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)

Gifford R. Zimmerman—Vice President and Secretary

    333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606    

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end:       July 31      

Date of reporting period:  October 31, 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

   October 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)                           Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 139.3% (99.3% of Total Investments)

  

        
 

COMMON STOCKS – 4.7% (3.2% of Total Investments)

          
      Air Freight & Logistics – 0.2%                           
  15,600     

United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B

                             $ 1,681,056   
      Banks – 0.3%                           
  92,800     

CIT Group Inc.

                               3,371,424   
      Biotechnology – 0.2%                           
  34,500     

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

                               2,540,235   
      Capital Markets – 0.4%                           
  164,035     

Ares Capital Corporation, (2)

             2,509,736   
  101,032     

TPG Specialty Lending, Inc.

                               1,810,493   
 

Total Capital Markets

                               4,320,229   
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.7%                           
  78,700     

Apartment Investment & Management Company, Class A

             3,468,309   
  129,100     

MGM Growth Properties LLC

                               3,397,912   
 

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               6,866,221   
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.8%                           
  113,800     

Philips Electronics, (2)

             3,417,414   
  37,500     

Siemens AG, Sponsored ADR, (3)

                               4,261,875   
 

Total Industrial Conglomerates

                               7,679,289   
      Media – 0.4%                           
  120,855     

National CineMedia, Inc., (2)

             1,676,259   
  73,035     

Viacom Inc., Class B

                               2,743,195   
 

Total Media

                               4,419,454   
      Multiline Retail – 0.2%                           
  41,300     

Nordstrom, Inc.

                               2,147,600   
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.8%                           
  127,700     

AstraZeneca PLC, (2)

             3,616,464   
  105,400     

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

                               4,217,054   
 

Total Pharmaceuticals

                               7,833,518   
      Software – 0.2%                           
  42,000     

Oracle Corporation

                               1,613,640   
      Specialty Retail – 0.2%                           
  66,900     

GameStop Corporation

                               1,608,945   
      Tobacco – 0.3%                           
  155,365     

Vector Group Ltd.

                               3,253,343   
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $47,318,656)

                               47,334,954   
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (4)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 56.9% (40.7% of Total Investments)

  

     
      Banks – 13.6%                           
  128,500     

AgriBank FCB, (2), (3)

    6.875%            BBB+       $ 13,821,781   
  15,202     

Boston Private Financial Holdings Inc., (5)

    6.950%            N/R         391,452   

 

NUVEEN     1   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (4)      Value  
      Banks (continued)                           
  148,007     

Citigroup Inc.

    8.125%            BB+       $ 4,219,680   
  445,498     

Citigroup Inc.

    7.125%            BB+         12,705,603   
  6,179     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.875%            BB+         177,276   
  172,975     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2), (3)

    6.250%            BBB+         18,438,063   
  57,511     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2), (3)

    6.200%            BBB+         6,040,455   
  38,725     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (3)

    6.125%            BBB+         3,899,123   
  148,251     

Countrywide Capital Trust III

    7.000%            BBB–         3,818,946   
  128,220     

Cowen Group, Inc.

    8.250%            N/R         3,337,567   
  152,903     

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    6.625%            Baa3         4,588,619   
  123,900     

FNB Corporation

    7.250%            Ba2         3,690,981   
  138,932     

HSBC Holdings PLC

    8.000%            Baa1         3,620,568   
  414,200     

Huntington BancShares Inc.

    6.250%            Baa3         11,083,992   
  117,760     

KeyCorp Convertible Preferred Stock

    8.131%            Baa3         3,073,536   
  82,000     

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    5.625%            BB+         2,140,200   
  32,388     

PNC Financial Services

    6.125%            Baa2         913,342   
  260,212     

Private Bancorp Incorporated

    7.125%            N/R         6,885,210   
  48,746     

Regions Financial Corporation

    6.375%            Ba1         1,266,421   
  449,744     

Regions Financial Corporation

    6.375%            Ba1         12,939,135   
  133,300     

TCF Financial Corporation

    7.500%            BB–         3,481,796   
  132,000     

U.S. Bancorp., (2)

    6.500%            A3         3,874,200   
  216,373     

Webster Financial Corporation

    6.400%            Baa3         5,608,388   
  66,775     

Western Alliance Bancorp.

    6.250%            N/R         1,713,447   
  187,983     

Zions Bancorporation

    7.900%            BB–         4,906,356   
  43,293     

Zions Bancorporation

    6.300%                  BB–         1,355,071   
 

Total Banks

                               137,991,208   
      Capital Markets – 7.5%                           
  130,200     

Apollo Investment Corporation

    6.875%            BBB–         3,432,072   
  112,775     

Apollo Investment Corporation

    6.625%            BBB–         2,893,807   
  186,440     

Capitala Finance Corporation

    7.125%            N/R         4,713,203   
  133,500     

Charles Schwab Corporation

    6.000%            BBB         3,691,275   
  74,047     

Charles Schwab Corporation

    5.950%            BBB         2,004,452   
  120,805     

Fifth Street Finance Corporation

    6.125%            BBB–         3,079,319   
  17,350     

Gladstone Capital Corporation

    6.750%            N/R         446,763   
  89,100     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    5.500%            Ba1         2,322,837   
  47,459     

Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated

    7.000%            BBB–         1,205,933   
  33,003     

Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated

    7.000%            BBB–         843,557   
  163,458     

Hercules Technology Growth Capital Incorporated

    6.250%            BBB–         4,189,429   
  284,951     

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.

    8.000%            N/R         7,009,795   
  665,200     

Morgan Stanley

    7.125%            Ba1         19,410,536   
  219,900     

Morgan Stanley

    6.875%            Ba1         6,390,294   
  67,500     

Northern Trust Corporation

    5.850%            BBB+         1,816,425   
  261,622     

Solar Capital Limited

    6.750%            BBB–         6,689,675   
  51,445     

State Street Corporation

    5.350%            Baa1         1,377,183   
  74,800     

Stifel Financial Corporation

    6.250%            BB–         2,010,624   
  122,539     

Triangle Capital Corporation

    6.375%                  N/R         3,087,983   
 

Total Capital Markets

                               76,615,162   
      Consumer Finance – 2.2%                           
  272,000     

Discover Financial Services

    6.500%            BB–         7,123,680   
  417,333     

GMAC Capital Trust I

    8.125%            B+         10,654,511   
  90,659     

SLM Corporation, Series A

    6.970%                  Ba3         4,556,521   
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               22,334,712   
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.3%                           
  30,391     

KKR Financial Holdings LLC

    7.500%            A–         781,657   
  322,399     

KKR Financial Holdings LLC

    7.375%            BBB         8,379,150   
  141,562     

Main Street Capital Corporation

    6.125%                  N/R         3,680,612   
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               12,841,419   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.1%                           
  135,165     

Qwest Corporation

    7.000%            BBB–         3,433,191   
  178,815     

Qwest Corporation

    6.875%            BBB–         4,613,427   

 

  2      NUVEEN


Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (4)      Value  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services (continued)                           
  70,800     

Qwest Corporation

    6.625%            BBB–       $ 1,809,648   
  53,900     

Verizon Communications Inc.

    5.900%                  A–         1,443,981   
 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               11,300,247   
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 7.3%                           
  57,165     

Apartment Investment & Management Company

    6.875%            BB         1,547,457   
  28,889     

Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc.

    8.450%            N/R         728,869   
  186,579     

Cedar Shopping Centers Inc., Series A

    7.250%            N/R         4,795,080   
  208,314     

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

    7.750%            N/R         5,393,249   
  50,200     

Coresite Realty Corporation

    7.250%            N/R         1,304,196   
  270,925     

DDR Corporation

    6.500%            Baa3         6,962,773   
  182,479     

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    7.375%            Baa3         5,060,143   
  256,406     

Dupont Fabros Technology

    6.625%            Ba2         7,051,165   
  59,890     

Hospitality Properties Trust

    7.125%            BB         1,517,613   
  133,675     

LaSalle Hotel Properties

    6.300%            N/R         3,446,142   
  182,859     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.875%            N/R         4,743,362   
  51,926     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.750%            N/R         1,377,597   
  121,633     

Northstar Realty Finance Corporation

    8.250%            N/R         3,067,584   
  200,000     

Penn Real Estate Investment Trust

    8.250%            N/R         5,130,000   
  72,400     

Penn Real Estate Investment Trust

    7.375%            N/R         1,872,264   
  65,612     

Regency Centers Corporation

    6.625%            Baa2         1,671,138   
  106,502     

Senior Housing Properties Trust, (5)

    5.625%            BBB–         2,651,900   
  57,203     

STAG Industrial Inc.

    9.000%            N/R         1,440,944   
  145,905     

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    6.950%            N/R         4,025,519   
  149,300     

Urstadt Biddle Properties

    7.125%            N/R         3,887,772   
  259,195     

VEREIT, Inc.

    6.700%                  BB         6,951,610   
 

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               74,626,377   
      Food Products – 3.5%                           
  195,200     

CHS Inc.

    7.875%            N/R         6,121,472   
  410,101     

CHS Inc.

    7.100%            N/R         12,138,989   
  441,504     

CHS Inc., (5)

    6.750%            N/R         12,406,261   
  23,000     

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (3)

    7.875%            Baa3         2,443,032   
  19,500     

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A, (3)

    7.875%                  Baa3         2,043,844   
 

Total Food Products

                               35,153,598   
      Insurance – 12.0%                           
  330,962     

Arch Capital Group Limited, (2)

    6.750%            BBB+         8,462,698   
  302,283     

Argo Group US Inc., (2)

    6.500%            BBB–         7,777,742   
  73,400     

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    7.250%            BBB–         1,893,720   
  58,900     

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

    5.625%            BBB–         1,506,073   
  408,600     

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, (2)

    5.950%            BBB–         11,628,756   
  234,767     

Axis Capital Holdings Limited, (2)

    6.875%            BBB         6,021,774   
  103,700     

Axis Capital Holdings Limited, (WI/DD)

    5.500%            BBB         2,592,500   
  56,900     

Delphi Financial Group, Inc., (3)

    7.376%            BB+         1,282,031   
  235,211     

Endurance Specialty Holdings Limited, (2)

    6.350%            BBB–         6,266,021   
  138,124     

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., (2)

    7.875%            BBB–         4,320,519   
  561,100     

Kemper Corporation

    7.375%            Ba1         14,975,759   
  298,139     

Maiden Holdings Limited

    8.250%            BB         7,775,465   
  67,000     

Maiden Holdings Limited

    6.625%            BBB–         1,773,490   
  233,932     

Maiden Holdings NA Limited

    8.000%            BBB–         6,014,392   
  265,933     

Maiden Holdings NA Limited, (2)

    7.750%            BBB–         7,132,322   
  100,195     

National General Holding Company

    7.625%            N/R         2,580,021   
  76,400     

National General Holding Company

    7.500%            N/R         1,932,920   
  153,954     

National General Holding Company

    7.500%            N/R         3,913,511   
  279,732     

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    6.200%            BBB         7,997,537   
  361,700     

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., (2)

    5.750%            BBB         10,373,555   
  204,400     

Torchmark Corporation

    6.125%                  BBB+         5,524,931   
 

Total Insurance

                               121,745,737   
      Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts – 1.9%                           
  99,138     

AG Mortgage Investment Trust

    8.000%            N/R         2,432,847   
  28,280     

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance

    8.625%            N/R         723,968   

 

NUVEEN     3   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (4)      Value  
      Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (continued)                           
  118,623     

Arbor Realty Trust Incorporated

    7.375%            N/R       $ 3,018,955   
  64,615     

Capstead Mortgage Corporation

    7.500%            N/R         1,603,744   
  79,861     

Colony Financial Inc.

    7.500%            N/R         2,023,678   
  97,520     

Colony Financial Inc.

    7.125%            N/R         2,484,810   
  23,967     

Colony Financial Inc.

    8.500%            N/R         614,514   
  49,519     

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.

    7.750%            N/R         1,250,355   
  111,053     

MFA Financial Inc.

    8.000%            N/R         2,852,952   
  107,000     

Wells Fargo REIT, (2)

    6.375%                  BBB+         2,897,560   
 

Total Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               19,903,383   
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.8%                           
  206,105     

Nustar Logistics Limited Partnership

    7.625%            Ba2         5,278,349   
  38,248     

Scorpio Tankers Inc.

    7.500%            N/R         964,232   
  72,400     

Scorpio Tankers Inc.

    6.750%                  N/R         1,663,028   
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               7,905,609   
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%                           
  110,000     

Kennedy-Wilson Inc.

    7.750%                  BB–         2,845,700   
      Specialty Retail – 0.8%                           
  256,074     

TravelCenters of America LLC

    8.000%            N/R         6,517,083   
  55,650     

TravelCenters of America LLC

    8.000%                  N/R         1,421,857   
 

Total Specialty Retail

                               7,938,940   
      Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 0.8%                           
  160,700     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.875%            N/R         4,289,083   
  143,400     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

    6.000%                  N/R         3,899,046   
 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

                               8,188,129   
      U.S. Agency – 2.8%                           
  260,300     

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, (2), (3)

    6.750%                  Baa1         28,120,546   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 1.0%                           
  391,199     

United States Cellular Corporation, (2)

    7.250%                  Ba1         10,237,678   
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $539,625,004)

                               577,748,445   
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (4)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 2.6% (1.9% of Total Investments)

  

     
      Banks – 1.4%                           
  4,225     

Bank of America Corporation

    7.250%            BB+       $ 5,200,975   
  7,225     

Wells Fargo & Company, (2)

    7.500%                  BBB         9,428,625   
 

Total Banks

                               14,629,600   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.3%                           
  37,700     

Frontier Communications Corporation

    11.125%                  N/R         3,148,327   
      Electric Utilities – 0.7%                           
  67,050     

Great Plains Energy Inc.

    7.000%            N/R         3,552,980   
  69,500     

NextEra Energy Inc.

    6.123%                  BBB         3,527,125   
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               7,080,105   
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.2%                           
  3,000     

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, (3)

    7.000%                  N/R         2,276,100   
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $26,520,722)

                               27,134,132   

 

  4      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 12.6% (9.0% of Total Investments)

          
      Banks – 4.3%                           
$ 6,000     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.250%         N/A (6)         BB+       $ 6,285,000   
  4,160     

Bank of America Corporation

    6.300%         N/A (6)         BB+         4,539,183   
  8,570     

Citigroup Inc.

    5.950%         N/A (6)         BB+         8,762,825   
  7,985     

Citigroup Inc.

    5.875%         N/A (6)         BB+         8,108,767   
  5,055     

ING Groep N.V, (7)

    6.500%         N/A (6)         BBB–         4,991,813   
  9,430     

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    5.300%         N/A (6)         BBB–         9,571,450   
  2,100     

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A, (7)

    6.500%         N/A (6)         Ba1         1,981,875   
  43,300     

Total Banks

                               44,240,913   
      Biotechnology – 0.3%                           
  3,500     

AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., 144A

    7.875%         9/01/23         B+         3,281,250   
      Capital Markets – 1.1%                           
  11,100     

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.375%         N/A (6)         Ba1         11,155,500   
      Chemicals – 0.4%                           
  2,125     

A Schulman Inc., 144A

    6.875%         6/01/23         B+         2,162,188   
  2,575     

CVR Partners LP / CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp., 144A

    9.250%         6/15/23         B+         2,525,045   
  4,700     

Total Chemicals

                               4,687,233   
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.5%                           
  1,520     

GFL Environmental Corporation, 144A

    7.875%         4/01/20         B–         1,592,200   
  1,775     

GFL Environmental Corporation, 144A

    9.875%         2/01/21         B–         1,943,625   
  2,124     

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company

    6.500%         11/15/23         B+         2,065,590   
  5,419     

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                               5,601,415   
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.3%                           
  3,170     

BNP Paribas, 144A, (7)

    7.625%         N/A (6)         BBB–         3,312,650   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.7%                           
  6,900     

Frontier Communications Corporation

    11.000%         9/15/25         BB         7,044,417   
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.4%                           
  3,525     

Communications Sales & Leasing Inc.

    8.250%         10/15/23         BB–         3,718,875   
      Food Products – 0.1%                           
  1,310     

Land O Lakes Capital Trust I, 144A

    7.450%         3/15/28         Ba1         1,499,950   
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.3%                           
  3,295     

Kindred Healthcare Inc.

    8.000%         1/15/20         B–         3,295,000   
      Insurance – 0.3%                           
  2,430     

Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, 144A

    7.450%         10/01/33         BBB         2,845,292   
      Machinery – 0.6%                           
  3,200     

Dana Financing Luxembourg Sarl, 144A

    6.500%         6/01/26         BB+         3,404,000   
  2,703     

Meritor Inc.

    6.750%         6/15/21         B+         2,750,303   
  5,903     

Total Machinery

                               6,154,303   
      Media – 0.7%                           
  1,470     

Dish DBS Corporation

    5.875%         11/15/24         Ba3         1,480,106   
  5,350     

Dish DBS Corporation

    7.750%         7/01/26         Ba3         5,874,995   
  6,820     

Total Media

                               7,355,101   
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.2%                           
  1,600     

Enviva Parnters LP / Enviva Partners Finance Corp., 144A, (WI/DD)

    8.500%         11/01/21         B+         1,636,000   

 

NUVEEN     5   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%                           
$ 3,200     

Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC, 144A

    8.250%         12/01/22         BB–       $ 3,480,000   
      Specialty Retail – 0.7%                           
  6,450     

L Brands, Inc.

    6.875%         11/01/35         BB+         6,837,000   
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.5%                           
  4,575     

Western Digital Corporation, 144A

    10.500%         4/01/24         BB+         5,289,844   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.9%                           
  1,925     

Altice Financing SA, 144A

    7.500%         5/15/26         BB–         1,987,563   
  5,875     

Viacom Inc.

    6.875%         4/30/36         BBB         6,998,000   
  7,800     

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               8,985,563   
$ 124,997     

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $125,697,278)

                               130,420,306   
Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 62.5% (44.5% of Total Investments)

  

  
      Banks – 25.2%                           
  2,320     

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A, (7)

    6.750%         N/A (6)         Baa1       $ 2,547,529   
  2,000     

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A, Reg S, (7)

    9.000%         N/A (6)         BB         2,077,500   
  600     

Banco Santander SA, Reg S, (7)

    6.375%         N/A (6)         Ba1         550,808   
  1,476     

Bank of America Corporation

    8.000%         N/A (6)         BB+         1,503,675   
  19,390     

Bank of America Corporation, (5)

    6.500%         N/A (6)         BB+         21,038,150   
  3,575     

Barclays Bank PLC, 144A, (2)

    10.180%         6/12/21         A–         4,520,913   
  15,935     

Barclays PLC, (7)

    8.250%         N/A (6)         BB+         16,134,188   
  4,080     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%         N/A (6)         BB+         4,392,732   
  9,095     

Citigroup Inc.

    6.125%         N/A (6)         BB+         9,507,913   
  2,925     

Citigroup Inc., (5)

    5.800%         N/A (6)         BB+         2,965,219   
  7,214     

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    5.500%         N/A (6)         BB+         7,105,790   
  7,790     

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank

    6.250%         N/A (6)         BBB+         8,428,492   
  3,960     

Commerzbank AG, 144A

    8.125%         9/19/23         BBB         4,552,416   
  2,915     

Credit Agricole SA, 144A, (7)

    8.125%         N/A (6)         BB+         3,130,244   
  3,950     

Credit Agricole, S.A, 144A, (7)

    6.625%         N/A (6)         BB+         3,841,375   
  1,000     

HSBC Bank PLC

    1.188%         N/A (6)         A3         695,000   
  500     

HSBC Bank PLC

    0.975%         N/A (6)         A3         347,500   
  4,204     

HSBC Capital Funding LP, Debt, 144A

    10.176%         N/A (6)         Baa1         6,348,040   
  3,615     

HSBC Holdings PLC, (7)

    6.875%         N/A (6)         BBB         3,804,788   
  10,175     

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A, (7)

    7.700%         N/A (6)         Ba3         9,297,406   
  4,700     

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    7.900%         N/A (6)         BBB–         4,844,525   
  19,230     

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    6.750%         N/A (6)         BBB–         21,345,300   
  125     

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    6.100%         N/A (6)         BBB–         131,363   
  3,485     

KeyCorp

    5.000%         N/A (6)         Baa3         3,428,369   
  20,390     

Lloyd’s Banking Group PLC, (7)

    7.500%         N/A (6)         BB+         21,001,700   
  1,960     

M&T Bank Corporation

    6.450%         N/A (6)         Baa2         2,200,100   
  3,665     

M&T Bank Corporation

    5.125%         N/A (6)         Baa2         3,697,069   
  4,000     

Nordea Bank AB, 144A, (7)

    6.125%         N/A (6)         BBB         3,945,000   
  10,745     

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    6.750%         N/A (6)         Baa2         11,926,950   
  4,655     

PNC Financial Services

    5.000%         N/A (6)         Baa2         4,631,725   
  4,883     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    7.648%         N/A (6)         BB         5,774,148   
  3,325     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, (7)

    7.500%         N/A (6)         BB–         3,050,688   
  3,005     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, (7)

    8.625%         N/A (6)         BB–         2,989,975   
  9,841     

Societe Generale, 144A, (7)

    7.875%         N/A (6)         BB+         9,742,590   
  3,595     

Societe Generale, 144A, (7)

    7.375%         N/A (6)         BB+         3,564,443   
  735     

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A, (7)

    7.500%         N/A (6)         Ba1         740,053   
  4,995     

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.625%         N/A (6)         Baa3         5,144,850   
  250     

U.S. Bancorp.

    5.125%         N/A (6)         A3         263,750   
  3,750     

Wachovia Capital Trust III

    5.570%         N/A (6)         BBB         3,754,688   
  8,641     

Wells Fargo & Company, (5)

    7.980%         N/A (6)         BBB         9,008,243   
  17,350     

Wells Fargo & Company

    5.875%         N/A (6)         BBB         18,613,288   

 

  6      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
      Banks (continued)                           
  3,450     

Zions Bancorporation

    7.200%         N/A (6)         BB–       $ 3,687,188   
 

Total Banks

                               256,275,683   
      Capital Markets – 3.7%                           
  3,270     

Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

    4.950%         N/A (6)         Baa1         3,347,663   
  8,920     

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A, (7)

    7.500%         N/A (6)         BB         9,232,200   
  5,640     

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.300%         N/A (6)         Ba1         5,745,750   
  5,880     

Morgan Stanley

    5.550%         N/A (6)         Ba1         6,019,650   
  1,975     

State Street Corporation

    5.250%         N/A (6)         Baa1         2,074,738   
  7,055     

UBS Group AG, Reg S, (7)

    7.125%         N/A (6)         BB+         7,222,556   
  3,675     

UBS Group AG, Reg S, (7)

    7.000%         N/A (6)         BB+         3,925,264   
 

Total Capital Markets

                               37,567,821   
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.3%                           
  2,790     

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

    6.500%         6/15/45         BB         2,873,700   
      Consumer Finance – 2.1%                           
  5,271     

American Express Company

    5.200%         N/A (6)         Baa2         5,284,177   
  1,900     

American Express Company

    4.900%         N/A (6)         Baa2         1,864,850   
  13,730     

Capital One Financial Corporation

    5.550%         N/A (6)         Baa3         13,882,526   
 

Total Consumer Finance

                               21,031,553   
      Diversified Financial Services – 3.9%                           
  14,800     

Agstar Financial Services Inc., 144A

    6.750%         N/A (6)         BB         15,697,250   
  4,065     

BNP Paribas, 144A, (7)

    7.375%         N/A (6)         BBB–         4,171,706   
  5,670     

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.195%         N/A (6)         BBB         6,400,013   
  2,300     

Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, 144A

    4.875%         N/A (6)         A         2,354,625   
  7,443     

Rabobank Nederland, 144A

    11.000%         N/A (6)         Baa2         8,968,071   
  1,955     

Voya Financial Inc.

    5.650%         5/15/53         Baa3         1,945,225   
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               39,536,890   
      Electric Utilities – 2.3%                           
  2,250     

Electricite de France, 144A

    5.250%         N/A (6)         BBB         2,227,500   
  18,900     

Emera, Inc., (2)

    6.750%         6/15/76         BBB–         20,884,499   
 

Total Electric Utilities

                               23,111,999   
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.4%                           
  3,765     

Transcanada Trust

    5.875%         N/A (6)         BBB         4,028,550   
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 1.5%                           
  11,705     

Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust, 144A

    12.000%         N/A (6)         Ba1         14,997,031   
      Food Products – 3.4%                           
  2,245     

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A

    7.125%         N/A (6)         Baa3         2,340,413   
  23,545     

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    8.000%         N/A (6)         BB         24,839,974   
  6,750     

Land O’Lakes Inc., 144A

    8.000%         N/A (6)         BB         7,121,249   
 

Total Food Products

                               34,301,636   
      Industrial Conglomerates – 4.1%                           
  39,281     

General Electric Company, (5)

    5.000%         N/A (6)         A         41,614,290   
      Insurance – 14.3%                           
  7,365     

Aviva PLC, Reg S

    8.250%         N/A (6)         BBB         7,765,111   
  1,205     

AXA SA, (2)

    8.600%         12/15/30         A3         1,693,025   
  2,460     

Cloverie PLC Zurich Insurance

    8.250%         N/A (6)         A         2,625,366   
  2,300     

CNP Assurances, Reg S

    7.500%         N/A (6)         BBB+         2,455,268   
  27,085     

Financial Security Assurance Holdings, 144A, (2)

    6.400%         12/15/66         BBB+         22,318,040   
  1,755     

Friends Life Group PLC, Reg S

    7.875%         N/A (6)         A–         1,891,109   
  2,108     

La Mondiale SAM, Reg S

    7.625%         N/A (6)         BBB         2,255,560   

 

NUVEEN     7   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)/
Shares
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (4)      Value  
      Insurance (continued)                           
  6,590     

Liberty Mutual Group, 144A

    7.800%         3/15/37         Baa3       $ 7,743,250   
  9,335     

MetLife Capital Trust IV, 144A, (2)

    7.875%         12/15/37         BBB         11,948,800   
  4,160     

MetLife Capital Trust X, 144A

    9.250%         4/08/38         BBB         6,059,039   
  3,425     

MetLife Inc.

    5.250%         N/A (6)         BBB         3,489,219   
  1,150     

Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust

    7.899%         3/01/37         Baa2         1,319,073   
  9,550     

Nationwide Financial Services Inc., (2)

    6.750%         5/15/37         Baa2         10,075,250   
  6,855     

Provident Financing Trust I

    7.405%         3/15/38         Baa3         7,686,169   
  3,315     

Prudential Financial Inc.

    5.875%         9/15/42         BBB+         3,629,925   
  11,675     

QBE Cap Funding III Limited, 144A

    7.250%         5/24/41         BBB         13,192,750   
  2,340     

QBE Insurance Group Limited

    6.750%         12/02/44         BBB         2,555,280   
  15,955     

Sirius International Group Limited, 144A

    7.506%         N/A (6)         BB+         16,054,719   
  20,553     

Symetra Financial Corporation, 144A

    8.300%         10/15/37         Baa2         20,861,294   
 

Total Insurance

                               145,618,247   
      Machinery – 0.2%                           
  2,215     

Stanley Black & Decker Inc., (2)

    5.750%         12/15/53         BBB+         2,353,438   
      Metals & Mining – 0.6%                           
  5,825     

BHP Billiton Finance USA Limited, 144A

    6.250%         10/19/75         A–         6,312,844   
      Speciality Retail – 0.3%                           
  2,650     

Aquarius & Investments PLC fbo SwissRe, Reg S

    8.250%         N/A (6)         N/R         2,840,583   
      U.S. Agency – 0.2%                           
  1,700     

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 144A

    10.000%         N/A (6)         Baa1         2,074,000   
 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $601,794,514)

  

                       634,538,265   
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $1,340,956,174)

                               1,417,176,102   
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.9% (0.7% of Total Investments)

  

     
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENT – 0.9% (0.7% of Total Investments)                
$ 9,583     

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 10/31/16, repurchase price $9,582,572, collateralized by $8,015,000 U.S. Treausury Bonds, 3.625%, due 2/15/44, value $9,778,300

    0.030%         11/01/16                $ 9,582,564   
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $9,582,564)

                               9,582,564   
 

Total Investments (cost $1,350,538,738) – 140.2%

                               1,426,758,666   
 

Borrowings – (39.7)% (8), (9)

                               (404,100,000
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (0.5)% (10)

                               (5,323,965
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 1,017,334,701   

Investments in Derivatives as of October 31, 2016

Call Options Written

 

Number of
Contracts

       Description      Notional
Amount (11)
       Expiration
Date
       Strike
Price
       Value  
  (413     

Nordstrom, Inc.

     $ (1,961,750        1/20/17         $ 47.5         $ (245,735
  (413     

Total Call Option Written (premiums received $112,317)

     $ (1,961,750                            $ (245,735

 

  8      NUVEEN


Interest Rate Swaps

 

Counterparty   Notional
Amount
    Fund
Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
    Floating Rate Index     Fixed Rate
(Annualized)
    Fixed Rate
Payment
Frequency
    Effective
Date (12)
    Optional
Termination
Date
    Termination
Date
    Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.

  $ 114,296,000        Receive        1-Month USD-LIBOR-ICE        1.462     Monthly        1/03/17        12/01/18        12/01/20      $ (2,281,768   $ (3,274,887

JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.

    114,296,000        Receive        1-Month USD-LIBOR-ICE        1.842        Monthly        1/03/17        12/01/20        12/01/22        (4,830,853     (6,298,217
    $ 228,592,000                                                              $ (7,112,621   $ (9,573,104

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

   $ 43,073,079       $ 4,261,875       $       $ 47,334,954   

Convertible Preferred Securities

     24,858,032         2,276,100                 27,134,132   

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

     501,659,570         76,088,875                 577,748,445   

Corporate Bonds

             130,420,306                 130,420,306   

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

             634,538,265                 634,538,265   

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

             9,582,564                 9,582,564   

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Call options written

     (245,735                      (245,735

Interest Rate Swaps*

             (9,573,104              (9,573,104

Total

   $ 569,344,946       $ 847,594,881       $     —       $ 1,416,939,827   
* Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

Income Tax Information

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

As of October 31, 2016, the cost of investments (excluding investments in derivatives) was $1,352,556,479.

 

NUVEEN     9   


JPC    Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    October 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments (excluding investments in derivatives) as of October 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized:

          

Appreciation

     $ 83,892,232   

Depreciation

       (9,690,045

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     $ 74,202,187   

 

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

 

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

 

(2) Investment, or portion of investment, is hypothecated. The total value of investments hypothecated as of the end of the reporting period was $79,375,273.

 

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

 

(4) 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.

 

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

 

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

 

(7) Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) are debt or preferred securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer, for example 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. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s total investment in CoCos was $121,256,351, representing 11.9% and 8.5% of Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares and Total Investments, respectively.

 

(8) The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $935,841,966 have been pledged as collateral for borrowings.

 

(9) Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 28.3%.

 

(10) 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. Other assets less liabilities also includes the value of options.

 

(11) For disclosure purposes, Notional Amount is calculated by multiplying the Number of Contracts by the Strike Price by 100.

 

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

 

(WI/DD) Investment, or portion of investment, purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 

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

 

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

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

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

 

  10      NUVEEN


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/ Gifford R. Zimmerman                                                        
  

Gifford R. Zimmerman

  
   Vice President and Secretary   

Date: December 30, 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/ Cedric H. Antosiewicz                                                         
  

Cedric H. Antosiewicz

  
   Chief Administrative Officer (principal executive officer)   
Date: December 30, 2016      
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Stephen D. Foy                                                                     
   Stephen D. Foy   
   Vice President and Controller (principal financial officer)   
Date: December 30, 2016