Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM N-Q

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

Investment Company Act file number 811-21293

Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

    333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606    

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Kevin J. McCarthy—Vice President and Secretary

    333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606    

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end:       July 31      

Date of reporting period:  April 30, 2016  

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

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

 

 

 

 

 


Item 1. Schedule of Investments

 

 


JPC

 

Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund

  

Portfolio of Investments

   April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)                     Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 140.3% (99.2% of Total Investments)

  

 

COMMON STOCKS – 5.4% (3.9% of Total Investments)

        
      Air Freight & Logistics – 0.3%                     
  32,000     

United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B

                 $ 3,362,240   
      Automobiles – 0.2%                     
  127,900     

Ford Motor Company

                   1,734,324   
      Banks – 0.4%                     
  104,800     

CIT Group Inc.

                   3,622,936   
      Biotechnology – 0.5%                     
  55,600     

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

                   4,904,476   
      Capital Markets – 0.6%                     
  173,535     

Ares Capital Corporation

             2,635,997   
  151,368     

Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc.

             1,857,285   
  101,032     

TPG Specialty Lending, Inc.

                   1,659,956   
 

Total Capital Markets

                   6,153,238   
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.7%                     
  129,100     

Philips Electronics

             3,551,541   
  30,800     

Siemens AG, Sponsored ADR, (2)

                   3,227,224   
 

Total Industrial Conglomerates

                   6,778,765   
      Insurance – 0.4%                     
  104,800     

Unum Group

                   3,585,208   
      Media – 0.4%                     
  134,255     

National CineMedia, Inc.,

             1,906,420   
  46,435     

Viacom Inc., Class B

                   1,899,192   
 

Total Media

                   3,805,612   
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.9%                     
  141,200     

AstraZeneca PLC, Sponsored ADR, (3), (5)

             4,089,152   
  121,800     

GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Sponsored ADR, (3)

                   5,226,438   
 

Total Pharmaceuticals

                   9,315,590   
      Real Estate Investment Trust – 0.4%                     
  82,000     

MGM Growth Properties LLC, (4)

             1,809,740   
  137,484     

National Storage Affiliates Trust

                   2,683,688   
 

Total Real Estate Investment Trust

                   4,493,428   
      Software – 0.2%                     
  42,000     

Oracle Corporation

                   1,674,120   
      Tobacco – 0.4%                     
  187,015     

Vector Group Ltd.

                   4,039,524   
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $54,080,745)

                   53,469,461   

 

Nuveen Investments     1   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon            Ratings (6)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 62.1% (43.9% of Total Investments)

  

      Banks – 14.9%                         
  128,500     

AgriBank FCB, (2)

    6.875%            BBB+        $13,649,116   
  15,202     

Boston Private Financial Holdings Inc.

    6.950%            N/R        393,732   
  148,007     

Citigroup Inc.

    8.125%            BB+        4,252,241   
  445,498     

Citigroup Inc.

    7.125%            BB+        12,456,124   
  53,769     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.875%            BB+        1,483,487   
  172,975     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2)

    6.250%            BBB+        17,719,127   
  63,055     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2)

    6.200%            BBB+        6,342,942   
  38,725     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2)

    6.125%            BBB+        3,682,507   
  288,251     

Countrywide Capital Trust III

    7.000%            BBB–        7,347,518   
  128,220     

Cowen Group, Inc.

    8.250%            N/R        3,276,021   
  138,903     

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    6.625%            Baa3        4,069,858   
  117,760     

First Naigara Finance Group

    8.625%            BB–        3,152,435   
  123,900     

FNB Corporation

    7.250%            Ba2        3,631,509   
  138,932     

HSBC Holdings PLC

    8.000%            Baa1        3,681,698   
  69,140     

ING Groep N.V

    7.200%            Baa3        1,812,851   
  46,421     

PNC Financial Services

    6.125%            Baa2        1,342,031   
  260,212     

Private Bancorp Incorporated

    7.125%            N/R        7,093,379   
  404,258     

RBS Capital Trust, (5)

    6.080%            BB–        9,924,534   
  79,430     

Regions Financial Corporation

    6.375%            BB        2,081,066   
  449,744     

Regions Financial Corporation

    6.375%            BB        12,349,970   
  133,300     

TCF Financial Corporation

    7.500%            BB–        3,539,115   
  132,000     

U.S. Bancorp.

    6.500%            A3         3,901,920   
  216,373     

Webster Financial Corporation

    6.400%            Baa3        5,668,973   
  170,400     

Wells Fargo & Company

    6.625%            BBB        4,962,048   
  187,983     

Zions Bancorporation

    7.900%            BB–        5,075,541   
  151,400     

Zions Bancorporation

    6.300%              BB–        4,062,062   
 

Total Banks

                           146,951,805   
      Capital Markets – 8.0%                         
  130,200     

Apollo Investment Corporation

    6.875%            BBB–        3,396,918   
  112,775     

Apollo Investment Corporation

    6.625%            BBB–        2,875,763   
  187,440     

Capitala Finance Corporation

    7.125%            N/R        4,641,014   
  133,500     

Charles Schwab Corporation

    6.000%            BBB        3,599,160   
  72,602     

Charles Schwab Corporation

    5.950%            BBB        1,885,474   
  120,805     

Fifth Street Finance Corporation

    6.125%            BBB–        3,022,541   
  41,350     

Gladstone Capital Corporation

    6.750%            N/R        1,027,961   
  43,089     

Gladstone Investment Corporation

    7.125%            N/R        1,107,818   
  89,100     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    5.500%            Ba1        2,239,083   
  65,013     

Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated

    7.000%            BBB–        1,651,330   
  56,207     

Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated

    7.000%            BBB–        1,442,834   
  163,458     

Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated

    6.250%            BBB–        4,073,373   
  19,855     

JMP Group Inc.

    7.250%            N/R        471,556   
  284,951     

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.

    8.000%            N/R        6,941,406   
  726,900     

Morgan Stanley

    7.125%            Ba1        20,898,375   
  219,900     

Morgan Stanley

    6.875%            Ba1        6,034,056   
  40,000     

Northern Trust Corporation

    5.850%            BBB+        1,080,400   
  261,622     

Solar Capital Limited

    6.750%            BBB–        6,564,096   
  51,445     

State Street Corporation

    5.350%            Baa1        1,352,489   
  158,578     

Triangle Capital Corporation

    6.375%              N/R        3,967,622   
 

Total Capital Markets

                           78,273,269   
      Consumer Finance – 1.2%                         
  272,000     

Discover Financial Services

    6.500%            BB–        7,194,400   
  27,607     

GMAC Capital Trust I

    8.125%            B+        690,283   
  90,659     

SLM Corporation, Series A

    6.970%              Ba3        4,283,638   
 

Total Consumer Finance

                           12,168,321   
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.8%                         
  70,791     

KCAP Financial Inc.

    7.375%            N/R        1,763,404   
  30,291     

KKR Financial Holdings LLC

    7.500%            A–        815,434   
  325,399     

KKR Financial Holdings LLC

    7.375%            BBB        8,509,184   
  157,232     

Main Street Capital Corporation

    6.125%            N/R        4,039,290   
  125,300     

PennantPark Investment Corporation

    6.250%              BBB–        3,019,730   
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                           18,147,042   

 

  2      Nuveen Investments


Shares     Description (1)   Coupon            Ratings (6)      Value  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.1%                         
  135,165     

Qwest Corporation

    7.000%            BBB–      $ 3,446,708   
  178,815     

Qwest Corporation

    6.875%            BBB–        4,568,723   
  70,600     

Qwest Corporation

    6.625%            BBB–        1,777,002   
  57,500     

Verizon Communications Inc.

    5.900%              A–        1,567,450   
 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                           11,359,883   
      Electric Utilities – 0.3%                         
  136,900     

Entergy Arkansas Inc., (2)

    6.450%              Baa3        3,448,169   
      Food Products – 3.7%                         
  249,300     

CHS Inc., (5)

    7.875%            N/R        7,027,767   
  460,706     

CHS Inc., (5)

    7.100%            N/R        12,779,984   
  444,804     

CHS Inc.

    6.750%            N/R        11,876,267   
  23,000     

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (2)

    7.875%            Baa3        2,441,595   
  19,500     

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (2)

    7.875%              Baa3        2,003,017   
 

Total Food Products

                           36,128,630   
      Insurance – 12.7%                         
  54,045     

Aegon N.V

    8.000%            Baa1        1,450,027   
  410,933     

Arch Capital Group Limited

    6.750%            BBB+        10,828,085   
  302,283     

Argo Group US Inc.

    6.500%            BBB–        7,889,586   
  55,200     

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    7.401%            BBB–        1,365,096   
  126,452     

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    7.250%            BBB–        3,342,126   
  408,600     

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    5.950%            BBB–        10,889,190   
  443,874     

Axis Capital Holdings Limited

    6.875%            BBB        11,704,957   
  56,900     

Delphi Financial Group, Inc., (2)

    7.376%            BB+        1,378,050   
  248,900     

Endurance Specialty Holdings Limited

    7.500%            BBB–        6,334,505   
  171,200     

Endurance Specialty Holdings Limited

    6.350%            BBB–        4,569,328   
  42,470     

Hanover Insurance Group

    6.350%            BB+        1,103,371   
  138,124     

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

    7.875%            BBB–        4,388,199   
  574,200     

Kemper Corporation

    7.375%            Ba1        15,589,530   
  298,139     

Maiden Holdings Limited

    8.250%            BB        7,814,223   
  233,932     

Maiden Holdings NA Limited

    8.000%            BBB–        6,058,839   
  265,933     

Maiden Holdings NA Limited

    7.750%            BBB–        7,127,004   
  100,195     

National General Holding Company

    7.625%            N/R        2,462,793   
  76,400     

National General Holding Company

    7.500%            N/R        1,948,200   
  153,954     

National General Holding Company

    7.500%            N/R        3,918,129   
  310,872     

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    6.200%            BBB        9,124,093   
  204,400     

Torchmark Corporation

    6.125%              BBB+        5,222,420   
 

Total Insurance

                           124,507,751   
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.9%                         
  206,105     

Nustar Logistics Limited Partnership

    7.625%            Ba2        5,059,878   
  67,117     

Scorpio Tankers Inc.

    7.500%            N/R        1,681,281   
  76,005     

Scorpio Tankers Inc.

    6.750%              N/R        1,748,115   
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                           8,489,274   
      Real Estate Investment Trust – 11.4%                         
  150,777     

AG Mortgage Investment Trust

    8.000%            N/R        3,550,798   
  24,396     

Apartment Investment & Management Company

    7.000%            BB        620,878   
  57,165     

Apartment Investment & Management Company

    6.875%            BB        1,593,760   
  125,050     

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance

    8.625%            N/R        3,126,250   
  146,604     

Apollo Residential Mortgage Inc.

    8.000%            N/R        3,471,583   
  141,555     

Arbor Realty Trust Incorporated

    7.375%            N/R        3,482,253   
  133,192     

Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc.

    9.000%            N/R        3,359,102   
  37,399     

Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc.

    8.450%            N/R        933,105   
  64,615     

Capstead Mortgage Corporation

    7.500%            N/R        1,568,852   
  186,579     

Cedar Shopping Centers Inc., Series A

    7.250%            N/R        4,813,738   
  208,314     

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

    7.750%            N/R        5,509,905   
  122,020     

Colony Financial Inc.

    7.125%            N/R        2,763,753   
  23,967     

Colony Financial Inc.

    8.500%            N/R        615,952   
  80,761     

Colony Financial Inc.

    7.500%            N/R        1,977,837   

 

Nuveen Investments     3   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon            Ratings (6)      Value  
      Real Estate Investment Trust (continued)                         
  50,200     

Coresite Realty Corporation

    7.250%            N/R      $ 1,307,208   
  270,925     

DDR Corporation

    6.500%            Baa3        7,114,491   
  182,479     

Digital Realty Trust Inc., (5)

    7.375%            Baa3        5,072,916   
  59,270     

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    7.000%            Baa3        1,518,497   
  214,932     

Dupont Fabros Technology

    7.875%            Ba2        5,431,332   
  23,000     

First Potomac Realty Trust

    7.750%            N/R        589,950   
  70,136     

Hospitality Properties Trust

    7.125%            BB         1,827,043   
  175,177     

Inland Real Estate Corporation, (2)

    8.125%            N/R        4,423,219   
  22,200     

Inland Real Estate Corporation, (2)

    6.950%            N/R        559,163   
  49,519     

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.

    7.750%            N/R        1,148,841   
  111,053     

MFA Financial Inc.

    8.000%            N/R        2,825,188   
  182,859     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.875%            N/R        4,443,474   
  51,926     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.750%            N/R        1,222,857   
  121,633     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.250%            N/R        2,797,559   
  72,400     

Penn Real Estate Investment Trust

    7.375%            N/R         1,874,436   
  200,000     

Penn Real Estate Investment Trust

    8.250%            N/R        5,268,000   
  26,608     

Rait Financial Trust

    7.625%            N/R        523,113   
  135,971     

Regency Centers Corporation

    6.625%            Baa2        3,551,563   
  144,521     

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    5.625%            BBB–        3,649,155   
  57,203     

STAG Industrial Inc.

    9.000%            BB+        1,513,019   
  7,474     

Summit Hotel Properties Inc.

    7.875%            N/R        194,698   
  133,525     

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    6.950%            N/R        3,634,551   
  149,300     

Urstadt Biddle Properties

    7.125%            N/R        3,968,394   
  269,495     

VEREIT, Inc.

    6.700%            N/R        6,934,106   
  107,000     

Wells Fargo REIT

    6.375%              BBB+        2,924,310   
 

Total Real Estate Investment Trust

                           111,704,849   
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%                         
  110,000     

Kennedy-Wilson Inc.

    7.750%              BB–        2,882,000   
      Specialty Retail – 0.9%                         
  256,074     

TravelCenters of America LLC

    8.000%            N/R        6,424,897   
  97,700     

TravelCenters of America LLC

    8.000%              N/R        2,422,960   
 

Total Specialty Retail

                           8,847,857   
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 1.0%                         
  52,102     

Everbank Financial Corporation

    6.750%            N/R        1,339,021   
  160,700     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.875%            N/R        4,290,690   
  143,400     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.000%              N/R        3,774,288   
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                           9,403,999   
      U.S. Agency – 2.9%                         
  260,300     

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A, (2)

    6.750%              Baa1        28,022,935   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 1.0%                         
  393,596     

United States Cellular Corporation

    7.250%              Ba1        10,268,920   
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Preferred Securities (cost $581,873,263)

                           610,604,704   
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon            Ratings (6)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 1.5% (1.1% of Total Investments)

  

      Banks – 0.9%                         
  7,225     

Wells Fargo & Company

    7.500%              BBB      $ 9,002,350   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.6%                         
  58,300     

Frontier Communications Corporation, Convertible Bond

    11.125%              N/R        6,080,690   
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $14,339,654)

                           15,083,040   

 

  4      Nuveen Investments


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (6)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 11.4% (8.0% of Total Investments)

  

      Banks – 4.1%                           
$ 6,000     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.250%         3/05/65         BB+      $ 6,022,500   
  4,160     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.300%         3/10/66         BB+        4,357,600   
  7,985     

Citigroup Inc.

    5.875%         12/29/49         BB+        7,723,891   
  8,570     

Citigroup Inc., (3)

    5.950%         12/31/49         BB+        8,296,831   
  5,055     

ING Groep N.V

    6.500%         10/16/65         BBB–        4,653,759   
  6,455     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    5.300%         11/01/65         BBB–        6,455,000   
  3,550     

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    6.500%         12/29/49         BBB–        3,274,875   
  41,775     

Total Banks

                               40,784,456   
      Beverages – 0.5%                           
  1,100     

Cott Beverages Inc.

    6.750%         1/01/20         B–        1,152,250   
  3,450     

Cott Beverages Inc.

    5.375%         7/01/22         B–        3,544,875   
  4,550     

Total Beverages

                               4,697,125   
      Biotechnology – 0.3%                           
  3,500     

AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., 144A

    7.875%         9/01/23         B+        3,141,250   
      Capital Markets – 1.3%                           
  11,100     

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.375%         11/10/65         Ba1        10,711,500   
  2,200     

BGC Partners Inc.

    5.375%         12/09/19         BBB–        2,276,877   
  13,300     

Total Capital Markets

                               12,988,377   
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.5%                           
  3,295     

GFL Environmental Corporation, 144A

    7.875%         4/01/20         B        3,344,425   
  1,580     

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company

    6.500%         11/15/23         BB–        1,477,300   
  4,875     

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                               4,821,725   
      Diversified Consumer Services – 0.1%                           
  960     

Gibson Brands Inc., 144A

    8.875%         8/01/18         CCC+        532,800   
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.3%                           
  3,170     

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.625%         3/30/66         BBB–        3,249,250   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.7%                           
  6,900     

Frontier Communications Corporation, 144A, (5)

    11.000%         9/15/25         BB        6,969,000   
      Food Products – 0.1%                           
  1,010     

Land O’ Lakes Capital Trust I, 144A, (5)

    7.450%         3/15/28         BB+        1,088,275   
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.3%                           
  3,040     

Kindred Healthcare Inc.

    6.375%         4/15/22         B2         2,789,200   
      Insurance – 0.3%                           
  2,430     

Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, 144A

    7.450%         10/01/33         BBB        2,922,350   
      Media – 0.3%                           
  1,925     

Altice S.A, 144A

    7.625%         2/15/25         B        1,860,030   
  1,470     

Dish DBS Corporation

    5.875%         11/15/24         BB–        1,379,963   
  3,395     

Total Media

                               3,239,993   
      Real Estate Investment Trust – 0.5%                           
  3,525     

Communications Sales & Leasing Inc.

    8.250%         10/15/23         BB–        3,339,938   
  1,640     

Select Income REIT

    4.500%         2/01/25         Baa2        1,582,718   
  5,165     

Total Real Estate Investment Trust

                               4,922,656   
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.8%                           
  4,100     

Forestar USA Real Estate Group Inc., 144A

    8.500%         6/01/22         B+        4,182,000   
  2,140     

Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC, 144A

    8.250%         12/01/22         BB–        2,225,600   
  850     

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings Incorporated

    5.875%         4/01/24         BB–        830,875   
  7,090     

Total Real Estate Management & Development

                               7,238,475   

 

Nuveen Investments     5   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (6)      Value  
      Specialty Retail – 0.4%                           
$ 3,250     

L Brands, Inc.

    6.875%         11/01/35         BB+      $ 3,575,000   
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.4%  
  4,100     

Western Digital Corporation, 144A

    10.500%         4/01/24         BB+        3,987,250   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.5%                           
  4,575     

Viacom Inc.

    6.875%         4/30/36         BBB+        4,911,482   
$ 113,085     

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $113,060,501)

                               111,858,664   
Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (6)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 59.9% (42.3% of Total Investments)

  

      Banks – 21.3%                           
  600     

Banco Santander SA, Reg S

    6.375%         N/A (7)         Ba1      $ 546,069   
  14,190     

Bank of America Corporation, (3)

    6.500%         N/A (7)         BB+        14,934,975   
  5,200     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.100%         N/A (7)         BB+        5,203,250   
  3,281     

Bank of America Corporation

    8.000%         N/A (7)         BB+        3,198,975   
  3,575     

Barclays Bank PLC, 144A

    10.180%         6/12/21         A–        4,543,257   
  17,935     

Barclays PLC

    8.250%         N/A (7)         BB+        17,980,447   
  7,805     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%         N/A (7)         BB+        7,931,831   
  4,590     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%         N/A (7)         BB+        4,721,963   
  2,925     

Citigroup Inc., (3)

    5.800%         N/A (7)         BB+        2,829,937   
  7,214     

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%         N/A (7)         BB+        6,889,370   
  7,790     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank

    6.250%         N/A (7)         BBB+        8,062,650   
  3,960     

Commerzbank AG, 144A

    8.125%         9/19/23         BBB        4,648,446   
  465     

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

    8.125%         N/A (7)         BB+        480,112   
  3,950     

Credit Agricole, S.A, 144A

    6.625%         N/A (7)         BB+        3,722,875   
  1,000     

HSBC Bank PLC

    1.125%         6/19/35         A3         527,206   
  500     

HSBC Bank PLC

    0.975%         12/11/36         A3         264,721   
  4,204     

HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A

    10.176%         N/A (7)         Baa1        6,174,625   
  3,745     

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.375%         N/A (7)         BBB        3,543,706   
  2,250     

HSBC Holdings PLC

    6.375%         N/A (7)         BBB        2,173,275   
  10,175     

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

    7.700%         N/A (7)         Ba3        9,399,156   
  125     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.100%         N/A (7)         BBB–        128,594   
  4,700     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    7.900%         N/A (7)         BBB–        4,726,438   
  21,120     

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    6.750%         N/A (7)         BBB–        23,366,112   
  17,970     

Lloyd’s Banking Group PLC

    7.500%         N/A (7)         BB+        17,817,255   
  1,960     

M&T Bank Corporation

    6.450%         N/A (7)         Baa2        2,116,800   
  4,000     

Nordea Bank AB, 144A

    6.125%         N/A (7)         BBB        3,859,200   
  10,695     

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    6.750%         N/A (7)         Baa2        11,831,344   
  4,883     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.648%         N/A (7)         BB        5,688,695   
  6,890     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.500%         N/A (7)         BB–        6,424,925   
  13,906     

Societe Generale, 144A

    7.875%         N/A (7)         BB+        13,203,747   
  4,995     

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.625%         N/A (7)         Baa3        4,945,050   
  250     

U.S. Bancorp.

    5.125%         N/A (7)         A3         255,625   
  6,755     

Zions Bancorporation

    7.200%         N/A (7)         BB–        7,160,300   
 

Total Banks

                               209,300,931   
      Capital Markets – 2.8%                           
  3,270     

Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

    4.950%         N/A (7)         Baa1        3,265,258   
  8,920     

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

    7.500%         N/A (7)         BB+        8,859,736   
  5,880     

Morgan Stanley

    5.550%         N/A (7)         Ba1        5,821,200   
  1,975     

State Street Corporation

    5.250%         N/A (7)         Baa1        2,012,525   
  7,055     

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    7.125%         N/A (7)         BB+        7,160,825   
 

Total Capital Markets

                               27,119,544   
      Consumer Finance – 2.1%                           
  5,271     

American Express Company

    5.200%         N/A (7)         Baa2        4,994,273   
  1,900     

American Express Company

    4.900%         N/A (7)         Baa2        1,710,000   
  13,730     

Capital One Financial Corporation

    5.500%         N/A (7)         Baa3        13,627,025   
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               20,331,298   

 

  6      Nuveen Investments


Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (6)      Value  
      Diversified Financial Services – 4.7%                           
  16,400     

Agstar Financial Services Inc., 144A

    6.750%         N/A (7)         BB      $ 18,239,875   
  4,065     

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.375%         N/A (7)         BBB–        4,014,188   
  5,670     

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.195%         N/A (7)         BBB        6,159,038   
  2,300     

Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation

    4.875%         N/A (7)         A+        2,300,000   
  11,498     

Rabobank Nederland, 144A

    11.000%         N/A (7)         Baa2        14,013,187   
  1,530     

Voya Financial Inc.

    5.650%         5/15/53         Baa3        1,432,845   
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               46,159,133   
      Food Products – 3.0%                           
  21,870     

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    8.000%         N/A (7)         BB        22,526,100   
  6,750     

Land O’ Lakes Inc., 144A

    8.000%         N/A (7)         BB        6,851,250   
 

Total Food Products

                               29,377,350   
      Industrial Conglomerates – 4.2%                           
  39,281     

General Electric Company, (3)

    5.000%         N/A (7)         AA–        40,803,139   
      Insurance – 15.3%                           
  7,365     

Aviva PLC, Reg S

    8.250%         N/A (7)         BBB        8,074,205   
  1,205     

AXA SA

    8.600%         12/15/30         A3         1,615,049   
  2,460     

Cloverie PLC Zurich Insurance, Reg S

    8.250%         N/A (7)         A        2,710,305   
  2,300     

CNP Assurances, Reg S

    7.500%         N/A (7)         BBB+        2,521,361   
  29,045     

Financial Security Assurance Holdings, 144A, (5)

    6.400%         12/15/66         BBB+        20,041,050   
  1,755     

Friends Life Group PLC, Reg S

    7.875%         N/A (7)         A–        1,937,246   
  2,108     

La Mondiale SAM, Reg S

    7.625%         N/A (7)         BBB        2,258,490   
  6,590     

Liberty Mutual Group, 144A, (5)

    7.800%         3/15/37         Baa3        7,199,575   
  9,335     

MetLife Capital Trust IV, 144A, (5)

    7.875%         12/15/37         BBB        10,940,620   
  4,350     

MetLife Capital Trust X, 144A

    9.250%         4/8/38         BBB        5,937,750   
  3,425     

MetLife Inc.

    5.250%         11/26/18         BBB        3,334,923   
  13,770     

National Financial Services Inc., (5)

    6.750%         5/15/37         Baa2        14,010,975   
  1,150     

Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust, (5)

    7.899%         3/01/37         Baa2        1,309,442   
  6,855     

Provident Financing Trust I, (5)

    7.405%         3/15/38         Baa3        7,826,347   
  3,315     

Prudential Financial Inc.

    5.875%         9/15/42         BBB+        3,582,686   
  13,335     

QBE Cap Funding III Limited, 144A

    7.250%         5/24/41         BBB        14,618,360   
  2,340     

QBE Insurance Group Limited, Reg S

    6.750%         12/2/44         BBB        2,515,500   
  17,955     

Sirius International Group Limited, 144A

    7.506%         N/A (7)         BB+        17,640,788   
  20,553     

Symetra Financial Corporation, 144A

    8.300%         10/15/37         Baa2        20,501,618   
  2,600     

ZFS FINANCE USA TRUST II 144A

    6.450%         12/15/65         A        2,613,260   
 

Total Insurance

                               151,189,550   
      Machinery – 0.2%                           
  2,215     

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    5.750%         12/15/53         BBB+        2,328,519   
      Metals & Mining – 0.6%                           
  5,825     

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.250%         10/19/75         A–        6,087,125   
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.3%                           
  3,725     

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited

    7.000%         12/15/18         N/R        3,333,614   
      Real Estate Investment Trust – 4.3%                           
  11,705     

Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust, 144A

    12.000%         N/A (7)         Ba1        14,280,100   
  12,975     

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.875%         N/A (7)         BBB        13,858,922   
  13,691     

Wells Fargo & Company, (3)

    7.980%         N/A (7)         BBB        14,238,640   
 

Total Real Estate Investment Trust

                               42,377,662   
      Specialty Retail – 0.9%                           
  2,650     

Aquarius & Investments PLC fbo SwissRe, Reg S

    8.250%         N/A (7)         N/R        2,883,560   
  5,644     

Swiss Re Capital I, 144A

    6.854%         N/A (7)         A        5,644,000   
       

Total Specialty Retail

                               8,527,560   
      U.S. Agency – 0.2%                           
  1,700     

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A

    10.000%         N/A (7)         Baa1        2,088,875   
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $573,814,075)

                               589,024,300   
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $1,337,168,238)

                               1,380,040,169   

 

Nuveen Investments     7   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity            Value  
      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.2% (0.8% of Total Investments)  
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 1.2% (0.8% of Total Investments)  
$ 11,485     

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 4/29/16, repurchase price $11,485,047 collateralized by $11,215,000 U.S. Treasury Notes 2.250%, due 11/15/25, value $11,719,675

    0.030%         5/02/16            $ 11,485,018   
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $11,485,018)

                           11,485,018   
 

Total Investments (cost $1,348,653,256) – 141.5%

                           1,391,525,187   
 

Borrowings – (41.1)% (8), (9)

                           (404,100,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (0.4)% (10)

                           (4,347,867
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                         $ 983,077,320   

Investments in Derivatives as of April 30, 2016

Interest Rate Swaps outstanding:

 

Counterparty   Notional
Amount
    Fund
Pay/
Receive
Floating
Rate
    Floating Rate
Index
    Fixed Rate
(Annualized)
    Fixed Rate
Payment
Frequency
    Effective
Date (11)
    Optional
Termination
Date
    Termination
Date
    Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A.

  $ 114,296,000        Receive        1-Month USD-LIBOR-ICE        1.462     Monthly        6/01/16        12/01/18        12/01/20      $ (3,006,065   $ (3,592,575

JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A.

    114,296,000        Receive        1-Month USD-LIBOR-ICE        1.842        Monthly        6/01/16        12/01/20        12/01/22        (5,498,617     (6,302,018
    $ 228,592,000                                                              $ (8,504,682   $ (9,894,593

Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

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

 

      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Long-Term Investments:

           

Common Stocks

   $ 50,242,237       $ 3,227,224       $       $ 53,469,461   

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     526,934,864         83,669,840                 610,604,704   

Convertible Preferred Securities

     15,083,040                         15,083,040   

Corporate Bonds

             111,858,664                 111,858,664   

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

             589,024,300                 589,024,300   

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

             11,485,018                 11,485,018   

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Interest Rate Swaps*

             (9,894,593              (9,894,593

Total

   $ 592,260,141       $ 789,370,453       $       $ 1,381,630,594   
* Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

 

  8      Nuveen Investments


Income Tax Information

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

As of April 30, 2016, the cost of investments (excluding investments in derivatives) was $1,350,319,306.

Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments (excluding investments in derivatives) as of April 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized:

          

Appreciation

     $ 59,741,466   

Depreciation

       (18,535,585

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     $ 41,205,881   

 

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

 

(3) Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives.

 

(4) Non-income producing; issuer has not declared a dividend within the past twelve months.

 

(5) Investment, or a portion of investment, is hypothecated. The total value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $60,502,266.

 

(6) Ratings: Using the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. 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.

 

(7) Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable

 

(8) The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) as collateral for borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $900,087,048 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings.

 

(9) Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 29.0%.

 

(10) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC-cleared and exchange-traded derivatives, when applicable. Other assets less liabilities also includes the value of options.

 

(11) 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.

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt.

 

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.

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

USD-LIBOR-ICE United States Dollar – London Inter-Bank Offered Rate – Intercontinental Exchange

 

Nuveen Investments     9   


Item 2. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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

Item 3. Exhibits.

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

 

 


SIGNATURES

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

 

(Registrant)    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund   
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Kevin J. McCarthy                                                               
   Kevin J. McCarthy   
   Vice President and Secretary   

Date: June 29, 2016

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/ Gifford R. Zimmerman                                                        
   Gifford R. Zimmerman   
   Chief Administrative Officer (principal executive officer)   
Date: June 29, 2016      
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Stephen D. Foy                                                                    
   Stephen D. Foy   
   Vice President and Controller (principal financial officer)   
Date: June 29, 2016