325,075    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $322,645,478)

                               276,857,057  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      SOVEREIGN DEBT – 16.4% (11.6% of Total Investments)                           
      Angola – 1.1%                           
$ 1,500    

Angolan Government International Bond , 144A

    8.250%        5/09/28        B3      $ 1,363,200  
  1,050    

Angolan Government International Bond , 144A

    8.750%        4/14/32        B–        907,515  
  900    

Angolan Government International Bond , 144A

    8.000%        11/26/29        B–        788,004  
 

Total Angola

                               3,058,719  
      Bahrain – 0.5%                           
  1,450    

Bahrain Government International Bond , 144A

    7.000%        10/12/28        B+        1,457,557  

 

27


JGH    Nuveen Global High Income Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Brazil – 0.3%                           
$ 1,200    

Brazilian Government International Bond

    5.000%        1/27/45        Ba2      $ 888,783  
      Colombia – 1.2%                           
  1,400    

Colombia Government International Bond

    3.125%        4/15/31        Baa2        1,039,099  
  3,175    

Colombia Government International Bond

    3.250%        4/22/32        Baa2        2,308,852  
 

Total Colombia

                               3,347,951  
      Cote d’Ivoire – 0.6%                           
  1,881    

Ivory Coast Government International Bond , 144A

    5.750%        12/31/32        BB–        1,774,192  
      Dominican Republic – 1.2%                           
  1,500    

Dominican Republic International Bond , 144A

    4.875%        9/23/32        BB        1,245,092  
  1,000    

Dominican Republic International Bond , 144A

    4.500%        1/30/30        BB        851,319  
  1,175    

Dominican Republic International Bond , 144A

    5.300%        1/21/41        BB        906,658  
  650    

Dominican Republic International Bond , 144A

    5.500%        2/22/29        BB        598,072  
 

Total Dominican Republic

                               3,601,141  
      Ecuador – 0.5%                           
  1,768    

Ecuador Government International Bond , 144A

    5.000%        7/31/30        B–        1,135,740  
  371    

Ecuador Government International Bond , 144A

    1.000%        7/31/35        B–        170,781  
  80    

Ecuador Government International Bond , 144A

    0.000%        7/31/30        B–        31,342  
 

Total Ecuador

                               1,337,863  
      Egypt – 1.5%                           
  1,700    

Egypt Government International Bond , 144A

    7.600%        3/01/29        B+        1,380,995  
  1,300    

Egypt Government International Bond , 144A

    5.875%        6/11/25        B+        1,198,470  
  2,300    

Egypt Government International Bond , 144A

    7.053%        1/15/32        B+        1,677,505  
 

Total Egypt

                               4,256,970  
      El Salvador – 0.1%                           
  725    

El Salvador Government International Bond , 144A

    7.650%        6/15/35        CCC+        288,181  
      Ghana – 0.4%                           
  3,325    

Ghana Government International Bond , 144A

    8.125%        3/26/32        CC        1,180,375  
      Guatemala – 0.6%                           
  1,980    

Guatemala Government Bond , 144A

    6.125%        6/01/50        Ba1        1,860,730  
      Honduras – 0.2%                           
  725    

Honduras Government International Bond , 144A

    6.250%        1/19/27        BB–        637,868  
      Iraq – 0.7%                           
  2,131    

Iraq International Bond , 144A

    5.800%        1/15/28        N/R        1,960,750  
      Jordan – 0.6%                           
  825    

Jordan Government International Bond , 144A

    5.850%        7/07/30        BB–        737,385  
  500    

Jordan Government International Bond , 144A

    6.125%        1/29/26        BB–        493,447  
  500    

Jordan Government International Bond , 144A

    7.750%        1/15/28        BB–        505,110  
 

Total Jordan

                               1,735,942  
      Kenya – 0.8%                           
  825    

Republic of Kenya Government International Bond , 144A

    6.300%        1/23/34        B        633,600  
  2,000    

Republic of Kenya Government International Bond , 144A

    7.000%        5/22/27        B        1,785,756  
 

Total Kenya

                               2,419,356  
      Mongolia – 0.2%                           
  675    

Mongolia Government International Bond , 144A

    4.450%        7/07/31        B        519,897  

 

28


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)    Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Nigeria – 0.7%                            
$ 1,425    

Nigeria Government International Bond , 144A

     7.875%        2/16/32        B–      $ 1,071,215  
  1,200    

Nigeria Government International Bond , 144A

     6.125%        9/28/28        B–        925,632  
 

Total Nigeria

                                1,996,847  
      Oman – 1.4%                            
  800    

Oman Government International Bond , 144A

     6.750%        10/28/27        BB        827,952  
  1,000    

Oman Government International Bond , 144A

     4.750%        6/15/26        BB        965,192  
  1,500    

Oman Government International Bond , 144A

     6.000%        8/01/29        BB        1,503,360  
  800    

Oman Sovereign Sukuk Co , 144A

     4.875%        6/15/30        BB        774,160  
 

Total Oman

                                4,070,664  
      Pakistan – 0.3%                            
  1,000    

Pakistan Government International Bond , 144A

     6.000%        4/08/26        Caa1        395,000  
  1,450    

Pakistan Government International Bond , 144A

     6.875%        12/05/27        CCC+        560,164  
 

Total Pakistan

                                955,164  
      Paraguay – 0.2%                            
  600    

Paraguay Government International Bond , 144A

     3.849%        6/28/33        Ba1        525,195  
      Rwanda – 0.6%                            
  2,450    

Rwanda International Government Bond , 144A

     5.500%        8/09/31        B+        1,856,561  
      Senegal – 0.4%                            
  1,500    

Senegal Government International Bond , 144A

     6.250%        5/23/33        Ba3        1,236,000  
      South Africa – 0.9%                            
  1,400    

Republic of South Africa Government International Bond

     5.000%        10/12/46        Ba2        976,500  
  1,925    

Republic of South Africa Government International Bond

     5.875%        4/20/32        Ba2        1,732,500  
 

Total South Africa

                                2,709,000  
      Turkey – 1.4%                            
  1,500    

Turkey Government International Bond

     5.125%        2/17/28        B        1,296,000  
  1,500    

Turkey Government International Bond

     6.500%        9/20/33        B        1,245,171  
  1,250    

Turkey Government International Bond

     5.875%        6/26/31        B        1,021,775  
  1,000    

Turkiye Ihracat Kredi Bankasi AS , 144A

     5.750%        7/06/26        B3        908,410  
 

Total Turkey

                                4,471,356  
      Ukraine – 0.0%                            
  675    

Ukraine Government International Bond , 144A

     7.750%        9/01/27        CCC+        139,387  
  500    

Ukraine Government International Bond , 144A

     6.876%        5/21/31        CCC+        91,267  
  750    

Ukraine Government International Bond , 144A

     7.253%        3/15/35        CCC+        134,990  
 

Total Ukraine

                                365,644  
 

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $61,292,672)

                                48,512,706  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (3)      Reference Rate (3)      Spread (3)      Maturity (4)      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 10.1% (7.2% of Total Investments) (3)

 

  
      Airlines – 1.3%                                         
$ 750    

AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., Term Loan

    8.993%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        4/20/28        Ba2      $ 748,009  
  3,154    

Air Canada, Term Loan B

    8.130%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        8/11/28        Ba2        3,127,047  
  13    

SkyMiles IP Ltd., Term Loan B

    7.993%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        10/20/27        Baa1        12,637  
  3,917    

Total Airlines

                                                 3,887,693  
      Auto Components – 0.3%                                         
  1,083    

Autokiniton US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B

    8.792%        1-Month LIBOR        4.500%        4/06/28        B        1,051,678  
      Beverages – 0.9%                                         
  875    

Sunshine Investments B.V., Term Loan

    8.515%        SOFR90A        4.250%        5/05/29        B+        848,750  
  1,970    

Triton Water Holdings, Inc, Term Loan

    8.230%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        3/31/28        B1        1,838,751  
  2,845    

Total Beverages

                                                 2,687,501  

 

29


JGH    Nuveen Global High Income Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (3)      Reference Rate (3)      Spread (3)      Maturity (4)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Building Products – 0.3%                                         
$ 1,000    

CHI Doors Holdings Corp, Term Loan, First Lien,
(WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        B      $ 995,000  
      Capital Markets – 0.0%                                         
  102    

Astra Acquisition Corp., Term Loan, First Lien

    9.634%        1-Month LIBOR        5.250%        10/22/28        BB–        90,159  
      Chemicals – 0.1%                                         
  282    

W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn., Term Loan B

    8.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        9/22/28        BB+        277,676  
      Communications Equipment – 0.3%                                         
  831    

Maxar Technologies Ltd., Term Loan B

    8.673%        SOFR30A        4.250%        6/09/29        B+        831,195  
      Diversified Consumer Services – 0.9%                                         
  3,021    

Spin Holdco Inc., Term Loan

    7.144%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        3/04/28        B–        2,563,478  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 1.4%                                         
  440    

Da Vinci Purchaser Corp., Term Loan

    8.730%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        11/26/26        B        401,730  
  800    

ICON Luxembourg S.A.R.L., Term Loan, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        BB+        799,147  
  2,832    

Onex TSG Intermediate Corp., Term Loan B

    9.165%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        2/26/28        B        2,536,610  
  400    

RegionalCare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B

    8.165%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        11/16/25        B1        378,050  
  4,472    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                 4,115,537  
      Health Care Technology – 0.7%                                         
  239    

Athenahealth, Inc., Term Loan (5)

    7.821%        SOFR30A        3.500%        2/15/29        B+        288,665  
  1,952    

Athenahealth, Inc., Term Loan B

    7.821%        SOFR30A        3.500%        2/15/29        B+        1,694,611  
  2,191    

Total Health Care Technology

                                                 1,983,276  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.2%                                         
  644    

Life Time Fitness Inc , Term Loan B

    9.485%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        12/15/24        B        641,512  
      Insurance – 0.1%                                         
  199    

Alliant Holdings Intermediate, LLC, Term Loan B4, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        B        195,256  
      Life Sciences Tools & Services – 0.1%                                         
  190    

ICON Luxembourg S.A.R.L., Term Loan, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        BB+        190,060  
      Media – 0.1%                                         
  405    

Formula One Holdings Limited., Term Loan B

    7.791%        SOFR90A        3.250%        1/15/30        BB+        405,304  
      Personal Products – 0.2%                                         
  788    

Journey Personal Care Corp., Term Loan B

    8.980%        3-Month LIBOR        4.250%        3/01/28        CCC+        584,302  
      Software – 1.6%                                         
  1,975    

Apttus Corporation, Term Loan

    8.665%        3-Month LIBOR        4.250%        5/06/28        BB        1,856,500  
  1,238    

McAfee, LLC, Term Loan B

    7.974%        SOFR30A        3.750%        2/03/29        BB+        1,155,897  
  1,200    

OpenText Corporation, Term Loan, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        BBB–        1,174,950  
  469    

RealPage, Inc, Term Loan, First Lien

    7.384%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        4/22/28        B+        447,017  
  4,882    

Total Software

                                                 4,634,364  
      Specialty Retail – 1.2%                                         
  1,470    

Great Outdoors Group, LLC, Term Loan B

    8.634%        1-Month LIBOR        4.250%        3/05/28        BB–        1,415,929  
  1,975    

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B

    8.130%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%        2/12/28        BB–        1,938,581  
  221    

WOOF Holdings, Inc, Term Loan, First Lien

    8.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%        12/21/27        B2        209,181  
  3,666    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                 3,563,691  
      Transportation Infrastructure – 0.2%                                         
  599    

Brown Group Holding, LLC, Term Loan B2

    7.844%        SOFR90A        3.750%        7/01/29        B+        597,518  

 

30


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (3)      Reference Rate (3)      Spread (3)      Maturity (4)     Ratings (2)      Value  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.2%                                        
$ 739    

GOGO Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    8.165%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        4/30/28       B+      $ 733,364  
$ 31,856    

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $31,495,399)

 

                                        30,028,564  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 8.6% (6.1% of Total Investments)

 

       
      Automobiles – 0.4%                                        
$ 1,473    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

                      5.750%        N/A (6)      BB+      $ 1,240,114  
      Banks – 0.7%                                        
  1,000    

Citigroup Inc

          5.000%        N/A (6)      BBB–        890,012  
  1,000    

NBK Tier 1 Ltd, 144A

          3.625%        N/A (6)      Baa3        870,874  
  475    

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS, 144A

                      7.177%        5/24/27       Caa2        437,000  
  2,475    

Total Banks

                                                2,197,886  
      Communications Equipment – 0.4%                                        
  1,500    

Vodafone Group PLC

                      4.125%        6/04/81       BB+        1,113,317  
      Consumer Finance – 0.3%                                        
  1,500    

Ally Financial Inc

                      4.700%        N/A (6)      Ba2        1,003,125  
      Electric Utilities – 1.5%                                        
  2,000    

Edison International

          5.375%        N/A (6)      BB+        1,636,780  
  1,000    

Emera Inc

          6.750%        6/15/76       BB+        960,220  
  2,000    

Enel SpA, 144A

                      8.750%        9/24/73       BBB–        2,001,657  
  5,000    

Total Electric Utilities

                                                4,598,657  
      Food Products – 0.8%                                        
  1,500    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A

          8.000%        N/A (6)      BB        1,402,500  
  1,000    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A

                      7.000%        N/A (6)      BB        875,000  
  2,500    

Total Food Products

                                                2,277,500  
      Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders – 0.6%                      
  2,000    

Vistra Corp, 144A

                      7.000%        N/A (6)      Ba3        1,819,866  
      Insurance – 1.1%                                        
  1,750    

Assurant Inc

          7.000%        3/27/48       Baa3        1,694,934  
  1,765    

Enstar Finance LLC

                      5.750%        9/01/40       BBB–        1,597,325  
  3,515    

Total Insurance

                                                3,292,259  
      Media – 0.5%                                        
  1,750    

Paramount Global

                      6.375%        3/30/62       Baa3        1,430,641  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.4%                                        
  1,500    

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp

                      4.750%        1/18/82       BB+        1,215,000  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.6%                                        
  1,900    

Energy Transfer LP

                      6.500%        N/A (6)      BB        1,634,000  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.9%                                        
  1,000    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

          6.500%        6/15/45       BB+        942,621  
  1,750    

AerCap Holdings NV

                      5.875%        10/10/79       BB+        1,593,287  
  2,750    

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

                                                2,535,908  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.4%                                        
  1,300    

Network i2i Ltd, 144A

                      5.650%        N/A (6)      BB        1,239,875  
$ 29,163    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $28,944,701)

 

                               25,598,148  

 

31


JGH    Nuveen Global High Income Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

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

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 5.5% (3.9% of Total Investments)

               
      Banks – 4.7%                                        
$ 1,100    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

          6.500%        N/A (6)      Ba2      $ 1,053,256  
  1,980    

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA/Grand Cayman, 144A

          6.750%        N/A (6)      Ba2        1,931,673  
  1,100    

Banco Santander SA

          4.750%        N/A (6)      Ba1        890,712  
  1,000    

Banco Santander SA , Reg S

          7.500%        N/A (6)      Ba1        976,100  
  1,000    

Bancolombia SA

          4.625%        12/18/29       Ba3        877,500  
  1,475    

Barclays PLC

          8.000%        N/A (6)      BBB–        1,379,125  
  1,000    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

          7.000%        N/A (6)      BBB        945,388  
  1,500    

Danske Bank A/S , Reg S

          4.375%        N/A (6)      BBB–        1,263,936  
  2,000    

ING Groep NV

          6.500%        N/A (6)      BBB        1,890,976  
  2,000    

Macquarie Bank Ltd/London, 144A

          6.125%        N/A (6)      BB+        1,723,714  
  1,000    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

                      8.000%        N/A (6)      BB        1,001,250  
  15,155    

Total Banks

                                                13,933,630  
      Capital Markets – 0.8%                                        
  1,500    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

          9.750%        N/A (6)      BB–        1,306,601  
  1,050    

Deutsche Bank AG

                      6.000%        N/A (6)      Ba2        890,475  
  2,550    

Total Capital Markets

                                                2,197,076  
$ 17,705    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $17,621,111)

 

     16,130,706  
Shares     Description (1)                   Coupon             Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 1.5% (1.0% of Total Investments)

               
      Banks – 0.2%                                        
  25,200    

Western Alliance Bancorp

                      4.250%                Ba1      $ 508,032  
      Insurance – 0.5%                                        
  35,000    

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co

          6.625%          BB        787,150  
  30,000    

Enstar Group Ltd

                      7.000%                BBB–        642,000  
 

Total Insurance

                                                1,429,150  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.5%                                        
  60,000    

NuStar Energy LP

                      11.535%                B2        1,353,000  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.3%                                        
  40,000    

WESCO International Inc

                      10.625%                B+        1,048,800  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $4,849,087)

                                                4,338,982  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 0.2% (0.1% of Total Investments)

 

  
$ 750    

Industrial DPR Funding Ltd , 144A

                      5.380%        4/15/34       BBB      $ 633,562  
$ 750    

Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $750,000)

                                                633,562  
Shares     Description (1)                                          Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS – 0.1% (0.1% of Total Investments)

 

  
      Airlines – 0.1%                                        
  47,127    

Grupo Aeromexico SAB de CV (8), (9)

                                              $ 403,880  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.0%                                        
  717    

Bright Bidco BV (8), (9)

                                                9,460  
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $885,858)

                                                413,340  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $468,484,306)

 

     402,513,065  

 

32


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 5.5% (3.9% of Total Investments)

 

      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 5.5% (3.9% of Total Investments)         
$ 16,295    

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 12/30/22, repurchase price $16,297,472, collateralized by $16,134,600, U.S. Treasury Government Bond, 4.250%, due 11/15/40, value $16,621,155

 

     1.280%        1/03/23      $ 16,295,154  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $16,295,154)

 

              16,295,154  
 

Total Investments (cost $484,779,460) – 141.3%

 

              418,808,219  
 

Borrowings – (42.8)% (10), (11)

                                        (127,000,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 1.5% (12)

                                        4,686,266  
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

 

            $ 296,494,485  

Investments 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

  $ 87,400,000       Receive       1-Month LIBOR       1.994     Monthly       6/01/18       7/01/25       7/01/27     $ 4,441,776     $ 4,441,776  

 

33


JGH

   Nuveen Global High Income Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

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)

The Fund uses credit quality ratings for its portfolio securities provided by Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”). If all three provide a rating for a security, the middle is used; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower rating is used; and if only one rating agency rates a security, that rating is used. AAA, AA, A, and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC/CC/C and D are below-investment grade ratings. 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. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(3)

Senior loans generally pay interest at rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term, floating lending rate (Reference Rate) plus an assigned fixed rate (Spread). These floating lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate referenced by the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks. Senior loans may be considered restricted in that the Fund ordinarily is contractually obligated to receive approval from the agent bank and/or borrower prior to the disposition of a senior loan. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(4)

Senior loans generally are subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment. Because of these mandatory prepayment conditions and because there may be significant economic incentives for a borrower to prepay, prepayments of senior loans may occur. As a result, the actual remaining maturity of senior loans held may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown.

 

(5)

Investment, or portion of investment, represents an outstanding unfunded senior loan commitment.

 

(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)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 3.

 

(9)

Non-income producing; issuer has not declared an ex-dividend date within the past twelve months.

 

(10)

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 30.3%.

 

(11)

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investment (excluding any investments pledged as collateral to specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings.

 

(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.

 

PIK

Payment-in-kind (“PIK”) security. Depending on the terms of the security, income may be received in the form of cash, securities, or a combination of both. The PIK rate shown, where applicable, represents the annualized rate of the last PIK payment made by the issuer as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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.

 

SOFR30A

30 Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

SOFR90A

90 Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

TBD

Senior loan purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Certain details associated with this purchase are not known prior to the settlement date of the transaction. In addition, senior loans typically trade without accrued interest and therefore a coupon rate is not available prior to settlement. At settlement, if still unknown, the borrower or counterparty will provide the Fund with the final coupon rate and maturity date.

 

WI/DD

Purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

34


NPCT   

Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments(15)    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000) (1)
         Description (2)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
   

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 159.3% (99.9% of Total Investments)

 

     
   

CORPORATE BONDS – 90.7% (56.9% of Total Investments)

 

     
          Auto Components – 0.9%                           
$ 4,000        

Dana Inc

    4.250%        9/01/30        BB+      $ 3,222,480  
          Automobiles – 4.1%                           
  3,510      

Ford Motor Co

    3.250%        2/12/32        BB+        2,632,296  
  15,300        

Harley-Davidson Inc (4)

    4.625%        7/28/45        BBB+        11,964,958  
  18,810        

Total Automobiles

                               14,597,254  
          Banks – 12.5%                           
  5,000      

Citigroup Inc

    2.014%        1/25/26        A        4,633,835  
  17,000      

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

    4.950%        6/01/42        BB+        10,916,529  
  3,583      

JPMorgan Chase & Co

    0.768%        8/09/25        AA–        3,306,917  
  5,000      

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    4.976%        8/11/33        A        4,590,952  
  10,000      

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A (4)

    5.300%        1/09/43        BBB+        8,494,679  
  15,000        

UniCredit SpA, 144A

    5.459%        6/30/35        Baa3        12,186,721  
  55,583        

Total Banks

                               44,129,633  
          Capital Markets – 2.3%                           
  9,000        

Banco BTG Pactual SA/Cayman Islands, 144A

    2.750%        1/11/26        Ba2        8,178,750  
          Chemicals – 4.2%                           
  5,000      

LG Chem Ltd, 144A

    2.375%        7/07/31        A3        3,927,122  
  5,000      

LYB International Finance III LLC

    3.800%        10/01/60        BBB        3,238,398  
  8,108        

Star Energy Geothermal Wayang Windu Ltd, 144A

    6.750%        4/24/33        Ba3        7,648,815  
  18,108        

Total Chemicals

                               14,814,335  
          Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.5%                           
  2,040        

New York Public Library Astor Lenox & Tilden Foundations/The

    4.305%        7/01/45        AA–        1,720,825  
          Communications Equipment – 2.1%                           
  10,000        

Vodafone Group PLC

    5.125%        6/04/81        BB+        7,284,300  
          Diversified Consumer Services – 1.6%                           
  6,160        

YMCA of Greater New York

    2.303%        8/01/26        BBB        5,491,938  
          Diversified Financial Services – 1.9%                           
  2,400      

Community Preservation Corp/The

    2.867%        2/01/30        AA–        2,028,409  
  5,400     EUR  

Power Finance Corp Ltd

    1.841%        9/21/28        Baa3        4,571,835  
  7,800        

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               6,600,244  
          Electric Utilities – 19.7%                           
  5,000     EUR  

EDP – Energias de Portugal SA

    1.875%        3/14/82        BB+        3,840,216  
  8,523      

India Cleantech Energy2021 1, 144A

    4.700%        8/10/26        Ba3        7,257,334  
  6,650      

Interchile SA, 144A

    4.500%        6/30/56        Baa1        5,492,472  
  10,666      

Inversiones Latin America Power Ltda, 144A

    5.125%        6/15/33        BB–        5,103,199  
  2,000      

Leeward Renewable Energy Operations LLC, 144A

    4.250%        7/01/29        Ba3        1,704,286  
  7,330      

Liberty Utilities Finance GP 1, 144A

    2.050%        9/15/30        BBB+        5,506,524  
  7,000      

Pattern Energy Operations LP / Pattern Energy Operations Inc, 144A

    4.500%        8/15/28        BB–        6,276,441  
  2,698      

Solar Star Funding LLC, 144A

    5.375%        6/30/35        BBB        2,622,684  
  13,000      

Southern California Edison Co (4)

    3.650%        6/01/51        A–        9,448,678  
  5,000      

Star Energy Geothermal Darajat II / Star Energy Geothermal Salak, 144A

    4.850%        10/14/38        Baa3        4,149,928  
  9,745      

Topaz Solar Farms LLC, 144A

    4.875%        9/30/39        BB        8,599,407  
  4,330      

Topaz Solar Farms LLC, 144A

    5.750%        9/30/39        BB        4,102,592  
  5,800        

Vena Energy Capital Pte Ltd , Reg S

    3.133%        2/26/25        BBB–        5,326,197  
  87,742        

Total Electric Utilities

                               69,429,958  

 

35


NPCT    Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000) (1)
         Description (2)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
          Electrical Equipment – 1.2%                           
$ 5,000        

Sociedad de Transmision Austral SA, 144A

    4.000%        1/27/32        Baa2      $ 4,319,096  
          Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 1.2%                           
  5,000        

SK Battery America Inc , Reg S

    2.125%        1/26/26        Baa3        4,292,403  
          Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 4.5%                           
  5,000      

Scentre Group Trust 2, 144A

    5.125%        9/24/80        BBB+        4,190,000  
  9,915      

HAT Holdings I LLC / HAT Holdings II LLC, 144A

    3.375%        6/15/26        Baa3        8,614,152  
  2,000      

HAT Holdings I LLC / HAT Holdings II LLC, 144A

    3.750%        9/15/30        Baa3        1,469,632  
  2,000        

Host Hotels & Resorts LP

    2.900%        12/15/31        BBB–        1,529,928  
  18,915        

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               15,803,712  
          Gas Utilities – 3.9%                           
  15,000      

Brooklyn Union Gas Co/The, 144A (4)

    4.273%        3/15/48        BBB+        11,226,779  
  4,000        

Southern Co Gas Capital Corp

    3.150%        9/30/51        BBB+        2,589,146  
  19,000        

Total Gas Utilities

                               13,815,925  
          Household Durables – 1.4%                           
  5,000     EUR  

Arcelik AS , Reg S

    3.000%        5/27/26        BB+        4,830,767  
          Independent Power And Renewable Electricity Producers – 1.6%                       
  6,270        

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure PLC, 144A

    4.125%        6/15/28        BB+        5,558,257  
          Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders – 10.0%                           
  1,750      

AES Corp/The

    2.450%        1/15/31        BBB–        1,392,162  
  6,513      

Azure Power Energy Ltd, 144A

    3.575%        8/19/26        BB+        5,015,395  
  5,100      

Clearway Energy Operating LLC, 144A

    3.750%        1/15/32        BB        4,099,511  
  7,050      

Colbun SA, 144A

    3.150%        1/19/32        BBB+        5,939,202  
  1,935      

Continuum Energy Levanter Pte Ltd, 144A

    4.500%        2/09/27        BB+        1,736,457  
  8,075      

Sunnova Energy Corp, 144A

    5.875%        9/01/26        B1        7,214,124  
  9,932      

Sweihan PV Power Co PJSC2022 1, 144A

    3.625%        1/31/49        BBB+        7,958,095  
  2,770        

UEP Penonome II SA2020 1, 144A

    6.500%        10/01/38        BB        2,025,442  
  43,125        

Total Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders

                               35,380,388  
          Machinery – 1.9%                           
  5,000      

Mueller Water Products Inc, 144A

    4.000%        6/15/29        Ba1        4,393,750  
  2,305        

YMCA of Greater New York

    5.021%        8/01/38        BBB        2,113,621  
  7,305        

Total Machinery

                               6,507,371  
          Media – 1.7%                           
  10,000        

Discovery Communications LLC

    4.000%        9/15/55        BBB–        6,008,717  
          Metals & Mining – 1.2%                           
  5,000        

Teck Resources Ltd

    5.200%        3/01/42        BBB–        4,332,249  
          Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts – 2.8%                           
  5,710      

Starwood Property Trust Inc, 144A

    4.375%        1/15/27        BB+        4,996,681  
  5,745        

Starwood Property Trust Inc, 144A

    3.625%        7/15/26        BB+        5,026,875  
  11,455        

Total Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               10,023,556  
          Multiline Retail – 1.7%                           
  10,000        

Nordstrom Inc

    5.000%        1/15/44        BBB–        6,075,000  
          Multi-Utilities – 0.5%                           
  2,244        

Consolidated Edison Co of New York Inc

    4.300%        12/01/56        A–        1,797,482  
          Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 3.4%                           
  15,000        

Santos Finance Ltd, 144A (4)

    3.649%        4/29/31        BBB        11,922,898  

 

36


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000) (1)
         Description (2)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
          Real Estate Management & Development – 0.5%                           
$ 2,250     EUR  

GTC Aurora Luxembourg SA , Reg S

    2.250%        6/23/26        BBB–      $ 1,758,705  
          Road & Rail – 2.4%                           
  5,000      

Kansas City Southern/Old

    4.200%        11/15/69        BBB        3,690,388  
  7,000        

Norfolk Southern Corp

    4.100%        5/15/21        BBB+        4,840,996  
  12,000        

Total Road & Rail

                               8,531,384  
          Trading Companies & Distributors – 1.0%                           
  5,800        

GATX Corp (4)

    3.100%        6/01/51        BBB        3,468,918  
$ 402,607        

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $418,840,283)

                               319,896,545  
Principal
Amount (000) (1)
         Description (2)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
   

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 24.3% (15.3% of Total Investments)

 

  
          Banks – 8.5%                           
$ 10,375      

Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior SNC/Cayman Islands, 144A

    2.720%        8/11/31        Ba1      $ 8,654,625  
  6,250      

Citigroup Inc

    4.150%        N/A (5)        BBB–        5,102,681  
  3,250      

JPMorgan Chase & Co

    3.650%        N/A (5)        BBB+        2,782,812  
  11,195      

PNC Financial Services Group Inc/The

    3.400%        N/A (5)        Baa2        8,872,037  
  6,820        

SVB Financial Group

    4.000%        N/A (5)        Baa2        4,501,337  
  37,890        

Total Banks

                               29,913,492  
          Communications Equipment – 0.8%                           
  4,000        

Vodafone Group PLC

    4.125%        6/04/81        BB+        2,968,845  
          Consumer Finance – 1.7%                           
  7,200        

American Express Co

    3.550%        N/A (5)        Baa2        5,914,800  
          Electric Utilities – 1.7%                           
  2,500      

CMS Energy Corp

    3.750%        12/01/50        BBB–        1,882,664  
  5,000        

Southern Co/The

    3.750%        9/15/51        BBB–        4,037,257  
  7,500        

Total Electric Utilities

                               5,919,921  
          Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders – 0.4%                           
  1,500        

Vistra Corp, 144A

    7.000%        N/A (5)        Ba3        1,364,900  
          Insurance – 3.9%                           
  15,000        

Swiss Re Finance Luxembourg SA, 144A (4)

    5.000%        4/02/49        A        13,811,100  
          Multi-Utilities – 4.5%                           
  5,000      

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp

    4.750%        1/18/82        BB+        4,050,000  
  2,500      

CMS Energy Corp

    4.750%        6/01/50        BBB–        2,162,398  
  8,000     EUR  

Engie SA , Reg S

    1.875%        N/A (5)        BBB        6,153,109  
  4,600        

Sempra Energy

    4.125%        4/01/52        BBB–        3,561,946  
  20,100        

Total Multi-Utilities

                               15,927,453  
          Trading Companies & Distributors – 2.8%                           
  12,000        

Air Lease Corp

    4.650%        N/A (5)        BB+        10,028,639  
$ 105,190        

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $109,094,900)

 

                       85,849,150  

 

37


NPCT    Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)
         Description (2)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
   

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 12.6% (7.9% of Total Investments)

 

  
$ 6,500      

Alen 2021-ACEN Mortgage Trust , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.000% spread) (6)

    8.318%        4/15/34        BB–      $ 5,030,834  
  5,000      

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2021-JACX , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.750% spread) 2021 JACX (6)

    8.068%        9/15/38        Ba2        4,299,252  
  46,237      

Freddie Mac Multifamily ML Certificates, (I/O)

    1.222%        7/25/41        N/R        4,747,571  
  65,348      

Freddie Mac Multifamily ML Certificates, (I/O), 144A

    0.667%        3/25/38        N/R        3,859,456  
  2,263      

GoodLeap Sustainable Home Solutions Trust 2021-3 , 144A

    3.500%        5/20/48        N/R        1,469,688  
  2,335      

GoodLeap Sustainable Home Solutions Trust 2021-4 , 144A

    3.500%        7/20/48        BB        1,680,222  
  10,000      

MFT Trust 2020-ABC , 144A

    3.477%        2/10/42        N/R        6,545,410  
  4,822      

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2019-2 , 144A

    0.000%        9/20/40        N/R        2,122,750  
  6,008      

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2020-1 , 144A

    0.000%        4/20/46        N/R        4,343,732  
  5,661      

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-MILE, 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.750% spread) (6)

    7.068%        7/15/36        N/R        5,052,372  
  700      

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-MILE, 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.500% spread) (6)

    7.818%        7/15/36        N/R        628,000  
  7,420        

NYC Commercial Mortgage Trust 2021-909 , 144A

    3.206%        4/10/43        N/R        4,676,471  
$ 162,294        

Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $58,234,126)

                               44,455,758  
Principal
Amount (000)
         Description (2)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
   

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 10.8% (6.7% of Total Investments)

 

  
$ 4,000      

BBCMS Mortgage Trust 2020-C6 , 144A

    3.688%        2/15/53        N/R      $ 2,704,469  
  3,840      

Benchmark 2019-B10 Mortgage Trust , 144A

    3.899%        3/15/62        N/R        2,748,359  
  7,887      

COMM 2020-CX Mortgage Trust , 144A

    2.683%        11/10/46        N/R        4,945,418  
  28,602      

Freddie Mac Multifamily ML Certificates, (I/O)

    2.057%        1/25/38        N/R        4,684,201  
  3,000      

Hudson Yards 2019-55HY Mortgage Trust , 144A

    2.943%        12/10/41        N/R        2,032,714  
  5,000      

J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2018-AON , 144A

    4.613%        7/05/31        B        4,111,454  
  8,000      

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA , 144A

    2.851%        7/15/41        N/R        5,237,040  
  3,860      

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA , 144A

    2.851%        7/15/41        N/R        2,706,822  
  80,369      

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA , 144A

    0.258%        7/15/41        AA–        1,291,417  
  3,500      

SUMIT 2022-BVUE Mortgage Trust , 144A

    2.892%        2/12/41        N/R        2,173,905  
  7,000        

VNDO Trust 2016-350P , 144A

    3.903%        1/10/35        B        5,317,936  
$ 155,058        

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $51,776,254)

                               37,953,735  
Shares          Description (2)   Coupon              Ratings (3)      Value  
   

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 8.6% (5.4% of Total Investments)

 

  
          Banks – 1.7%                           
  300,000      

First Republic Bank/CA

    4.000%           BBB–      $ 4,701,000  
  75,000        

First Republic Bank/CA

    4.250%                 BBB–        1,232,250  
   

Total Banks

                               5,933,250  
          Capital Markets – 1.2%                           
  300,000        

Affiliated Managers Group Inc

    4.200%                 Baa1        4,422,000  
          Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 1.4%                           
  400,000        

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc

    4.750%                 Ba1        5,012,000  
          Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders – 1.1%                           
  200,000        

Brookfield Renewable Partners LP

    5.250%                 BBB–        3,768,000  
          Multi-Utilities – 1.5%                           
  100,426      

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP

    5.125%           BBB–        1,611,827  
  200,000        

CMS Energy Corp

    4.200%                 BBB–        3,534,020  
   

Total Multi-Utilities

                               5,145,847  

 

38


  
  

 

Shares          Description (2)   Coupon              Ratings (3)      Value  
          Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%                           
  77,904        

Brookfield Property Partners LP

    5.750%                 BB      $ 1,054,041  
          Trading Companies & Distributors – 1.4%                           
  269,000        

Triton International Ltd

    5.750%                 BB        4,898,490  
   

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $48,440,556)

                               30,233,628  
Principal
Amount (000) (1)
         Description (2)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
   

SOVEREIGN DEBT – 5.8% (3.6% of Total Investments)

 

  
          Benin – 2.2%                           
  10,000     EUR  

Benin Government International Bond , 144A

    4.950%        1/22/35        B+      $ 7,752,728  
          Chile – 1.0%                           
  5,000        

Chile Government International Bond

    3.100%        5/07/41        A        3,591,687  
          Egypt – 0.7%                           
  2,500        

Egypt Government International Bond , 144A

    5.250%        10/06/25        B+        2,237,950  
          Mexico – 1.9%                           
  5,000     EUR  

Mexico Government International Bond

    2.250%        8/12/36        BBB        3,786,794  
  3,150        

Mexico Government International Bond

    4.875%        5/19/33        BBB        2,891,517  
   

Total Mexico

                               6,678,311  
   

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $28,067,946)

                               20,260,676  
Principal
Amount (000)
         Description (2)           Optional Call
Provisions (7)
     Ratings (3)      Value  
   

MUNICIPAL BONDS – 3.5% (2.2% of Total Investments)

 

  
          Arizona – 0.2%                           
$ 810        

Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Arizona, Education Revenue Bonds, KIPPC NYC Public Charter Schools – Gerard Facility Project, Series 2021C, 3.250%, 7/01/31

             No Opt. Call        BBB–      $ 693,551  
          District of Columbia – 0.0%                           
  220        

District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, Public Utility Revenue Bonds, Taxable Senior Lien Green Series 2014A, 4.814%, 10/01/14

             No Opt. Call        AAA        191,079  
          Indiana – 0.3%                           
  1,000        

Fort Wayne, Indiana Economic Development, Solid Waste Facility Revenue Bonds, Do Good Foods LLC Fort Wayne, Taxable Series 2022A-2, 10.750%, 12/01/29

             No Opt. Call        N/R        986,110  
          Michigan – 1.4%                           
  1,000      

City of Detroit, Michigan, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021: 2.960%, 4/01/27

       No Opt. Call        BB        888,775  
  500      

3.110%, 4/01/28

       No Opt. Call        BB        434,156  
  2,245      

3.244%, 4/01/29

       No Opt. Call        BB        1,911,330  
  425      

3.344%, 4/01/30

       No Opt. Call        BB        355,943  
  1,575        

Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, General Obligation Bonds, Taxable Series 2021B, 3.644%, 4/01/34

             4/31 at 100.00        BB        1,290,035  
  5,745        

Total Michigan

                               4,880,239  
          Montana – 0.3%                           
  1,000        

County of Gallatin, Montana, Series 2022, 11.500%, 9/01/27, 144A

             9/25 at 103.00        N/R        1,041,560  
          New York – 1.3%                           
  5,300        

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Transportation Revenue Bonds, Taxable Green Climate Certified Series 2020C-2, 5.175%, 11/15/49

             No Opt. Call        A3        4,592,132  
$ 14,075        

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $15,973,282)

                               12,384,671  

 

39


NPCT    Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)
         Description (2)   Coupon (8)     Reference Rate (8)     Spread (8)     Maturity (9)     Ratings (3)     Value  
   

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 3.0% (1.9% of Total Investments) (8)

 

 
          Commercial Services & Supplies – 2.7%                    
$ 10,471        

Liberty Tire Recycling Holdco, LLC, Term Loan

    8.884%       1-Month LIBOR       4.500%       5/07/28       B     $ 9,554,964  
          Electric Utilities – 0.3%                                    
  1,137        

ExGen Renewables IV, LLC, Term Loan

    7.240%       3-Month LIBOR       2.500%       12/15/27       BB–       1,127,273  
$ 11,608        

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $11,565,970)

 

                                    10,682,237  
   

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $741,993,317)

 

                            561,716,400  
Principal
Amount (000)
         Description (2)                 Coupon     Maturity            Value  
   

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.2% (0.1% of Total Investments)

 

 
          REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 0.2% (0.1% of Total Investments)                    
$ 843        

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation,
dated 12/30/22, repurchase price $843,391,
collateralized by $835,400, U.S. Treasury Government Bond,
4.250%, due 11/15/40, value $860,180

 

    1.280%       1/03/23             $ 843,271  
   

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $843,271)

 

                                    843,271  
   

Total Investments (cost $742,836,588) – 159.5%

 

                                    562,559,671  
   

Borrowings – (29.9)% (10), (11)

 

                                    (105,500,000
   

Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest – (13.1)% (12)

 

                    (46,067,628
   

Taxable Fund Preferred Shares, net of deferred offering costs – (19.7)% (13)

 

                    (69,655,241
   

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 3.2% (14)

 

                                    11,380,289  
   

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

 

                          $ 352,717,091  

Investments in Derivatives

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

 

Currency Purchased    Notional
Amount
(Local Currency)
     Currency Sold    Notional
Amount
(Local Currency)
     Counterparty    Settlement Date      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

U.S. Dollar

     7,869,291      Euro      7,535,918      Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC      2/21/23      $ (223,586

 

40


  
  

 

Cross Currency Swaps – OTC Uncleared

 

Counterparty  

Terms of

payments to be

paid

    Terms of
payments to be
received
    Currency     Maturity
Date
    Amount
Local Currency
    Value     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Citibank N.A.

    Fixed annual 2.250     Fixed semi-annual 3.562     USD       6/23/26       2,725,875     $ 320,273     $ 24,975     $ 295,298  
        EUR         2,250,000        

Morgan Stanley Capital

    Fixed semi-annual 1.841     Fixed annual 3.337     USD       9/21/28       6,376,320       825,599       (4     825,603  

Services LLC

        EUR         5,400,000        

Morgan Stanley Capital

    Fixed semi-annual 3.000     Fixed annual 4.330     USD       5/27/26       6,088,500       755,596       4,250       751,346  

Services LLC

        EUR         5,000,000        

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

    Fixed semi-annual 1.875     Fixed annual 3.431     USD       6/14/29       5,905,000       788,848       (3,604     792,452  
        EUR         5,000,000        

Citibank N.A.

    Fixed semi-annual 2.250     Fixed annual 3.775     USD       8/12/36       5,909,000       1,037,541       12,290       1,025,251  
        EUR         5,000,000        

Citibank N.A.

    Fixed semi-annual 1.875     Fixed annual 3.472     USD       7/2/31       5,904,500       927,951       16,433       911,518  
        EUR         5,000,000        

Citibank N.A.

    Fixed semi-annual 1.875     Fixed annual 3.493     USD       7/2/31       3,543,900       564,015       (6,899     570,914  
                      EUR               3,000,000                          

Total

                                          $ 5,219,823     $ 47,441     $ 5,172,382  

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)

Principal Amount (000) denominated in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise noted.

 

(2)

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

 

(3)

The Fund uses credit quality ratings for its portfolio securities provided by Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”). If all three provide a rating for a security, the middle is used; if two of the three agencies rate a security, the lower rating is used; and if only one rating agency rates a security, that rating is used. AAA, AA, A, and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC/CC/C and D are below-investment grade ratings. 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. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(4)

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 $59,319,728 have been pledged as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements.

 

(5)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(6)

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

 

(7)

Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be subject to periodic principal paydowns. Optional Call Provisions are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(8)

Senior loans generally pay interest at rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term, floating lending rate (Reference Rate) plus an assigned fixed rate (Spread). These floating lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate referenced by the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks. Senior loans may be considered restricted in that the Fund ordinarily is contractually obligated to receive approval from the agent bank and/or borrower prior to the disposition of a senior loan. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(9)

Senior loans generally are subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment. Because of these mandatory prepayment conditions and because there may be significant economic incentives for a borrower to prepay, prepayments of senior loans may occur. As a result, the actual remaining maturity of senior loans held may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown.

 

(10)

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 18.8%.

 

(11)

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investment (excluding any investments pledged as collateral to specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings.

 

(12)

Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest as a percentage of Total investments is 8.2%.

 

(13)

Taxable Fund Preferred Shares, net of deferred offering costs as a percentage of Total Investments is 12.4%.

 

(14)

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.

 

(15)

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (as disclosed in Note 1).

 

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.

 

EUR

Euro

 

I/O

Interest only security

 

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.

 

41


JLS   

Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

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

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 141.8% (98.7% of Total Investments)

 

      MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 105.3% (73.3% of Total Investments)         
$ 1,500    

ACRE Commercial Mortgage 2021-FL4 Ltd , (I/O), 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.600% spread) (3), (4)

    6.939%        12/18/37        N/R      $ 1,426,201  
  500    

Alen 2021-ACEN Mortgage Trust , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.000% spread) (3)

    8.318%        4/15/34        BB-        386,987  
  1,000    

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2019-5 , 144A

    3.957%        10/25/49        BB+        812,142  
  1,000    

BANK 2017-BNK6 (4)

    3.851%        7/15/60        A        819,369  
  1,000    

BANK 2019-BNK21, 144A

    2.500%        10/17/52        BBB        639,524  
  1,000    

BBCMS Mortgage Trust 2020-C6 , 144A

    3.688%        2/15/53        N/R        766,547  
  1,500    

Benchmark 2020-B18 Mortgage Trust , 144A (4)

    4.139%        7/15/53        B-        1,214,835  
  845    

CD 2016-CD1 Mortgage Trust (4)

    3.631%        8/10/49        A-        717,587  
  1,500    

CD 2016-CD2 Mortgage Trust

    3.980%        11/10/49        A-        1,209,495  
  1,978    

CD 2017-CD3 Mortgage Trust (4)

    4.547%        2/10/50        BBB        1,513,208  
  25    

CF 2020-P1 Mortgage Trust , 144A

    2.840%        4/15/25        N/R        23,548  
  672    

CFK Trust 2019-FAX , 144A

    4.637%        1/15/39        N/R        569,664  
  476    

CHL Mortgage Pass-Through Trust 2006-HYB1

    3.324%        3/20/36        Caa3        397,165  
  1,500    

COMM 2013-LC13 Mortgage Trust , 144A (4)

    5.254%        8/10/46        BB-        1,388,482  
  925    

COMM 2014-CCRE15 Mortgage Trust (4)

    4.673%        2/10/47        A2        888,215  
  700    

COMM 2014-CCRE15 Mortgage Trust , 144A

    4.673%        2/10/47        Baa2        658,610  
  1,794    

COMM 2014-CCRE19 Mortgage Trust , 144A (4)

    4.697%        8/10/47        BBB-        1,614,351  
  1,000    

Comm 2014-UBS2 Mortgage Trust (4)

    4.947%        3/10/47        Baa1        947,436  
  1,500    

COMM 2014-UBS3 Mortgage Trust , 144A (4)

    4.767%        6/10/47        N/R        1,349,829  
  1,400    

COMM 2015-CCRE22 Mortgage Trust , 144A

    3.000%        3/10/48        BB-        1,099,176  
  2,000    

COMM 2015-CCRE23 Mortgage Trust (4)

    4.301%        5/10/48        N/R        1,685,224  
  1,800    

COMM 2015-CCRE24 Mortgage Trust (4)

    3.463%        8/10/48        BBB-        1,470,024  
  800    

COMM 2015-CCRE25 Mortgage Trust (4)

    4.518%        8/10/48        A-        715,970  
  1,245    

COMM 2015-CCRE25 Mortgage Trust

    3.768%        8/10/48        BB        1,001,914  
  460    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022 R06, 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.850% spread) (3), (4)

    7.778%        5/25/42        BBB-        470,187  
  2,300    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022 R01, 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.150% spread) (3), (4)

    7.078%        12/25/41        BB        2,165,344  
  3,000    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2021-R01 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 6.000% spread) (3)

    9.928%        10/25/41        N/R        2,735,366  
  3,030    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2021-R01 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.100% spread) (3)

    7.028%        10/25/41        B+        2,856,137  
  625    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2021-R03 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 5.500% spread) (3)

    9.428%        12/25/41        N/R        534,940  
  2,100    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R01 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 6.000% spread) (3)

    9.928%        12/25/41        N/R        1,831,589  
  3,000    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R02 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 4.500% spread) (3), (4)

    8.428%        1/25/42        B+        2,848,370  
  1,000    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R03 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.500% spread) (3), (4)

    7.428%        3/25/42        BBB-        1,013,893  
  3,000    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R03 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 6.250% spread) (3)

    10.178%        3/25/42        BB-        3,128,862  
  200    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R04 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.100% spread) (3)

    7.028%        3/25/42        BBB-        199,533  
  581    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R04 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 5.250% spread) (3)

    9.178%        3/25/42        BB-        582,664  
  2,900    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R05 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 7.000% spread) (3)

    10.928%        4/25/42        B3        2,757,097  
  960    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R07 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 6.800% spread) (3)

    10.744%        6/25/42        BB-        1,014,446  
  1,500    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2022-R08 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 5.600% spread) (3), (4)

    7.114%        7/25/42        BB-        1,520,040  
  33,000    

DOLP Trust 2021-NYC , (I/O), 144A

    0.665%        5/10/41        A-        1,325,486  
  4,900    

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities, 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.300% spread) (3)

    7.228%        11/25/41        B+        4,536,852  
  670    

FARM 21-1 Mortgage Trust , 144A

    3.238%        7/25/51        N/R        453,316  
  88    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust 2017-2 , 144A

    4.035%        10/25/47        Aa2        76,084  
  7,712    

Freddie Mac Multifamily ML Certificates , (I/O)

    1.222%        7/25/41        N/R        791,852  
  500    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2022 DNA4, 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.350% spread) (3), (4)

    7.278%        5/25/42        BBB-        503,364  

 

42


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)         
$ 300    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2022 DNA3, 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 2.900% spread) (3)

    6.828%        4/25/42        BBB      $ 296,867  
  2,000    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2021-DNA6 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 7.500% spread) (3)

    11.428%        10/25/41        N/R        1,710,703  
  3,065    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2021-DNA6 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.400% spread) (3)

    7.328%        10/25/41        BB-        2,866,028  
  1,000    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2022-DNA1 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 7.100% spread) (3)

    11.028%        1/25/42        N/R        783,673  
  3,000    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2022-DNA1 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.400% spread) (3), (4)

    7.328%        1/25/42        B+        2,673,435  
  1,270    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2022-DNA2 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.750% spread) (3), (4)

    7.678%        2/25/42        BB        1,198,357  
  3,000    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2022-DNA2 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 4.750% spread) (3)

    8.678%        2/25/42        B+        2,752,266  
  3,750    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2022-DNA3 , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 5.650% spread) (3), (4)

    8.647%        4/25/42        B+        3,564,857  
  125    

Freddie Mac Strips (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.920% spread) 2014 327, (I/O) (3)

    1.602%        3/15/44        N/R        10,967  
  1,000    

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 4.000% spread) (3), (4)

    7.928%        7/25/42        Baa3        1,009,314  
  1,498    

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes , 144A (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.650% spread) (3)

    6.647%        11/25/41        B+        1,396,051  
  7,865    

Government National Mortgage Association (SOFR30A reference rate + 6.250% spread) , (I/O) (3), (4)

    2.424%        9/20/50        N/R        1,044,839  
  1,400    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp II , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.350% spread) (3)

    7.668%        11/15/36        N/R        1,297,221  
  1,500    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2017-SLP , 144A

    4.591%        10/10/32        B        1,429,624  
  700    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2018-TWR , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.350% spread) (3)

    6.668%        7/15/31        B        607,815  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2018-TWR , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.700% spread) (3)

    6.018%        7/15/31        BBB        928,678  
  700    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2018-TWR , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.050% spread) (3)

    7.368%        7/15/31        CCC        587,865  
  892    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2018-TWR , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.175% spread) (3)

    8.493%        7/15/31        N/R        715,669  
  1,100    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2018-TWR , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.850% spread) (3)

    6.168%        7/15/31        BB        976,038  
  2,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2016-GS4 (4)

    3.954%        11/10/49        A-        1,690,625  
  1,000    

Hudson Yards 2019-55HY Mortgage Trust , 144A

    2.943%        12/10/41        N/R        677,572  
  366    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust , 144A

    3.972%        1/16/37        N/R        310,003  
  377    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-ICON UES , 144A

    4.452%        5/05/32        BBB-        347,101  
  441    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-ICON UES , 144A

    4.452%        5/05/32        BB-        403,356  
  883    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-6 , 144A

    3.890%        12/25/48        Baa3        719,476  
  1,000    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2015 C27 (4)

    3.898%        2/15/48        N/R        924,779  
  760    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2015 C29 (4)

    4.118%        5/15/48        AA-        685,198  
  1,600    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C22 (4)

    4.547%        9/15/47        BBB        1,432,458  
  1,189    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2016-C1 (4)

    4.736%        3/17/49        A-        1,068,103  
  2,000    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP5 (4)

    3.780%        3/15/50        A-        1,595,358  
  1,430    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP6 (4)

    3.708%        7/15/50        A-        1,174,148  
  1,500    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP6 , 144A

    4.458%        7/15/50        BBB+        1,186,386  
  1,849    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP7 , 144A (4)

    4.384%        9/15/50        BBB        1,444,110  
  600    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust 2014 C19 (4)

    4.000%        12/15/47        N/R        541,571  
  226    

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust 2015 MS1

    4.024%        5/15/48        N/R        204,488  
  188    

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2007 15AR

    2.980%        11/25/37        CCC        123,125  
  500    

MRCD 2019-MARK Mortgage Trust , 144A

    2.718%        12/15/36        BBB-        446,359  
  1,000    

MRCD 2019-MARK Mortgage Trust , 144A

    2.718%        12/15/36        N/R        884,797  
  250    

MSCG Trust 2015-ALDR , 144A

    3.462%        6/07/35        BBB-        202,322  
  750    

MSCG Trust 2015-ALDR , 144A

    3.462%        6/07/35        A-        633,758  
  1,050    

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-MILE , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.250% spread) (3)

    8.568%        7/15/36        N/R        936,893  
  1,000    

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-MILE , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.750% spread) (3)

    7.068%        7/15/36        N/R        892,488  
  1,371    

OPG Trust 2021-PORT , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.529% spread) (3)

    5.847%        10/15/36        N/R        1,274,869  

 

43


JLS    Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)         
$ 1,000    

PKHL Commercial Mortgage Trust 2021 MF, 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.000% spread) (3), (4)

    6.318%        7/15/38        BBB      $ 909,857  
  40,180    

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA , 144A

    0.258%        7/15/41        AA-        645,636  
  1,688    

SMR 2022-IND Mortgage Trust , 144A (TSFR1M reference rate + 3.950% spread) (3), (4)

    8.286%        2/15/39        Baa3        1,553,465  
  1,500    

Spruce Hill Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-SH1 , 144A

    3.827%        1/28/50        BBB        1,303,463  
  127,100    

SUMIT 2022-BVUE Mortgage Trust , 144A , (I/O)

    0.082%        2/12/41        A1        757,173  
  1,000    

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust 2013-C5 , 144A (4)

    3.649%        3/10/46        A2        996,442  
  1,500    

VNDO Trust 2016-350P , 144A

    3.903%        1/10/35        B        1,139,558  
  1,300    

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015 NXS1 (4)

    4.149%        5/15/48        BBB-        1,114,551  
$ 332,949    

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $119,947,793)

                               108,730,680  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 36.5% (25.4% of Total Investments)         
$ 1,103    

AASET 2020-1 Trust , 144A (5)

    6.413%        1/16/40        B      $ 11  
  868    

Adams Outdoor Advertising LP , 144A

    4.810%        11/15/48        A        823,073  
  1,500    

Adams Outdoor Advertising LP , 144A

    7.356%        11/15/48        BB        1,342,814  
  750    

Affirm Asset Securitization Trust 2021-B , 144A

    2.540%        8/17/26        N/R        671,822  
  500    

AGL CLO 19 Ltd , 144A (TSFR3M reference rate + 2.750% spread) (3)

    4.908%        7/21/35        AA        493,274  
  936    

Air Canada 2020-2 Class A Pass Through Trust , 144A (4)

    5.250%        4/01/29        A        883,581  
  807    

Air Canada 2020-2 Class B Pass Through Trust , 144A (4)

    9.000%        10/01/25        BBB        800,864  
  1,300    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC , 144A

    4.080%        2/20/28        Ba2        1,039,408  
  298    

Bojangles Issuer LLC , 144A

    3.832%        10/20/50        N/R        266,942  
  500    

Bonanza RE Ltd , 144A (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 4.750% spread) (3)

    9.090%        12/23/24        N/R        425,000  
  250    

Bonanza RE Ltd , 144A (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.750% spread) (3)

    10.087%        3/16/25        N/R        200,000  
  537    

British Airways 2020-1 Class A Pass Through Trust , 144A (4)

    4.250%        5/15/34        A        480,546  
  468    

British Airways 2020-1 Class B Pass Through Trust , 144A (4)

    8.375%        11/15/28        BBB        459,624  
  550    

Caelus Re VI Ltd , 144A (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.380% spread) (3)

    9.717%        6/07/23        N/R        530,695  
  2,000    

Cars Net Lease Mortgage Notes Series 2020-1 , 144A

    4.690%        12/15/50        BBB        1,706,134  
  775    

CARS-DB4 LP , 144A

    4.520%        2/15/50        BBB        669,125  
  2    

Carvana Auto Receivables Trust 2021-P2 , 144A

    0.000%        5/10/28        N/R        859,250  
  250    

Cayuga Park CLO Ltd , 144A (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.000% spread) (3)

    1.000%        7/17/34        BB-        220,906  
  385    

CIFC Funding 2020-II Ltd , 144A (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.500% spread) (3)

    10.743%        10/20/34        BB-        349,587  
  375    

CIFC Funding 2022-II Ltd , 144A (TSFR3M reference rate + 7.000% spread) (3)

    10.955%        4/19/35        Ba3        340,259  
  750    

CIFC Funding 2022-IV Ltd , 144A (SOFR reference rate + 3.550% spread) (3)

    6.074%        7/16/35        BBB-        697,731  
  250    

Citrus Re Ltd , 144A (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.100% spread) (3)

    5.100%        6/07/25        N/R        237,075  
  406    

DB Master Finance LLC , 144A

    4.021%        5/20/49        BBB        376,831  
  746    

EWC Master Issuer LLC , 144A

    5.500%        3/15/52        N/R        683,924  
  480    

FOCUS Brands Funding LLC , 144A

    5.184%        10/30/48        BBB        439,806  
  500    

Goldentree Loan Opportunities IX Ltd , 144A (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.660% spread) (3)

    10.075%        10/29/29        BB-        454,776  
  500    

GoldentTree Loan Management US CLO 1 Ltd , 144A (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 7.500% spread) (3)

    8.563%        10/20/34        B-        407,599  
  375    

GRACIE POINT INTERNATIONAL FUNDING 2021-1 , 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.400% spread) (3)

    6.520%        11/01/23        N/R        373,080  
  490    

Hardee’s Funding LLC , 144A

    3.981%        12/20/50        BBB        419,616  
  500    

Hertz Vehicle Financing III LLC , 144A

    4.850%        6/25/26        Ba2        441,534  
  250    

Hestia Re Ltd , 144A (1-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 9.500% spread) (3)

    13.840%        4/22/25        N/R        181,250  
  318    

HIN Timeshare Trust , 144A

    5.500%        10/09/39        BB        293,161  
  227    

HIN Timeshare Trust , 144A

    6.500%        10/09/39        B        209,818  
  645    

Jack in the Box Funding LLC , 144A

    4.476%        8/25/49        BBB        586,466  
  686    

Jonah Energy Abs I LLC , 144A

    7.200%        11/20/37        A-        680,468  
  358    

LUNAR AIRCRAFT 2020-1 LTD , 144A

    3.376%        2/15/45        BBB        293,298  
  500    

Madison Park Funding XXXVI Ltd , 144A (TSFR3M reference rate + 5.460% spread) (3)

    5.764%        4/15/35        BBB-        481,509  

 

44


  
  

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)         
$ 1,125    

Magnetite XXIII Ltd , 144A (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.300% spread) (3)

    7.484%        1/25/35        BB-      $ 1,017,720  
  250    

Matterhorn Re Ltd , 144A (SOFR reference rate + 5.250% spread) (3)

    9.551%        3/24/25        N/R        215,175  
  500    

Mercury Financial Credit Card Master Trust , 144A

    10.680%        6/21/27        N/R        501,053  
  1,630    

Mexico Remittances Funding Fiduciary Estate Management Sarl , 144A

    4.875%        1/15/28        BB+        1,450,700  
  1,342    

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2019-2 , 144A

    0.000%        9/20/40        N/R        590,594  
  931    

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2020-1 , 144A

    0.000%        4/20/46        N/R        673,447  
  973    

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2020-2 , 144A

    5.420%        8/20/46        N/R        902,358  
  626    

MVW 2020-1 LLC , 144A

    4.210%        10/20/37        BBB        585,348  
  290    

MVW 2020-1 LLC , 144A

    7.140%        10/20/37        BB        274,959  
  500    

Oportun Funding 2022-1 LLC , 144A

    6.000%        6/15/29        N/R        477,619  
  500    

Oportun Funding XIV LLC , 144A

    5.400%        3/08/28        N/R        445,367  
  1,000    

Oportun Issuance Trust 2021-B , 144A

    5.410%        5/08/31        N/R        770,661  
  350    

Oportun Issuance Trust 2021-C , 144A

    5.570%        10/08/31        N/R        286,920  
  625    

Palmer Square CLO Ltd , 144A (TSFR3M reference rate + 6.350% spread) (3)

    10.313%        4/20/35        Ba3        570,964  
  250    

Purchasing Power Funding 2021-A LLC , 144A

    4.370%        10/15/25        N/R        237,013  
  1,271    

Purewest Funding LLC , 144A

    4.091%        12/22/36        A-        1,205,398  
  2    

Putnam RE PTE Ltd , 144A (1-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.500% spread) (3), (5)

    9.837%        6/07/24        N/R         
  400    

Residential Reinsurance 2020 Ltd , 144A (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 6.180% spread) (3)

    6.510%        12/06/24        N/R        378,800  
  500    

Residential Reinsurance 2022 Ltd , 144A (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 7.000% spread) (3)

    11.340%        12/06/26        N/R        498,100  
  500    

SD Re Ltd , 144A (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 9.250% spread) (3)

    13.592%        11/19/24        N/R        469,700  
  655    

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC , 144A

    3.882%        10/25/49        BBB-        579,955  
  576    

Sesac Finance LLC , 144A

    5.216%        7/25/49        N/R        531,411  
  64    

Sierra Timeshare 2019-3 Receivables Funding LLC , 144A

    4.180%        8/20/36        BB        59,446  
  389    

Sierra Timeshare 2020-2 Receivables Funding LLC , 144A

    6.590%        7/20/37        BB        372,220  
  1,000    

Sixth Street CLO XIX Ltd , 144A (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.900% spread) (3)

    10.143%        7/20/34        BB-        921,846  
  491    

Start II LTD , 144A

    5.095%        3/15/44        BB        332,025  
  1,000    

TCW CLO 2021-2 Ltd , 144A (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.860% spread) (3)

    6.985%        7/25/34        BB-        883,581  
  500    

Ursa Re II Ltd , 144A (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 7.000% spread) (3)

    11.337%        12/06/25        N/R        499,250  
  500    

VB-S1 Issuer LLC-VBTEL , 144A

    4.288%        2/15/52        BBB-        438,756  
  1,266    

Vivint Solar Financing V LLC , 144A

    7.370%        4/30/48        N/R        1,161,416  
  587    

VR Funding LLC , 144A

    6.420%        11/15/50        N/R        510,650  
$ 42,728    

Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $42,958,303)

 

     37,663,309  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $162,906,096)

 

     146,393,989  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.9% (1.3% of Total Investments)

 

      U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 1.9% (1.3% of Total Investments)  
$ 535    

Federal Home Loan Bank Discount Notes

    0.000%        1/03/23        N/R      $ 534,881  
  497    

Federal Home Loan Bank Discount Notes

    0.000%        1/06/23        N/R        496,724  
  927    

Freddie Mac Discount Notes

    0.000%        1/03/23        N/R        926,833  
$ 1,959    

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $1,958,438)

                               1,958,438  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $1,958,438)

 

                       1,958,438  
 

Total Investments (cost $164,864,534) – 143.7%

 

                       148,352,427  
 

Borrowings – (12.1)% (6), (7)

 

                       (12,495,000
 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest – (31.4)% (8)

 

                       (32,427,157
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (0.2)%

 

                       (162,885
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

 

                     $ 103,267,385  

 

45


JLS    Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (continued)
   Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2022

 

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)

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

 

(4)

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 $48,460,943 have been pledged as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements.

 

(5)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 3.

 

(6)

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 8.4%.

 

(7)

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $24,309,262 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings.

 

(8)

Reverse Repurchase Agreements, including accrued interest as a percentage of Total investments is 21.9%.

 

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.

 

I/O

Interest only security

 

LIBOR

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

SOFR

Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

SOFR30A

30 Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

TSFR1M

CME Term SOFR 1 Month

 

TSFR3M

CME Term SOFR 3 Month

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

46


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2022

 

      JGH        NPCT(1)        JLS  

Assets

            

Long-term investments, at value (cost $468,484,306, $741,993,317 and $162,906,096, respectively)

   $ 402,513,065        $ 561,716,400        $ 146,393,989  

Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value)

     16,295,154          843,271          1,958,438  

Cash

     359,567          27,255           

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (cost $379, $404,486 and $—, respectively)

     412          425,736           

Swaps premiums paid

              47,441           

Unrealized appreciation on:

            

Cross currency swaps

              5,172,382           

Interest rate swaps

     4,441,776                    

Receivable for:

            

Dividends

     26,563          53,242           

Interest

     6,706,776          6,630,041          699,407  

Investments sold

     1,761,797          26,577           

Reclaims

     15,707          171,116          1,003  

Other assets

     170,966          50,039          53,770  

Total assets

     432,291,783          575,163,500          149,106,607  

Liabilities

            

Cash overdraft

                       575,583  

Cash collateral due to broker

     4,162,329                    

Borrowings

     127,000,000          105,500,000          12,495,000  

Reverse repurchase agreements, including accrued interest

              46,067,628          32,427,157  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

              223,586           

Payable for:

            

Dividends

                       232  

Payable for Investments purchased – when-issued/delayed-delivery settlement

     3,335,628                    

Unfunded senior loans

     239,130                    

Taxable Fund Preferred (“TFP”) Shares, net of deferred offering costs (liquidation preference
$—, $70,000,000 and $—, respectively)

              69,655,241           

Accrued expenses:

            

Interest

     489,638          396,633          65,691  

Management fees

     312,487          481,726          123,187  

Trustees fees

     103,731          24,097          54,502  

Other

     154,355          97,498          97,870  

Total liabilities

     135,797,298          222,446,409          45,839,222  

Commitments and contingencies (as disclosed in Note 8)

                              

Net assets applicable to common shares

   $ 296,494,485        $ 352,717,091        $ 103,267,385  

Common shares outstanding

     23,177,393          28,755,000          5,476,626  

Net asset value (“NAV”) per common share outstanding

   $ 12.79        $ 12.27        $ 18.86  

Net assets applicable to common shares consist of:

                              

Common shares, $0.01 par value per share

   $ 231,774        $ 287,550        $ 54,766  

Paid-in surplus

     467,771,074          552,220,503          121,692,869  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (171,508,363        (199,790,962        (18,480,250

Net assets applicable to common shares

   $ 296,494,485        $ 352,717,091        $ 103,267,385  

Authorized common shares

     Unlimited          Unlimited          Unlimited  
(1)

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities (as disclosed in Note 1).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

47


Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

      JGH     NPCT(1)     JLS  

Investment Income

      

Dividends

   $ 317,913     $ 2,328,908     $  

Interest

     29,506,653       29,405,221       9,103,486  

Foreign tax withheld on dividend income

           (4,705      

Foreign tax withheld from interest income

           (270      

Rehypothecation income

                 140  

Total Investment Income

     29,824,566       31,729,154       9,103,626  

Expenses

      

Management fees

     3,963,845       6,433,668       1,449,688  

Interest expense and amortization of offering costs

     3,341,826       5,600,982       1,282,539  

Custodian fees

     171,446       32,006       43,284  

Trustees fees

     13,266       14,309       4,447  

Professional fees

     116,107       166,741       127,581  

Shareholder reporting expenses

     73,703       26,638       21,446  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     2,256       12,835       2,313  

Stock exchange listing fees

     7,406       18,338       7,406  

Investor relations expense

     120,728       45,783       20,309  

Other

     23,993       12,629       9,815  

Total expenses

     7,834,576       12,363,929       2,968,828  

Net investment income (loss)

     21,989,990       19,365,225       6,134,798  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

      

Net realized gain (loss) from:

      

Investments and foreign currency

     (19,661,038     (21,474,209     (1,934,077

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

           700,236        

Swaps

     (528,042     373,177        

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

      

Investments and foreign currency

     (68,030,075     (178,993,983     (16,720,905

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

           (394,861      

Swaps

     8,678,363       3,406,635        

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (79,540,792     (196,383,005     (18,654,982

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations

     (57,550,802     (177,017,780     (12,520,184

(1)  Consolidated Statement of Operations (as disclosed in Note 1).

      

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

48


Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

       JGH        NPCT(1)  
       

Year
Ended

12/31/22

       Year
Ended
12/31/21
      

Year
Ended

12/31/22

       For the period
4/27/21
(commencement
of operations)
through 12/31/21
 

Operations

                   

Net investment income (loss)

     $ 21,989,990        $ 24,147,881        $ 19,365,225        $ 8,935,776  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

                   

Investments and foreign currency

       (19,661,038        23,207,067          (21,474,209        848,644  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                         700,236          283,146  

Swaps

       (528,042        (1,646,145        373,177          156,234  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

                   

Investments and foreign currency

       (68,030,075        (27,936,191        (178,993,983        (1,252,416

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                         (394,861        171,275  

Swaps

       8,678,363          4,556,301          3,406,635          1,765,747  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations

       (57,550,802        22,328,913          (177,017,780        10,908,406  

Distributions to Common Shareholders

                   

Dividends

       (22,939,413        (22,729,429        (22,475,554        (11,231,531

Return of capital

       (8,489,132        (7,424,359        (13,065,626        (9,500,824

Decrease in net assets applicable to common shares from distributions to common shareholders

       (31,428,545        (30,153,788        (35,541,180        (20,732,355

Capital Share Transactions

                   

Common shares:

                   

Proceeds from sale of shares

                                  575,000,000  

Cost of shares repurchased and retired

                                   

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from capital share transactions

                                  575,000,000  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares

       (88,979,347        (7,824,875        (212,558,960        565,176,051  

Net assets applicable to common shares at the beginning of period

       385,473,832          393,298,707          565,276,051          100,000  

Net assets applicable to common shares at the end of period

     $ 296,494,485        $ 385,473,832        $ 352,717,091        $ 565,276,051  
(1)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets (as disclosed in Note 1).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

49


Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

       JLS  
       

Year

Ended

12/31/22

    

Year

Ended

12/31/21

 

Operations

       

Net investment income (loss)

     $ 6,134,798      $ 4,548,254  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments and foreign currency

       (1,934,077      1,064,856  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

               

Swaps

               

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

       

Investments and foreign currency

       (16,720,905      (170,240

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

               

Swaps

               

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations

       (12,520,184      5,442,870  

Distributions to Common Shareholders

       

Dividends

       (4,701,855      (4,636,388

Return of capital

       (1,122,866      (664,479

Decrease in net assets applicable to common shares from distributions to common shareholders

       (5,824,721      (5,300,867

Capital Share Transactions

       

Common shares:

       

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Cost of shares repurchased and retired

       (172,212       

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from capital share transactions

       (172,212       

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares

       (18,517,117      142,003  

Net assets applicable to common shares at the beginning of period

       121,784,502        121,642,499  

Net assets applicable to common shares at the end of period

     $ 103,267,385      $ 121,784,502  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

50


Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

     JGH     NPCT(1)     JLS  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

     

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares from Operations

  $ (57,550,802   $ (177,017,780   $ (12,520,184

Adjustments to reconcile the net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

     

Purchases of investments

    (116,660,433     (66,864,002     (71,470,538

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments

    151,871,697       166,737,471       71,089,663  

Proceeds from (Purchase of) short-term investments, net

    (5,518,343     247,443       (1,743,438

Proceeds from (Purchases of) closed foreign currency spot contracts

    33       327,368        

Proceeds from litigation settlement

    199,650             253  

Premiums received (paid) for interest rate swaps

          (403      

Amortization (Accretion) of premiums and discounts, net

    (270,510     1,372,148       (135,747

Amortization of deferred offering costs

          9,498        

(Increase) Decrease in:

     

Receivable for dividends

    9,375       292        

Receivable for interest

    224,784       (29,539     (128,037

Receivable for investments sold

    1,097,400       (15,327      

Receivable for reclaims

    791       (45,842     152  

Other assets

    17,475       (4,488     11,186  

Increase (Decrease) in:

     

Investments purchased – when-issued/delayed-delivery settlement

    221,633       (2,505,383      

Payable for unfunded senior loans

    239,130              

Accrued management fees

    (79,090     (214,830     (10,151

Accrued interest

    483,847       386,050       276,405  

Accrued Trustees fees

    (17,789     12,334       (10,692

Accrued other expenses

    (9,327     (179,589     (41,338

Net realized (gain) loss from:

     

Investments and foreign currency

    19,661,038       21,474,209       1,934,077  

Paydowns

    (49,205     63,932       (60,148

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     

Investments and foreign currency

    68,030,075       178,993,983       16,720,905  

Forward foreign currency contracts

          394,861        

Swaps

    (8,678,363     (3,406,635      

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    53,223,066       119,735,771       3,912,368  

Cash Flow from Financing Activities:

     

Proceeds from borrowings

    1,000,000       68,600,000       7,000,000  

(Repayments of) borrowings

    (33,000,000     (130,100,000     (2,960,000

Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements

          557,935,000       141,434,000  

(Repayments of) reverse repurchase agreements

          (649,915,000     (143,520,000

Proceeds from TFP shares issued, at liquidation preference

          70,000,000        

(Payments for) deferred offering costs

          (354,257      

Increase (Decrease) in:

     

Cash overdraft

                130,333  

Cash collateral due to broker

    4,162,329              

Cash distributions paid to common shareholders

    (31,428,545     (35,541,180     (5,824,489

Cost of common shares repurchased and retired

                (172,212

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (59,266,216     (119,375,437     (3,912,368
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Denominated in Foreign Currencies     (6,043,150     360,334        

Cash and cash collateral at brokers at the beginning of period

    6,403,129       92,657        

Cash and cash denominated in foreign currencies at the end of period

  $ 359,979     $ 452,991     $  
(1)  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (as disclosed in Note 1).  
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash collateral at brokers to the statement of assets and liabilities:  

Cash

  $ 359,567     $ 27,255     $  

Cash denominated in foreign currencies

    412       425,736        

Total cash and cash denominated in foreign currencies

  $ 359,979     $ 452,991     $  
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information                     

Cash paid for interest (excluding borrowing and amortization of offering costs)

  $ 2,737,674     $ 5,161,492     $ 1,005,187  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

51


THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

52


Financial Highlights

 

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

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

Discount from
Shares
Repurchased
and

Retired

    Ending
NAV
    Ending
Share
Price
 

JGH

 

Year Ended 12/31:

 

2022

  $ 16.63     $ 0.95     $ (3.43   $ (2.48   $ (0.99   $     $ (0.37   $ (1.36   $     $ 12.79     $ 11.25  

2021

    16.97       1.04       (0.08     0.96       (0.98       —       (0.32     (1.30           16.63       15.88  

2020

    18.14     1.10     (1.16     (0.06     (1.07       —       (0.04     (1.11           16.97     15.55

2019

    16.01     1.19     2.17       3.36       (1.20           (0.03     (1.23           18.14     16.38

2018

    18.51     1.26     (2.42     (1.16     (1.27           (0.08     (1.35     0.01     16.01     13.65

NPCT(e)

 

Period Ended 12/31:

 

2022

    19.66       0.67       (6.83     (6.16     (0.78           (0.45     (1.23           12.27       10.36  

2021(f)

    20.00     0.31     0.07       0.38       (0.36     (0.03     (0.33     (0.72           19.66     18.30

 

(a)

Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.

(b)

Total Return Based on Common Share NAV is the combination of changes in common share NAV, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending NAV. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

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

 

53


Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

                
Common Share Supplemental Data/
Ratios Applicable to Common Shares
 
Common Share
Total Returns
          Ratios to Average Net Assets(c)        
Based
on
NAV(b)
   

Based

on
Share
Price(b)

    Ending
Net Assets
(000)
    Expenses     Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
   

Portfolio

Turnover
Rate(d)

 
                                             
         
  (15.10 )%      (21.07 )%      296,494       2.43     6.82     26
  5.82       10.84       385,474       1.68       6.16       87  
  0.39     2.88       393,299     1.87       6.94       35
  21.54       29.93       420,480       2.64       6.84       43  
  (6.67     (11.97     371,082       2.51       7.10       61  
  12.25       15.14       430,058       2.08       7.70       77  
                                             
         
  (31.89     (37.45     352,717       2.95       4.61       10  
  1.90       (4.96     565,276       1.47     2.28     17  

 

(c)     Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to preferred shares (as described in Note 5 – Fund Shares) and/or borrowings and/or reverse repurchase agreements (as described in Note 9 – Borrowing Arrangements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements, where applicable.
    Each ratio includes the effect of all interest expenses paid and other costs related to preferred shares and/or borrowings and/or reverse repurchase agreements, where applicable, as follows:

 

Ratios of Interest Expense
to Average Net Assets Applicable
to Common Shares
 

JGH

       

Year Ended 12/31:

 

2022

    1.04

2021

    0.35  

2020

    0.59  

2019

    1.33  

2018

    1.19  
Ratios of Interest Expense
to Average Net Assets Applicable
to Common Shares
 

NPCT

       

2022

    1.33

2021(f)

    0.18
 

 

(d)

Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.

(e)

Consolidated Financial Highlights (as disclosed in Note 1).

(f)

For the period April 27, 2021 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2021.

*

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

54


 

Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period:

 

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

JLS

 

                                                                               

Year Ended 12/31:

                     

2022

  $ 22.19     $ 1.12     $ (3.38   $ (2.26   $ (0.86   $     $ (0.20   $ (1.06   $ (0.01   $ 18.86     $ 16.18  

2021

    22.17       0.83       0.16       0.99       (0.85           (0.12     (0.97           22.19       20.96  

2020

    22.83     0.86     (0.55     0.31       (0.73           (0.24     (0.97           22.17     19.77

2019

    23.02     0.76     0.41       1.17       (0.92           (0.44     (1.36           22.83     21.96

2018

    24.70     1.16     (0.76     0.40       (1.52     (0.49     (0.07     (2.08           23.02     22.35

 

(a)

Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.

(b)

Total Return Based on Common Share NAV is the combination of changes in common share NAV, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending NAV. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.

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

 

55


Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

                
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Applicable to Common Shares
 
Common Share
Total Returns
          Ratios to Average Net Assets Before
Reimbursement(c)
    Ratios to Average Net Assets After
Reimbursement(c)(d)
       
Based
on
NAV(b)
   

    
Based

on
Share
Price(b)

    Ending
Net Assets
(000)
    Expenses     Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
    Expenses     Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
   

Portfolio

Turnover
Rate(e)

 
                                                             
             
  (10.30 )%      (17.88 )%    $ 103,267       2.72     5.61     N/A       N/A       47
  4.47       11.02       121,785       1.87       3.69       N/A       N/A       73  
  1.69       (5.36     121,642       2.46       3.11       1.54     4.04     117  
  5.16       4.27       125,253       2.72       3.08       2.53       3.26       100  
  1.63       (1.06     365,810       2.89       4.77       N/A       N/A       44  

 

(c)    

Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to borrowings and/or reverse repurchase agreements (as

described in Note 9 – Borrowing Arrangements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements, where applicable.

    Each ratio includes the effect of all interest expenses paid and other costs related to borrowings and/or reverse repurchase agreements, where applicable, as follows:

 

Ratios of Interest Expense
to Average Net Assets Applicable
to Common Shares
 

JLS

       

Year Ended 12/31:

 

2022

    1.17

2021

    0.45  

2020

    0.91  

2019

    1.15  

2018

    1.26  

 

(d)

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Adviser voluntarily reimbursed the Fund for certain expenses incurred in connection with its restructuring.

(e)

Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.

N/A

Fund did not have a contractual reimbursement with the Adviser.

 

56

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


 

The following table sets forth information regarding each Fund’s outstanding senior securities as of the end of each of the Fund’s last five fiscal periods, as applicable.

 

    Borrowings      TFP Shares      Borrowings,
and/or TFP
Shares
 
     Aggregate
Amount
Outstanding
(000)(a)
     Asset
Coverage
Per $1,000
Share(b)
     Aggregate
Amount
Outstanding
(000)(a)
     Asset
Coverage
Per $1,000
Share(b)
     Asset
Coverage
Per $1
Liquidation
Preference
 

JGH

                                           

Year Ended 12/31:

             

2022

  $ 127,000      $ 3,335      $      $      $  

2021

    159,000        3,424                       

2020

    149,200        3,636                       

2019

    175,200        3,400                       

2018

    175,200        3,118                       

NPCT

                                           

Year Ended 12/31:

             

2022

    105,500        5,007        70,000        3,010        3.01  

2021(c)

    167,000        4,385                       

JLS

                                           

Year Ended 12/31:

             

2022

    12,495        9,265                       

2021

    8,455        15,404                       

2020

    15,505        8,845                       

2019

                                 

2018

    147,200        3,485                       

 

(a)

Aggregate Amount Outstanding: Aggregate amount outstanding represents the principal amount or liquidation preference as of the end of the relevant fiscal year.

(b)

Asset Coverage Per $1,000: Asset coverage per $1,000 is calculated by subtracting the Fund’s liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities from the Fund’s total assets, dividing the result by the aggregate amount of the Fund’s senior securities representing indebtedness then outstanding (if applicable,) plus the aggregate of the involuntary liquidation preference of the outstanding preferred shares, if applicable, and multiplying the result by 1,000.

(c)

For the period April 27, 2021 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2021.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

57


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. General Information

Fund Information

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

 

   

Nuveen Global High Income Fund (JGH)

 

   

Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT)

 

   

Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS)

The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as amended, as diversified closed-end management investment companies. JGH, NPCT and JLS were organized as Massachusetts business trusts on August 5, 2014, December 4, 2020 and September 10, 2009, respectively.

Current Fiscal Period

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is December 31, 2022. The period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser

The Funds’ investment adviser is Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC (“Nuveen”). Nuveen is the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). The Adviser has overall responsibility for management of the Funds, oversees the management of the Funds’ portfolio, manages the Funds’ business affairs and provides certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services, and, if necessary, asset allocation decisions. The Adviser has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“NAM”), a subsidiary of the Adviser and Teachers Advisors, LLC (“TAL”), an affiliate of the Adviser, (each a “Sub-Adviser” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”). NAM manages the investment portfolios of JGH and NPCT, while TAL manages the investment portfolio of JLS.

Developments Regarding JGH’s Control Share By-Law

On January 14, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) received a shareholder demand letter (the “Demand Letter”) from Saba Capital CEF Opportunities 1, Ltd. and Saba Capital Management, L.P. (collectively, “Saba”) demanding that the Fund (i) rescind the Fund’s by-law provisions pursuant to which, in summary, a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of common shares in a Control Share Acquisition (as defined in the by-laws) shall have the same voting rights as other common shareholders only to the extent authorized by the other disinterested shareholders (the “Control Share By-Law”) and (ii) commence judicial action against the Board to ensure that the Control Share By-Law is withdrawn. Following review of the Demand Letter, the Board determined that it would not be in the best interests of the Fund or the Fund’s shareholders to take the actions requested in the Demand Letter. Also on January 14, 2021, Saba filed a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “District Court”) against the Fund, certain other Nuveen funds and the Board, seeking a declaration that the Control Share By-Law violates the 1940 Act, rescission of the Control Share By-Law and a permanent injunction against applying the Control Share By-Law. On February 18, 2022, the District Court granted judgment in favor of Saba’s claim for rescission of the Control Share By-Law and Saba’s declaratory judgment claim, and declared that the Control Share By-Law violates Section 18(i) of the 1940 Act. Following review of the judgment of the District Court, on February 22, 2022, the Trustees amended the Fund’s by-laws to provide that the Control Share By-Law shall be of no force and effect for so long as the judgment of the District Court is effective and that if the judgment of the District Court is reversed, overturned, vacated, stayed, or otherwise nullified, the Control Share By-Law will be automatically reinstated and apply to any beneficial owner of common shares acquired in a Control Share Acquisition, regardless of whether such Control Share Acquisition occurs before or after such reinstatement, for the duration of the stay or upon issuance of the mandate reversing, overturning, vacating or otherwise nullifying the judgment of the District Court. On February 25, 2022, the Board and the Funds appealed the District Court’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Developments Regarding NPCT’s and JLS’s Control Share By-Law

On October 5, 2020, the Funds and certain other closed-end funds in the Nuveen fund complex amended their by-laws. Among other things, the amended bylaws included provisions pursuant to which, in summary, a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of common shares in a Control Share Acquisition (as defined in the by-laws) shall have the same Control Share By-Law. On January 14, 2021, a shareholder of certain Nuveen closed-end funds filed a civil complaint in the District Court against certain Nuveen funds and their trustees, seeking a declaration that such funds’ Control Share By-Laws violate the 1940 Act, rescission of such fund’s Control Share By-Laws and a permanent injunction against such funds applying the Control Share By-Laws. On February 18, 2022, the District Court granted judgment in favor of the plaintiff’s claim for rescission of such funds’ Control Share By-Laws and the plaintiff’s declaratory judgment claim, and declared that such funds’ Control Share By-Laws violate Section 18(i) of the 1940 Act. Following review of the judgment of the District Court, on February 22, 2022, the Board amended the Funds’ by-laws to provide that the Funds’ Control Share By-Law shall be of no force and effect for so long as the judgment of the District Court is effective and that if the judgment of the District Court is reversed, overturned,

 

58


 

vacated, stayed, or otherwise nullified, the Funds’ Control Share By-Law will be automatically reinstated and apply to any beneficial owner of common shares acquired in a Control Share Acquisition, regardless of whether such Control Share Acquisition occurs before or after such reinstatement, for the duration of the stay or upon issuance of the mandate reversing, overturning, vacating or otherwise nullifying the judgment of the District Court. On February 25, 2022, the Board and the Funds appealed the District Court’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Basis for Consolidation

NPCT is presented on a consolidated basis with the Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NPCT organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Subsidiary commenced operations on April 27, 2021 and is intended to provide the Fund with exposure to Regulation S fixed-income securities. Regulation S securities are securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued through private placement transactions with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Subsidiary is advised by the Adviser and has the same investment objective as NPCT, but unlike NPCT, it may invest in Regulation S securities without limitation. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Subsidiary were $21,882,018 representing 6% of the Fund’s consolidated net assets. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Select financial information related to the Subsidiary is as follows:

 

        NPCT  

Total long-term investments at value

     $ 21,580,836  

Net assets applicable to Common Shares

       21,882,018  

Net investment income (loss)

       528,872  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency

       (9,136

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments and foreign currency

       (7,441,049

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require the use of estimates made by management and the evaluation of subsequent events. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Each Fund is an investment company and follows the accounting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. The net asset value (“NAV”) for financial reporting purposes may differ from the NAV for processing security and common share transactions. The NAV for financial reporting purposes includes security and common share transactions through the date of the report. Total return is computed based on the NAV used for processing security and common share transactions. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds.

Compensation

The Funds pay no compensation directly to those of their trustees or to it’s officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Funds from the Adviser or its affiliates. The Board has adopted a deferred compensation plan for independent trustees that enables trustees to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual compensation they are entitled to receive from certain Nuveen-advised funds. Under the plan, deferred amounts are treated as though equal dollar amounts had been invested in shares of select Nuveen-advised funds.

Distributions to Common Shareholders

Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount, character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

Each Fund has implemented a level distribution program to provide shareholders with stable, but not guaranteed, cash flow, independent of the amount or timing of income earned or capital gains realized by the Fund. Under this program, the Fund’s regular monthly distribution, in order to maintain its level distribution amount, may include net investment income, return of capital and potentially capital gains for tax purposes. The amounts and sources of distributions are reported for financial reporting purposes and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and character of the distributions for tax reporting purposes will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to shareholders shortly after calendar year-end.

NPCT makes monthly cash distributions to common shareholders of a stated dollar amount per share. Subject to approval and oversight by the Board, the Fund seeks to maintain a stable distribution level designed to deliver the long-term return potential of the Fund’s investment strategy through regular monthly distributions (a “Managed Distribution Program”). Total distributions during a calendar year generally will be made from the Fund’s net investment income, net realized capital gains and net unrealized capital gains in the Fund’s portfolio, if any. The portion of distributions paid attributed to net unrealized gains, if any, is distributed from the Fund’s assets and is treated by common shareholders as a nontaxable distribution (“return of capital”) for tax purposes. In the event that total distributions during a calendar year exceed the Fund’s total return on NAV, the difference will reduce NAV per share. If the Fund’s total return on NAV exceeds total distributions during a calendar year, the excess will be reflected as an increase in NAV per share. The amounts and sources of distributions reported for financial reporting purposes and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and character of the distributions for tax reporting purposes will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to shareholders shortly after calendar year-end.

 

59


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

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

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Assets, including investments, and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the end of each day. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the respective dates of the transactions.

Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates associated with (i) foreign currency, (ii) investments and (iii) derivatives include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date of the transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Funds and the amounts actually received are recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable.

The unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in foreign exchange rates associated with (i) investments and (ii) other assets and liabilities are recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and foreign currency” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. The unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates associated with investments in derivatives are recognized as a component of the respective derivative’s related “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable.

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

 

JGH      Value     

% of Total

Investments

 

Country:

       

Canada

     $ 22,939,347        5.5

Mexico

       12,317,229        2.9  

Australia

       11,105,941        2.7  

Brazil

       8,941,817        2.1  

Netherlands

       8,079,159        1.9  

Colombia

       7,962,025        1.9  

Luxembourg

       7,726,278        1.8  

Turkey

       7,234,077        1.7  

South Africa

       6,737,561        1.6  

France

       6,559,779        1.6  

Israel

       5,692,892        1.4  

United Kingdom

       5,660,606        1.4  

Other

       75,892,561        18.1  

Total non-U.S. securities

     $ 186,849,272        44.6
NPCT                  

Country:

       

Chile

     $ 24,445,655        4.3

United Kingdom

       23,338,775        4.1  

Italy

       23,103,251        4.1  

India

       18,581,022        3.3  

Australia

       16,112,898        2.9  

Mexico

       15,332,936        2.7  

Switzerland

       13,811,100        2.5  

Canada

       13,762,077        2.4  

Indonesia

       11,798,742        2.1  

South Korea

       8,219,525        1.5  

Brazil

       8,178,750        1.5  

Other

       52,339,957        9.3  

Total non-U.S. securities

     $ 229,024,688        40.7

 

60


 

Foreign taxes

The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Funds will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon the current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which the Funds invest.

Indemnifications

Under the Funds’ organizational documents, their officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

Investments and Investment Income

Securities transactions are accounted for as of the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Trade date for senior and subordinated loans purchased in the “primary market” is considered the date on which the loan allocations are determined. Trade date for senior and subordinated loans purchased in the “secondary market” is the date on which the transaction is entered into. Realized gains and losses on securities transactions are based upon the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, or for foreign securities, when information is available. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded at fair value. Interest income, which is recorded on an accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums for financial reporting purposes. Interest income also reflects payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, fee income, if any and paydown gains and losses, if any. PIK interest represents income received in the form of securities in lieu of cash. Fee income consists primarily of amendment fees. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to an original senior loan agreement and are recognized when received. Rehypothecation income is comprised of fees earned in connection with the rehypothecation of pledged collateral as further described in Note 9 – Borrowing Arrangements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.

Netting Agreements

In the ordinary course of business, the Funds may enter into transactions subject to enforceable master repurchase agreements, International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) master agreements or other similar arrangements (“netting agreements”). Generally, the right to offset in netting agreements allows each Fund to offset certain securities and derivatives with a specific counterparty, when applicable, as well as any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. Generally, each Fund manages its cash collateral and securities collateral on a counterparty basis. With respect to certain counterparties, in accordance with the terms of the netting agreements, collateral posted to the Funds is held in a segregated account by the Funds’ custodian and/or with respect to those amounts which can be sold or repledged, are presented in the Funds’ Portfolio of Investments or Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

The Funds’ investments subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, if any, are further described in Note 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Rule Issuances

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The main objective of the new guidance is to provide relief to companies that will be impacted by the expected change in benchmark interest rates, when participating banks will no longer be required to submit London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) quotes by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The new guidance allows companies to, provided the only changes to existing contracts are a change to an approved benchmark interest rate, account for modifications as a continuance of the existing contract without additional analysis. For new and existing contracts, the Funds may elect to apply the amendments as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, FASB deferred ASU 2022-04 and issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform: Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, which extends the application of the amendments through December 31, 2024. Management has not yet elected to apply the amendments, is continuously evaluating the potential effect a discontinuation of LIBOR could have on the Funds’ investments and has currently determined that it is unlikely the ASU’s adoption will have a significant impact on the Funds’ financial statements and various filings.

New Rules to Modernize Fund Valuation Framework Take Effect

A new rule adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) governing fund valuation practices, Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, has established requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 permits fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, which requires a fund to fair value a security when market quotations are not readily available. Separately, new SEC Rule 31a-4 under the 1940 Act sets forth the recordkeeping requirements associated with fair value determinations. The Funds adopted a valuation policy conforming to the new rules, effective September 1, 2022, and there was no material impact to the Funds.

 

61


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

FASB issues ASU 2022-03 – Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”)

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03 to clarify the guidance in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“Topic 820”). The amendments in ASU 2022-03 affect all entities that have investments in equity securities measured at fair value that are subject to a contractual sale restriction. ASU 2022-03 (1) clarifies the guidance in Topic 820, when measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual restrictions that prohibit the sale of an equity security, (2) amends a related illustrative example, and (3) introduces new disclosure requirements for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions that are measured at fair value in accordance with Topic 820. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2022-03 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. Management is currently assessing the impact of these provisions on the Funds’ financial statements.

3. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

The Funds’ investments in securities are recorded at their estimated fair value utilizing valuation methods approved by the Adviser, subject to oversight of the Board. 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. U.S. GAAP establishes the three-tier hierarchy which 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 management’s 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, credit spreads, etc.).
Level 3 –   Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Funds’ major classifications of assets and liabilities measured at fair value follows:

Equity securities and exchange-traded funds listed or traded on a national market or exchange are valued based on their last reported sales price or official closing price of such market or exchange on the valuation date. Foreign equity securities and registered investment companies that trade on a foreign exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or official closing price on the principal exchange where traded, and converted to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange on the valuation date. For events affecting the value of foreign securities between the time when the exchange on which they are traded closes and the time when the Funds’ net assets are calculated, such securities will be valued at fair value in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board. To the extent these securities are actively traded and no valuation adjustments are applied, they are generally classified as Level 1. When valuation adjustments are applied to the most recent last sales price or official closing price, these securities are generally classified as Level 2.

Prices of fixed-income securities are generally provided by pricing services approved by the Adviser, which is subject to review by the Adviser and oversight of the Board. Pricing services establish a security’s fair value using methods that may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. In pricing certain securities, particularly less liquid and lower quality securities, the pricing services may consider information about a security, its issuer or market activity provided by the Adviser. These securities are generally classified as Level 2.

Repurchase agreements are valued at contract amount plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. These securities are generally classified as Level 2.

Forward foreign currency contracts are valued using the prevailing forward exchange rate which is derived from quotes provided by the pricing service using the procedures approved by the Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board and are generally classified as Level 2.

Swap contracts are marked-to-market daily based upon a price supplied by a pricing service. Swaps are generally classified as Level 2.

For any portfolio security or derivative for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the Adviser deems the valuations derived using the valuation procedures described above not to reflect fair value, the Adviser will determine a fair value in good faith using alternative procedures approved by the Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board. As a general principle, the fair value of a security is the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it in a current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, which may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. To the extent the inputs are observable and timely, the values would be classified as Level 2; otherwise they would be classified as Level 3.

 

62


 

The following table summarizes the market value of the Funds’ investments as of the end of the reporting period, based on the inputs used to value them:

 

JGH    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Long-Term Investments*:            

Corporate Bonds

   $      $ 276,857,057      $      $ 276,857,057  

Sovereign Debt

            48,512,706               48,512,706  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

            30,028,564               30,028,564  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

            25,598,148               25,598,148  

Contingent Capital Securities

            16,130,706               16,130,706  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     4,338,982                      4,338,982  

Asset-Backed Securities

            633,562               633,562  

Common Stocks

                   413,340 ***       413,340  

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

            16,295,154               16,295,154  

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Interest Rate Swaps**

            4,441,776               4,441,776  

Total

   $ 4,338,982      $ 418,497,673      $ 413,340      $ 423,249,995  
NPCT                                

Long-Term Investments*:

           

Corporate Bonds

   $      $ 319,896,545      $      $ 319,896,545  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

            85,849,150               85,849,150  

Asset-Backed Securities

            44,455,758               44,455,758  

Mortgage-Backed Securities

            37,953,735               37,953,735  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     30,233,628                      30,233,628  

Sovereign Debt

            20,260,676               20,260,676  

Municipal Bonds

            12,384,671               12,384,671  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

            10,682,237               10,682,237  

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

            843,271               843,271  

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**

            (223,586             (223,586

Cross Currency Swaps**

            5,172,382               5,172,382  

Total

   $ 30,233,628      $ 537,274,839      $      $ 567,508,467  
JLS                                

Long-Term Investments*:

           

Mortgage-Backed Securities

   $      $ 108,730,680      $      $ 108,730,680  

Asset-Backed Securities

            37,663,298        11 ***       37,663,309  

Short-Term Investments:

           

U.S. Government And Agency Obligations

            1,958,438               1,958,438  

Total

   $      $ 148,352,416      $ 11      $ 148,352,427  
*

Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for industry and country classifications, where applicable.

**

Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

***

Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 3.

The Funds hold liabilities in preferred shares, where applicable, which are not reflected in the tables above. The fair values of the Funds’ liabilities for preferred shares approximate their liquidation preference. Preferred shares are generally classified as Level 2 and further described in Note 5 – Fund Shares.

4. Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives

Portfolio Securities

Unfunded Commitments for JGH and NPCT

Pursuant to the terms of certain of the variable rate senior loan agreements, JGH and NPCT may have unfunded senior loan commitments. Each Fund will maintain with its custodian, cash, liquid securities and/or liquid senior loans having an aggregate value at least equal to the amount of unfunded senior loan commitments. As of the end of the reporting period, JGH’s and NPCT’s outstanding unfunded senior loan commitments were as follow:

 

     JGH     NPCT  

Outstanding unfunded senior loan commitments

  $ 239,130     $     —  

 

 

63


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Participation Commitments for JGH and NPCT

With respect to the senior loans held in JGH’s and NPCT’s portfolio, the Funds may: 1) invest in assignments; 2) act as a participant in primary lending syndicates; or 3) invest in participations. If a Fund purchases a participation of a senior loan interest, the Fund would typically enter into a contractual agreement with the lender or other third party selling the participation, rather than directly with the borrower. As such, the Fund not only assumes the credit risk of the borrower, but also that of the selling participant or other persons interpositioned between the Fund and the borrower. As of the end of the reporting period, JGH and NPCT had no such outstanding participation commitments.

Repurchase Agreements

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

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

 

Fund    Counterparty    Short-Term
Investments, at Value
       Collateral
Pledged (From)
Counterparty
 
JGH   

Fixed Income Clearing Corporation

   $ 16,295,154        $ (16,621,155
NPCT   

Fixed Income Clearing Corporation

     843,271          (860,180

Zero Coupon Securities

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

Investment Transactions

Long-term purchases and sales (including maturities but excluding derivative transactions) during the current fiscal period were as follows:

 

       

JGH

    

NPCT

    

JLS

 

Purchases

     $ 116,660,433      $ 66,864,002      $ 71,470,538  

Sales and maturities

       151,871,697        166,737,471        71,089,663  

The Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may have extended settlement periods; interest income is not accrued until settlement date. Any securities so purchased are subject to market fluctuation during this period. The Funds have earmarked securities in their portfolio with a current value at least equal to the amount of the when-issued/delayed-delivery purchase commitments. If a Fund has outstanding when-issued/delayed-delivery purchases commitments as of the end of the reporting period, such amounts are recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Investments in Derivatives

Each Fund is authorized to invest in certain derivative instruments, such as futures, options and swap contracts. Each Fund limits its investments in futures, options on futures and swap contracts to the extent necessary for the Adviser to claim the exclusion from registration by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund. The Funds record derivative instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. Even though the Funds’ investments in derivatives may represent economic hedges, they are not considered to be hedge transactions for financial reporting purposes.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

NPCT is authorized to enter into forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) under two circumstances: (i) when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency to “lock in” the U.S. exchange rate of the transaction, with such period being a short-dated contract covering the period between transaction date and settlement date or (ii) when the Sub-Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may experience a substantial movement against the U.S. dollar or against another foreign currency.

A forward contract is an agreement between two parties to purchase or sell a specified quantity of a currency at or before a specified date in the future at a specified price. Forward contracts are typically traded in the OTC markets and all details of the contract are negotiated between the counterparties to the agreement. Accordingly, the forward contracts are valued by reference to the contracts traded in the OTC markets. The contractual obligations of a

 

64


 

buyer or seller may generally be satisfied by taking or making physical delivery of the underlying currency, establishing an opposite position in the contract and recognizing the profit or loss on both positions simultaneously on the delivery date or, in some instances, paying a cash settlement before the designated date of delivery.

Forward contracts are valued daily at the forward rate. The net amount recorded on these transactions is recognized as a component of “Unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in value of the forward contracts during the reporting period is recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward foreign currency contracts” on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or offset with the same counterparty, the Fund recognizes the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was entered and the value at the time it was closed or offset as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from forward foreign currency contracts” on the Statement of Operations.

Forward contracts will generally not be entered into for terms greater than three months, but may have maturities of up to six months or more. The use of forward contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the Fund’s investment securities; however, it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. The use of forward contracts involves the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted. A forward contract would limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of a particular currency; however, it also would limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase instead of decrease. These contracts may involve market risk in excess of the unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Forward contracts are subject to counterparty risk if the counterparty fails to perform as specified in the contract due to financial impairment or other reason.

During the current fiscal period, NPCT used forward foreign currency contracts to hedge exposure to Euro denominated positions.

The average notional amount of forward foreign currency contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

        NPCT  

Average notional amount of forward foreign currency contracts outstanding*

     $ 9,152,382  
*

The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of forward foreign currency contracts held by the Fund as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

        

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
Underlying
Risk Exposure
   Derivative
Instrument
 

Assets Derivatives

         

(Liability)Derivatives

 
  Location    Value            Location    Value  
NPCT               

Foreign currency

exchange rate

  

Forward

contracts

 

   $     —             Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts    $ (223,586

The following table presents the forward foreign currency contracts subject to netting agreements and the collateral delivered related to those forward foreign currency contracts as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Counterparty      Gross Unrealized
Appreciation on
Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts*
     Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation) on
Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts*
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) on
Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts
     Collateral
Pledged
to (from)
Counterparty
     Net
Exposure
 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

     $     —      $ (223,586    $ (223,586    $     —      $ (223,586
*

Represents gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the counterparty as reported in the Funds’ Portfolio of Investments.

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on forward foreign currency contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Underlying Risk Exposure     

Derivative

Instrument

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)
from Forward
Foreign Currency
Contracts

       Change in Net
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation) of
Forward Foreign Currency
Contracts
 

Foreign currency exchange rate

    

Forward contracts

     $ 700,236        $ (394,861

 

65


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

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

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

Interest rate swap contracts are valued daily. Upon entering into an interest rate swap contract (and beginning on the effective date for a forward interest rate swap contract), the Fund accrues the fixed rate payment expected to be paid or received and the variable rate payment expected to be received or paid on the interest rate swap contracts on a daily basis, and recognizes the daily change in the fair value of the Fund’s contractual rights and obligations under the contracts. For an over-the-counter (“OTC”) swap that is not cleared through a clearing house (“OTC Uncleared”), the amount recorded on these transactions is recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps.”

Upon the execution of an OTC swap cleared through a clearing house (“OTC Cleared”), the Fund is obligated to deposit cash or eligible securities, also known as “initial margin,” into an account at its clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the contract amount. Cash deposited by the Fund to cover initial margin requirements on open swap contracts, if any, is recognized as a component of “Cash collateral at brokers for investments in swaps” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Investments in OTC Cleared swaps obligate the Fund and the clearing broker to settle monies on a daily basis representing changes in the prior day’s “mark-to-market” of the swap contract. If the Fund has unrealized appreciation, the clearing broker will credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the appreciation. Conversely, if the Fund has unrealized depreciation, the clearing broker will debit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as “variation margin.” Variation margin for OTC Cleared swaps is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for “Variation margin on swap contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Upon the execution of an OTC Uncleared swap, neither the Fund nor the counterparty is required to deposit initial margin as the trades are recorded bilaterally between both parties to the swap contract, and the terms of the variation margin are subject to a predetermined threshold negotiated by the Fund and the counterparty. Variation margin for OTC Uncleared swaps is recognized as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps” as described in the preceding paragraph.

The net amount of periodic payments settled in cash are recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from swaps” on the Statement of Operations, in addition to the net realized gain or loss recorded upon the termination of the swap contract. For tax purposes, payments expected to be received or paid on the swap contracts are treated as ordinary income or expense, respectively. Changes in the value of the swap contracts during the fiscal period are recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps” on the Statement of Operations. In certain instances, payments are made or received upon entering into the swap contract to compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreements and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). Payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period, if any, are recognized as “Interest rate swaps premiums received and/or paid” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

During the current fiscal period, JGH continued to use interest rate swap contracts to partially hedge its future interest cost of leverage, which is through the use of bank borrowings.

Cross Currency Swap Contracts

NPCT uses cross currency swap contracts to gain or mitigate exposure to foreign exchange markets. A cross currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange two different currencies with the understanding that the exchange will be reversed at a later date at specified exchange rates.

Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential of default by counterparty and, depending on their terms, may be subject to foreign exchange risk.

Cross currency swap contracts are valued daily. Upon entering into a cross currency swap contract the exchange of currencies takes place at the current spot rate. For an OTC Uncleared swap not cleared through a clearing house, the amount recorded on these transactions is recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or deprecation on cross currency swaps.”

Upon the execution of an OTC Cleared swap, the Fund is obligated to deposit cash or eligible securities, also known as “initial margin,” into an account at its clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the contract amount. Cash held by the broker to cover initial margin requirements on open swap contracts, if any, is recognized as “Cash collateral at brokers for investments in swaps” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Investments in OTC Cleared swaps obligate a Fund and the clearing broker to settle monies on a daily basis representing changes in the prior day’s “mark-to-market” of the swap. If a Fund has unrealized appreciation, the clearing broker would credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the appreciation and conversely

 

66


 

if a Fund has unrealized depreciation, the clearing broker will debit a Fund’s account with an amount equal to the depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as “variation margin.” Variation margin for OTC Cleared swaps is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for “Variation margin on swap contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Upon the execution of an OTC Uncleared swap, neither the Fund nor the counterparty is required to deposit initial margin as the trades are recorded bilaterally between both parties to the swap contract, and the terms of the variation margin are subject to a predetermined threshold negotiated by the Fund and the counterparty. Variation margin for OTC Uncleared swaps is recognized as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on cross currency swaps” as described in the preceding paragraph.

Interest payments, if applicable, are made between the parties based on interest rates available in the two currencies at the inception of the contract and recognized as a component of “Realized gain (loss) from swaps” on the Statement of Operations, in addition to the net realized gain or loss recorded upon the termination of the swap contract. At maturity, the re-exchange may take place at the same exchange rate, a specified rate, or the then current spot rate. Changes in value of the swap contracts during the fiscal period are recognized as a component of “Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps” on the Statement of the Operations. In certain instances, payments are made or received upon entering into the swap contract to compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreements and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). Payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period, if any, are recognized as “Cross currency swaps premiums received and/or paid” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

During the current fiscal period, NPCT utilized cross currency swaps to hedge its Euro exposure to U.S. dollars.

The average notional amount of each Fund’s respective swap contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

     JGH     NPCT  

Average notional amount of swap contracts outstanding*

  $ 87,400,000     $ 36,453,095  
*

The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of all swap contracts held by JGH and NPCT as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

        

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

Underlying

Risk Exposure

  

Derivative

Instrument

 

Asset Derivatives

         

(Liability) Derivatives

 
  Location    Value            Location    Value  
JGH               
Interest rate    Swaps (OTC Uncleared)   Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps**    $ 4,441,776            

   $  
NPCT               
Foreign currency exchange rate    Swaps (OTC Uncleared)   Unrealized appreciation on cross currency swaps**    $ 5,172,382                $  
**

Some swaps contracts require a counterparty to pay or receive a premium, which is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable, and is not reflected in the cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) presented above.

The following table presents the swap contracts subject to netting agreements and the collateral delivered related to those swap contracts as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Fund    Counterparty    Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
on Swaps***
     Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
on Swaps***
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
on Swaps***
     Swaps
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Collateral
Pledged
to (from)
Counterparty
     Net
Exposure
 
JGH   

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

   $ 4,441,776      $      $ 4,441,776      $      $ (4,162,329    $ 279,447  
NPCT   

Citibank N.A.

   $ 2,802,981      $      $ 2,802,981      $ 46,799      $ (2,890,000    $ (40,220
  

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

     792,452               792,452        (3,604             788,848  
    

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

     1,576,949               1,576,949        4,246        (1,527,122      54,073  
          $ 5,172,382      $      $ 5,172,382      $ 47,441      $ (4,417,122    $ 802,701  
***

Represents gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the counterparty as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

 

67


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on swap contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Fund   Underlying
Risk Exposure
     Derivative
Instrument
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
from Swaps
       Change in Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
of Swaps
 
JGH   Interest rate      Swaps      $ (528,042      $ 8,678,363  
NPCT   Foreign currency exchange rate      Swaps        373,177          3,406,635  

Market and Counterparty Credit Risk

In the normal course of business each Fund may invest in financial instruments and enter into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the other party to the transaction to perform (counterparty credit risk). The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded on the financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose each Fund to counterparty credit risk, consist principally of cash due from counterparties on forward, option and swap transactions, when applicable. The extent of each Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk in respect to these financial assets approximates its carrying value as recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

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

5. Fund Shares

Common Share Transactions

Transactions in common shares during the Funds’ current and prior fiscal period, where applicable, were as follows:

 

     NPCT        JLS  
      Year Ended
12/31/22
     For the period 4/27/21
(commencement of operations)
through 12/31/21*
       Year Ended
12/31/22
     Year Ended
12/31/21
 

Common shares:

             

Sold

            28,750,000                  

Repurchased and retired

                     (10,814       

Weighted average common share:

             

Price per share repurchased and retired

   $      $        $ 15.90      $  

Discount per share repurchased and retired

                 (15.69 )%      
*

Prior to the commencement of operations, the Adviser purchased 5,000 shares, which are still held as of the end of the current fiscal period.

Preferred Shares

Taxable Fund Preferred Shares

NPCT has issued and has outstanding Taxable Fund Preferred (“TFP”) Shares, with a $1,000 liquidation preference per share. These TFP Shares were issued via private placement and are not publicly available.

The Fund is obligated to redeem its TFP Shares by the date as specified in its offering documents (“Term Redemption Date”), unless earlier redeemed by the Fund. TFP Shares are initially issued in a pre-specified mode, however, TFP Shares can be subsequently designated as an alternative mode at a later date at the discretion of the Funds. The modes within TFP Shares detail the dividend mechanics and are described as follows. At a subsequent date, the Fund may establish additional mode structures with the TFP Share.

 

   

Variable Rate Mode (“VRM”) – Dividends for TFP Shares designated in this mode are based upon a short-term index plus an additional fixed “spread” amount established at the time of issuance or renewal / conversion of its mode. At the end of the period of the mode, the Fund will be required to either extend the term of the mode, designate an alternative mode or redeem the TFP Shares. The fair value of TFP Shares while in VRM are expected to approximate their liquidation preference so long as the fixed “spread” on the shares remains roughly in line with the “spread’ being

 

68


 

  demanded by investors on instruments having similar terms in the current market. In current market conditions, the Adviser has determined that the fair value of the shares are approximately their liquidation preference, but their fair value could vary if market conditions change materially.

 

   

Variable Rate Demand Mode (“VRDM”) – Dividends for TFP Shares designated in this mode will be established by a remarketing agent; therefore, the market value of the TFP Shares is expected to approximate its liquidation preference. While in this mode, shares will have an unconditional liquidity feature that enable its shareholders to require a liquidity provider, which each Fund has entered into a contractual agreement, to purchase shares in the event that the shares are not able to be successfully remarketed. In the event that shares within this mode are unable to be successfully remarketed and are purchased by the liquidity provider, the dividend rate will be the maximum rate which is designed to escalate according to a specified schedule in order to enhance the remarketing agent’s ability to successfully remarket the shares. Each Fund is required to redeem any shares that are still owned by a liquidity provider after six months of continuous, unsuccessful remarketing. The Fund will pay a liquidity and remarketing fee on the aggregate principal amount of all TFP Shares while within VRDM. Payments made by the Funds to the liquidity provider and remarketing agent are recognized as “Liquidity fees” and “Remarketing fees”, respectively, on the Statement of Operations.

For financial reporting purposes, the liquidation preference of TFP Shares is recorded as a liability and is recognized as a component of “Taxable Fund Preferred (“TFP”) Shares, net of deferred offering costs” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Dividends on the TFP shares are treated as interest payments for financial reporting purposes. Unpaid dividends on TFP shares are recognized as a component on “Interest payable” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Dividends accrued on TFP Shares are recognized as a component of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.

Subject to certain conditions, TFP Shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of the Funds. Each Fund may also be required to redeem certain TFP shares if the Fund fails to maintain certain asset coverage requirements and such failures are not cured by the applicable cure date. The redemption price per share in all circumstances is equal to the liquidation preference per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends.

NPCT incurred offering costs of $354,257 in connection with its offering of TFP Shares, which were recorded as a deferred charge and are being amortized over the life of the shares. These offering costs are recognized as a component of “Taxable Fund Preferred (“TFP”) Shares, net of deferred offering costs” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.

As of the end of the reporting period, NPCT had $69,655,241 TFP Shares at liquidation preference, net of deferred offering costs. Further details of the Fund’s TFP Shares outstanding as of the end of the reporting period, were as follows:

 

Fund   Series        Shares
Outstanding
       Liquidation
Preference
       Term
Redemption
Date
       Mode  

NPCT

    A          70,000        $ 70,000,000          May 2, 2033          VRM  

The average liquidation preference of TFP Shares outstanding and the annualized dividend rate for the Fund during the current fiscal period were as follows:

 

        NPCT*  

Average liquidation preference of TFP Shares outstanding

     $ 70,000,000  

Annualized dividend rate

       4.31%  
*

For the period August 19, 2022 (first issuance date of shares) through December 31, 2022.

Preferred Share Transactions

Transactions in preferred shares during NPCT’s current fiscal period, where applicable, are noted in the following table.

Transactions in TFP Shares for NPCT, where applicable, were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2022  
NPCT   Series        Shares        Amount  

TFP Shares issued

    A          70,000        $ 70,000,000  

6. Income Tax Information

Each Fund is a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders and otherwise comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

 

69


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Each Fund files income tax returns in U.S. federal and applicable state and local jurisdictions. A Fund’s federal income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three fiscal years after being filed. State and local tax returns may be subject to examination for an additional period of time depending on the jurisdiction. Management has analyzed each Fund’s tax positions taken for all open tax years and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

Differences between amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to timing differences in recognizing gains and losses on investment transactions. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. As of year end, permanent differences that resulted in reclassifications among the components of net assets relate primarily to bond premium amortization adjustments, complex securities character adjustments, foreign currency transactions, investments in MBS, nondeductible offering costs , nondeductible stock issuance costs, paydowns, and treatment of notional principal contracts. Temporary and permanent differences have no impact on a Fund’s net assets.

As of year end, the aggregate cost and the net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of all investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Fund   Tax Cost        Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
       Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation)
       Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

JGH

  $ 484,895,760        $ 5,477,140        $ (67,122,905      $ (61,645,765

NPCT

    744,492,277          5,463,549          (182,399,918        (176,936,369

JLS

    163,506,894          185,441          (15,339,908        (15,154,467

For purposes of this disclosure, tax cost generally includes the cost of portfolio investments as well as up-front fees or premiums exchanged on derivatives and any amounts unrealized for income statement reporting but realized income and/or capital gains for tax reporting, if applicable.

As of year end, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund      Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Capital Loss
Carryforwards
     Late-Year Loss
Deferrals
     Other
Book-to-Tax
Differences
     Total  

JGH

     $      $      $ (61,645,732    $ (109,568,976    $ (27,976    $ (265,679    $ (171,508,363

NPCT

                     (176,905,851      (22,607,013             (278,098      (199,790,962

JLS

                     (15,154,466      (3,325,784                    (18,480,250

The tax character of distributions paid was as follows:

 

    12/31/22      12/31/21  
Fund   Ordinary
Income
     Long-Term
Capital Gains
     Return of
Capital
     Fund    Ordinary
Income
     Long-Term
Capital Gains
     Return of
Capital
 

JGH

  $  22,939,413      $             —      $ 8,489,132      JGH    $  22,729,429      $              —      $ 7,424,359  

NPCT

    22,475,554               13,065,626      NPCT1      11,231,531               9,500,824  

JLS

    4,701,855               1,122,866      JLS      4,636,388               664,479  
1 

For the period April 27, 2021 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2021.

As of year end, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards, which will not expire:

 

Fund   Short-Term        Long-Term        Total  

JGH

  $ 31,425,673        $ 78,143,303        $ 109,568,976  

NPCT

    12,925,288          9,681,725          22,607,013  

JLS

    1,738,923          1,586,861          3,325,784  

7. Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Each Fund’s management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Sub-Advisers are compensated for its services to the Funds from the management fees paid to the Adviser.

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

 

70


 

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

 

       JGH        NPCT  
Average Daily Managed Assets      Fund-Level Fee Rate        Fund-Level Fee Rate  

For the first $500 million

       0.7000        0.8000

For the next $500 million

       0.6750          0.7750

For the next $500 million

       0.6500          0.7500

For the next $500 million

       0.6250          0.7250

For managed assets over $2 billion

       0.6000          0.7000

 

       JLS  
Average Daily Managed Assets1      Fund-Level Fee Rate  

For the first $125 million

       0.8000

For the next $125 million

       0.7875  

For the next $150 million

       0.7750  

For the next $600 million

       0.7625  

For managed assets over $1 billion

       0.7500  

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

 

Complex-Level Eligible Asset Breakpoint Level2      Effective Complex-Level Fee Rate at Breakpoint Level  

$55 billion

       0.2000

$56 billion

       0.1996  

$57 billion

       0.1989  

$60 billion

       0.1961  

$63 billion

       0.1931  

$66 billion

       0.1900  

$71 billion

       0.1851  

$76 billion

       0.1806  

$80 billion

       0.1773  

$91 billion

       0.1691  

$125 billion

       0.1599  

$200 billion

       0.1505  

$250 billion

       0.1469  

$300 billion

       0.1445  
1 

“Managed assets” means the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than the Fund liabilities incurred for the express purpose of creating effective leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Fund’s use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for the purposes of U.S. GAAP).

2 

For the complex-level fees, managed assets include closed-end fund assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable to certain types of leverage. For these purposes, leverage includes the fund’s use of preferred stock and borrowings and certain investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB) trusts, including the portion of assets held by a TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining managed assets in certain circumstances. The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily managed assets of all Nuveen open-end and closed-end funds that constitute “eligible assets.” Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds or assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with the Adviser’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011, but do not include certain assets of certain Nuveen funds that were reorganized into funds advised by an affiliate of the Adviser during the 2019 calendar year. As of December 31, 2022, the complex-level fee for each Fund was 0.1590%.

8. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, each Fund enters into a variety of agreements that may expose the Fund to some risk of loss. These could include certain agreements related to preferred shares, which are each described elsewhere in these Notes to Financial Statements. The risk of future loss arising from such agreements, while not quantifiable, is expected to be remote. As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds did not have any unfunded commitments.

From time to time, the Funds may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of the Funds’ rights under contracts. As of the end of the reporting period, management has determined that any legal proceeding(s) the Funds are subject to, including those described within this report, are unlikely to have a material impact to any of the Funds’ financial statements.

9. Borrowing Arrangements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements

Borrowings

JGH, NPCT and JLS have each entered into borrowing arrangement (“Borrowings”) as a means of leverage.

 

71


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Borrowings Information for JGH

The Fund has entered into a 364-day revolving line of credit. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s maximum commitment amount under its Borrowings is as follows:

 

        JGH  

Maximum commitment amount

     $ 165,000,000  

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s outstanding balance on its Borrowings was as follows:

 

        JGH  

Outstanding balance on Borrowings

     $ 127,000,000  

Interest is charged on the Borrowings drawn amount at a rate per annum equal to one-month Term SOFR (“Secured Overnight Financing Rate”) plus 0.80% (one-month LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) plus 0.70% for LIBOR loans or Federal Funds rate plus 0.80% for Base Rate Loans prior to November 11, 2022). The Fund also accrued a 0.15% per annum commitment fee based on the undrawn balance based on the maximum commitment amount of the Borrowings to the extent the unused portion of the Borrowings is less than 50% of the maximum commitment amount otherwise the per annum commitment fee is 0.25%.

During the Fund’s utilization period(s) during the current fiscal period, the average daily balance outstanding (which was for the entire current reporting period) and average annual interest rate on the Fund’s Borrowings were as follows:

 

        JGH  

Average daily balance outstanding

     $ 140,021,918  

Average annual interest rate

       2.30

Borrowings Information for NPCT

The Fund has entered into a committed financing agreement. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s maximum commitment amount under its Borrowings is as follows:

 

        NPCT  

Maximum commitment amount

     $ 110,000,000  

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s outstanding balance on its Borrowings was as follows:

 

        NPCT  

Outstanding balance on Borrowings

     $ 105,500,000  

Interest is charged on these Borrowings at Fed Funds plus 0.70% (0.65% prior to August 19, 2022) per annum on the amount borrowed and accrues 0.25% per annum on the undrawn balance if the undrawn portion of the Borrowings on a particular day is more than 10% of the maximum commitment amount and a one-time upfront fee of 0.05% (0.025% paid at closing of the Borrowings and 0.025% due at the one year anniversary) per annum of the maximum commitment amount.

During the Fund’s utilization period(s) during the current fiscal period, the average daily balance outstanding and average annual interest rate on the Fund’s Borrowings were as follows:

 

        NPCT  

Average daily balance outstanding

     $ 131,003,562  

Average annual interest rate

       2.07

Borrowings Information for JLS

The Fund has entered into a committed financing agreement. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s maximum commitment amount under its Borrowings is as follows:

 

        JLS  

Maximum commitment amount

     $ 22,500,000  

 

72


 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s outstanding balance on its Borrowings was as follows:

 

        JLS  

Outstanding balance on Borrowings

     $ 12,495,000  

Interest is charged on these Borrowings at OBFR (“Overnight Bank Funding Rate”) plus 1.70% (3-Month LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) plus 1.50% prior to July 1, 2022) per annum on the amount borrowed and 0.50% per annum on the undrawn balance which was waived for the reporting period.

During the current fiscal period, the average daily balance outstanding (which was for the entire current reporting period) and average annual interest rate on the Fund’s Borrowings were as follows:

 

        JLS  

Average daily balance outstanding

     $ 9,599,247  

Average annual interest rate

       3.77

Other Borrowings Information for the Funds

In order to maintain their Borrowings, the Funds must meet certain collateral, asset coverage and other requirements. Each Fund’s Borrowings outstanding is fully secured by eligible securities held in its portfolio of investments.

Each Fund’s Borrowings outstanding is recognized as “Borrowings” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Interest expense incurred on the borrowed amount, undrawn balance and initial fees are recognized as a component of “ Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.

Rehypothecation

JLS has entered into a Rehypothecation Side Letter (“Side Letter”) with its prime brokerage lender, allowing it to re-register the Pledged Collateral in its own name or in a name other than the Fund’s to pledge, repledge, hypothecate, rehyphothecate, sell, lend or otherwise transfer or use the Pledged Collateral (the “Hypothecated Securities”) with all rights of ownership as described in the Side Letter. Subject to certain conditions, the total value of the outstanding Hypothecated Securities shall not exceed the lesser of (i) 98% of the outstanding balance on the Borrowings to which the Pledged Collateral relates and (ii) 3313% of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund may designate any Pledged Collateral as ineligible for rehypothecation. The Fund may also recall Hypothecated Securities on demand.

The Fund also has the right to apply and set-off an amount equal to one-hundred percent (100%) of the then-current fair market value of such Pledged Collateral against the current Borrowings under the Side Letter in the event that prime brokerage lender fails to timely return the Pledged Collateral and in certain other circumstances. In such circumstances, however, the Fund may not be able to obtain replacement financing required to purchase replacement securities and, consequently, the Fund’s income generating potential may decrease. Even if the Fund is able to obtain replacement financing, it might not be able to purchase replacement securities at favorable prices.

The Fund will receive a fee in connection with the Hypothecated Securities (“Rehypothecation Fees”) in addition to any principal, interest, dividends and other distributions paid on the Hypothecated Securities.

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund did not hold any Hypothecated Securities. During the current fiscal period, the Fund earned Rehypothecation Fees of $140, which is recognized as “Rehypothecation income” on the Statement of Operations.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

During the current fiscal period, NPCT and JLS used reverse repurchase agreements as a means of leverage.

The Fund may enter into a reverse repurchase agreement with brokers, dealers, banks or other financial institutions that have been determined by the Adviser to be creditworthy. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells to the counterparty a security that it holds with a contemporaneous agreement to repurchase the same security at an agreed-upon price and date, reflecting the interest rate effective for the term of the agreement. It may also be viewed as the borrowing of money by the Fund. Cash received in exchange for securities delivered, plus accrued interest payments to be made by the Fund to a counterparty, are reflected as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Interest payments made by the Fund to counterparties are recognized as a component of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.

In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund retains the risk of loss associated with the sold security. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the purchaser fails to return the securities as agreed upon, files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent. Upon a bankruptcy or insolvency of a counterparty, the Fund is considered to be an unsecured creditor with respect to excess collateral and as such the return of excess collateral may be delayed.

 

73


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds’ outstanding balances on its reverse repurchase agreement were as follows:

NPCT

 

Counterparty    Coupon     

Principal
Amount

     Maturity      Value      Value and
Accrued Interest
 

TD Securities (USA), LLC

     4.77%      $ (12,000,000      1/24/23      $ (12,000,000    $ (12,108,120)  

Societe Generale

     4.95%        (33,820,000      3/2/23        (33,820,000      (33,959,508)  
              $ (45,820,000             $ (45,820,000    $ (46,067,628)  

JLS

 

Counterparty    Coupon     

Principal
Amount

     Maturity      Value      Value and
Accrued Interest
 

TD Securities (USA), LLC

     4.85%      $ (770,000      On-Demand      $ (770,000    $ (772,248

Royal Bank of Canada

     5.08%        (13,123,000      1/11/23        (13,123,000      (13,271,056

Societe Generale

     5.00%        (18,252,000      1/13/23        (18,252,000      (18,383,853
              $ (32,145,000             $ (32,145,000    $ (32,427,157

During the Fund’s utilization period(s) during the current fiscal period, the average daily balance outstanding (which was for the entire current reporting period) and average annual interest rate on the Funds’ reverse repurchase agreement were as follows:

 

     NPCT        JLS  

Average daily balance outstanding

  $ (100,223,575      $ (33,064,474

Weighted average interest rate

    1.75%          2.65%  

The following table presents the reverse repurchase agreements subject to netting agreements and the collateral delivered related to those reverse repurchase agreements.

NPCT

 

Counterparty      Reverse
Repurchase
Agreements*
    

Collateral
Pledged to
Counterparty

 

TD Securities (USA), LLC

     $ (12,108,120    $ 15,669,519  

Societe Generale

       (33,959,508      43,650,209  

JLS

 

Counterparty     

Reverse
Repurchase
Agreements*

     Collateral
Pledged to
Counterparty
 

TD Securities (USA), LLC

     $ (772,248    $ 1,434,643  

Royal Bank of Canada

       (13,271,057      21,828,030  

Societe Generale

       (18,383,852      25,198,270  
*

Represents gross value and accrued interest for the counterparty as reported in the preceding table.

10. Inter-Fund Lending

Inter-Fund Borrowing and Lending

The SEC has granted an exemptive order permitting registered open-end and closed-end Nuveen funds to participate in an inter-fund lending facility whereby the Nuveen funds may directly lend to and borrow money from each other for temporary purposes (e.g., to satisfy redemption requests or when a sale of securities “fails,” resulting in an unanticipated cash shortfall) (the “Inter-Fund Program”). The closed-end Nuveen funds, including the Fund covered by this shareholder report, will participate only as lenders, and not as borrowers, in the Inter-Fund Program because such closed-end funds rarely, if ever, need to borrow cash to meet redemptions. The Inter-Fund Program is subject to a number of conditions, including, among other things, the requirements that (1) no fund may borrow or lend money through the Inter-Fund Program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than is typically available from a bank or other financial institution for a comparable transaction; (2) no fund may borrow on an unsecured basis through the Inter-Fund Program unless the fund’s outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the inter-fund borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets; provided that if the borrowing fund has a secured

 

74


 

borrowing outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another fund, the inter-fund loan must be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value; (3) if a fund’s total outstanding borrowings immediately after an inter-fund borrowing would be greater than 10% of its total assets, the fund may borrow through the inter-fund loan on a secured basis only; (4) no fund may lend money if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the Inter-Fund Program to exceed 15% of its net assets at the time of the loan; (5) a fund’s inter-fund loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund’s net assets; (6) the duration of inter-fund loans will be limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days; and (7) each inter-fund loan may be called on one business day’s notice by a lending fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing fund. In addition, a Nuveen fund may participate in the Inter-Fund Program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Inter-Fund Program.

The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting the Inter-Fund Program are designed to minimize the risks associated with Inter-Fund Program for both the lending fund and the borrowing fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money from another fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher rate or take other actions to payoff such loan if an inter-fund loan is not available from another fund. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.

During the current reporting period, none of the Funds covered by this shareholder report have entered into any inter-fund loan activity.

 

75


Shareholder Update

(Unaudited)

 

CURRENT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUND

NUVEEN GLOBAL HIGH INCOME FUND (JGH)

Investment Objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of current income.

Investment Policies

Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined below) in global income-producing securities including, but not limited to, corporate debt securities, U.S. and foreign government debt securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, preferred securities, secured and unsecured loans, convertible debt securities and contingent capital securities.

The Fund will pursue its investment objective by following the sub-adviser’s global high-income strategy, which invests in a portfolio of high yield (below investment grade) bonds and other income producing securities from around the world and across the capital structure and credit spectrum.

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

Under normal market conditions:

 

   

The Fund will invest at least 65% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated below the four highest grades (those rated BB/Ba or lower) by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s sub-adviser.

 

   

The Fund will invest at least 40% of its Managed Assets in securities of issuers located outside of the United States; however, no more than 25% of its Managed Assets may be invested in securities of issuers located in emerging market countries.

 

   

No more than 15% of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be exposed to currencies other than the U.S. dollar, net of any currency hedging transactions.

 

   

The Fund will invest no more than 10% of its Managed Assets in U.S. dollar cash or cash equivalents.

The foregoing policies apply only at the time of any new investment.

Approving Changes in Investment Policies

The Board of Trustees of the Fund may change the policies described above without a shareholder vote. However, with respect to the Fund’s policy of investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in global income-producing securities including, but not limited to, corporate debt securities, U.S. and foreign government debt securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, preferred securities, secured and unsecured loans, convertible debt securities and contingent capital securities, such policy may not be changed without 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

Portfolio Contents

The Fund generally invests in corporate debt securities and debt securities of governmental issuers in all countries, including emerging market countries. The Fund will classify an issuer of a security as being a U.S. or non-U.S. issuer based on the determination of an unaffiliated, recognized financial data provider. Such determinations are based on a number of criteria, such as the issuer’s country of domicile, the primary exchange on which the security predominately trades, the location from which the majority of the issuer’s revenue comes, and the issuer’s reporting currency. Furthermore, a country is considered to be an “emerging market” if it has a relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the world’s major economies and the potential for rapid economic growth. The Fund considers a country an emerging market country based on the determination of an international organization, such as the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”), or an unaffiliated, recognized financial data provider.

Corporate debt securities are fully taxable debt obligations issued by corporations. These securities fund capital improvements, expansions, debt refinancing or acquisitions that require more capital than would ordinarily be available from a single lender. Investors in corporate debt securities lend money to the issuing corporation in exchange for interest payments and repayment of the principal at a set maturity date. Rates on corporate debt securities are set according to prevailing interest rates at the time of the issue, the credit rating of the issuer, the length of the maturity and other terms of the security, such as a call feature. Corporate debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligations and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as market interest rates, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity. In addition, corporate restructurings, such as mergers, leveraged buyouts, takeovers or similar corporate transactions are

 

76


 

often financed by an increase in a corporate issuer’s debt securities. As a result of the added debt burden, the credit quality and market value of an issuer’s existing debt securities may decline significantly.

Debt securities of governmental issuers in all countries, including emerging market countries, may include: fixed-income securities issued or guaranteed by governments and governmental agencies or instrumentalities; fixed-income securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness; participations in loans between governments and financial institutions; or fixed income securities issued by supranational entities such as the World Bank or the European Economic Community. A supranational entity is a bank, commission or company established or financially supported by the national governments of one or more countries to promote reconstruction or development.

The Fund invests in convertible securities, which may include convertible debt, convertible preferred stock, synthetic convertible securities and may also include secured and unsecured debt, based upon the judgment of the Fund’s sub-adviser. Convertible securities may pay interest or dividends that are based on a fixed or floating rate. A convertible security is a preferred stock, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula.

The Fund invests in contingent capital securities (sometimes referred to as “CoCos”). CoCos are hybrid securities, issued primarily by non-U.S. financial institutions, which have loss absorption mechanisms benefitting the issuer built into their terms. CoCos generally provide for mandatory conversion into the common stock of the issuer or a write-down of the principal amount or value of the CoCos upon the occurrence of certain triggers linked to regulatory capital thresholds. In addition, they may provide for mandatory conversion or a principal write-down upon the occurrence of certain events such as regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institution’s continued viability as a going-concern. Equity conversion or principal write-down features are tailored to the issuer and its regulatory requirements and, unlike traditional convertible securities, conversions are not voluntary.

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) guaranteed by, or secured by collateral that is guaranteed by, the United States government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored corporations. MBS are structured debt obligations collateralized by pools of commercial or residential mortgages. Pools of mortgage loans and mortgage-related loans, such as mezzanine loans, are assembled into pools of assets that secure or back securities sold to investors by various governmental, government-related and private organizations. MBS in which the Fund may invest include those with fixed, floating or variable interest rates, those with interest rates that change based on a specified index of interest rates and those with interest rates that change inversely to changes in interest rates, as well as those that do not bear interest.

The Fund may invest in commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”). CMBS generally are multi-class debt or pass-through certificates secured or backed by mortgage loans on commercial properties. CMBS generally are structured to provide protection to the senior class investors against potential losses on the underlying mortgage loans. This protection generally is provided by having the holders of subordinated classes of securities take the first loss if there are defaults on the underlying commercial mortgage loans. Other protection, which may benefit all of the classes or particular classes, may include issuer guarantees, reserve funds, cross-collateralization and over-collateralization. The Fund may invest in CMBS issued or sponsored by commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, private mortgage insurance companies and other non-governmental issuers. CMBS have no governmental guarantee.

The Fund may also invest in asset-backed securities (“ABS”). ABS are securities that are primarily serviced by the cash flows of a discrete pool of receivables or other financial assets, either fixed or revolving, that by their terms convert into cash within a finite time period. Asset-backed securitization is a financing technique in which financial assets, in many cases themselves less liquid, are pooled and converted into instruments that may be offered and sold in the capital markets. While residential mortgages were the first financial assets to be securitized in the form of MBS, non-mortgage related securitizations have grown to include many other types of financial assets, such as credit card receivables, auto loans and student loans.

The Fund may invest in preferred securities. Traditional preferred securities are generally equity securities of the issuer that have priority over the issuer’s common shares as to the payment of dividends (i.e., the issuer cannot pay dividends on its common shares until the dividends on the preferred shares are current) and as to the payout of proceeds of a bankruptcy or other liquidation, but are subordinate to an issuer’s senior debt and junior debt as to both types of payments. Additionally, in a bankruptcy or other liquidation, traditional preferred securities are generally subordinate to an issuer’s trade creditors and other general obligations. Traditional preferred securities may be perpetual or have a term, and typically have a fixed liquidation (or “par”) value. The term “preferred securities” also includes certain hybrid securities and other types of preferred securities that do not have the traditional features described above.

The Fund may invest in fixed and floating rate loans. Loans may include senior loans and secured and unsecured junior loans, including subordinated loans, second lien or more junior loans and bridge loans. Loans are typically arranged through private negotiations between borrowers in the United States or in foreign or emerging markets which may be corporate issuers or issuers of sovereign debt obligations and one or more financial institutions

 

77


Shareholder Update (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

and other lenders. The Fund may invest in loans by purchasing assignments of all or a portion of loans or loan participations from third parties. Loan participations are loans that are shared by a group of lenders.

The Fund may invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”). A common type of real estate company, a REIT, is a company that pools investors’ funds for investment primarily in income-producing real estate or in real estate related loans (such as mortgages) or other interests. Therefore, a REIT normally derives its income from rents or from interest payments, and may realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. REITs generally pay relatively high dividends (as compared to other types of companies) and the Fund intends to use these REIT dividends in an effort to meet its primary objective of high current income.

The Fund’s investments include investment grade and below investment grade securities. Below investment grade securities (such securities are commonly referred to as “high yield” or “junk”) generally provide high income in an effort to compensate investors for their higher risk of default, which is the failure to make required interest or principal payments.

The Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon bond is a bond that typically does not pay interest for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation.

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

The Fund may enter into certain derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objective, including to seek to enhance return, to hedge certain risks of its investments in fixed-income securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset. Such instruments include options, financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including interest rate, credit default swaps and currency swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts, forward foreign currency contracts and options on foreign currencies or other derivative instruments. The Fund’s use of currency-related derivative instruments will be limited to hedging purposes only.

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

Use of Leverage

The Fund uses leverage to pursue its investment objective. The Fund may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund may source leverage through a number of methods including the issuance of preferred shares of beneficial interest and borrowings. In addition, the Fund may also use certain derivatives that have the economic effect of leverage by creating additional investment exposure. The amount and sources of leverage will vary depending on market conditions.

Temporary Defensive Periods

During temporary defensive periods the Fund may deviate from its investment objective and policies, and in order to keep the Fund’s cash fully invested, the Fund may invest any percentage of its total assets in U.S. dollar cash or cash equivalents, including obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective during such periods.

 

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NUVEEN CORE PLUS IMPACT FUND (NPCT)

Investment Objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek total return through high current income and capital appreciation, while giving special consideration to certain impact and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) criteria.

Investment Policies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in fixed-income investments of any type, which are subject to the Impact Criteria (as defined below) or Nuveen’s ESG criteria.

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in fixed-income investments of any type, including asset-backed securities, corporate bonds, preferred securities, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, taxable and tax-exempt municipal bonds, senior loans and loan participations and assignments, sovereign debt instruments, debt securities issued by supranational agencies, and U.S. government securities (securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities).

The Fund’s investment in fixed-income investments of any type is subject to Nuveen’s proprietary public market impact framework criteria (the “Impact Criteria”) or Nuveen’s ESG criteria. The Impact Criteria are designed to identify investments that will generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a competitive financial return. These investments provide direct access to issuers and/or individual projects across four social and environmental themes: Affordable Housing, Community and Economic Development, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, and Natural Resources. The portion of the Fund invested in accordance with the Impact Criteria is not required to meet ESG criteria provided by a third party.

The Fund may seek to provide exposure to certain Regulation S securities by investing in Core Plus Impact Fund, Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund, which will invest primarily in Regulation S securities.

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

Under normal market conditions:

 

   

The Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in fixed-income investments of any type, which are subject to the Impact Criteria or Nuveen’s ESG criteria.

 

   

The Fund may invest up to 50% of its Managed Assets (as defined above) in below investment grade investments (investments rated BB+/Ba1 or lower at the time of investment or are unrated but judged by the Fund’s sub-adviser to be of comparable quality).

 

   

The Fund may invest no more than 10% of its Managed Assets in investments rated CCC/Caa or lower at the time of investment (or are unrated but judged by the Fund’s sub-adviser to be of comparable quality), including defaulted investments.

 

   

The Fund may invest without limitation in investments of foreign issuers, with no more than 30% of its Managed Assets in investments of foreign issuers that are located in emerging market countries.

 

   

The Fund may invest without limitation in restricted and illiquid investments (including investments that may only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act.

The foregoing policies apply only at the time of any new investment.

Approving Changes in Investment Policies

The Board of Trustees of the Fund may change the policies described above without a shareholder vote. However, with respect to the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in fixed-income investments of any type, which are subject to the Impact Criteria or Nuveen’s ESG criteria, such policy may not be changed without 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

Portfolio Contents

The Fund generally invests in a portfolio of fixed-income investments of any type, including asset-backed securities, corporate bonds, preferred securities, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, taxable and tax-exempt municipal bonds, senior loans and loan participations and assignments, sovereign debt instruments, debt securities issued by supranational agencies, and U.S. government securities (securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities).

Corporate bonds are fully taxable debt obligations issued by corporations. These securities fund capital improvements, expansions, debt refinancing or acquisitions that require more capital than would ordinarily be available from a single lender. Investors in corporate bonds lend money to the issuing corporation in exchange for interest payments and repayment of the principal at a set maturity date. Rates on corporate bonds are set according to

 

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Shareholder Update (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

prevailing interest rates at the time of the issue, the credit rating of the issuer, the length of the maturity and other terms of the security, such as a call feature.

Corporate bonds come in many varieties and may differ in the way that interest is calculated, the amount and frequency of payments, the type of collateral, if any, and the presence of special features (e.g., conversion rights). The Fund’s investments in corporate bonds may include, but are not limited to, senior, junior, secured and unsecured bonds, notes and other debt securities, and may be fixed rate, variable rate or floating rate, among other things. Holders of corporate bonds, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders as to both income and assets of the issuer for the principal and interest due to them, and may have a prior claim over other creditors, but are generally subordinate to any existing lenders in the issuer’s capital structure.

The Fund will invest in investments of emerging market issuers. The Fund’s emerging market investments include a broad range of investments of emerging market issuers such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and other sovereign or quasi-sovereign debt instruments. The Fund will classify an issuer of an investment based on the issuer’s country of origin, generally as determined by an unaffiliated, recognized financial data provider. An issuer’s country or origin is based on a number of criteria, such as the issuer’s country of domicile or country in which the issuer conducts its primary operations, the primary exchange on which its securities trade, the location from which the majority of the issuer’s revenue comes, and the issuer’s reporting currency. The term “emerging market” describes any country or market that is generally considered to be emerging or developing by major organizations in the international financial community, such as the International Finance Corporation, or by financial industry analysts like MSCI, Inc., which compiles the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., which compiles several fixed-income emerging markets benchmarks; or other countries or markets with similar emerging characteristics. Emerging markets can include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most nations located in Western Europe. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fixed-income portfolio management team generally views Israel as an emerging market.

The Fund may invest in sovereign securities. Sovereign securities are issued or guaranteed by foreign sovereign governments or their agencies, authorities, political subdivisions or instrumentalities, and supranational agencies. A supranational agency is a multinational union or association in which member countries cede authority and sovereignty on a limited number of matters to the group, whose decisions are binding upon its members. Quasi-sovereign securities typically are issued by companies or agencies that may receive financial support or backing from a local government or in which the government owns a majority of the issuer’s voting shares. The ability of a foreign sovereign issuer, especially in an emerging market country, to make timely and ultimate payments on its debt obligations will be strongly influenced by the sovereign issuer’s balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credits and investments, fluctuations of interest rate and the extent of its foreign reserves. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. To the extent that a country receives payment for its export in currencies other than dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in dollars could be adversely affected. If a sovereign issuer cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multinational organizations. There may be no bankruptcy proceedings similar to those in the U.S. by which defaulted interest may be collected.

The Fund may invest in taxable and tax-exempt municipal securities, including municipal bonds, and notes and other securities issued by states, cities and local authorities and certain possessions and territories of the United States (such as Puerto Rico and Guam) to finance or refinance public purpose projects such as roads, schools, and water supply systems. Municipal bonds may also be issued to finance and refinance privately owned facilities or projects deemed to serve a public purpose. Municipal bonds may be issued on a long-term basis to provide long-term financing. The repayment of such debt may be secured generally by a pledge of the full faith and credit taxing power of the issuer, a limited or special tax, or any other revenue source, including project revenue. Municipal bonds may also be issued to finance projects on a short-term interim basis, anticipating repayment with the proceeds of long-term debt.

The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities (“ABS”). ABS are securities that are primarily serviced by the cash flows of a discrete pool of receivables or other financial assets, either fixed or revolving, that by their terms convert into cash within a finite time period. Asset-backed securitization is a financing technique in which financial assets, in many cases themselves less liquid, are pooled and converted into instruments that may be offered and sold in the capital markets. In a basic securitization structure, an entity, often a financial institution, originates or otherwise acquires a pool of financial assets, either directly or through an affiliate. It then sells the financial assets, again either directly or through an affiliate, to a specially created investment vehicle that issues securities “backed” or supported by those financial assets, which securities are ABS. Payment on the ABS depends primarily on the cash flows generated by the assets in the underlying pool and other rights designed to assure timely payment, such as liquidity facilities, guarantees or other features generally known as credit enhancements.

The Fund may invest in U.S. government obligations. Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities include obligations that are supported by: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., direct pass-through certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association); (b) the limited authority of the issuer or guarantor to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (e.g., obligations of Federal Home Loan

 

80


 

Banks); or (c) only the credit of the issuer or guarantor (e.g., obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation). In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation is principally responsible for ultimate repayment.

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), including commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”). MBS is a type of pass-through security, which is a security representing pooled debt obligations repackaged as interests that pass income through an intermediary to investors. In the case of mortgage-backed securities, the ownership interest is in a pool of mortgage loans. CMBS are backed by a pool of mortgages on commercial property.

The Fund may invest in preferred securities. Traditional preferred securities are generally equity securities of the issuer that have priority over the issuer’s common shares as to the payment of dividends (i.e., the issuer cannot pay dividends on its common shares until the dividends on the preferred shares are current) and as to the payout of proceeds of a bankruptcy or other liquidation, but are subordinate to an issuer’s senior debt and junior debt as to both types of payments. Additionally, in a bankruptcy or other liquidation, traditional preferred securities are generally subordinate to an issuer’s trade creditors and other general obligations. Traditional preferred securities may be perpetual or have a term, and typically have a fixed liquidation (or “par”) value.

The term “preferred securities” also includes certain hybrid securities and other types of preferred securities that do not have the traditional features described above. Preferred securities that are hybrid securities often behave similarly to investments in traditional preferred securities and are regarded by market investors as being part of the preferred securities market. Such hybrid securities possess varying combinations of features of both debt and traditional preferred securities and as such they may constitute senior debt, junior debt or preferred shares in an issuer’s capital structure. Thus, they may not be subordinate to a company’s debt securities (as are traditional preferred securities).

The Fund may invest in loans, including senior secured loans, unsecured and/or subordinated loans, loan participations, unfunded contracts and assignments. These loans are typically made by or issued to corporations primarily to finance acquisitions, refinance existing debt, support organic growth, or pay out dividends, and are typically originated by large banks and are then syndicated out to institutional investors as well as to other banks. Loans typically bear interest at a floating rate, although some loans pay a fixed rate. Floating rate loans have interest rates that reset periodically, typically monthly or quarterly. The interest rates on floating rate loans are generally based on a percentage above the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), a U.S. bank’s prime or base rate, the overnight federal funds rate or another rate. The base rate for loans has not yet been determined with the upcoming discontinuation of LIBOR. See “London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) Replacement Risk” below. Due to their lower place in the borrower’s capital structure, unsecured and/or subordinated loans involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior bank loans of the same borrower. Loan participations are loans that are shared by a group of lenders. Unfunded commitments are contractual obligations by lenders (such as the Fund) to loan an amount in the future or that is due to be contractually funded in the future. Assignments may be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.

Loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. The types of covenants included in loan agreements generally vary depending on market conditions, the creditworthiness of the borrower, the nature of the collateral securing the loan and other factors. Such restrictive covenants normally allow for early intervention and proactive mitigation of credit risk by providing lenders with the ability to (1) intervene and either prevent or restrict actions that may potentially compromise the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and/or (2) obtain concessions from the borrower in exchange for waiving or amending a particular covenant. Loans with fewer or weaker restrictive covenants may limit the Fund’s ability to intervene or obtain additional concessions from borrowers.

The Fund’s portfolio may contain restricted and illiquid investments (i.e., investments that are not readily marketable), including, but not limited to, restricted investments (investments the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), investments that may be resold only pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act that are deemed to be illiquid, and certain repurchase agreements. Restricted investments may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act.

The Fund may also invest directly in Regulation S securities that are freely tradable in the U.S. Regulation S securities are debt or equity securities of U.S. and foreign issuers offered through private offerings exempt from registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S of the 1933 Act. Offerings of Regulation S securities may be conducted outside of the United States, and Regulation S securities may be relatively less liquid as a result of legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

The Fund may seek to provide exposure to Regulation S securities that are not freely tradable in the U.S. by investing in the Subsidiary, which will invest primarily in Regulation S securities.

The Fund may invest in securities of other open-end or closed-end investment companies, including ETFs, that invest primarily in the types of investments in which the Fund may invest directly.

 

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Shareholder Update (continued)

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The Fund may invest without limitation in credit default swaps, and may enter into credit default swaps as either a buyer or a seller. The credit default swaps in which the Fund may invest include credit default swap indices (“CDX”) and those in which the underlying reference instrument is the debt obligation of a single reference issuer (“single-name CDS”). A CDX is a portfolio of credit default swaps with similar characteristics, such as credit default swaps on high-yield bonds. Certain CDX instruments are subject to mandatory central clearing and exchange trading, which may reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity compared to other credit default swaps or CDX transactions. Unlike other types of credit default swaps, single-name CDS do not have the benefit of diversification across many issuers.

In addition to credit default swaps, the Fund also may invest in certain derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objective. Such instruments include financial futures contracts and options thereon, forward contracts, swaps (with varying terms, including interest rate swaps), options on swaps and other fixed-income derivative instruments. The Fund’s sub-adviser may use derivative instruments to attempt to hedge some of the risk of the Fund’s investments, to limit exposure to losses due to changes to foreign currency exchange rates or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset.

Use of Leverage

The Fund uses leverage to pursue its investment objective. The Fund may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund may source leverage through a number of methods including through borrowings, issuing preferred shares of beneficial interest, the issuance of debt securities, entering into reverse repurchase agreements (effectively a borrowing), and investing in residual interest certificates of tender option bond trusts, also called inverse floating rate securities, that have the economic effect of leverage because the Fund’s investment exposure to the underlying bonds held by the trust have been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate certificates. In addition, the Fund may use derivatives that may have the economic effect of leverage by creating additional investment exposure. The amount and sources of leverage will vary depending on market conditions.

Temporary Defensive Periods

During temporary defensive periods the Fund may deviate from investment objective and policies. During such periods, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its Managed Assets in short-term investments, including high quality, short-term securities or may invest in short-, intermediate-, or long-term U.S. Treasury securities. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective during such periods.

 

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NUVEEN MORTGAGE AND INCOME FUND (JLS)

Investment Objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to generate high current income through opportunistic investments in securitized credit.

Investment Policies

Under normal market circumstances, the Fund invests at least 65% of its Managed Assets (as defined below) in MBS, including residential MBS (“RMBS”) and CMBS. As a fundamental policy, the Fund concentrates its investments in MBS and expressly treats MBS as a single industry or group of industries.

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

Under normal market conditions:

 

   

The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in non-mortgage related ABS, including but not limited to any asset that generates reliable cash flows including collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) as well as pools of consumer auto loans, credit card receivables, aircraft leases and maintenance agreements, timeshare agreements, and solar photovoltaics.

 

   

The Fund may investment up to 5% of its Managed Assets in catastrophe bonds.

 

   

The Fund may not enter into futures contracts or related options or forward contracts, if more than 30% of the Fund’s Managed Assets would be represented by futures contracts or more than 5% of the Fund’s Managed Assets would be committed to initial margin deposits and premiums on futures contracts and related options.

 

   

The Fund may not sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold at no added cost, and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.

The foregoing policies apply only at the time of any new investment.

Approving Changes in Investment Policies

The Board of Trustees of the Fund may change the policies described above without a shareholder vote. However, with respect to the Fund’s policy of concentrating its investments in MBS such policy may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class, and the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, voting separately as a single class. A “majority of the outstanding” shares means (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less.

Portfolio Contents

The Fund generally invests in MBS. MBS are structured debt obligations collateralized by pools of commercial or residential mortgages. Pools of mortgage loans and mortgage-related loans, such as mezzanine loans, are assembled into pools of assets that secure or back securities sold to investors by various governmental, government-related and private organizations. MBS in which the Fund may invest include those with fixed, floating or variable interest rates, those with interest rates that change based on a specified index of interest rates and those with interest rates that change inversely to changes in interest rates, as well as those that do not bear interest. The Fund may invest in subprime mortgages or MBS that are backed by subprime mortgages.

The Fund may invest in RMBS. RMBS are securities with payments which depend (except for rights or other assets designed to assure the servicing or timely distribution of proceeds to holders of such securities) primarily on the cash flow from residential mortgage loans made to borrowers that are secured on a first priority basis or second priority basis, subject to permitted liens, easements and other encumbrances by residential real estate (one-to four-family properties) the proceeds of which are used to purchase real estate and purchase or construct dwellings thereon (or to refinance indebtedness previously so used). Residential mortgage loans are obligations of the borrowers thereunder only and are not typically insured or guaranteed by any other person or entity. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by residential property is dependent upon the income or assets of the borrower. A number of factors, including a general economic downturn, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances, may impair borrowers’ abilities to repay their loans.

The non-agency RMBS in which the Fund may invest are issued by, among others, commercial banks, investment banks, and mortgage originators. Timely payment of principal and interest on mortgage-related securities backed by pools created by non-governmental issuers often is supported partially by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. The insurance and guarantees are issued by private insurers.

 

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Shareholder Update (continued)

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The agency RMBS in which the Fund may invest represent participations in, are secured by or payable from, mortgage loans secured by real residential property. Agency RMBS may include agency mortgage pass-through certificates issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and/or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). These mortgage pass-through certificates provide for the pass-through to investors of their pro rata share of monthly payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the guarantor of such securities and the servicer of the underlying loans. GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC guarantee timely distributions of interest and principal to shareholders. Agency RMBS may also include agency collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), which are debt obligations issued by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC.

The Fund may invest in CMBS. CMBS generally are multi-class debt or pass-through certificates secured or backed by mortgage loans on commercial properties. CMBS generally are structured to provide protection to the senior class investors against potential losses on the underlying mortgage loans. This protection generally is provided by having the holders of subordinated classes of securities take the first loss if there are defaults on the underlying commercial mortgage loans. Other protection, which may benefit all of the classes or particular classes, may include issuer guarantees, reserve funds, cross-collateralization and over-collateralization. The Fund may invest in CMBS issued or sponsored by commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, private mortgage insurance companies and other non-governmental issuers. CMBS have no governmental guarantee.

The Fund also may invest in stripped MBS (“Stripped MBS”). Stripped MBS are created by segregating the cash flows from underlying mortgage loans or mortgage securities to create two or more new securities, each with a specified percentage of the underlying security’s principal or interest payments. Mortgage securities may be partially stripped so that each investor class receives some interest and some principal. When securities are completely stripped, however, all of the interest is distributed to holders of one type of security, known as an interest-only security (“IO”), and all of the principal is distributed to holders of another type of security known as a principal-only security (“PO”). Strips can be created in a pass-through structure or as tranches of a CMO. The yields to maturity on IOs and POs are very sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets.

The Fund may also invest in ABS. ABS are securities that are primarily serviced by the cash flows of a discrete pool of receivables or other financial assets, either fixed or revolving, that by their terms convert into cash within a finite time period. Asset-backed securitization is a financing technique in which financial assets, in many cases themselves less liquid, are pooled and converted into instruments that may be offered and sold in the capital markets. While residential mortgages were the first financial assets to be securitized in the form of MBS, non-mortgage related securitizations have grown to include many other types of financial assets, such as credit card receivables, auto loans and student loans.

The Fund may invest in catastrophe bonds. Catastrophe bonds, which typically are backed by a secured collateral account, are a relatively new type of financial instrument. As such, there is no significant trading history for many of these securities, and there can be no assurance that a liquid market in these instruments will develop. Exposure to catastrophe bonds results in gains or losses that typically are contingent upon, or formulaically related to, defined trigger events. Examples of trigger events include hurricanes, earthquakes, weather-related phenomena or statistics relating to such events. If a trigger event, as defined within the terms of the bond, involves losses or other metrics exceeding a specific magnitude in the geographic region and/or time period specified therein, the Fund may lose a portion or all of its investments in such security, including accrued interest and/or principal invested in such security. If no trigger event occurs, the Fund would typically recover its principal plus interest.

The Fund may invest in CLOs and other collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). CLOs and other CDOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Other CDOs are trusts backed by other types of assets representing obligations of various parties. CLOs and other CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses.

The Fund’s may invest in below investment securities. Below investment securities (such securities are commonly referred to as “high yield” or “junk”) generally provide high income in an effort to compensate investors for their higher risk of default, which is the failure to make required interest or principal payments.

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements (the purchase of a security coupled with an agreement to resell that security at a higher price) with respect to its permitted investments. The Fund’s repurchase agreements will provide that the value of the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement will always be at least equal to the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on the agreement, and will be marked-to-market daily. The Fund may also utilize reverse repurchase agreements when it is anticipated that the interest income to be earned from the investment of the proceeds of the transaction is greater than the interest expense of the transaction.

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

 

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The Fund may enter into certain derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objective, including to seek to enhance return, to hedge certain risks of its investments in fixed-income securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including interest rate and credit default swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts or other derivative instruments.

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

Use of Leverage

The Fund uses leverage to pursue its investment objective. The Fund may use leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund may source leverage through a number of methods including the issuance of preferred shares of beneficial interest, entering into reverse repurchase agreements (effectively a secured borrowing) and borrowings. In addition, the Fund may also use certain derivatives that have the economic effect of leverage by creating additional investment exposure. The amount and sources of leverage will vary depending on market conditions.

Temporary Defensive Periods

During temporary defensive periods the Fund may deviate from its investment objective and policies, and in order to keep the Fund’s cash fully invested, the Fund may invest any percentage of its total assets in high quality investments. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective during such periods.

 

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Shareholder Update (continued)

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PRINCIPAL RISKS OF THE FUNDS

The factors that are most likely to have a material effect on a particular Fund’s portfolio as a whole are called “principal risks.” Each Fund is subject to the principal risks indicated below, whether through direct investment or derivative positions. Each Fund may be subject to additional risks other than those identified and described below because the types of investments made by a Fund can change over time.

 

Risks     

Nuveen Global
High Income

Fund

(JGH)

  

Nuveen Core

Plus Impact

Fund

(NPCT)

  

Nuveen Mortgage

and Income

Fund

(JLS)

Portfolio Level Risks                 
   

Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”) Risk

     X    X    X

Below Investment Grade Risk

     X    X    X

Bond Market Liquidity Risk

     X    X   

Call Risk

     X    X    X

Catastrophe Bond Risk

           X

Certain Risks of Holding Fund Assets Outside the United States

     X      

Collateralized Debt Obligation (“CDO”) Risk

           X

Collateralized Loan Obligation (“CLO”) Risk

           X

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) and Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”) Risk

     X    X    X

Concentration Risk

     X      

Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) Risk

     X      

Convertible Securities Risk

     X      

Credit Risk

     X    X    X

Credit Risk Associated with Originators and Servicers of Residential and Commercial Mortgage Loans

        X    X

Credit Spread Risk

     X    X    X

Debt Securities Risk

     X    X    X

Defaulted and Distressed Investments Risk

        X   

Deflation Risk

     X       X

Derivatives Risk

     X    X    X

Duration Risk

     X    X    X

Emerging Markets Risk

     X      

Extension Risk

           X

Financial Futures and Options Transactions Risk

     X    X    X

Foreign/Emerging Markets Issuer Risk

        X   

Foreign Currency Risk

     X    X   

Forward Currency Contracts Risk

     X      

Hedging Risk

     X    X    X

Illiquid Investments Risk

     X    X    X

Impact Criteria and Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Criteria Investing Risk

        X   

Income Risk

     X       X

Inflation Risk

     X    X    X

Interest Rate Risk

     X    X    X

Interest Rate Risk Associated with Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”) and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”)

        X    X

Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk

        X   

Issuer Credit Risk

        X   

Loan Participation Risk

     X      

Loan Risk

     X    X   

 

86


 

Risks     

Nuveen Global
High Income

Fund

(JGH)

  

Nuveen Core

Plus Impact

Fund

(NPCT)

  

Nuveen Mortgage

and Income

Fund

(JLS)

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) Replacement Risk

     X    X    X

Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”) Prepayment Risk

        X    X

Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”) Risk

        X    X

Non-Mortgage Related Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”) Risk

        X    X

Non-U.S. Securities Risk

     X      

Non-U.S. Settlement Risk

     X      

Other Investment Companies Risk

     X    X    X

Preferred Securities Risk

     X      

Real Estate Related Securities Risk

     X      

Regulation S Securities Risk

        X   

Reinvestment Risk

     X    X    X

Senior Loan Risk

     X    X   

Senior Loan Agent Risk

     X      

Structural Risks Associated with Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) and Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”)

        X    X

Subordination Risk Associated with Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) and Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”)

        X    X

Subprime Mortgage Market Risk

           X

Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt Risk

        X   

Swap Transactions Risk

     X    X    X

Unrated Securities Risk

     X    X    X

U.S. Government Securities Risk

        X    X

Valuation Risk

     X    X    X

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions Risk

     X      

“Widening” Risk

           X

Zero Coupon Bonds Risk

     X      
Fund Level and Other Risks                 
   

Anti-Takeover Provisions

     X    X    X

Borrowing Risk

     X    X    X

Counterparty Risk

     X       X

Cybersecurity Risk

     X       X

Distribution Risk

        X   

Frequent Trading Risk

        X   

Global Economic Risk

     X    X    X

Investment and Market Risk

     X    X    X

Legislation and Regulatory Risk

     X    X    X

Leverage Risk

     X    X    X

Limited Term and Tender Offer Risks

        X   

Market Discount from Net Asset Value

     X    X    X

Recent Market Conditions

     X    X    X

Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk

     X    X    X

Risk of Taxable Income in Excess of Economic Income

           X

Subsidiary Risk

        X   

Tax Risk

     X    X    X

 

87


Shareholder Update (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Portfolio Level Risks:

Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”) Risk. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets including company receivables, truck and auto loans, leases and credit card receivables. These securities may be in the form of pass-through instruments or asset-backed bonds. Asset-backed securities are issued by non-governmental entities and carry no direct or indirect government guarantee; the asset pools that back asset-backed securities are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments on asset-backed securities depend upon assets held by the issuer and collections of the underlying loans. The value of these securities depends on many factors, including changing interest rates, the availability of information about the pool and its structure, the credit quality of the underlying assets, the market’s perception of the servicer of the pool, and any credit enhancement provided. In certain market conditions, asset-backed securities may experience volatile fluctuations in value and periods of illiquidity.

Below Investment Grade Risk. Securities of below investment grade quality are regarded as having speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and may be subject to higher price volatility and default risk than investment grade securities of comparable terms and duration. Issuers of lower grade securities may be highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. The prices of these lower grade securities are typically more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn. The secondary market for lower rated securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to dispose of a particular security. If a below investment grade security goes into default, or its issuer enters bankruptcy, it might be difficult to sell that security in a timely manner at a reasonable price.

Bond Market Liquidity Risk. Dealer inventories of bonds, which provide an indication of the ability of financial intermediaries to “make markets” in those bonds, are at or near historic lows in relation to market size. This reduction in market making capacity has the potential to decrease liquidity and increase price volatility in the fixed income markets in which the Fund invests, particularly during periods of economic or market stress. In addition, recent federal banking regulations may cause certain dealers to reduce their inventories of bonds, which may further decrease the Fund’s ability to buy or sell bonds. As a result of this decreased liquidity, the Fund may have to accept a lower price to sell a security, sell other securities to raise cash, or give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on performance. If the Fund needed to sell large blocks of bonds to meet shareholder redemption requests or to raise cash, those sales could further reduce the bonds’ prices and hurt performance.

Call Risk. The Fund may invest in securities that are subject to call risk. Such securities may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, or “called,” before their stated maturity or redemption date. In general, an issuer will call its instruments if they can be refinanced by issuing new instruments that bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates, an issuer will call its high yielding securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Fund’s income.

Catastrophe Bonds Risk. Exposure to catastrophe bonds results in gains or losses that typically are contingent upon, or formulaically related to, defined trigger events. Examples of trigger events include hurricanes, earthquakes, weather-related phenomena or statistics relating to such events. Catastrophe bonds carry large uncertainties and major risk exposures to adverse conditions. If a trigger event, as defined within the terms of the bond, involves losses or other metrics exceeding a specific magnitude in the geographic region and/or time period specified therein, the Fund may lose a portion or all of its investments in such security, including accrued interest and/or principal invested in such security. Such losses may be substantial. If no trigger event occurs, the Fund typically would recover its principal plus interest.

The rating, if any, of catastrophe bonds, reflects the rating agency’s calculated probability that a pre-defined trigger event will occur. Thus, lower-rated bonds have a greater likelihood of a triggering event occurring and resulting in a loss to the Fund. Catastrophe bonds often provide for an extension of maturity to process and audit loss claims when a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. Event-linked exposure also may expose the Fund to certain other risks including credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences. Catastrophe bonds may also be illiquid.

Certain Risks of Holding Fund Assets Outside the United States. The Fund may hold investments in non-U.S. banks and securities depositories. Some non-U.S. banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business, and there may be limited or no regulatory oversight of their operations. The laws of certain countries limit the Fund’s ability to recover its assets if a non-U.S. bank or depository, or any of its agents, goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for the Fund to purchase, sell and hold securities in certain non-U.S. markets than in the United States. The increased expense of investing in non-U.S. markets reduces the amount the Fund can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Fund than for investment companies invested only in the United States.

Collateralized Debt Obligation (“CDO”) Risk. The risks of an investment in CDOs depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which the Fund invests. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed-income securities, CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to, the risk that: (1) distributions from collateral securities may not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (2) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (3) the fact that the CDOs may be subordinate to other classes; and (4) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.

 

88


 

Collateralized Loan Obligation (“CLO”) Risk. A CLO is an asset-backed security whose underlying collateral is a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign floating rate and fixed rate senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. In addition to the risks associated with loans, illiquid investments and high-yield securities described below, investments in CLOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to, the risk that: (1) distributions from the collateral may not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (2) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (3) the Fund may invest in tranches of CLOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (4) the complex structure of the CLO may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results; and (5) the CLO’s manager may perform poorly. CLOs may charge management and other administrative fees, which are in addition to those of the Fund.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) and Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”) Risk. CMBS and MBS, including collateralized debt obligations and collateralized mortgage obligations, differ from conventional debt securities because principal is paid back over the life of the security rather than at maturity. CMBS and MBS are subject to prepayment or call risk, which is the risk that a borrower’s payments may be received earlier than expected due to changes in prepayment rates on underlying loans. Faster prepayments often happen when interest rates are falling. As a result, the Fund may reinvest these early payments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Fund’s income. CMBS and MBS also are subject to extension risk. An unexpected rise in interest rates could reduce the rate of prepayments and extend the life of the CMBS and MBS, causing the price of the CMBS and MBS and the Fund’s share price to fall and would make the CMBS and MBS more sensitive to interest rate changes. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool will adversely affect the value of CMBS and MBS and will result in losses to the Fund. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not subject to the same underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-related securities that have government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying privately issued mortgage-related securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored mortgage-related securities and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics.

Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments are concentrated in issuers of one or a few specific economic sectors, so the Fund may be subject to more risks than if it were broadly diversified across the economy.

Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) Risk. A loss absorption mechanism trigger event for CoCos would likely be the result of, or related to, the deterioration of the issuer’s financial condition (e.g., a decrease in the issuer’s capital ratio) and status as a going concern. In such a case, with respect to CoCos that provide for conversion into common stock upon the occurrence of the trigger event, the market price of the issuer’s common stock received by the Fund will have likely declined, perhaps substantially, and may continue to decline, which may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value. Further, the issuer’s common stock would be subordinate to the issuer’s other classes of securities and therefore would worsen the Fund’s standing in a bankruptcy proceeding. In addition, because the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero. In view of the foregoing, CoCos are often rated below investment grade and are subject to the risks of below investment grade securities.

CoCos may be subject to an automatic write-down (i.e., the automatic write-down of the principal amount or value of the securities, potentially to zero, and the cancellation of the securities) under certain circumstances, which could result in the Fund losing a portion or all of its investment in such securities. In addition, the Fund may not have any rights with respect to repayment of the principal amount of the securities that has not become due or the payment of interest or dividends on such securities for any period from (and including) the interest or dividend payment date falling immediately prior to the occurrence of such automatic write-down. An automatic write-down could also result in a reduced income rate if the dividend or interest payment is based on the security’s par value. Coupon payments on CoCos may be discretionary and may be cancelled by the issuer for any reason or may be subject to approval by the issuer’s regulator and may be suspended in the event there are insufficient distributable reserves.

In certain scenarios, investors in CoCos may suffer a loss of capital ahead of equity holders or when equity holders do not. There is no guarantee that the Fund will receive a return of principal on CoCos. Any indication that an automatic write-down or conversion event may occur can be expected to have a material adverse effect on the market price of CoCos.

The prices of CoCos may be volatile. Additionally, the trading behavior of a given issuer’s CoCo may be strongly impacted by the trading behavior of other issuers’ CoCos, such that negative information from an unrelated CoCo may cause a decline in value of one or more CoCos held by afund. Accordingly, the trading behavior of CoCos may not follow the trading behavior of other similarly structured securities.

CoCos are issued primarily by financial institutions. Therefore, CoCos present substantially increased risks at times of financial turmoil, which could affect financial institutions more than companies in other sectors and industries.

Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities have characteristics of both equity and debt securities and, as a result, are exposed to certain additional risks that are typically associated with debt, including but not limited to Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Below Investment Grade Risk and Unrated Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security is influenced by both the yield of non-convertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value of the underlying common stock. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar credit

 

89


Shareholder Update (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

quality. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. However, the convertible security’s market value tends to reflect the market price of the common stock of the issuing company when that stock price is greater than the convertible security’s “conversion price.” The conversion price is defined as the predetermined price at which the convertible security could be exchanged for the associated common stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the price of the convertible security tends to be influenced more by the yield of the convertible security. Thus, the convertible security may not decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common stock. Convertible securities fall below debt obligations of the same issuer in order of preference or priority in the event of a liquidation and are typically unrated or rated lower than such debt obligations.

Credit Risk. Issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest may default on their obligations to pay principal or interest when due. This non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of a security experiencing non-payment and potentially a decrease in the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund. To the extent that the credit rating assigned to a security in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected.

Debt securities held by the Fund may fail to make dividend or interest payments when due. Investments in investments below investment grade credit quality are predominantly speculative and subject to greater volatility and risk of default. Unrated investments are evaluated by Fund managers using industry data and their own analysis processes that may be similar to that of a NRSRO; however, such internal ratings are not equivalent to a national agency credit rating. Counterparty credit risk may arise if counterparties fail to meet their obligations, should the Fund hold any derivative instruments for either investment exposure or hedging purposes.

Credit Risk Associated with Originators and Servicers of Residential and Commercial Mortgage Loans. In the past, a number of originators and servicers of residential and commercial mortgage loans, including some of the largest originators and servicers in the residential and commercial mortgage loan market, experienced serious financial difficulties. These difficulties resulted from many factors, including increased competition among originators for borrowers, decreased originations by such originators of mortgage loans and increased delinquencies and defaults on such mortgage loans, as well as increases in claims for repurchases of mortgage loans previously sold by them under agreements that require repurchase in the event of breaches of representations regarding loan quality and characteristics. Such difficulties may affect the performance of non-agency RMBS and CMBS backed by mortgage loans. Furthermore, the inability of the originator to repurchase such mortgage loans in the event of loan representation breaches or the servicer to repurchase such mortgage loans upon a breach of its servicing obligations also may affect the performance of related non-agency RMBS and CMBS. Delinquencies and losses on mortgage loans originated by mortgage lenders may arise or increase as a result of inadequate underwriting procedures and policies, including inadequate due diligence, failure to comply with predatory and other lending laws and, particularly in the case of any “no documentation” or “limited documentation” mortgage loans that may support non-agency RMBS, inadequate verification of income and employment history. Delinquencies and losses on, and claims for repurchase of, mortgage loans originated by mortgage lenders also may arise from fraudulent activities of borrowers, lenders, appraisers, and other residential mortgage industry participants such as mortgage brokers, including misstatements of income and employment history, identity theft and overstatements of the appraised value of mortgaged properties. Many of these originators and servicers are highly leveraged. These difficulties may also increase the chances that these entities may default on their warehousing or other credit lines or become insolvent or bankrupt and thereby increase the likelihood that repurchase obligations will not be fulfilled and the potential for loss to holders of non-agency RMBS, CMBS and subordinated security holders.

The servicers of non-agency RMBS and CMBS are often the same entities as, or affiliates of, the originators of these mortgage loans. Accordingly, the financial risks relating to originators of non-agency RMBS and CMBS described immediately above also may affect the servicing of non-agency RMBS and CMBS. In the case of such servicers, and other servicers, financial difficulties may have a negative effect on the ability of servicers to pursue collection on mortgage loans that are experiencing increased delinquencies and defaults and to maximize recoveries on sale of underlying properties following foreclosure.

Non-agency RMBS and CMBS typically provide that the servicer is required to make advances in respect of delinquent mortgage loans. However, servicers experiencing financial difficulties may not be able to perform these obligations or obligations that they may have to other parties of transactions involving these securities. Like originators, these entities are typically highly leveraged. Such difficulties may cause servicers to default under their financing arrangements. In certain cases, such entities may be forced to seek bankruptcy protection. Due to the application of the provisions of bankruptcy law, servicers who have sought bankruptcy protection may not be required to advance such amounts. Even if a servicer were able to advance amounts in respect of delinquent mortgage loans, its obligation to make such advances may be limited to the extent that it does not expect to recover such advances due to the deteriorating credit of the delinquent mortgage loans or declining value of the related mortgaged properties. Moreover, servicers may over advance against a particular mortgage loan or charge too many costs of resolution or foreclosure of a mortgage loan to a securitization, which could increase the potential losses to holders of non-agency RMBS and CMBS. In such transactions, a servicer’s obligation to make such advances may also be limited to the amount of its servicing fee. In addition, if an issue of non-agency RMBS and CMBS provides for interest on advances made by the servicer, in the event that foreclosure proceeds or payments by borrowers are not sufficient to cover such interest, such interest will be paid to the servicer from available collections or other mortgage income, thereby reducing distributions made on the non-agency RMBS and CMBS and, in the case of senior-subordinated non-agency RMBS and CMBS described below, first from distributions that would otherwise be made on the most

 

90


 

subordinated non-agency RMBS and CMBS of such issue. Any such financial difficulties may increase the possibility of a servicer termination and the need for a transfer of servicing and any such liabilities or inability to assess such liabilities may increase the difficulties and costs in affecting such transfer and the potential loss, through the allocation of such increased cost of such transfer, to subordinated security holders.

There can be no assurance that originators and servicers of mortgage loans will not experience serious financial difficulties, including becoming subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, or that underwriting procedures and policies and protections against fraud will be sufficient in the future to prevent such financial difficulties or significant levels of default or delinquency on mortgage loans.

Credit Spread Risk. Credit spread risk is the risk that credit spreads (i.e., the difference in yield between securities that is due to differences in their credit quality) may increase when the market believes that securities generally have a greater risk of default. Increasing credit spreads may reduce the market values of the Fund’s securities. Credit spreads often increase more for lower rated and unrated securities than for investment grade securities. In addition, when credit spreads increase, reductions in market value will generally be greater for longer-maturity securities.

Debt Securities Risk. Issuers of debt instruments in which the Fund may invest may default on their obligations to pay principal or interest when due. This non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of a debt instrument experiencing non-payment and, potentially, a decrease in the NAV of the Fund. There can be no assurance that liquidation of collateral would satisfy the issuer’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of an issuer, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a security. To the extent that the credit rating assigned to a security in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected.

Defaulted and Distressed Investments Risk. The Fund may invest in investments of an issuer that is in default or that is in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings at the time of purchase. In addition, the Fund may hold investments that at the time of purchase are not in default or involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, but may later become so. Moreover, the Fund may invest in investments either rated CCC or lower, or unrated but judged by the Fund’s sub-adviser to be of comparable quality. Some or many of these low-rated investments, although not in default, may be “distressed,” meaning that the issuer is experiencing financial difficulties or distress at the time of acquisition. Such investments would present a substantial risk of future default which may cause the Fund to incur losses, including additional expenses, to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on those investments. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio investment, the Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or investments with a value less than its original investment. Defaulted or distressed investments may be subject to restrictions on resale.

Deflation Risk. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives involves additional risks and transaction costs which could leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used these instruments. Derivative instruments can be used to acquire or to transfer the risk and returns of a security or other asset without buying or selling the security or asset. These instruments may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest. As a result, a small investment in derivatives can result in losses that greatly exceed the original investment. Derivatives can be highly volatile, illiquid and difficult to value. An over-the-counter derivative transaction between the Fund and a counterparty that is not cleared through a central counterparty also involves the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the contract to make required payments. The payment obligation for a cleared derivative transaction is guaranteed by a central counterparty, which exposes the Fund to the creditworthiness of the central counterparty.

It is possible that regulatory or other developments in the derivatives market, including changes in government regulation, such as the SEC’s recently adopted new Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, which imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, could adversely impact the Fund’s ability to invest in certain derivatives or successfully use derivative instruments.

Duration Risk. Duration is the sensitivity, expressed in years, of the price of a fixed-income security to changes in the general level of interest rates (or yields). Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate (or yield) changes, which typically corresponds to increased volatility and risk, than securities with shorter durations. For example, if a security or portfolio has a duration of three years and interest rates increase by 1%, then the security or portfolio would decline in value by approximately 3%. Duration differs from maturity in that it considers potential changes to interest rates, and a security’s coupon payments, yield, price and par value and call features, in addition to the amount of time until the security matures. The duration of a security will be expected to change over time with changes in market factors and time to maturity.

Emerging Markets Risk. Risks of investing in securities of emerging markets issuers include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and possible restrictions on repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales; and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization, or creation of government monopolies. Certain emerging markets also may face other significant internal or external risks, including a heightened risk of war, and ethnic, religious and racial conflicts. In addition, governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities markets, which may impair

 

91


Shareholder Update (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

investment and economic growth, and which may in turn diminish the value of the securities in those markets. The considerations noted below in “Non-U.S. Securities Risk” are generally intensified for investments in emerging market countries.

Extension Risk. Extension risk is the flip side of call or prepayment risk. Extension, or slower prepayments of the underlying mortgage loans, would extend the time it would take to receive cash flows and would generally compress the yield on non-agency RMBS and CMBS. Rising interest rates can cause the average maturity of the Fund to lengthen due to a drop in mortgage prepayments. This will increase both the sensitivity to rising interest rates and the potential for price declines of the Fund.

Financial Futures and Options Transactions Risk. The Fund may use certain transactions for hedging the portfolio’s exposure to credit risk and the risk of increases in interest rates, which could result in poorer overall performance for the Fund. There may be an imperfect correlation between price movements of the futures and options and price movements of the portfolio securities being hedged.

If the Fund engages in futures transactions or in the writing of options on futures, it will be required to maintain initial margin and maintenance margin and may be required to make daily variation margin payments in accordance with applicable rules of the exchanges and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). If the Fund purchases a financial futures contract or a call option or writes a put option in order to hedge the anticipated purchase of securities, and if the Fund fails to complete the anticipated purchase transaction, the Fund may have a loss or a gain on the futures or options transaction that will not be offset by price movements in the securities that were the subject of the anticipatory hedge. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when the Fund seeks to close out a derivatives or futures or a futures option position, and the Fund would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the position is closed.

Foreign/Emerging Markets Issuer Risk. Investments in foreign issuers involve special risks not presented by investments in U.S. issuers, including the following: (i) less publicly available information about foreign issuers or markets due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices; (ii) many foreign markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile; (iii) potential adverse effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the Fund’s investments; (iv) the economies of foreign countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession; (v) the impact of economic, political, social or diplomatic events; (vi) possible seizure of a company’s assets; (vii) restrictions imposed by foreign countries limiting the ability of foreign issuers to make payments of principal and/or interest due to blockages of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise and (viii) withholding and other foreign taxes may decrease the Fund’s return. These risks are more pronounced to the extent that the Fund invests in issuers in emerging market countries.

Foreign Currency Risk. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities held by the Fund and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. Currencies of certain countries may be volatile and therefore may affect the value of securities denominated in such currencies, which means that the Fund’s NAV could decline as a result of changes in the exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. In addition, certain countries, particularly emerging market countries, may impose foreign currency exchange controls or other restrictions on the transferability, repatriation or convertibility of currency.

Forward Currency Contracts Risk. Forward currency contracts are not standardized; rather, banks and dealers act as principals in these markets, negotiating each transaction on an individual basis. Forward and “cash” trading is substantially unregulated; there is no limitation on daily price movements and speculative position limits are not applicable. The principals who deal in the forward currency markets are not required to continue to make markets in the securities they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity, sometimes of significant duration. There have been periods during which certain participants in these markets have refused to quote prices for certain securities or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which they were prepared to buy and that at which they were prepared to sell. Market illiquidity or disruption could result in major losses to the Fund. In addition, trading forward currency contracts can have the effect of financial leverage by creating additional investment exposure.

Hedging Risk. The Fund’s use of derivatives or other transactions to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to the investment adviser’s and/or the sub-adviser’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund’s portfolio holdings or other factors. No assurance can be given that the investment adviser’s and/or the sub-adviser’s judgment in this respect will be correct, and no assurance can be given that the Fund will enter into hedging or other transactions at times or under circumstances in which it may be advisable to do so. Hedging activities may reduce the Fund’s opportunities for gain by offsetting the positive effects of favorable price movements and may result in net losses.

Illiquid Investments Risk. Illiquid investments are investments that are not readily marketable. These investments may include restricted investments, including Rule 144 A securities, which cannot be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, or if they are unregistered may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an available exemption from registration. The Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such the investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of investments, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s NAV and ability to make dividend distributions. The financial markets in general have in recent years experienced periods of extreme secondary market supply and demand imbalance, resulting in a loss of liquidity during which market prices were suddenly and substantially below traditional measures of intrinsic value. During such

 

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periods, some investments could be sold only at arbitrary prices and with substantial losses. Periods of such market dislocation may occur again at any time. .

Impact Criteria and Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Criteria Investing Risk. Because the Impact Criteria and/or Nuveen’s ESG investment criteria may exclude investments of certain issuers for non-financial reasons, the Fund may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use these criteria. This may cause the Fund to underperform the market as a whole or other funds that do not use an Impact Criteria or ESG investment strategy or that use a different methodology or different factors to determine an investment’s impact and/or ESG investment criteria. In addition, there is a risk that the companies identified by the Impact Criteria or Nuveen’s ESG investment criteria do not operate as expected when addressing social and environmental impact and ESG issues. A company’s social and environmental impact and ESG performance or the Fund’s sub-adviser’s assessment of a company’s social and environmental impact and ESG performance could vary over time, which could cause the Fund to be temporarily invested in companies that do not comply with the Fund’s approach towards considering Impact Criteria or ESG investment criteria. There are significant differences in interpretations of what it means for a company to have positive Impact Criteria or ESG investment criteria. While the Fund’s sub-adviser believes its evaluation of Impact Criteria and/or ESG investment criteria is reasonable, the portfolio decisions it makes may differ with other investors’ or advisers’ views. In making investment decisions, the Fund’s sub-adviser relies on information and data that could be incomplete or erroneous, which could cause the Fund’s sub-adviser to incorrectly assess a company’s Impact Criteria and/or ESG investment criteria. The third-party data providers may differ in the data they provide for a given investment or between industries, or may only take into account one of many ESG-related components of a company. Accordingly, the information used by the Fund’s sub-adviser to evaluate the ESG criteria of the Fund’s investments may not be complete or accurate, and may vary across providers and issuers, as ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic. Furthermore, data availability and reporting with respect to Impact Criteria or the ESG investment criteria may not always be available or may become unreliable.

Income Risk. The Fund’s income could decline due to falling market interest rates. This is because, in a falling interest rate environment, the Fund generally will have to invest the proceeds from maturing portfolio securities in lower-yielding securities.

Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the common shares and distributions can decline. Currently, inflation rates are elevated relative to normal market conditions and could continue to increase.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that municipal securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. Generally, when market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities will fall, and vice versa. As interest rates decline, issuers of municipal securities may prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower-yielding securities and potentially reducing the Fund’s income. As interest rates increase, slower than expected principal payments may extend the average life of municipal securities, potentially locking in a below-market interest rate and reducing the Fund’s value. In typical market interest rate environments, the prices of longer-term municipal securities generally fluctuate more than prices of shorter-term municipal securities as interest rates change. The risks associated with rising interest rates are greatly heightened in view of the US Federal Reserve Bank’s decision to raise the federal funds rate from historic lows, and may continue to raise interest rates if considered necessary to reduce inflation to acceptable levels.

Interest Rate Risk Associated with Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”) and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”). The rate of interest payable on certain non-agency RMBS and CMBS may be set or effectively capped at the weighted average net coupon of the underlying mortgage loans themselves, often referred to as an “available funds cap.” As a result of this cap, the return to the holder of such non-agency RMBS and CMBS is dependent on the relative timing and rate of delinquencies and prepayments of mortgage loans bearing a higher rate of interest. In general, early prepayments will have a greater negative impact on the yield to the holder of such non-agency RMBS and CMBS.

The value of fixed rate debt securities can be expected to vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates. Fixed rate debt securities with longer maturities, which tend to produce higher yields, are subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation than securities with shorter maturities.

Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities. In general, income on inverse floating rate securities will decrease when short-term interest rates increase and increase when short-term interest rates decrease. Investments in inverse floating rate securities may subject the Fund to the risks of reduced or eliminated interest payments and losses of principal. In addition, inverse floating rate securities may increase or decrease in value at a greater rate than the underlying interest rate, which effectively leverages the Fund’s investment. As a result, the market value of such securities generally will be more volatile than that of fixed rate securities.

The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts that have recourse to the Fund. In such instances, the Fund may be at risk of loss that exceeds its investment in the inverse floating rate securities.

 

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The Fund may be required to sell its inverse floating rate securities at less than favorable prices, or liquidate other Fund portfolio holdings in certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

If the Fund has a need for cash and the securities in a special purpose trust are not actively trading due to adverse market conditions;

 

   

If special purpose trust sponsors (as a collective group or individually) experience financial hardship and consequently seek to terminate their respective outstanding special purpose trusts; and

 

   

If the value of an underlying security declines significantly and if additional collateral has not been posted by the Fund.

Issuer Credit Risk. Issuers of investments in which the Fund may invest may default, or may be in default at the time of purchase, on their obligations to pay, principal or interest when due. This non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of a debt security experiencing non-payment and, potentially, a decrease in the NAV of the Fund. With respect to the Fund’s investments that are secured, there can be no assurance that liquidation of collateral would satisfy the issuer’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled dividend, interest or principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of the bankruptcy of an issuer, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing an investment. To the extent that the credit rating assigned to an investment in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded, the market price and liquidity of such investment may be adversely affected.

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Replacement Risk. LIBOR is an index rate that historically has been widely used in lending transactions and remains a common reference rate for setting the floating interest rate on private loans. The use of LIBOR will begin to be phased out in the near future, which may adversely affect the Fund’s investments whose value is tied to LIBOR. While the Secured Financing Oversight Rate (“SOFR”) has been recommended as the replacement rate for LIBOR, and some product markets have adopted the use of SOFR, LIBOR may still be used as a reference rate until such time that private markets have fully transitioned to using SOFR or other alternative reference rates recommended by applicable market regulators. The transition process away from LIBOR may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The potential effect of a discontinuation of LIBOR on the Fund’s investments will vary depending on, among other things: (1) existing fallback provisions that provide a replacement reference rate if LIBOR is no longer available; (2) termination provisions in individual contracts; and (3) how and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products and instruments held by the Fund. Accordingly, it is difficult to predict the full impact of the transition away from LIBOR until it is clearer how the Fund’s products and instruments will be impacted by this transition.

Loan Participation Risk. The Fund may purchase a participation interest in a loan and by doing so acquire some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a borrower. A participation typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with the lender, not the borrower. As a result, the Fund assumes the credit risk of the lender selling the participation in addition to the credit risk of the borrower. By purchasing a participation, the Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. In the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the lender selling the participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not have a senior claim to the lender’s interest in the loan. If the Fund only acquires a participation in the loan made by a third party, the Fund may not be able to control the exercise of any remedies that the lender would have under the loan. Such third party participation arrangements are designed to give loan investors preferential treatment over high yield investors in the event of a deterioration in the credit quality of the borrower. Even when these arrangements exist, however, there can be no assurance that the principal and interest owed on the loan will be repaid in full.

Loan Risk. The lack of an active trading market for certain loans may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to sell a loan and may make it difficult to value such loans. Portfolio transactions in loans may settle in as short as seven days but typically can take up to two or three weeks, and in some cases much longer. As a result of these extended settlement periods, the Fund may incur losses if it is required to sell other investments or temporarily borrow to meet its cash needs, including satisfying redemption requests. The risks associated with unsecured loans, which are not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral, are higher than those for comparable loans that are secured by specific collateral. For secured loans, there is a risk that the value of any collateral securing a loan in which the Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the loan. Interests in loans made to finance highly leveraged companies or transactions such as corporate acquisitions may be especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. Loans may have restrictive covenants limiting the ability of a borrower to further encumber its assets. However, in periods of high demand by lenders like the Fund for loan investments, borrowers may limit these covenants and weaken a lender’s ability to access collateral securing the loan; reprice the credit risk associated with the borrower; and mitigate potential loss. The Fund may experience relatively greater realized or unrealized losses or delays and expenses in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants. Additionally, loans may not be considered “securities” and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the securities laws. Because junior loans have a lower place in an issuer’s capital structure and may be unsecured, junior loans involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the issuer.

 

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Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”) Prepayment Risk. MBS represent an interest in a pool of mortgages. These mortgages typically permit borrowers to prepay amounts owing, often with no penalty. In periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower-yielding securities. However, MBS prepayment risk may not be the same as call risk for a corporate bond of similar maturity, making this risk difficult to estimate.

Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”) Risk. Non-agency RMBS are securities issued by non-governmental issuers, the payments on which depend (except for rights or other assets designed to assure the servicing or timely distribution of proceeds to holders of such securities) primarily on the cash flow from residential mortgage loans made to borrowers that are secured (on a first priority basis or second priority basis, subject to permitted liens, easements and other encumbrances) by residential real estate (one- to four- family properties) the proceeds of which are used to purchase real estate and purchase or construct dwellings thereon (or to refinance indebtedness previously so used). Non-agency RMBS have no direct or indirect government guarantees of payment and are subject to various risks as described herein.

Non-Mortgage Related Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) Risk. Investing in ABS entails various risks, including credit risks, liquidity risks, interest rate risks, market risks and legal risks. Credit risk is an important issue in ABS because of the significant credit risks inherent in the underlying collateral and because issuers are primarily private entities. The structure of ABS and the terms of the investors’ interest in the collateral can vary widely depending on the type of collateral, the desires of investors and the use of credit enhancements. Although the basic elements of all ABS are similar, individual transactions can differ markedly in both structure and execution. Important determinants of the risk associated with issuing or holding the securities include the process by which principal and interest payments are allocated and distributed to investors, how credit losses affect the issuing vehicle and the return to investors in such ABS, whether collateral represents a fixed set of specific assets or accounts, whether the underlying collateral assets are revolving or closed-end, under what terms (including the maturity of the ABS itself) any remaining balance in the accounts may revert to the issuing entity and the extent to which the entity that is the actual source of the collateral assets is obligated to provide support to the issuing vehicle or to the investors in such ABS. The Fund may invest in ABS that are subordinate in right of payment and rank junior to other securities that are secured by or represent an ownership interest in the same pool of assets. In addition, many of the transactions in which such securities are issued have structural features that divert payments of interest and/or principal to more senior classes when the delinquency or loss experience of the pool exceeds certain levels. As a result, such securities have a higher risk of loss as a result of delinquencies or losses on the underlying assets.

Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve special risks, including: less publicly available information about non-U.S. issuers or markets due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices; many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile; the economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession; the impact of economic, political, social or diplomatic events; and withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the Fund’s return. These risks are more pronounced to the extent that the Fund invests a significant amount of its assets in issuers located in one region.

Non-U.S. Settlement Risk. Settlement and clearance procedures in certain non-U.S. markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Non-U.S. settlement and clearance procedures and trade regulations also may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically associated with the settlement of U.S. investments. Communications between the United States and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates. At times, settlement in certain non-U.S. countries have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions. These problems may make it difficult for the Fund to carry out transactions. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain of its assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. If the Fund cannot settle or is delayed in settling a sale of securities, it may lose money if the value of the security then declines or, if it has contracted to sell the security to another party, the Fund could be liable for any losses incurred.

Other Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including ETFs. Investing in an investment company exposes the Fund to all of the risks of that investment company’s investments. The Fund, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies’ expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Fund’s own operations. As a result, the cost of investing in investment company shares may exceed the costs of investing directly in its underlying investments. In addition, securities of other investment companies may be leveraged. As a result, the Fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities and therefore magnify the Fund’s leverage risk.

With respect to ETF’s, an ETF that is based on a specific index may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities in the index. The value of an ETF based on a specific index is subject to change as the values of its respective component assets fluctuate according to market volatility. ETFs typically rely on a limited pool of authorized participants to create and redeem shares, and an active trading market for ETF shares may not develop or be maintained. The market value of shares of ETFs and closed-end funds may differ from their NAV.

Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. In addition, preferred stockholders (such as the Fund, to the extent it invests in preferred stocks of other issuers) generally have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which

 

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Shareholder Update (continued)

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time the preferred stockholders may elect a number of directors to the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred stockholders no longer have voting rights. In the case of certain taxable preferred stocks, holders generally have no voting rights, except (i) if the issuer fails to pay dividends for a specified period of time or (ii) if a declaration of default occurs and is continuing. In such an event, rights of preferred stockholders generally would include the right to appoint and authorize a trustee to enforce the trust or special purpose entity’s rights as a creditor under the agreement with its operating company. In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred stock may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. For instance, for certain types of preferred stock, a redemption may be triggered by a change in U.S. federal income tax or securities laws. As with call provisions, a redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held by the Fund.

Real Estate Related Securities Risk. Real estate companies have been subject to substantial fluctuations and declines on a local, regional and national basis in the past and may continue to be in the future. Real property values and incomes from real property may decline due to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition for tenants, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhoods and in demographics, increases in market interest rates, or other factors. Factors such as these may adversely affect companies that own and operate real estate directly, companies that lend to them, and companies that service the real estate industry. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the values of and incomes from the properties they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the credit quality of the mortgage loans they hold. REITs are subject to other risks as well, including the fact that REITs are dependent on specialized management skills, which may affect their ability to generate cash flow for operating purposes and to make distributions to shareholders or unitholders. REITs may have limited diversification and are subject to the risks associated with obtaining financing for real property. A U.S. domestic REIT can pass its income through to shareholders or unitholders without any U.S. federal income tax at the entity level if it complies with various requirements under the Code. There is the risk that a REIT held by the Fund will fail to qualify for this tax-free pass-through treatment of its income, in which case the REIT would become subject to U.S. federal income tax. Similarly, REITs formed under the laws of non-U.S. countries may fail to qualify for corporate tax benefits made available by the governments of such countries. The Fund, as a holder of a REIT, will bear its pro rata portion of the REIT’s expenses.

Regulation S Securities Risk. The risk that Regulation S securities may be less liquid than publicly traded securities. Regulation S securities may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable to publicly traded securities. As a result, Regulation S securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in losses.

Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if and when the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called securities at market interest rates that are below the portfolio’s current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the common shares’ market price, NAV and/or a common shareholder’s overall returns.

Senior Loan Risk. Senior loans typically hold the most senior position in the capital structure of a business entity, are typically secured with specific collateral and have a claim on the assets and/or stock of the issuer that is senior to that held by subordinated debt holders and stockholders of the issuer. Senior loans are usually rated below investment grade, and share the same risks of other below investment grade debt instruments.

Although the Fund may invest in senior loans that are secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that the liquidation of such collateral would satisfy an issuer’s obligation to the Fund in the event of issuer default or that such collateral could be readily liquidated under such circumstances. If the terms of a senior loan do not require the issuer to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the already pledged collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the amount of the issuer’s obligations under the senior loan.

In the event of bankruptcy of an issuer, the Fund could also experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a senior loan. Some senior loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the senior loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the issuer or take other action detrimental to lenders, including the Fund. Such court action could under certain circumstances include invalidation of senior loans.

Senior Loan Agent Risk. A financial institution’s employment as an agent under a senior loan might be terminated in the event that it fails to observe a requisite standard of care or becomes insolvent. A successor agent would generally be appointed to replace the terminated agent, and assets held by the agent under the loan agreement would likely remain available to holders of such indebtedness. However, if assets held by the terminated agent for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent’s general creditors, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a senior loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. In situations involving other interposed financial institutions (e.g., an insurance company or government agency) similar risks may arise.

Structural Risks Associated with Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) and Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”). Because non-agency RMBS generally are ownership or participation interests in pools of mortgage loans secured by a pool of one- to four-family residential properties underlying the mortgage loan pool, the non-agency RMBS are entitled to payments provided for in the underlying agreement only when and if funds are generated by the underlying mortgage loan pool. This likelihood of the return of interest and principal may be assessed as a credit matter. However, the holders of non-agency RMBS do not have the legal status of secured creditors, and cannot accelerate a claim for payment on their

 

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securities, or force a sale of the mortgage loan pool in the event that insufficient funds exist to pay such amounts on any date designated for such payment. The holders of non-agency RMBS do not typically have any right to remove a servicer solely as a result of a failure of the mortgage pool to perform as expected. A similar risk is associated with CMBS.

Subordination Risk Associated with Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”) and Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (“CMBS”). Non-agency RMBS and CMBS may be subordinated to one or more other senior classes of securities of the same series for purposes of, among other things, offsetting losses and other shortfalls with respect to the related underlying mortgage loans. For example, in the case of certain non-agency RMBS and CMBS, no distributions of principal will generally be made with respect to any class until the aggregate principal balances of the corresponding senior classes of securities have been reduced to zero. As a result, non-agency RMBS and CMBS may be more sensitive to risk of loss, writedowns, the non-fulfillment of repurchase obligations, overadvancing on a pool of loans and the costs of transferring servicing than senior classes of securities.

Subprime Mortgage Market Risk. The residential mortgage market in the United States in the recent past experienced difficulties that, should similar conditions occur in the future, may adversely affect the performance and market value of certain mortgages and mortgage-related securities. Delinquencies and losses on residential mortgage loans (especially subprime and second-line mortgage loans) may increase, and a decline in or flattening of housing values may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses. Borrowers with adjustable rate mortgage loans are more sensitive to changes in interest rates, which affect their monthly mortgage payments, and may be unable to secure replacement mortgages at comparably low interest rates. Any significant reduction in investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities or increase in investor yield requirements may cause limited liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage-related securities, which could adversely affect the market value of mortgage-related securities. If the economy of the United States were to deteriorate, the incidence of mortgage foreclosures, especially subprime mortgages, could increase, which may adversely affect the value of any MBS owned by the Fund.

Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt Risk. Investments in sovereign debt, including supranational debt, involves special risks. Foreign governmental issuers of debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or pay interest when due. In the event of default, there may be limited or no legal recourse in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party. Political conditions, especially a sovereign entity’s willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations, are of considerable significance. The ability of a foreign sovereign issuer, especially an emerging market country, to make timely payments on its debt obligations will also be strongly influenced by the sovereign issuer’s balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credit facilities and investments, fluctuations of interest rates and the extent of its foreign reserves. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. If a sovereign issuer cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks, and multinational organizations. The cost of servicing external debt will also generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates, as many external debt obligations bear interest at rates which are adjusted based upon international interest rates. Foreign investment in certain sovereign debt is restricted or controlled to varying degrees, including requiring governmental approval for the repatriation of income, capital or proceeds of sales by foreign investors. There are no bankruptcy proceedings similar to those in the U.S. by which defaulted sovereign debt may be collected.

Swap Transactions Risk. The Fund may enter into debt-related derivative instruments such as credit default swap contracts and interest rate swaps. Like most derivative instruments, the use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. In addition, the use of swaps requires an understanding by the adviser and/or the sub-adviser of not only the referenced asset, rate or index, but also of the swap itself. If the investment adviser and/or the sub-adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of default risks, market spreads or other applicable factors or events, the investment performance of the Fund would diminish compared with what it would have been if these techniques were not used.

Unrated Securities Risk. The Fund may purchase securities that are not rated by any rating organization. Unrated securities determined by the Fund’s investment adviser to be of comparable quality to rated investments which the Fund may purchase may pay a higher dividend or interest rate than such rated investments and be subject to a greater risk of illiquidity or price changes. Less public information is typically available about unrated investments or issuers than rated investments or issuers. Some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may be difficult to value, which means the Fund might have difficulty selling them promptly at an acceptable price. To the extent that the Fund invests in unrated securities, the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives will be more dependent on the investment adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case when the Fund invests in rated securities.

U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. government securities are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and the payment of principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities are supported by varying degrees of credit but generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if it is not obligated by law to do so.

 

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Valuation Risk. The securities in which the Fund invests typically are valued by a pricing service utilizing a range of market-based inputs and assumptions, including readily available market quotations obtained from broker-dealers making markets in such instruments, cash flows and transactions for comparable instruments. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell a portfolio security at the price established by the pricing service, which could result in a loss to the Fund. Pricing services generally price securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional “round lot” size, but some trades may occur in smaller, “odd lot” sizes, often at lower prices than institutional round lot trades. Different pricing services may incorporate different assumptions and inputs into their valuation methodologies, potentially resulting in different values for the same securities. As a result, if the Fund were to change pricing services, or if the Fund’s pricing service were to change its valuation methodology, there could be a material impact, either positive or negative, on the Fund’s NAV.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions Risk. The Fund may invest in securities on a “when-issued” or “delayed-delivery” basis. When-issued and delayed-delivery transactions may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the securities prior to settlement and, because securities are subject to market fluctuations, the value of the securities at time of delivery may be less (or more) than their cost. A separate account of the Fund will be established with its custodian consisting of cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value at all times at least equal to the amount of any delayed payment commitment.

“Widening” Risk. The prices of non-agency RMBS or CMBS may decline substantially, for reasons that may not be attributable to any of the other risks described herein. In particular, purchasing assets at what may appear to be “undervalued” levels is no guarantee that these assets will not be trading at even more “undervalued” levels at a time of valuation or at the time of sale. It may not be possible to predict, or to protect against, such “spread widening” risk.

Zero Coupon Bonds Risk. Because interest on zero coupon bonds is not paid on a current basis, the values of zero coupon bonds will be more volatile in response to interest rate changes than the values of bonds that distribute income regularly. Although zero coupon bonds generate income for accounting purposes, they do not produce cash flow, and thus the Fund could be forced to liquidate securities at an inopportune time in order to generate cash to distribute to shareholders as required by tax laws.

Fund Level and Other Risks:

Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund’s organizational documents include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to open-end status. Although the application of the “Control Share Acquisition” provisions has currently been suspended, these provisions could have the effect of depriving the common shareholders of opportunities to sell their common shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the common shares.

Borrowing Risk. In addition to borrowing for leverage, the Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, to pay dividends, repurchase its shares, or clear portfolio transactions. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the NAV of the Fund’s shares and may affect the Fund’s net income. When the Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which will reduce the Fund’s returns if such costs exceed the returns on the portfolio securities purchased or retained with such borrowings. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary. However, under certain market circumstances, such borrowings might be outstanding for longer periods of time.

Counterparty Risk. Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as the Fund’s counterparties with respect to derivatives or other transactions supported by another party’s credit will affect the value of those instruments. Certain entities that have served as counterparties in the markets for these transactions have incurred or may incur in the future significant financial hardships including bankruptcy and losses as a result of exposure to sub-prime mortgages and other lower-quality credit investments. As a result, such hardships have reduced these entities’ capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations under such transactions. By using such derivatives or other transactions, the Fund assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience similar financial hardships. In the event of the insolvency of a counterparty, the Fund may sustain losses or be unable to liquidate a derivatives position.

Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to operational and information security risk resulting from cyber incidents. Cyber incidents refer to both intentional attacks and unintentional events including: processing errors, human errors, technical errors including computer glitches and system malfunctions, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, market-wide technical-related disruptions, unauthorized access to digital systems (through “hacking” or malicious software coding), computer viruses, and cyber-attacks which shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website access or functionality (including denial of service attacks). Cyber incidents could adversely impact the Fund and cause the Fund to incur financial loss and expense, as well as face exposure to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund.

 

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Distribution Risk. The Fund’s distributions will be composed of net investment income and a supplemental amount generally representing the potential for capital appreciation, which will take the form of realized capital gains and/or a return of capital. The return of capital component of a Fund distribution may (but will not necessarily) represent unrealized capital gains. A return of capital is a non-taxable distribution of a portion of the Fund’s capital. If over the life of a shareholder’s investment, the total return of the Fund’s overall strategy is less than the distribution rate, a return of capital will represent a portion of a shareholder’s original principal (in effect a partial return of the amount a shareholder invested in the Fund). A return of capital reduces a shareholder’s tax cost basis (but not below zero) in Fund shares, which could result in more taxable gain or less taxable loss when the shareholder sells their shares. This may cause the shareholder to pay taxes even if he or she sells shares for less than the original price. The Fund’s distribution policy, rate of distributions on the Common Shares and the portion of distributions composed of net investment income, realized capital gain and return of capital may vary over time. Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of a distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net income or profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a return of capital distribution from the Fund is net income or profit.

Frequent Trading Risk. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio investments, which may result in the Fund having high portfolio turnover. Effects of frequent trading may include high transaction costs, which may lower the Fund’s return, and realization of greater short-term capital gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders.

Global Economic Risk. National and regional economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country, region or market might adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or market. Changes in legal, political, regulatory, tax and economic conditions may cause fluctuations in markets and investments prices around the world, which could negatively impact the value of the Fund’s investments. Major economic or political disruptions, particularly in large economies like China’s, may have global negative economic and market repercussions. Additionally, instability in various countries, such as Afghanistan and Syria, and natural and environmental disasters and the spread of infectious illnesses or other public health emergencies , possible terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world, continued tensions between North Korea and the United States and the international community generally, growing social and political discord in the United States, the European debt crisis, the response of the international community—through economic sanctions and otherwise—further downgrade of U.S. government securities, the change in the U.S. president and the new administration and other similar events may adversely affect the global economy and the markets and issuers in which the Fund invests. Recent examples of such events include the outbreak of a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 that was first detected in China in December 2019 and heightened concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missile programs. In addition, Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has resulted in sanctions imposed by several nations, such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Canada. The current sanctions and potential further sanctions may negatively impact certain sectors of Russia’s economy, but also may negatively impact the value of the Fund’s investments that do not have direct exposure to Russia. These events could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closure, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the economy. These events could also impair the information technology and other operational systems upon which the Fund’s service providers, including the Fund’s sub-adviser, rely, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of employees of the Fund’s service providers to perform essential tasks on behalf of the Fund.

The Fund does not know and cannot predict how long the securities markets may be affected by these events and the effects of these and similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets. The Fund may be adversely affected by abrogation of international agreements and national laws which have created the market instruments in which the Fund may invest, failure of the designated national and international authorities to enforce compliance with the same laws and agreements, failure of local, national and international organizations to carry out the duties prescribed to them under the relevant agreements, revisions of these laws and agreements which dilute their effectiveness or conflicting interpretation of provisions of the same laws and agreements.

Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have in the past responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs and dramatically lower interest rates. An unexpected or quick reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of these policies, could increase volatility in securities markets, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments.

Investment and Market Risk. An investment in the Fund’s common shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. Common shares frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. An investment in common shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. Common shares at any point in time may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.

Legislation and Regulatory Risk. At any time after the date of this report, legislation or additional regulations may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund, securities held by the Fund or the issuers of such securities. Fund shareholders may incur increased costs resulting from such legislation or additional regulation. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives.

 

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Shareholder Update (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Leverage Risk. The use of leverage creates special risks for common shareholders, including potential interest rate risks and the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and market price of, and distributions on, the common shares. The use of leverage in a declining market will likely cause a greater decline in the Fund’s NAV, which may result at a greater decline of the common share price, than if the Fund were not to have used leverage.

The Fund will pay (and common shareholders will bear) any costs and expenses relating to the Fund’s use of leverage, which will result in a reduction in the Fund’s NAV. The investment adviser may, based on its assessment of market conditions and composition of the Fund’s holdings, increase or decrease the amount of leverage. Such changes may impact the Fund’s distributions and the price of the common shares in the secondary market.

The Fund may seek to refinance its leverage over time, in the ordinary course, as current forms of leverage mature or it is otherwise desirable to refinance; however, the form that such leverage will take cannot be predicted at this time. If the Fund is unable to replace existing leverage on comparable terms, its costs of leverage will increase. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the use of leverage may result in a higher yield or return to common shareholders.

The amount of fees paid to the investment adviser and the sub-advisor for investment advisory services will be higher if the Fund uses leverage because the fees will be calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets—this may create an incentive for the investment adviser and the sub-advisor to leverage the Fund or increase the Fund’s leverage.

Limited Term and Tender Offer Risks. Because the assets of the Fund will be liquidated in connection with its termination or to pay for Common Shares tendered in an Eligible Tender Offer, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities when it otherwise would not, including at times when market conditions are not favorable, or at a time when a particular security is in default or bankruptcy, or otherwise in severe distress, which may cause the Fund to lose money.

The Fund may be required to dispose of portfolio investments in connection with any reduction in its outstanding leverage necessary in order to maintain its desired leverage ratios following an Eligible Tender Offer. It is likely that during the pendency of an Eligible Tender Offer, and possibly for a time thereafter, the Fund will hold a greater than normal percentage of its total assets in money market mutual funds, cash, cash equivalents, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its instrumentalities or agencies, high quality, short-term money market instruments, short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial paper or other liquid debt securities, which may adversely affect the Fund’s investment performance. If the tax basis for the portfolio investments sold is less than the sale proceeds, the Fund will recognize capital gains, which it will be required to distribute to Common Shareholders. In addition, the Fund’s purchase of tendered Common Shares pursuant to an Eligible Tender Offer will have tax consequences for tendering Common Shareholders and may have tax consequences for non-tendering Common Shareholders. All Common Shareholders remaining after an Eligible Tender Offer will be subject to proportionately higher expenses due to the reduction in the Fund’s total assets resulting from payment for the tendered Common Shares. Such reduction in the Fund’s total assets also may result in less investment flexibility, reduced diversification and greater volatility for the Fund, and may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investment performance.

If the Fund conducts an Eligible Tender Offer, there can be no assurance that the number of tendered Common Shares would not result in the Fund’s net assets totaling less than the Termination Threshold, in which case the Eligible Tender Offer will be terminated, no Common Shares will be repurchased pursuant to the Eligible Tender Offer and the Fund will terminate on the Termination Date. The investment adviser may have a conflict of interest in recommending to the Board of Trustees that the Fund have a continued existence without limitation of time. The Fund is not required to conduct additional tender offers following an Eligible Tender Offer and conversion to a continued existence without limitation of time. Therefore, remaining Common Shareholders may not have another opportunity to participate in a tender offer.

A Fund portfolio holding default may significantly reduce net investment income and, therefore, Common Share dividends; and may prevent or inhibit the Fund from fully being able to liquidate its portfolio at or prior to the Termination Date.

Market Discount from Net Asset Value. Shares of closed-end investment companies like the Fund frequently trade at prices lower than their NAV. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s NAV could decrease as a result of investment activities. Whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of the common shares will depend not upon the Fund’s NAV but entirely upon whether the market price of the common shares at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price for the common shares. Furthermore, management may have difficulty meeting the Fund’s investment objectives and managing its portfolio when the underlying securities are redeemed or sold during periods of market turmoil and as investors’ perceptions regarding closed-end funds or their underlying investments change. Because the market price of the common shares will be determined by factors such as relative supply of and demand for the common shares in the market, general market and economic circumstances, and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot predict whether the common shares will trade at, below or above NAV. The common shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not view the Fund as a vehicle for short-term trading purposes.

Recent Market Conditions. Periods of unusually high financial market volatility and restrictive credit conditions, at times limited to a particular sector or geographic area, have occurred in the past and may be expected to recur in the future. Some countries, including the United States, have adopted or have signaled protectionist trade measures, relaxation of the financial industry regulations that followed the financial crisis, and/or reductions to corporate taxes. The scope of these policy changes is still developing, but the equity and debt markets may react strongly to expectations of change, which could

 

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increase volatility, particularly if a resulting policy runs counter to the market’s expectations. The outcome of such changes cannot be foreseen at the present time. In addition, geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks, may add to instability in the world economy and markets generally. As a result of increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by events impacting a country or region, regardless of whether the Fund invests in issuers located in or with significant exposure to such country or region. The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in instances of market closures and dislocations, extreme volatility, liquidity constraints and increased trading costs. The full economic impact and ongoing effects of COVID-19 (or other future epidemics or pandemics) at the macro-level and on individual businesses are unpredictable and may result in significant and prolonged effects on the Fund’s performance.

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum on whether to remain a member state of the European Union (“EU”), in which voters favored the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, an event widely referred to as “Brexit.” On January 31, 2020, the UK formally withdrew from the EU. The transition period concluded on December 31, 2020, and EU law no longer applies in the UK. On December 30, 2020, the UK and EU signed an EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (“UK/EU Trade Agreement”), which went into effect on January 1, 2021 and sets out the foundation of the economic and legal framework for trade between the UK and EU. As the UK/EU Trade Agreement is a new legal framework, the implementation of the UK/EU Trade Agreement may result in uncertainty in its application and periods of volatility in both the UK and wider European markets. The longer term economic, legal, political and social framework to be put in place between the UK and the EU are unclear at this stage, remain subject to negotiation and are likely to lead to ongoing political and economic uncertainty and periods of exacerbated volatility in both the UK and in wider European markets for some time. The outcomes may cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the UK and European economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time. Additionally, a number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future.

Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict, most recently in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine; this conflict may expand and military attacks could occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geographical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets.

The ongoing trade war between China and the United States, including the imposition of tariffs by each country on the other country’s products, has created a tense political environment. These actions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. U.S. companies that source material and goods from China and those that make large amounts of sales in China would be particularly vulnerable to an escalation of trade tensions. Uncertainty regarding the outcome of the trade tensions and the potential for a trade war could cause the U.S. dollar to decline against safe haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the euro. Events such as these and their consequences are difficult to predict and it is unclear whether further tariffs may be imposed or other escalating actions may be taken in the future. The impact of these developments in the near- and long-term is unknown and could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world.

Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk. A reverse repurchase agreement, in economic essence, constitutes a securitized borrowing by the Fund from the security purchaser. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for the purpose of creating a leveraged investment exposure and, as such, their usage involves essentially the same risks associated with a leveraging strategy generally since the proceeds from these agreements may be invested in additional portfolio securities. Reverse repurchase agreements tend to be short-term in tenor, and there can be no assurances that the purchaser (lender) will commit to extend or “roll” a given agreement upon its agreed-upon repurchase date or an alternative purchaser can be identified on similar terms. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the purchaser fails to return the securities as agreed upon, files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent. The Fund may be restricted from taking normal portfolio actions during such time, could be subject to loss to the extent that the proceeds of the agreement are less than the value of securities subject to the agreement and may experience adverse tax consequences.

Risk of Taxable Income in Excess of Economic Income. The Fund expects to acquire debt instruments in the secondary market for less than their stated redemption price at maturity. The discount at which such debt instruments are acquired may reflect doubts about their ultimate collectability rather than current market interest rates. The amount of such discount will nevertheless generally be treated as “market discount” for federal income tax purposes. Market discount on a debt instrument accrues ratably on a daily basis, unless an election is made to accrue market discount on the basis of the constant yield to maturity of the debt instrument, based generally on the assumption that all future payments on the debt instrument will be made. Absent an election to accrue currently, accrued market discount is reported as income when, and to the extent that, any payment of principal of the debt instrument is made. Payments on residential mortgage loans are ordinarily made monthly, and consequently accrued market discount may have to be included in income each month as if the debt instrument were assured of ultimately being collected in full.

Similarly, many of the debt instruments (including MBS) that the Fund may purchase will likely have been issued with original issue discount (“OID”), which discount might reflect doubt as to whether the entire principal amount of such debt instruments will ultimately prove to be collectible. The Fund will be required to report such OID based on a constant yield method and income will be accrued and be currently taxable based on the assumption that all future projected payments due on such debt instruments will be made.

 

101


Shareholder Update (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Finally, in the event that any debt instruments (including MBS) acquired by the Fund are delinquent as to mandatory principal and interest payments, or in the event payments with respect to a particular debt instrument are not made when due, the Fund may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income as it accrues, despite doubt as to its ultimate collectability. Similarly, the Fund may be required to accrue interest income with respect to subordinate MBS at its stated rate regardless of whether corresponding cash payments are received or are ultimately collectible.

Subsidiary Risk. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments in Regulation S securities that are not freely tradable in the U.S. Regulation S securities are debt or equity securities of U.S. and foreign issuers offered through private offerings exempt from registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S of the 1933 Act. Offerings of Regulation S securities may be conducted outside of the United States, and Regulation S securities may be relatively less liquid as a result of legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Although Regulation S securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the price realized from these sales could be less than the price originally paid by the Fund. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure of other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. Accordingly, Regulation S securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Subsidiary are both managed by the Fund’s sub-adviser making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders. The Board of Trustees has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary is subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follows the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate anticipated and could adversely affect the Fund.

Tax Risk. The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to qualify each year as a Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a RIC, the Fund is not expected to be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its investment company taxable income and net capital gains. To qualify for the special tax treatment available to a RIC, the Fund must comply with certain investment, distribution, and diversification requirements. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may be forced to sell certain assets when it is not advantageous in order to meet these requirements, which may reduce the Fund’s overall return. If the Fund fails to meet any of these requirements, subject to the opportunity to cure such failures under applicable provisions of the Code, the Fund’s income would be subject to a double level of U.S. federal income tax. The Fund’s income, including its net capital gain, would first be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates, even if such income were distributed to shareholders and, second, all distributions by the Fund from earnings and profits, including distributions of net capital gain (if any), would be taxable to shareholders as dividends.

 

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EFFECTS OF LEVERAGE

The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effects of leverage through the use of senior securities, as that term is defined under Section 18 of the 1940 Act, as well as certain other forms of leverage, such as reverse repurchase agreements and investments in inverse floating rate securities, on common share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (consisting of income and changes in the value of investments held in a Fund’s portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. The table below reflects each Fund’s (i) continued use of leverage as of December 31, 2022 as a percentage of Managed Assets (including assets attributable to such leverage), (ii) the estimated annual effective interest expense rate payable by the Funds on such instruments (based on actual leverage costs incurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022) as set forth in the table, and (iii) the annual return that the Fund’s portfolio must experience (net of expenses) in order to cover such costs of leverage based on such estimated annual effective interest expense rate. The information below does not reflect any Fund’s use of certain derivative instruments.

The numbers are merely estimates, used for illustration. The costs of leverage may vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the estimated rate. The assumed investment portfolio returns in the table below are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by the Funds. Your actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing below.

 

     

Nuveen Global
High Income Fund

(JGH)

    

Nuveen Core

Plus Impact Fund

(NPCT)

    

Nuveen Mortgage
and Income Fund

(JLS)

 

Estimated Leverage as a Percentage of Managed Assets (Including Assets Attributable to Leverage)

     29.99%        38.56%        30.18%  

Estimated Annual Effective Leverage Expense Rate Payable by Fund on Leverage

     2.39%        2.16%        3.01%  

Annual Return Fund Portfolio Must Experience (net of expenses) to Cover Estimated Annual Effective Interest Expense Rate on Leverage

     0.72%        0.83%        0.91%  

Common Share Total Return for (10.00)% Assumed Portfolio Total Return

     -15.31%        -17.63%        -15.62%  

Common Share Total Return for (5.00)% Assumed Portfolio Total Return

     -8.16%        -9.50%        -8.46%  

Common Share Total Return for 0.00% Assumed Portfolio Total Return

     -1.02%        -1.36%        -1.30%  

Common Share Total Return for 5.00% Assumed Portfolio Total Return

     6.12%        6.78%        5.86%  

Common Share Total Return for 10.00% Assumed Portfolio Total Return

     13.26%        14.92%        13.02%  

Common Share total return is composed of two elements — the distributions paid by the Fund to holders of common shares (the amount of which is largely determined by the net investment income of the Fund after paying dividend payments on any preferred shares issued by the Fund and expenses on any forms of leverage outstanding) and gains or losses on the value of the securities and other instruments the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Funds are more likely to suffer capital losses than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example, to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the income it receives on its investments is entirely offset by losses in the value of those investments. This table reflects hypothetical performance of the Fund’s portfolio and not the actual performance of the Fund’s common shares, the value of which is determined by market forces and other factors. Should the Fund elect to add additional leverage to its portfolio, any benefits of such additional leverage cannot be fully achieved until the proceeds resulting from the use of such leverage have been received by the Fund and invested in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. As noted above, the Fund’s willingness to use additional leverage, and the extent to which leverage is used at any time, will depend on many factors.

 

103


Shareholder Update (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

Nuveen Closed-End Funds Automatic Reinvestment Plan

Your Nuveen Closed-End Fund allows you to conveniently reinvest distributions in additional Fund shares. By choosing to reinvest, you’ll be able to invest money regularly and automatically, and watch your investment grow through the power of compounding. Just like distributions in cash, there may be times when income or capital gains taxes may be payable on distributions that are reinvested. It is important to note that an automatic reinvestment plan does not ensure a profit, nor does it protect you against loss in a declining market.

Easy and convenient

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

How shares are purchased

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

Flexible

You may change your distribution option or withdraw from the Plan at any time, should your needs or situation change. You can reinvest whether your shares are registered in your name, or in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee. Ask your investment advisor if his or her firm will participate on your behalf. Participants whose shares are registered in the name of one firm may not be able to transfer the shares to another firm and continue to participate in the Plan. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time. Although the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants, there is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan at this time.

Call today to start reinvesting distributions

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

 

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CHANGES OCCURRING DURING THE FISCAL YEAR

The following information in this annual report is a summary of certain changes during the most recent fiscal year. This information may not reflect all of the changes that have occurred since you purchased shares of the Fund.

During the most recent fiscal year, there have been no changes to: (i) the Fund’s investment objective and principal investment policies that have not been approved by shareholders, (ii) the principal risks of the Fund, (iii) the portfolio managers of the Fund; (iv) the Fund’s charter or by-laws that would delay or prevent a change of control of the Fund that have not been approved by shareholders, except as follows:

Amended and Restated Bylaws

On October 5, 2020, the Nuveen Global High Income Fund, Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund and Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) and certain other closed-end funds in the Nuveen fund complex amended their by-laws. Among other things, the amended by-laws included provisions pursuant to which, in summary, a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of common shares in a Control Share Acquisition (as defined in the by-laws) shall have the same voting rights as other common shareholders only to the extent authorized by the other disinterested shareholders (the “Control Share By-Law”). On January 14, 2021, a shareholder of certain Nuveen closed-end funds filed a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “District Court”) against certain Nuveen funds and their trustees, seeking a declaration that such funds’ Control Share By-Laws violate the 1940 Act, rescission of such fund’s Control Share By-Laws and a permanent injunction against such funds applying the Control Share By-Laws. On February 18, 2022, the District Court granted judgment in favor of the plaintiff’s claim for rescission of such funds’ Control Share By-Laws and the plaintiff’s declaratory judgment claim, and declared that such funds’ Control Share By-Laws violate Section 18(i) of the 1940 Act. Following review of the judgment of the District Court, on February 22, 2022, the Board amended the Funds’ bylaws to provide that the Funds’ Control Share By-Law shall be of no force and effect for so long as the judgment of the District Court is effective and that if the judgment of the District Court is reversed, overturned, vacated, stayed, or otherwise nullified, the Fund’s Control Share By-Law will be automatically reinstated and apply to any beneficial owner of common shares acquired in a Control Share Acquisition, regardless of whether such Control Share Acquisition occurs before or after such reinstatement, for the duration of the stay or upon issuance of the mandate reversing, overturning, vacating or otherwise nullifying the judgment of the District Court. On February 25, 2022, the Board and the Funds appealed the District Court’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

 

105


Important Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

As required by the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations, certain tax information, as detailed below, must be provided to shareholders. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisor with respect to the tax implications of their investment. The amounts listed below may differ from the actual amounts reported on Form 1099-DIV, which will be sent to shareholders shortly after calendar year end.

Long-Term Capital Gains

As of year end, each Fund designates the following distribution amounts, or maximum amount allowable, as being from net long-term capital gains pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

Fund   Net Long-Term
Capital Gains
 

JGH

  $  

NPCT

     

JLS

     

Dividends Received Deduction (DRD)

Each Fund listed below had the following percentage, or maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders:

 

Fund   Percentage  

JGH

    4.8

NPCT

    6.4  

JLS

     

Qualified Dividend Income (QDI)

Each Fund listed below had the following percentage, or maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions treated as qualified dividend income for individuals pursuant to Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

Fund   Percentage  

JGH

    13.1

NPCT

    6.4  

JLS

     

Qualified Interest Income (QII)

Each Fund listed below had the following percentage, or maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions treated as qualified interest income and/or short-term capital gain dividends pursuant to Section 871(k) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

Fund   1/1 to Current Year
End Percentage
 

JGH

    48.5

NPCT

    42.2  

JLS

    100.0  

163(j)

Each Fund listed below had the following percentage, or maximum amount allowable, of ordinary dividends treated as Section 163(j) interest dividends pursuant to Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

Fund   Percentage  

JGH

    88.6

NPCT

    75.9  

JLS

    100.0  

 

106


Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

Board of Trustees          
Jack B. Evans   William C. Hunter   Amy B. R. Lancellotta   Joanne T. Medero   Albin F. Moschner   John K. Nelson

Judith M. Stockdale*

  Carole E. Stone*   Matthew Thornton III   Terence J. Toth   Margaret L. Wolff   Robert L. Young

 

*

Retired from the Funds’ Board of Trustees effective December 31, 2022.

 

         

Investment Adviser

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

Custodian

State Street Bank
& Trust Company
One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

 

Legal Counsel

Chapman and Cutler LLP

Chicago, IL 60603

 

Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
One North Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

Transfer Agent and
Shareholder Services

Computershare Trust

Company, N.A.

150 Royall Street

Canton, MA 02021

(800) 257-8787

 

 

Portfolio of Investments Information

The Fund is required to file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. You may obtain this information on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

Nuveen Funds’ Proxy Voting Information

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

 

 

CEO Certification Disclosure

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

 

 

Common Share Repurchases

The Funds intends to repurchase, through its open-market share repurchase program, shares of its own common stock at such times and in such amounts as is deemed advisable. During the period covered by this report, each Fund repurchased shares of its common stock, as shown in the accompanying table. Any future repurchases will be reported to shareholders in the next annual or semi-annual report.

 

     JGH        NPCT        JLS  

Common shares repurchased

    0          0          10,814  

FINRA BrokerCheck

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides information regarding the disciplinary history of FINRA member firms and associated investment professionals. This information as well as an investor brochure describing FINRA BrokerCheck is available to the public by calling the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline number at (800) 289-9999 or by visiting www.FINRA.org.

 

107


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

19(a) Notice: Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that the payment of any distribution which is made from a source other than the fund’s net income be accompanied by a written notice that discloses the estimated sources of such payment.

 

 

Asset-Backed Securities (ABS): Securities whose value and income payments are derived from and collateralized by a specific pool of underlying assets. The pool of assets typically is a group of small and/or illiquid assets that may be difficult to sell individually. The underlying pools of asset-backed securities often include payments from credit cards, auto loans or mortgage loans.

 

 

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

 

 

Bloomberg Global High Yield Index (USD Hedged): An index designed to measure the performance of the fixed-rate high yield debt of companies in the U.S., developed markets and emerging markets. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

Bloomberg MSCI U.S. Green Bond Index: An index designed to measure the performance of USD-denominated fixed income securities issued to fund projects with direct environmental benefits. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: An index designed to measure the performance of the USD-denominated, fixed-rate U.S. investment grade taxable bond market. The index includes Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (MBS), asset-backed securities (ABS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index: An index designed to measure the performance of the USD-denominated, fixed-rate corporate high yield bond market. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS): Commercial mortgage-backed securities are backed by cash flows of a mortgage or pool of mortgages on commercial real estate. CMBS generally are structured to provide protection to the senior class investors against potential losses on the underlying mortgage loans. CMBS are typically characterized by the following: i) loans on multifamily housing, non-residential property, ii) payments based on the amortization schedule of 25-30 years with a balloon payment due usually after 10 years, and iii) restrictions on prepayments.

 

 

Contingent Capital Securities (CoCos): CoCos are debt or capital securities of primarily non-U.S. issuers with loss absorption contingency mechanisms built into the terms of the security, for example a mandatory conversion into common stock of the issuer, or a principal write-down, which if triggered would likely cause the CoCos investment to lose value. Loss absorption mechanisms would become effective upon the occurrence of a specified contingency event, or at the discretion of a regulatory body. Specified contingency events, as identified in the CoCo’s governing documents, usually reference a decline in the issuer’s capital below a specified threshold level, and/or certain regulatory events. A loss absorption contingency event for CoCos would likely be the result of, or related to, the deterioration of the issuer’s financial condition and/or its status as a going concern. In such a case, with respect to CoCos that provide for conversion into common stock upon the occurrence of the contingency event, the market price of the issuer’s common stock received by the Acquiring Fund will have likely declined, perhaps substantially, and may continue to decline after conversion. CoCos rated below investment grade should be considered high yield securities, or “junk,” but often are issued by entities whose more senior securities are rated investment grade. CoCos are a relatively new type of security; and there is a risk that CoCo security issuers may suffer the sort of future financial distress that could materially increase the like-

 

108


 

  lihood (or the market’s perception of the likelihood) that an automatic write-down or conversion event on those issuers’ CoCos will occur. Additionally, the trading behavior of a given issuer’s CoCos may be strongly impacted by the trading behavior of other issuers’ CoCos, such that negative information from an unrelated CoCo security may cause a decline in value of one or more CoCos held by the Fund. Accordingly, the trading behavior of CoCos may not follow the trading behavior of other types of debt and preferred securities. Despite these concerns, the prospective reward vs. risk characteristics of at least certain CoCos may be very attractive relative to other fixed-income alternatives.

 

 

Duration: Duration is a measure of the expected period over which a bond’s principal and interest will be paid, and consequently is a measure of the sensitivity of a bond’s or bond fund’s value to changes when market interest rates change. Generally, the longer a bond’s or fund’s duration, the more the price of the bond or fund will change as interest rates change.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

ICE BofA U.S. ABS & CMBS Index: An index designed to measure the performance of USD-denominated investment grade fixed- and floating-rate asset backed securities (ABS) and fixed-rate commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

JLS Blended Benchmark (effective October 14, 2019): The ICE BofA U.S. ABS & CMBS Index consists of a 50/50 blend of USD-denominated, investment grade fixed and floating-rate asset backed securities (ABS) and fixed-rate commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) publicly issued in the U.S. The Fund’s performance was measured against the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (defined herein) through October 13, 2019. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

Leverage: Leverage is created whenever a fund has investment exposure (both reward and/or risk) equivalent to more than 100% of the investment capital.

 

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are bonds backed by pools of mortgages, usually with similar characteristics, and which return principal and interest in each payment. MBS are composed of residential mortgages (RMBS) or commercial mortgages (CMBS). RMBS are further divided into agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS, depending on the issuer.

 

 

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

 

 

NPCT Blended Benchmark: Consists of: 1) 60% Bloomberg MSCI U.S. Green Bond Index (defined herein), and 2) 40% Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index (defined herein). Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

 

 

Regulatory Leverage: Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued by or borrowings of a fund. Both of these are part of a fund’s capital structure. Regulatory leverage is subject to asset coverage limits set in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS): Residential mortgage-backed securities are securities the payments on which depend primarily on the cash flow from residential mortgage loans made to borrowers that are secured by residential real estate. RMBS consist of agency and non-agency RMBS. Agency RMBS have agency guarantees that assure investors that they will receive timely payment of interest and principal, regardless of delinquency or default rates on the underlying loans. Agency RMBS include securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and other federal agencies, or issues guaranteed by them. Non-agency RMBS do not have agency guarantees. Non-agency RMBS have credit enhancement built into the structure to shield investors from borrower delinquencies. The spectrum of non-agency residential mortgage loans includes traditional jumbo loans (prime), alternative-A loans (Alt-A), and home equity loans (subprime).

 

109


Board Members & Officers

(Unaudited)

 

The management of the Funds, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Funds by the Adviser, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Funds. None of the trustees who are not “interested” persons of the Funds (referred to herein as “independent board members”) has ever been a director or employee of, or consultant to, Nuveen or its affiliates. The names and business addresses of the trustees and officers of the Funds, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each Trustee oversees and other directorships they hold are set forth below.

 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

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

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Board Member

                     
Independent Board Members:          

  TERENCE J. TOTH

         Formerly, a Co-Founding Partner, Promus Capital (investment advisory firm) (2008-2017); formerly, Director, Quality Control Corporation (manufacturing) (since 2012-2021); Chair of the Board of the Kehrein Center for the Arts (philanthropy) (since 2021); member: Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008) and Mather Foundation Board (philanthropy) (since 2012), and chair of its Investment Committee; formerly, Member, Chicago Fellowship Board (philanthropy) (2005-2016); formerly, Director, Fulcrum IT Services LLC (information technology services firm to government entities) (2010-2019); formerly, Director, LogicMark LLC (health services) (2012-2016); formerly, Director, Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. (asset management) (2008-2013); formerly, CEO and President, Northern Trust Global Investments (financial services) (2004-2007): Executive Vice President, Quantitative Management & Securities Lending (2000-2004); prior thereto, various positions with Northern Trust Company (financial services) (since 1994); formerly, Member, Northern Trust Mutual Funds Board (2005-2007), Northern Trust Global Investments Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Japan Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Securities Inc. Board (2003-2007) and Northern Trust Hong Kong Board (1997-2004).   

1959

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Chair and Board Member   

2008 Class II

  

142

        

  JACK B. EVANS

         Chairman (since 2019), formerly, President (1996-2019), The Hall-Perrine Foundation, (private philanthropic corporation); Life Trustee of Coe College; formerly, Member and President Pro-Tern of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System (2007- 2013); Director and Chairman (2009-2021), United Fire Group, a publicly held company; Director, Public Member, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (2015-2020); Director (2000-2004), Alliant Energy; Director (1996-2015), The Gazette Company (media and publishing); Director (1997- 2003), Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; President and Chief Operating Officer (1972-1995), SCI Financial Group, Inc., (regional financial services firm).   

1948

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

1999 Class III

  

142

        

  WILLIAM C. HUNTER

         Dean Emeritus, formerly, Dean, Tippie College of Business, University of (2006-2012); Director of Well mark, Inc. (since 2009); past Director (2005-2015), and past President (2010-2014) Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; formerly, Director (2004-2018) of Xerox Corporation; formerly, Dean and Distinguished Professor of Finance, School of Business at the University of Connecticut (2003-2006); previously, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (1995-2003); formerly, Director (1997-2007), Credit Research Center at Georgetown University.   

1948

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

2003 Class I

  

142

        

  AMY B. R. LANCELLOTTA

         Formerly, Managing Director, Independent Directors Council (IDC) (supports the fund independent director community and is part of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), which represents regulated investment companies) (2006-2019); formerly, various positions with ICI (1989-2006); Member of the Board of Directors, Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (UCADA) (since 2020).   

1959

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

2021 Class II

  

142

        

 

110


 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

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

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Board Member

                     
Independent Board Members (continued):          

  JOANNE T. MEDERO

         Formerly, Managing Director, Government Relations and Public Policy (2009-2020) and Senior Advisor to the Vice Chairman (2018-2020), BlackRock, Inc. (global investment management firm); formerly, Managing (Director, Global Head of Government Relations and Public Policy, Barclays Group (IBIM) (investment banking, investment management and wealth management businesses) (2006-2009); formerly, Managing Director, Global General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Barclays Global Investors (global investment management firm) (1996-2006); formerly, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (law firm) (1993-1995); formerly, General Counsel, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (government agency overseeing U.S. derivatives markets) (1989-1993); formerly, Deputy Associate Director/Associate Director for Legal and Financial Affairs, Office of Presidential Personnel, The White House (1986-1989); Member of the Board of Directors, Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (seeks to provide opportunities for citizens of the Baltic states to gain education and professional development through exchanges in the U.S.) (since 2019).   

1954

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

2021 Class III

  

142

        

  ALBIN F. MOSCHNER

         Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Northcroft Partners, LLC, (management consulting) (since 2012); formerly, Chairman (2019), and Director (2012-2019), USA Technologies, Inc., (provider of solutions and services to facilitate electronic payment transactions); formerly, Director, Wintrust Financial Corporation (1996-2016); previously, held positions at Leap Wireless International, Inc., (consumer wireless services) including Consultant (2011- 2012), Chief Operating Officer (2008-2011), and Chief Marketing Officer (2004- 2008); formerly, President, Verizon Card Services division of Verizon Communications, Inc. (2000-2003); formerly, President, One Point Services at One Point Communications (telecommunication services) (1999-2000); formerly, Vice Chairman of the Board, Diba, Incorporated (internet technology provider) (1996-1997); formerly, various executive positions (1991-1996) including Chief Executive Officer (1995-1996) of Zenith Electronics Corporation (consumer electronics).   

1952

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

2016 Class III

  

142

        

  JOHN K. NELSON

         Member of Board of Directors of Core12 LLC. (private firm which develops branding, marketing and communications strategies for clients) (since 2008); served on The President’s Council of Fordham University (2010-2019) and previously a Director of the Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (2009- 2018); formerly, senior external advisor to the Financial Services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP. (2012-2014); former Chair of the Board of Trustees of Marian University (2010-2014 as trustee, 2011-2014 as Chair); formerly Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO Bank N.V., North America, and Global Head of the Financial Markets Division (2007-2008), with various executive leadership roles in ABN AMRO Bank N.V. between 1996 and 2007.   

1962

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

2013 Class II

  

142

        

 

111


Board Members & Officers (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

                     

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

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

Principal

Occupation(s)

Including other

Directorships

During Past 5 Years

  

Number

of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by

Board Member

                     
Independent Board Members (continued):          

  MATTHEW THORNTON  III

         Formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2018-2019), Fed Ex Freight Corporation, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”) (provider of transportation, e-commerce and business services through its portfolio of companies); formerly, Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations (2006-2018), Federal Express Corporation, a subsidiary of FedEx; formerly, Member of the Board of Directors (2012-2018), Safe Kids Worldwide® (a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing childhood injuries). Member of the Board of Directors (since 2014), The Sherwin-Williams Company (develops, manufactures, distributes and sells paints, coatings and related products); Director (since 2020), Crown Castle International (provider of communications infrastructure).   

1958

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

2020 Class III

  

142

        

  MARGARET L. WOLFF

         Formerly, member of the Board of Directors (2013-2017) of Travelers Insurance Company of Canada and The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (each, a part of Travelers Canada, the Canadian operation of The Travelers Companies, Inc.); formerly, Of Counsel, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Mergers & Acquisitions Group) (legal services) (2005-2014); Member of the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian Hospital (since 2005); Member (since 2004), formerly, Chair (2015-2022) of the Board of Trustees of The John A. Hartford Foundation (philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults); formerly, Member (2005-2015) and Vice Chair (2011-2015) of the Board of Trustees of Mt. Holyoke College.   

1955

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

2016 Class I

  

142

        

  ROBERT L. YOUNG

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

1963

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Board Member

  

2017 Class II

  

142

        

 

                

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed(2)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

                
Officers of the Funds:     

  DAVID J. LAMB

         Managing Director of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2019) Senior Managing Director (since 2021), formerly, Managing Director (2020-2021) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2021), formerly, Managing Director (2017-2021), Senior Vice President of Nuveen (2006-2017).

1963

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Chief

Administrative

Officer

  

2015

     

  BRETT E. BLACK

         Enterprise Senior Compliance Officer of Nuveen (since 2022); formerly, Vice President (2014-2022), Chief Compliance Officer (2017-2022), Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (2014-2017) of BMO Funds, Inc.

1972

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer   

2022

 

112


 

                

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed(2)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

                
Officers of the Funds (continued):     

  MARK J. CZARNIECKI

         Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2016); Managing Director (since 2022), formerly, Vice President (2017-2022) and Assistant Secretary (since 2017) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director and Associate General Counsel (since January 2022), formerly, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen (2013-2021); Managing Director (since 2022), formerly, Vice President (2018-2022), Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (since 2018) of Nuveen Asset Management LLC.

1979

901 Marquette Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55402

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2013

     

  DIANA R. GONZALEZ

         Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2017); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2022); Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen (since 2017); formerly, Associate General Counsel of Jackson National Asset Management (2012-2017).

1978

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2017

  NATHANIEL T. JONES

         Senior Managing Director (since 2021), formerly, Managing Director (2017-2021), Senior Vice President (2016-2017), of Nuveen; Managing Director (since 2015) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst.

1979

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Treasurer   

2016

  TINA M. LAZAR

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

1961

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Vice President

  

2002

  BRIAN J. LOCKHART

         Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2021), formerly, Managing Director (2017-2021), Vice President (2010-2017) of Nuveen; Head of Investment Oversight (since 2017), formerly, Team Leader of Manager Oversight (2015-2017); Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Risk Manager.

1974

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

  

Vice President

  

2019

  JOHN M. MCCANN

         Managing Director and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2021); Managing Director, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2021); Managing Director (since 2021) and Assistant Secretary (since 2016) of TIAA SMA Strategies LLC; Managing Director (since 2019, formerly, Vice President and Director), Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of College Retirement Equities Fund, TIAA Separate Account VA-1, TIAA-CREF Funds and TIAA-CREF Life Funds; Managing Director (since 2018), formerly, Vice President and Director, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, Teacher Advisors LLC and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC; Vice President (since 2017), Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary (since 2011) of Nuveen Alternative Advisors LLC; General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Covariance Capital Management, Inc. (2014-2017).

1975

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2022

     

  KEVIN J. MCCARTHY

         Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary and General Counsel (since 2016) of Nuveen Investments, Inc., formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2008) of Nuveen Securities, LLC, formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, formerly, Co-General Counsel (2011-2020), Executive Vice President (2016-2017); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, formerly, Associate General Counsel (2011-2020), Executive Vice President (2016-2017); formerly, Vice President (2007-2021) and Secretary (2016-2021) of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC and Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC; Vice President and Secretary of Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Alternative Investments, LLC.

1966

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2007

     
     

 

113


Board Members & Officers (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

                

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

   Position(s) Held
with the Funds
   Year First
Elected or
Appointed(2)
  

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

                
Officers of the Funds (continued):     

  JON SCOTT MEISSNER

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

1973

8500 Andrew

Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2019

  DEANN D. MORGAN

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

1969

730 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Vice President

  

2020

  WILLIAM A. SIFFERMANN

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

1975

333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606

  

Vice President

  

2017

  TREY S. STENERSEN

         Senior Managing Director of Teacher Advisors LLC and TIAACREF Investment Management, LLC (since 2018); Senior Managing Director (since 2019) and Chief Risk Officer (since 2022), formerly Head of Investment Risk Management (2017-2022) of Nuveen; Senior Managing Director (since 2018) of Nuveen Alternative Advisors LLC.

1965

8500 Andrew

Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

  

Vice President

  

2022

  E. SCOTT WICKERHAM

         Senior Managing Director, Head of Public Investment Finance at Nuveen (since 2019), formerly, Managing Director; Senior Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisers, (LLC; Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (since 2017) of the TIAA CREF Funds, the TIAA-CREF Life Funds, the TIAA Separate Account VA-1 and Principal Financial Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer (since 2020) and Treasurer (since 2017) to the CREF Accounts; has held various positions with TIAA since 2006.

1973

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

   Vice President and Controller   

2019

     

  MARK L. WINGET

         Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2008), and Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2020); Vice President (since 2010) and Associate General Counsel (since 2019), of Nuveen.

1968

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Secretary   

2008

  GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN

         Managing Director and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2022); Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel (since 2022), formerly, Co-General Counsel (2011-2020) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; formerly, Managing Director (2004-2020) and Assistant Secretary (1994-2020) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (since 2022) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2022) of Winslow Capital Management, LLC: formerly, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (2002-2020) and Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (2006-2020); Chartered Financial Analyst.

1956

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

1988

     

  RACHAEL ZUFALL

         Managing Director (since 2017), Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary (since 2014) of the CREF Accounts, TIAA Separate Account VA-1, TIAA-CREF Funds and TIAA-CREF Life Funds; Managing Director (since 2017), Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary (since 2011) of Teacher Advisors LLC and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC; Managing Director of Nuveen, LLC and of TlAA (since 2017).

1973

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   

2022

 

(1)

The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II, and Class III, with each being elected to serve until the third succeeding annual shareholders’ meeting subsequent to its election or thereafter in each case when its respective successors are duly elected or appointed, except two board members are elected by the holders of Preferred Shares, when applicable, to serve until the next annual shareholders’ meeting subsequent to its election or thereafter in each case when its respective successors are duly elected or appointed. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the board member was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen complex.

(2)

Officers serve indefinite terms until their successor has been duly elected and qualified, their death or their resignation or removal. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the Officer was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen complex.

 

114


Notes

 

 

115


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Since 1898, financial professional and their clients have relied on Nuveen to provide
dependable investment solutions through continued adherence to proven, long-term investing
principles. Today, we offer a range of high quality solutions designed to
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Focused on meeting investor needs.

Nuveen is the investment manager of TIAA. We have grown into one of the world’s premier global asset managers, with specialist knowledge across all major asset classes and particular strength in solutions that provide income for investors and that draw on our expertise in alternatives and responsible investing. Nuveen is driven not only by the independent investment processes across the firm, but also the insights, risk management, analytics and other tools and resources that a truly world-class platform provides. As a global asset manager, our mission is to work in partnership with our clients to create solutions which help them secure their financial future.

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To learn more about how the products and services of Nuveen may be able to help you meet your financial goals, talk to your financial professional, or call us at (800) 257-8787. Please read the information provided carefully before you invest. Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of any investment carefully. Where applicable, be sure to obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other relevant information. To obtain a prospectus, please contact your securities representative or Nuveen, 333 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Learn more about Nuveen Funds at: www.nuveen.com/closed-end-funds

 

Nuveen Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC  |  333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606  |  www.nuveen.com     EAN-B-1222D        2703095-INV-Y-02/24


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. There were no amendments to or waivers from the Code during the period covered by this report. The registrant has posted the code of ethics on its website at www.nuveen.com/fund-governance. (To view the code, click on Code of Conduct.)

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant’s Board of Directors or Trustees (“Board”) determined that the registrant has at least one “audit committee financial expert” (as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR) serving on its Audit Committee. The registrant’s audit committee financial experts are Carole E. Stone, Jack B. Evans, Albin F. Moschner, John K. Nelson and Robert L. Young, who are “independent” for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

Ms. Stone served for five years as Director of the New York State Division of the Budget. As part of her role as Director, Ms. Stone was actively involved in overseeing the development of the State’s operating, local assistance and capital budgets, its financial plan and related documents; overseeing the development of the State’s bond-related disclosure documents and certifying that they fairly presented the State’s financial position; reviewing audits of various State and local agencies and programs; and coordinating the State’s system of internal audit and control. Prior to serving as Director, Ms. Stone worked as a budget analyst/examiner with increasing levels of responsibility over a 30 year period, including approximately five years as Deputy Budget Director. Ms. Stone has also served as Chair of the New York State Racing Association Oversight Board, as Chair of the Public Authorities Control Board, as a Commissioner on the New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform and as a member of the Boards of Directors of several New York State public authorities. These positions have involved overseeing operations and finances of certain entities and assessing the adequacy of project/entity financing and financial reporting. Ms. Stone formerly served on the Board of Directors of CBOE Global Markets, Inc. (formerly, CBOE Holdings, Inc.), the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and the C2 Options Exchange. Ms. Stone’s position on the boards of these entities and as a member of both CBOE Holdings’ Audit Committee and its Finance Committee involved, among other things, the oversight of audits, audit plans and preparation of financial statements.

Mr. Evans was formerly President and Chief Operating Officer of SCI Financial Group, Inc., a full service registered broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (“SCI”). As part of his role as President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Evans actively supervised the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) and actively supervised the CFO’s preparation of financial statements and other filings with various regulatory authorities. In such capacity, Mr. Evans was actively involved in the preparation of SCI’s financial statements and the resolution of issues raised in connection therewith. Mr. Evans has also served on the audit committee of various reporting companies. At such companies, Mr. Evans was involved in the oversight of audits, audit plans, and the preparation of financial statements. Mr. Evans also formerly chaired the audit committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Mr. Moschner is a consultant in the wireless industry and, in July 2012, founded Northcroft Partners, LLC, a management consulting firm that provides operational, management and governance solutions. Prior to founding Northcroft Partners, LLC, Mr. Moschner held various positions at Leap Wireless International, Inc., a provider of wireless services, where he was as a consultant from February 2011 to July 2012, Chief Operating Officer from July 2008 to February 2011, and Chief Marketing Officer from August 2004 to June 2008. Before he joined Leap Wireless International, Inc., Mr. Moschner was President of the Verizon Card Services division of Verizon Communications, Inc. from 2000 to 2003, and President of One Point Services at One Point Communications from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Moschner also served at Zenith Electronics Corporation as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer from 1995 to 1996, and as Director, President and Chief Operating Officer from 1994 to 1995.

Mr. Nelson is on the Board of Directors of Core12, LLC. (since 2008), a private firm which develops branding, marketing, and communications strategies for clients. Mr. Nelson has extensive experience in global banking and markets, having served in several senior executive positions with ABN AMRO Holdings N.V. and its affiliated entities and predecessors, including LaSalle Bank Corporation from 1996 to 2008, ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America. During his tenure at the bank, he also served as Global Head of its Financial Markets Division, which encompassed the bank’s Currency, Commodity, Fixed Income, Emerging Markets, and Derivatives businesses. He was a member of the Foreign Exchange Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States and during his tenure with ABN AMRO served as the bank’s representative on various committees of The Bank of Canada, European Central Bank, and The Bank of England. Mr. Nelson previously served as a senior, external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP. (2012-2014).

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

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The following tables show the amount of fees that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund’s auditor, billed to the Fund during the Fund’s last two full fiscal years. For engagements with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the Audit Committee approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provided to the Fund, except for those non-audit services that were subject to the pre-approval exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (the “pre-approval exception”). The pre-approval exception for services provided directly to the Fund waives the pre-approval requirement for services other than audit, review or attest services if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the Fund to its accountant during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee’s attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the audit is completed.

The Audit Committee has delegated certain pre-approval responsibilities to its Chair (or, in her absence, any other member of the Audit Committee).

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Audit Fees Billed
to Fund 1
    Audit-Related Fees
Billed to Fund 2
    Tax Fees
Billed to Fund 3
    All Other Fees
Billed to Fund 4
 

December 31, 2022

   $ 61,350     $ 0     $ 30     $ 0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

        

Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval exception

     0     0     0     0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

        

December 31, 2021 5

   $ 56,800     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

        

Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval exception

     0     0     0     0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

5 NPCT commenced operations on 04/30/2021.

SERVICES THAT THE FUND’S AUDITOR BILLED TO THE

ADVISER AND AFFILIATED FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

The following tables show the amount of fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (formerly Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.) (the “Adviser”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund (“Affiliated Fund Service Provider”), for engagements directly related to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting, during the Fund’s last two full fiscal years.


The tables also show the percentage of fees subject to the pre-approval exception. The pre-approval exception for services provided to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider (other than audit, review or attest services) waives the pre-approval requirement if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP by the Fund, the Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee’s attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the Fund’s audit is completed.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Audit-Related Fees
Billed to Adviser and    
Affiliated  Fund Service
Providers
        Tax Fees Billed to    
Adviser and Affiliated
Fund Service
Providers
    All Other Fees
Billed to Adviser
    and Affiliated Fund    
Service Providers
 

December 31, 2022

   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

      

Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval exception

     0     0     0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

      

December 31, 2021

   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

      

Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval exception

     0     0     0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


NON-AUDIT SERVICES

The following table shows the amount of fees that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP billed during the Fund’s last two full fiscal years for non-audit services. The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve non-audit services that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provides to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Services Provider, if the engagement related directly to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting (except for those subject to the pre-approval exception described above). The Audit Committee requested and received information from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP about any non-audit services that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP rendered during the Fund’s last fiscal year to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider. The Committee considered this information in evaluating PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s independence.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

       Total Non-Audit Fees    
Billed to Fund
     Total Non-Audit Fees billed
to Adviser and
Affiliated Fund Service
    Providers (engagements    
related directly to the
operations and financial
reporting of the Fund)
         Total Non-Audit Fees billed
to Adviser and
Affiliated Fund Service
Providers (all other
engagements)
             Total          

December 31, 2022

   $ 30      $ 0      $ 0      $ 30  

December 31, 2021

   $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0  

“Non-Audit Fees billed to Fund” for both fiscal year ends represent “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” billed to Fund in their respective amounts from the previous table.

Less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. Generally, the Audit Committee must approve (i) all non-audit services to be performed for the Fund by the Fund’s independent accountants and (ii) all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Fund’s independent accountants for the Affiliated Fund Service Providers with respect to operations and financial reporting of the Fund. Regarding tax and research projects conducted by the independent accountants for the Fund and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (with respect to operations and financial reports of the Fund) such engagements will be (i) pre-approved by the Audit Committee if they are expected to be for amounts greater than $10,000; (ii) reported to the Audit Committee chair for her verbal approval prior to engagement if they are expected to be for amounts under $10,000 but greater than $5,000; and (iii) reported to the Audit Committee at the next Audit Committee meeting if they are expected to be for an amount under $5,000.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

The registrant’s Board has a separately designated Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)). As of the end of the period covered by this report, the members of the audit committee are Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, John K. Nelson, Judith M. Stockdale, Albin F. Moschner and Carole E. Stone, Chair.

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

(a) See Portfolio of Investments in Item 1.

(b) Not applicable.


ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC is the registrant’s investment adviser (also referred to as the “Adviser”). The Adviser is responsible for the on-going monitoring of the Fund’s investment portfolio, managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services. The Adviser has engaged Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Sub-Adviser”) as Sub-Adviser to provide discretionary investment advisory services. As part of these services, the Adviser has delegated to the Sub-Adviser the full responsibility for proxy voting on securities held in the registrant’s portfolio and related duties in accordance with the Sub-Adviser’s policies and procedures. The Adviser periodically monitors the Sub-Adviser’s voting to ensure that it is carrying out its duties. The Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures are attached to this filing as an exhibit.


ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC is the registrant’s investment adviser (also referred to as the “Adviser”). The Adviser is responsible for the selection and on-going monitoring of the Fund’s investment portfolio, managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services. The Adviser has engaged Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Nuveen Asset Management” or “Sub-Adviser”) as Sub-Adviser to provide discretionary investment advisory services. The following section provides information on the portfolio managers at the Sub-Adviser:

ITEM 8(a)(1). PORTFOLIO MANAGER BIOGRAPHIES

As of the date of filing this report, the following individuals at the Sub-Adviser (the “Portfolio Managers”) have primary responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of the registrant’s investment strategies:

Stephen Liberatore, CFA, is the lead portfolio manager for Nuveen’s fixed income strategies that incorporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria and Impact investments, including those that comprise our Core Impact Bond, Short Duration Impact Bond and Green Bond composites. He is also a member of the Investment Committee. Stephen serves on the ICMA Green Bond Principles Advisory Council and was a member of the initial executive committee. He joined TIAA in 2004. He is a member of the UN Capital Development Fund’s working group on Climate Insurance Linked Resilient Infrastructure Finance and serves on the UN’s Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund’s Blue Economy Investor Advisory Group. He also serves on S&P’s Global Ratings ESG Leadership Council.

Jessica Zarzycki, CFA, is a portfolio manager for Nuveen’s global fixed income team. She is an integral part of the ESG/Impact fixed income strategy team and co-portfolio manager on the Core Impact Bond, Global Core Impact Bond, Green Bond and Short Duration Impact Bond strategies. She is a frequent panelist and speaker at ESG and Impact conferences and was a member of the ICMA Advisory Board (2020-21), which provides insight and guidance to the Executive Committee on issues affecting the Green, Social, and Sustainable Bond markets. Jessica joined the firm in 2008 as an agency MBS analyst before joining the International/EMD sector team as a European sovereign and agency analyst. Jessica’s analyst responsibilities included sovereigns and local markets throughout Western and Eastern Europe. Prior to Nuveen, she worked at Citi Global Wealth Management (GWM), helping to manage liquidity and risk of the GWM balance sheet.

Kristal Seales, CFA, is a portfolio manager for Nuveen’s leveraged finance team with a focus on the management of high yield ESG mandates. Kristal also oversees the risk and analytics function for Nuveen’s global fixed income team. She is a member of the Investment Committee, which establishes investment policy for all global fixed income products. Since 2009, Kristal has been a member of Nuveen’s leveraged finance team and was previously a senior research analyst responsible for covering the gaming, leisure and retail industries. Since joining the firm in 2001 she has also worked on investing in corporate private placements, project finance, lease finance and investment-grade public debt offerings across a variety of industries.


ITEM 8(a)(2). OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Other Accounts Managed. In addition to managing the registrant, the Portfolio Managers are also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts:

 

Portfolio Manager

   Type of Account
Managed
   Number of
Accounts
     Assets*  

Stephen Liberatore

   Registered Investment Company      10      $ 24.54 billion  
   Other Pooled Investment Vehicles      2      $ 133.29 million  
   Other Accounts      12      $ 1.32 billion  

Jessica Zarzycki

   Registered Investment Company      8      $ 6.52 billion  
   Other Pooled Investment Vehicles      4      $ 176.49 million  
   Other Accounts      1      $ 147.19 million  

Kristal Seales

   Registered Investment Company      0      $ 0  
   Other Pooled Investment Vehicles      0      $ 0  
   Other Accounts      0      $ 0  
*

Assets are as of December 31, 2022.

POTENTIAL MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple accounts are presented a number of potential conflicts, including, among others, those discussed below.

The management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each account. Nuveen Asset Management seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most accounts managed by a portfolio manager in a particular investment strategy are managed using the same investment models.

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, an account may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. To deal with these situations, Nuveen Asset Management has adopted procedures for allocating limited opportunities across multiple accounts.

With respect to many of its clients’ accounts, Nuveen Asset Management determines which broker to use to execute transaction orders, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts, Nuveen Asset Management may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, Nuveen Asset Management may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for a Fund and other accounts which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of the Fund or the other accounts.

Some clients are subject to different regulations. As a consequence of this difference in regulatory requirements, some clients may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions or to engage in these transactions to the same extent as the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where Nuveen Asset Management has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of some accounts, with respect to which a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities.


Conflicts of interest may also arise when the Sub-Adviser invests one or more of its client accounts in different or multiple parts of the same issuer’s capital structure, including investments in public versus private securities, debt versus equity, or senior versus junior/subordinated debt, or otherwise where there are different or inconsistent rights or benefits. Decisions or actions such as investing, trading, proxy voting, exercising, waiving or amending rights or covenants, workout activity, or serving on a board, committee or other involvement in governance may result in conflicts of interest between clients holding different securities or investments. Generally, individual portfolio managers will seek to act in a manner that they believe serves the best interest of the accounts they manage. In cases where a portfolio manager or team faces a conflict among its client accounts, it will seek to act in a manner that it believes best reflects its overall fiduciary duty, which may result in relative advantages or disadvantages for particular accounts.

Nuveen Asset Management has adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts common among investment managers. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

Nuveen Asset Management or its affiliates, including TIAA, sponsor an array of financial products for retirement and other investment goals, and provide services worldwide to a diverse customer base. Accordingly, from time to time, a Fund may be restricted from purchasing or selling securities, or from engaging in other investment activities because of regulatory, legal or contractual restrictions that arise due to another client account’s investments and/or the internal policies of Nuveen Asset Management, TIAA or its affiliates designed to comply with such restrictions. As a result, there may be periods, for example, when Nuveen Asset Management will not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions in certain securities or instruments with respect to which investment limits have been reached.

The investment activities of Nuveen Asset Management or its affiliates may also limit the investment strategies and rights of the Funds. For example, in certain circumstances where the Funds invest in securities issued by companies that operate in certain regulated industries, in certain emerging or international markets, or are subject to corporate or regulatory ownership definitions, or invest in certain futures and derivative transactions, there may be limits on the aggregate amount invested by Nuveen Asset Management or its affiliates for the Funds and other client accounts that may not be exceeded without the grant of a license or other regulatory or corporate consent. If certain aggregate ownership thresholds are reached or certain transactions undertaken, the ability of Nuveen Asset Management, on behalf of the Funds or other client accounts, to purchase or dispose of investments or exercise rights or undertake business transactions may be restricted by regulation or otherwise impaired. As a result, Nuveen Asset Management, on behalf of the Funds or other client accounts, may limit purchases, sell existing investments, or otherwise restrict or limit the exercise of rights (including voting rights) when Nuveen Asset Management, in its sole discretion, deems it appropriate in light of potential regulatory or other restrictions on ownership or other consequences resulting from reaching investment thresholds.

ITEM 8(a)(3). FUND MANAGER COMPENSATION

As of the most recently completed fiscal year end, the primary Portfolio Managers’ compensation is as follows:

Portfolio manager compensation consists primarily of base salary and variable components consisting of (i) a cash bonus; (ii) a long-term performance award; and (iii) participation in a profits interest plan.

Base salary. A portfolio manager’s base salary is determined based upon an analysis of the portfolio manager’s general performance, experience and market levels of base pay for such position.

Cash bonus. A portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus that is based on three variables: risk-adjusted investment performance relative to benchmark generally measured over the most recent one, three and five year periods (unless the portfolio manager’s tenure is shorter), ranking versus Morningstar peer funds generally measured over the most recent one, three and five year periods (unless the portfolio manager’s tenure is shorter), and management and peer reviews.

Long-term performance award. A portfolio manager is eligible to receive a long-term performance award that vests after three years. The amount of the award when granted is based on the same factors used in determining the cash bonus. The value of the award at the completion of the three-year vesting period is adjusted based on the risk-adjusted investment performance of Fund(s) managed by the portfolio manager during the vesting period and the performance of the TIAA organization as a whole.

Profits interest plan. Portfolio managers are eligible to receive profits interests in Nuveen Asset Management and its affiliate, Teachers Advisors, LLC, which vest over time and entitle their holders to a percentage of the firms’ annual profits. Profits interests are allocated to each portfolio manager based on such person’s overall contribution to the firms.


There are generally no differences between the methods used to determine compensation with respect to the Fund and the Other Accounts shown in the table above.

ITEM 8(a)(4). OWNERSHIP OF NPCT SECURITIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022

 

Name of Portfolio

Manager

  

    None    

   $1 -
$10,000
   $10,001 -
      $50,000      
     $50,001 -
      $100,000      
     $100,001 -
      $500,000      
     $500,001 -
$1,000,000
     Over
$1,000,000
 

Stephen Liberatore

   X                                                                                                                                                                    

Jessica Zarzycki

      X               

Kristal Seales

   X                  


ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to this Item.

ITEM 11. 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 Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15 (b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (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 period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.


ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.

File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form.

(a)(1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit: Not applicable because the code is posted on registrant’s website at www.nuveen.com/fund-governance and there were no amendments during the period covered by this report. (To view the code, click on Code of Conduct.)

(a)(2) 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)) in the exact form set forth below: Ex-99.CERT Attached hereto.

(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.

(a)(4) Change in registrant’s independent public accountant. Not applicable.

(b) If the report is filed under Section  13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)); Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)), and Section  1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section  18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. Ex-99.906 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 Core Plus Impact Fund

 

By (Signature and Title)   

/s/ Mark L. Winget

  
   Mark L. Winget   
   Vice President and Secretary   
Date: March 9, 2023   

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/ David J. Lamb

  
   David J. Lamb   
   Chief Administrative Officer   
   (principal executive officer)   
Date: March 9, 2023   
By (Signature and Title)   

/s/ E. Scott Wickerham

  
   E. Scott Wickerham   
   Vice President and Controller   
   (principal financial officer)   
Date: March 9, 2023   
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