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As 2020 draws to a close, the concerns that dominated much of the year are beginning to show signs of easing. COVID-19 vaccines are being administered around the world, with several of the vaccine
candidates announcing high efficacy rates during their phase 3 trials. Markets took a generally positive view of Joe Biden winning the Electoral College, with Congress’s final confirmation of the Electoral College vote on January 7, 2021. The U.S.
economy has made a significant, although incomplete, turnaround from the depths of a historic recession. In late December, the U.S. government enacted another $900 billion in aid to individuals and businesses, extending some of the programs enacted
earlier in the crisis. Ongoing fiscal and monetary stimulus along with widening vaccine distribution have bolstered confidence that a semblance of normalcy can return in 2021.
While the markets’ longer-term outlook has brightened, we expect intermittent bouts of volatility to continue into the New Year. COVID-19 cases are still alarmingly high in some regions, and the
renewed restrictions on social and business activity taken by local and, in some cases, national authorities will undoubtedly hinder the economy’s momentum. The pandemic’s course can still be unpredictable. The timeline of vaccine rollouts depends
on many variables, public confidence can shift and real-world efficacy remains to be seen. Additionally, after Democrats won both of Georgia’s Senate run-off elections, which provided them with a democratic majority (the Democratic Vice
President-elect casts the tie breaking vote in a 50/50 split Senate), this changing political landscape may cause investment outlooks to shift. Nevertheless, short-term market fluctuations can provide opportunities to invest in new ideas as well as
upgrade existing positioning, within our goal of providing long-term value for our shareholders.
The New Year can be an opportune time to assess your portfolio’s resilience and readiness for what may come next. We encourage you to review your time horizon, risk tolerance and investment goals
with your financial professional. On behalf of the other members of the Nuveen Fund Board, we look forward to continuing to earn your trust in the months and years ahead.
Terence J. Toth
Chair of the Board
January 21, 2021
This Fund features portfolio management by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM), an affiliate of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser. Portfolio managers John
V. Miller, CFA, and Steven M. Hlavin discuss key investment strategies and the six-month performance of NHA. John and Steve have managed NHA since its inception in 2016.
Renewed COVID-19 coronavirus outbreaks across the U.S. and Europe prompted tightening COVID-19 restrictions at the local and, in some cases, national levels during the fall of 2020, weighing on
short-term economic indicators. Additionally, certain government programs supporting businesses and workers are expiring with little clarity on extensions or replacement options. In late December 2020 (subsequent to the close of this reporting
period), the U.S. government approved a $900 billion relief package. In November 2020, three vaccine trials announced successful results, paving the way for selective distribution at year end 2020 and inoculation of the wider public during 2021.
Markets rallied on optimism for normalization in daily life and in the economy, furthering the recovery from the March 2020 sell-off. Although the detection of the virus in China was made public in
December 2019, markets did not start to fully acknowledge the risks and potential economic impact until the latter portion of February 2020, when outbreaks outside of China were first reported. Global stock markets sold off severely, with the
S&P 500® index reaching a bear market (a 20% drop from the previous high) within three weeks, the fastest bear market decline in history. Even certain parts of the
bond market suffered; below investment grade municipal and corporate bonds generally dropped the furthest, mostly out of concerns for the continued financial stability of lower quality issuers. Demand for safe-haven assets, along with mounting
recession fears, drove the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note to 0.5% in March 2020, an all-time low. Additionally, oil prices collapsed to an 18-year low on supply glut concerns, as shutdowns across the global economy sharply reduced oil
demand, although oil prices have recovered to well above those lows.
While most markets have recovered most of their losses, volatility will likely remain elevated until the health crisis itself is under control (via fewer new cases, lower infection rates and/or
verified treatments or widespread vaccination). The situation remains fluid, given production and logistical challenges with rolling out the vaccine as well as public trust in it, and new information is incoming daily, compounding the difficulty of
modeling outcomes for epidemiologists and economists alike.
Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Discussions of specific investments are for illustration only and are not intended as recommendations of
individual investments. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are those of the portfolio managers as of the date of this report. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any
forward-looking statements, and the views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. The Fund disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed
herein.
The ratings disclosed are the lowest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group (S&P), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
(Moody’s) or Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings, while BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national
rating agencies.
Bond insurance guarantees only the payment of principal and interest on the bond when due, and not the value of the bonds themselves, which will fluctuate with the bond market and
the financial success of the issuer and the insurer. Insurance relates specifically to the bonds in the portfolio and not to the share prices of a Fund. No representation is made as to the insurers’ ability to meet their commitments.
Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.
Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, and our portfolio management teams are monitoring the situation carefully and continuously refining our views and approaches to managing the Funds to best pursue
investment objectives while mitigating risks through all market environments.
What key strategies were used to manage the Fund during the six-month reporting period ended November 30, 2020?
The Fund invests in a portfolio of primarily municipal securities, the income from which is exempt from regular U.S. federal income tax. At least 65% of its managed assets are invested in low- to
medium-quality municipal securities that, at the time of investment, are rated BBB/Baa or lower or unrated but judged by the portfolio managers to be of comparable quality. The Fund does not invest in securities rated CCC+/Caa1 or lower, or unrated
but judged by the portfolio managers to be of comparable quality, nor does it invest in defaulted or distressed securities at the time of investment. No more than 25% will be in any one sector, no more than 5% in any one issuer and no more than 10%
in tobacco settlement bonds. Up to 20% may be invested in securities that pay interest that is taxable under the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals (AMT bonds).
The Fund seeks to identify municipal securities across diverse sectors and industries that the managers believe are underrated or undervalued. In seeking to return the original NAV on or about March
1, 2021, the Fund intends to utilize various portfolio and cashflow management techniques, including setting aside a portion of its net investment income, possibly retaining gains and limiting the longest maturity of any holding to no later than
September 1, 2021. Recent market conditions have materially increased the risk associated with achieving the Fund’s objective to return Original NAV. This objective is not a guarantee and is dependent on a number of factors including the extent of
market recovery and the cumulative level of income retained in relation to cumulative portfolio gains net of losses.
NHA has entered its wind-up period in anticipation of its termination date on March 1, 2021. Per the prospectus, during the wind-up period the Fund may deviate from its investment objectives and
policies, and may invest up to 100% of its managed assets in high quality, short-term securities, including U.S. Treasuries. High quality, short-term securities for this Fund include securities rated investment grade (A-/A3 or higher or unrated but
judged by the Fund’s managers to be of comparable quality) with a final or remaining maturity of 397 days or less, so long as the maturity of any security in the Fund does not occur later than September 1, 2021. The Fund’s NAV ended the reporting
period at $9.82 per share.
As of the end of the reporting period, NHA’s maturity profile was structured with approximately 77% of the Fund’s bonds maturing in 2021. As we continued to approach the Fund’s termination date, the
investable universe of securities continued to shrink and the cash position continued to increase. We invested in 2021 bonds to the extent they became available and sold earlier maturities first, to continue to reduce the Fund’s interest rate
sensitivity as the Fund approaches its term date. The Fund’s portfolio turnover was relatively muted in this reporting period as we found opportunities to buy bonds maturing in 2021, to reinvest the small amount of proceeds from maturing and called
bonds and sinking fund payments.
How did the Fund perform during the six-month reporting period ended November 30, 2020?
The table in the Fund’s Performance Overview and Holding Summaries section of this report provides the Fund’s total returns at net asset value (NAV) for the period ended November 30, 2020. The
Fund’s total returns at common share net asset value NAV are compared with the performance of a corresponding market index.
For the six months ended November 30, 2020, the total returns at common share NAV for NHA underperformed the return for the S&P Short Duration Municipal Yield Index.
The benchmark and Fund are becoming more of a mismatch as the Fund nears its termination date, making comparisons to duration and credit quality/sector composition less relevant. Nearly all of the
Fund’s underperformance relative to the benchmark is attributable to the Fund’s significantly shorter duration and its reduced market exposure. As NHA approaches its 2021 target term date, the portfolio’s duration has naturally drifted lower,
whereas the benchmark continuously rebalances to maintain its duration target. NHA’s duration has now declined to 3.5 years shorter than the benchmark’s duration, making the Fund less sensitive to the interest rate volatility in this reporting
period. Additionally, the Fund’s cash position has increased, reducing its exposure to the municipal bond market’s positive performance in this reporting period.
Individual securities that performed well for the Fund included American Airlines, Inc. bonds, a distressed issue for a California land development district, state of Illinois general obligations,
New Jersey appropriation debt, Iowa Fertilizer bonds and tobacco securitization bonds. PPL Energy Supply, LLC, which began the reporting period trading at a discount then matured at par during the reporting period, was another strong performer.
Offsetting these positive performers was a position in Energy Harbor common stock that detracted from performance. NHA acquired shares in Energy Harbor when its holdings of certain municipal bonds issued by FirstEnergy Solutions were converted into
Energy Harbor equity as part of FirstEnergy Solution’s emergence from bankruptcy protection. The share price appreciated strongly post its March 2020 issuance, which increased both the size of the Fund’s position and its impact to performance. In
July 2020, the stock suffered a correction on negative headline news about the predecessor company and its former parent company.
The Fund seeks to pay regular monthly dividends out of its net investment income at a rate that reflects its past and projected net income performance. To permit the Fund to maintain a more stable
monthly dividend, the Fund may pay dividends at a rate that may be more or less than the amount of net income actually earned by the Fund during the period. Distributions to common shareholders are determined on a tax basis, which may differ from
amounts recorded in the accounting records. In instances where the monthly dividend exceeds the earned net investment income, the Fund would report a negative undistributed net ordinary income. Refer to Note 6 – Income Tax Information for
additional information regarding the amounts of undistributed net ordinary income and undistributed net long-term capital gains and the character of the actual distributions paid by the Fund during the period.
All monthly dividends paid by the Fund during the current reporting period were paid from net investment income. If a portion of the Fund’s monthly distributions is sourced or comprised of elements
other than net investment income, including capital gains and/or a return of capital, shareholders will be notified of those sources. For financial reporting purposes, the per share amounts of the Fund’s distributions for the reporting period are
presented in this report’s Financial Highlights. For income tax purposes, distribution information for the Fund as of its most recent tax year end is presented in Note 6 – Income Tax Information within the Notes to Financial Statements of this
report.
The Nuveen Closed-End Funds’ monthly and quarterly periodic distributions to shareholders are posted on www.nuveen.com and can be found on Nuveen’s enhanced closed-end fund resource page, which is
at https://www.nuveen.com/resource-center-closed-end-funds, along with other Nuveen closed-end fund product updates. To ensure timely access to the latest information, shareholders may use a subscribe function, which can be activated at this web
page (https://www.nuveen.com/subscriptions).
During August 2020, the Fund’s Board of Trustees reauthorized an open-market share repurchase program, allowing the Fund to repurchase an aggregate of up to approximately 10% of its outstanding
common shares.
As of November 30, 2020, and since the inception of the Fund’s repurchase program, the Fund has cumulatively repurchased and retired its outstanding common shares as shown in the accompanying table.
The Fund has an investment objective to return $9.85 (the original net asset value following the Fund’s initial public offering (the “Original NAV”)) to common shareholders on or about the end of
the Fund’s term. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to return the Original NAV to shareholders, and such return is not backed or otherwise guaranteed by the Fund’s investment adviser, Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), or
any other entity.
In connection with the objective of returning Original NAV, the Fund currently intends to set aside and retain in its net assets a portion of its net investment income and possibly all or a portion
of its gains. This will reduce the amounts otherwise available for distribution prior to the liquidation of the Fund, and the Fund may incur taxes on such retained amount, which will reduce the overall amounts that the Fund would have otherwise
been able to distribute. Such retained income or gains, net of any taxes, would constitute a portion of the liquidating distribution returned to investors at the end of the Fund’s term. In addition, the Fund’s investment in shorter term and lower
yielding securities, especially as the Fund nears the end of its term, may reduce investment income and, therefore, the monthly dividends during the period prior to termination. Investors that purchase shares in the secondary market (particularly
if their purchase price differs meaningfully from the Original NAV) may receive more or less than their original investment.
The Fund’s ability to return Original NAV to common shareholders on or about the termination date will depend on market conditions and the success of various portfolio and cash flow management
techniques. Recent market conditions have materially increased the risk associated with achieving the Fund’s objective to return Original NAV. This objective is not a guarantee and is dependent on a number of factors including the extent of market
recovery and the cumulative level of income retained in relation to cumulative portfolio gains net of losses.
Fund shares are not guaranteed or endorsed by any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Investing in closed-end funds involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Closed-end fund shares may frequently trade at a
discount or premium to their net asset value. Debt or fixed income securities, such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk,
and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Lower credit debt securities may be more likely to fail to make timely interest or principal payments. For these and other risks, including the
Fund’s limited term and inverse floater risk, see the Fund’s web page at www.nuveen.com/NHA.
Since inception returns are from 1/26/16. Past performance is not predictive of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction
of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s
shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.
This data relates to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of the reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for
the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change.
The ratings disclosed are the lowest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. Credit ratings are
subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
November 30, 2020 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term investments, at value (cost $70,221,208)
|
|
$
|
69,616,423
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
13,731,223
|
|
|
Receivable for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
964,192
|
|
|
Investments sold
|
|
|
495,000
|
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
587
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
84,807,425
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable for dividends
|
|
|
50,514
|
|
|
Accrued expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fees
|
|
|
38,661
|
|
|
Custodian fees
|
|
|
13,202
|
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
14,093
|
|
|
Shareholder reporting fees
|
|
|
10,377
|
|
|
Trustees fees
|
|
|
308
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
5,659
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
132,814
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shares
|
|
$
|
84,674,611
|
|
|
Common shares outstanding
|
|
|
8,623,232
|
|
|
Net asset value (“NAV”) per common share outstanding
|
|
$
|
9.82
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shares consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares, $0.01 par value per share
|
|
$
|
86,232
|
|
|
Paid-in surplus
|
|
|
84,528,992
|
|
|
Total distributable earnings
|
|
|
59,387
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shares
|
|
$
|
84,674,611
|
|
|
Authorized shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
20
Statement of Operations
Six Months Ended November 30, 2020 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Income
|
|
$
|
946,403
|
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fees
|
|
|
237,249
|
|
|
Custodian fees
|
|
|
9,938
|
|
|
Trustees fees
|
|
|
1,313
|
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
15,218
|
|
|
Shareholder reporting expenses
|
|
|
13,448
|
|
|
Shareholder servicing agent fees
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
Stock exchange listing fees
|
|
|
3,213
|
|
|
Investor relations expenses
|
|
|
1,715
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
4,369
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
286,547
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
659,856
|
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) from investments
|
|
|
(28,666
|
)
|
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
|
|
|
(1,209,064
|
)
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
|
|
|
(1,237,730
|
)
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations
|
|
$
|
(577,874
|
)
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
21
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
11/30/20
|
|
|
5/31/20
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
$
|
659,856
|
|
|
$
|
1,640,461
|
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) from investments
|
|
|
(28,666
|
)
|
|
|
(372,332
|
)
|
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
|
|
|
(1,209,064
|
)
|
|
|
763,272
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations
|
|
|
(577,874
|
)
|
|
|
2,031,401
|
|
|
Distributions to Common Shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends
|
|
|
(491,507
|
)
|
|
|
(1,500,352
|
)
|
|
Decrease in net assets applicable to common shares from distributions to common shareholders
|
|
|
(491,507
|
)
|
|
|
(1,500,352
|
)
|
|
Capital Share Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from common shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions
|
|
|
5,125
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from capital share transactions
|
|
|
5,125
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares
|
|
|
(1,064,256
|
)
|
|
|
531,049
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shares at the beginning of period
|
|
|
85,738,867
|
|
|
|
85,207,818
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shares at the end of period
|
|
$
|
84,674,611
|
|
|
$
|
85,738,867
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
22
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
23
Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
|
Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Distributions to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Operations
|
|
|
Common Shareholders
|
|
|
Common Share
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
|
|
|
Net
|
|
|
Net
|
|
|
|
|
|
From
|
|
|
From
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Realized/
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending
|
|
|
|
|
Share
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Net Realized
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering
|
|
|
Ending
|
|
|
Share
|
|
|
|
|
NAV
|
|
|
(Loss)
|
|
|
Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Gains
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Costs
|
|
|
NAV
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
Year Ended 5/31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021(e)
|
|
$
|
9.94
|
|
|
$
|
0.08
|
|
|
$
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
9.82
|
|
|
$
|
9.72
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
9.88
|
|
|
|
0.19
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
0.23
|
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9.94
|
|
|
|
9.73
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
9.71
|
|
|
|
0.23
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
0.35
|
|
|
|
(0.18
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.18
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9.88
|
|
|
|
9.60
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
9.70
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
0.22
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9.71
|
|
|
|
9.45
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
9.91
|
|
|
|
0.26
|
|
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9.70
|
|
|
|
9.76
|
|
|
2016(d)
|
|
|
9.85
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
9.91
|
|
|
|
9.95
|
|
|
|
VMTP Shares
|
|
|
at the End of Period
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
Asset
|
|
|
Amount
|
Coverage
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
Per $100,000
|
|
|
(000)
|
Share
|
|
Year Ended 5/31:
|
|
|
|
2021(e)
|
$ —
|
$ —
|
|
2020
|
—
|
—
|
|
2019
|
—
|
—
|
|
2018
|
—
|
—
|
|
2017
|
28,300
|
395,466
|
|
2016(d)
|
28,300
|
401,661
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Share Supplemental Data/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios Applicable to Common Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Based
|
|
|
Ending
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
|
|
|
|
|
|
Based
|
|
|
on
|
|
|
Net
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
on
|
|
|
Share
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Turnover
|
|
|
NAV(a)
|
|
|
Price(a)
|
|
|
|
(000
|
)
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
(Loss)
|
|
|
Rate(c)
|
|
|
|
(0.63
|
)%
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
|
$
|
84,675
|
|
|
|
0.67
|
%*
|
|
|
1.55
|
%*
|
|
|
22
|
%
|
|
|
2.39
|
|
|
|
3.18
|
|
|
|
85,739
|
|
|
|
0.70
|
|
|
|
1.92
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
3.69
|
|
|
|
3.57
|
|
|
|
85,208
|
|
|
|
0.71
|
|
|
|
2.34
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
2.32
|
|
|
|
(1.01
|
)
|
|
|
83,701
|
|
|
|
1.50
|
|
|
|
2.57
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
0.32
|
|
|
|
0.53
|
|
|
|
83,617
|
|
|
|
1.53
|
|
|
|
2.68
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
1.22
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
85,370
|
|
|
|
1.28
|
*
|
|
|
2.15
|
*
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
(a)
|
Total Return Based on Common Share NAV is the combination of changes in common share NAV, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is
typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending NAV. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not
its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.
|
|
|
Total Return Based on Common Share Price is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at
the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last
dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not
annualized.
|
|
(b)
|
• Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to preferred shares issued by the Fund, where applicable.
• The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to preferred shares where applicable, as follows:
|
|
Year Ended 5/31:
|
|
|
|
2021(e)
|
—%
|
|
|
2020
|
—
|
|
|
2019
|
—
|
|
|
2018
|
0.61
|
|
|
2017
|
0.60
|
|
|
2016(d)
|
0.34*
|
|
|
(c)
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.
|
|
(d)
|
For the period January 26, 2016 (commencement of operations) through May 31, 2016.
|
|
(e)
|
For the six months ended November 30, 2020.
|
|
*
|
Annualized.
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
25
Notes to
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. General Information
Fund Information
The fund covered in this report and its corresponding New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) symbol is Nuveen Municipal 2021 Target Term Fund (NHA) (the “Fund”). The Fund is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as amended, as a diversified closed-end management investment company. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 13, 2015.
The Fund seeks to return its original $9.85 net asset value (“NAV”) per common share on or about March 1, 2021.
The end of the reporting period for the Fund is November 30, 2020, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is for the six months ended November 30, 2020 (the “current fiscal
period”).
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
The Fund’s investment adviser is Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC (“Nuveen”). Nuveen is the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity
Association of America (TIAA). The Adviser has overall responsibility for management of the Fund, oversees the management of the Fund’s portfolio, manages the Fund’s business affairs and provides certain clerical, bookkeeping and other
administrative services, and, if necessary, asset allocation decisions. The Adviser has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), a subsidiary of the Adviser, under which the Sub-Adviser manages
the investment portfolio of the Fund.
Other Matters
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and subsequent global pandemic began significantly impacting the U.S. and global financial markets and economies during the calendar quarter ended
March 31, 2020. The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has created significant uncertainty in the global economy. The duration and extent of COVID-19 over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the
extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Fund’s normal course of business, results of operations, investments, and cash flows will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Management continues to monitor and
evaluate this situation.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require the use of estimates
made by management and the evaluation of subsequent events. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company and follows the accounting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting
Standards Codification 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies. The NAV for financial reporting purposes may differ from the NAV for processing security and common share transactions. The NAV for financial reporting purposes includes security
and common share transactions through the date of the report. Total return is computed based on the NAV used for processing security and common share transactions. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Fund.
Compensation
The Fund pays no compensation directly to those of its trustees who are affiliated with the Adviser or to its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Fund from the
Adviser or its affiliates. The Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has adopted a deferred compensation plan for independent trustees that enables trustees to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual compensation they are entitled
to receive from certain Nuveen-advised funds. Under the plan, deferred amounts are treated as though equal dollar amounts had been invested in shares of select Nuveen-advised funds.
Distributions to Common Shareholders
Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount, character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which
may differ from U.S. GAAP.
Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, in the
normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund
that have not yet occurred. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
26
Investments and Investment Income
Securities transactions are accounted for as of the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses on securities transactions are based upon the specific identification
method. Investment income is comprised of interest income, which is recorded on an accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums for financial reporting purposes. Investment income also reflects payment-in-kind
(“PIK”) interest and paydown gains and losses, if any. PIK interest represents income received in the form of securities in lieu of cash.
Netting Agreements
In the ordinary course of business, the Fund may enter into transactions subject to enforceable International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) master agreements or other similar
arrangements (“netting agreements”). Generally, the right to offset in netting agreements allows the Fund to offset certain securities and derivatives with a specific counterparty, when applicable, as well as any collateral received or delivered to
that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. Generally, the Fund manages its cash collateral and securities collateral on a counterparty basis.
The Fund’s investments subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, if any, are further described in Note 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives.
New Accounting Pronouncements and Rule Issuances
Reference Rate Reform
In March 2020, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The main objective of the
new guidance is to provide relief to companies that will be impacted by the expected change in benchmark interest rates at the end of 2021, when participating banks will no longer be required to submit London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) quotes
by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The new guidance allows companies to, provided the only change to existing contracts are a change to an approved benchmark interest rate, account for modifications as a continuance of the existing
contract without additional analysis. For new and existing contracts, the Fund may elect to apply the amendments as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management has not yet elected to apply the amendments, but is currently assessing the
impact of the ASU’s adoption to the Fund’s financial statements and various filings.
3. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements
The Fund’s investments in securities are recorded at their estimated fair value utilizing valuation methods approved by the Board. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon
selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. U.S. GAAP establishes the three-tier hierarchy which is used to maximize the use of
observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or
liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect management’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or
liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The following is a summary of the three-tiered hierarchy of valuation input levels.
Level 1 – Inputs are unadjusted and prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit spreads, etc.).
Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Fund’s major classifications of assets and liabilities measured at fair value follows:
Prices of fixed-income securities are generally provided by an independent pricing service (“pricing service”) approved by the Board. The pricing service establishes a security’s fair value using
methods that may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash
flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. In pricing certain securities, particularly less liquid and lower quality securities, the pricing
service may consider information about a security, its issuer or market activity, provided by the Adviser. These securities are generally classified as Level 2.
Equity securities and exchange-traded funds listed or traded on a national market or exchange are valued based on their sale price at the official close of business of such market or exchange on the
valuation date. Foreign equity securities are valued at the last sale price or official closing price reported on the exchange where traded and converted to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange on the date of valuation. To the extent
these securities are actively traded and that valuation adjustments are not applied, they are generally classified as Level 1. If there is no official close of business, then the latest available sale price is utilized. If no sales are reported,
then the mean of the latest available bid and ask prices is utilized and are generally classified as Level 2.
27
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
Any portfolio security or derivative for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued at fair value,
as determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board. As a general principle, the fair value of a security would appear to be the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it in a current sale. A variety of factors
may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, which may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of
value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. To the extent the inputs are
observable and timely, the values would be classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; otherwise they would be classified as Level 3.
The following table summarizes the market value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period, based on the inputs used to value them:
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Long-Term Investments*:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal Bonds
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
67,863,458
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
67,863,458
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,752,965
|
**
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,752,965
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
69,616,423
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
69,616,423
|
|
|
*
|
Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for state classifications.
|
|
|
|
|
|
**
|
Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 2.
|
|
|
|
|
4. Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives
Portfolio Securities
Zero Coupon Securities
A zero coupon security does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the security. Income to the holder of the security comes from accretion of the difference between the
original purchase price of the security at issuance and the par value of the security at maturity and is effectively paid at maturity. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that
pay interest periodically.
|
Long-term purchases and sales (including maturities) during the current fiscal period were as follows:
|
|
|
Purchases
|
$16,052,667
|
|
Sales and maturities
|
24,091,019
|
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may have extended settlement periods; interest income is
not accrued until settlement date. Any securities so purchased are subject to market fluctuation during this period. The Fund has earmarked securities in its portfolio with a current value at least equal to the amount of the when
issued/delayed-delivery purchase commitments. If the Fund has outstanding when-issued/delayed-delivery purchases commitments as of the end of the reporting period, such amounts are recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Investments in Derivatives
The Fund is authorized to invest in certain derivative instruments such as futures, options and swap contracts. The Fund limits its investments in futures, options on futures and swap contracts to
the extent necessary for the Adviser to claim the exclusion from registration by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund. The Fund records derivative instruments at fair value, with changes in
fair value recognized on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. Even though the Fund’s investments in derivatives may represent economic hedges, they are not considered to be hedge transactions for financial reporting purposes.
Although the Fund is authorized to invest in derivative instruments, and may do so in the future, it did not make any such investments during the current fiscal period.
Market and Counterparty Credit Risk
In the normal course of business the Fund may invest in financial instruments and enter into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or
failure of the other party to the transaction to perform (counterparty credit risk). The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded on the financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Fund to
counterparty credit risk, consist
28
principally of cash due from counterparties on forward, option and swap transactions, when applicable. The extent of the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk in respect to these financial
assets approximates their carrying value as recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The Fund helps manage counterparty credit risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties the Adviser believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by having the
Adviser monitor the financial stability of the counterparties. Additionally, counterparties may be required to pledge collateral daily (based on the daily valuation of the financial asset) on behalf of the Fund with a value approximately equal to
the amount of any unrealized gain above a pre-determined threshold. Reciprocally, when the Fund has an unrealized loss, the Fund has instructed the custodian to pledge assets of the Fund as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount
of the unrealized loss above a pre-determined threshold. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the valuations fluctuate, either up or down, by at least the pre-determined threshold amount.
5. Fund Shares
Common Share Transactions
Transactions in common shares for the Fund during the Fund’s current and prior fiscal period, where applicable, were as follows:
|
|
Six Months
|
Year
|
|
|
Ended
|
Ended
|
|
|
11/30/20
|
5/31/20
|
|
Common shares:
|
|
|
|
Issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions
|
521
|
—
|
6. Income Tax Information
The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. In any year, the Fund may choose to distribute all or a
portion of net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders, or retain a portion of its net investment income and net capital gains and pay corporate income taxes on such retained net investment income and retained net capital gains. The
Fund intends to distribute at least the percentage of its net investment income and gains to maintain its status as a regulated investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Furthermore, the Fund intends to satisfy conditions that will enable interest from municipal securities, which is exempt from regular federal income tax, to retain such tax-exempt status when
distributed to shareholders of the Fund. Net realized capital gains and ordinary income distributions paid by the Fund are subject to federal taxation.
For all open tax years and all major taxing jurisdictions, management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial
statements. Open tax years are those that are open for examination by taxing authorities (i.e., generally the last four tax year ends and the interim tax period since then). Furthermore, management of the Fund is also not aware of any tax positions
for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
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 timing differences in
recognizing taxable market discount and timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital
accounts as detailed below. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the NAV of the Fund.
The table below presents the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the Fund’s investment portfolio, as determined on a federal income tax basis, as of November 30, 2020.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax cost of investments
|
|
$
|
70,201,354
|
|
|
Gross unrealized:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Appreciation
|
|
$
|
325,099
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
(910,030
|
)
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
|
|
$
|
(584,931
|
)
|
Permanent differences, primarily due to paydowns, federal taxes paid and taxable market discount, resulted in reclassifications among the Fund’s components of net assets as of May 31, 2020, the
Fund’s last tax year end.
29
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
The tax components of undistributed net tax-exempt income, net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains as of May 31, 2020, the Fund’s last tax year end, were as follows:
|
Undistributed net tax-exempt income1
|
$
|
903,775
|
|
|
Undistributed net ordinary income2
|
|
361,455
|
|
|
Undistributed net long-term capital gains
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
Undistributed net tax-exempt income (on a tax basis) has not been reduced for the dividend declared on May 1, 2020, paid on June 1, 2020.
|
|
2
|
Net ordinary income consists of taxable market discount income and net short-term capital gains, if any.
|
The tax character of distributions paid during the Fund’s last tax year ended May 31, 2020 was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:
|
Distributions from net tax-exempt income
|
$
|
1,486,328
|
|
|
Distributions from net ordinary income2
|
|
14,024
|
|
|
Distributions from net long-term capital gains
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
Net ordinary income consists of taxable market discount income and net short-term capital gains, if any.
|
As of May 31, 2020, the Fund’s last tax year end, the Fund had unused capital losses carrying forward available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any.
The capital losses are not subject to expiration.
|
Not subject to expiration:
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Long-term
|
|
|
645,502
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
645,502
|
|
7. Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Management Fees
The Fund’s management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Sub-Adviser is compensated for its services to the
Fund from the management fees paid to the Adviser.
The Fund’s management fee consists of two components – a fund-level fee, based only on the amount of assets within the Fund, and a complex-level fee, based on the aggregate amount of all eligible
fund assets managed by the Adviser. This pricing structure enables Fund shareholders to benefit from growth in the assets within the Fund as well as from growth in the amount of complex-wide assets managed by the Adviser.
|
The annual fund-level fee, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:
|
|
|
Average Daily Managed Assets*
|
Fund-Level Fee Rate
|
|
For the first $125 million
|
0.4000%
|
|
For the next $125 million
|
0.3875
|
|
For the next $250 million
|
0.3750
|
|
For the next $500 million
|
0.3625
|
|
For the next $1 billion
|
0.3500
|
|
For the next $3 billion
|
0.3250
|
|
For managed assets over $5 billion
|
0.3125
|
30
The annual complex-level fee, payable monthly, is calculated by multiplying the current complex-wide fee rate, determined according to the following schedule by the Fund’s daily managed assets:
|
|
|
|
Complex-Level Eligible Asset Breakpoint Level*
|
Effective Complex-Level Fee Rate at Breakpoint Level
|
|
$55 billion
|
0.2000%
|
|
$56 billion
|
0.1996
|
|
$57 billion
|
0.1989
|
|
$60 billion
|
0.1961
|
|
$63 billion
|
0.1931
|
|
$66 billion
|
0.1900
|
|
$71 billion
|
0.1851
|
|
$76 billion
|
0.1806
|
|
$80 billion
|
0.1773
|
|
$91 billion
|
0.1691
|
|
$125 billion
|
0.1599
|
|
$200 billion
|
0.1505
|
|
$250 billion
|
0.1469
|
|
$300 billion
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0.1445
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*
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For the complex-level fees, managed assets include closed-end fund assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable to certain types of leverage. For these purposes, leverage includes the fund’s use of preferred stock and borrowings
and certain investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB) trusts, including the portion of assets held by a TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the
trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining managed assets in certain circumstances. The complex-level fee is calculated based
upon the aggregate daily managed assets of all Nuveen open-end and close-end funds that constitute “eligible assets.” Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds and assets in excess of a
determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with the Adviser’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011, but do not include certain assets of
certain Nuveen funds that were reorganized into funds advised by an affiliate of the Adviser during the 2019 calendar year. As of November 30, 2020, the complex-level fee for the Fund was 0.1561%.
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Other Transactions with Affiliates
The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain other funds or accounts managed by the Sub-Adviser (“Affiliated Entity”) under specified conditions outlined in procedures
adopted by the Board (“cross-trade”). These procedures have been designed to ensure that any cross-trade of securities by the Fund from or to an Affiliated Entity by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment adviser),
common officer and/or common trustee complies with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. These transactions are effected at the current market price (as provided by an independent pricing service) without incurring broker commissions.
During the current fiscal period, the Fund engaged in cross-trades pursuant to these procedures as follows:
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Purchases
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$3,433,671
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Sales
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8. Borrowing Arrangements
Committed Line of Credit
The Fund, along with certain other funds managed by the Adviser (“Participating Funds”), have established a 364-day, $2.405 billion standby credit facility with a group of lenders, under which the
Participating Funds may borrow for various purposes other than leveraging for investment purposes. Each Participating Fund is allocated a designated proportion of the facility’s capacity (and its associated costs, as described below) based upon a
multifactor assessment of the likelihood and frequency of its need to draw on the facility, the size of the Fund and its anticipated draws, and the potential importance of such draws to the operations and well-being of the Fund, relative to those
of the other Funds. A Fund may effect draws on the facility in excess of its designated capacity if and to the extent that other Participating Funds have undrawn capacity. The credit facility expires in June 2021 unless extended or renewed.
The credit facility has the following terms: a 0.10% upfront fee, 0.15% per annum on unused commitment amounts and a drawn interest rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month LIBOR (London Inter-Bank
Offered Rate) plus 1.25% (1.00% prior to June 24, 2020) per annum or (b) the Fed Funds rate plus 1.25% (1.00% prior to June 24, 2020) per annum on amounts borrowed. Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are
recognized as a component of “Other expenses” on the Statement of Operations, and along with commitment fees, have been allocated among such Participating Funds based upon the relative proportions of the facility’s aggregate capacity reserved for
them and other factors deemed relevant by the Adviser and the Board of each Participating Fund.
During the current fiscal period, the Fund did not utilize this facility.
31
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
Inter-Fund Borrowing and Lending
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has granted an exemptive order permitting registered open-end and closed-end Nuveen funds to participate in an inter-fund lending facility whereby the
Nuveen funds may directly lend to and borrow money from each other for temporary purposes (e.g., to satisfy redemption requests or when a sale of securities “fails,” resulting in an unanticipated cash shortfall) (the “Inter-Fund Program”). The
closed-end Nuveen funds, including the Fund covered by this shareholder report, will participate only as lenders, and not as borrowers, in the Inter-Fund Program because such closed-end funds rarely, if ever, need to borrow cash to meet
redemptions. The Inter-Fund Program is subject to a number of conditions, including, among other things, the requirements that (1) no fund may borrow or lend money through the Inter-Fund Program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate
than is typically available from a bank or other financial institution for a comparable transaction; (2) no fund may borrow on an unsecured basis through the Inter-Fund Program unless the fund’s outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately
after the inter-fund borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets; provided that if the borrowing fund has a secured borrowing outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another fund, the inter-fund loan must be secured on
at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value; (3) if a fund’s total outstanding borrowings immediately after an inter-fund borrowing would be greater than 10% of its total assets, the fund may
borrow through the inter-fund loan on a secured basis only; (4) no fund may lend money if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the Inter-Fund Program to exceed 15% of its net assets at the time of the loan; (5) a fund’s
inter-fund loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund’s net assets; (6) the duration of inter-fund loans will be limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days; and (7)
each inter-fund loan may be called on one business day’s notice by a lending fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing fund. In addition, a Nuveen fund may participate in the Inter-Fund Program only if and to the extent that such
participation is consistent with the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Inter-Fund Program.
The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting the Inter-Fund Program are designed to minimize the risks associated with Inter-Fund Program for both
the lending fund and the borrowing fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a fund borrows money from another fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the
fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher rate or take other actions to payoff such loan if an inter-fund loan is not available from another fund. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or
additional borrowing costs.
During the current reporting period, the Fund did not enter into any inter-fund loan activity.
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Shareholder Update
Changes Occurring During the Reporting Period
The following information in this semi-annual report is a summary of certain changes during the reporting period. This information may not reflect all of the changes that have
occurred since you purchased shares of the Fund.
Amended and Restated By-Laws
On October 5, 2020, after a rigorous and deliberative review, and consistent with the interests of the Fund’s long-term shareholders, the Board of Trustees of the Fund adopted Amended and Restated
By-Laws.
Among other changes, the Amended and Restated By-Laws require compliance with certain amended deadlines and procedural and informational requirements in connection with advance notice of shareholder
proposals or nominations, including certain information about the proponent and the proposal, or in the case of a nomination, the nominee. Any shareholder considering making a nomination or other proposal should carefully review and comply with
those provisions of the Amended and Restated By-Laws.
The Amended and Restated By-Laws also include provisions (the “Control Share By-Law”) pursuant to which, in summary, a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of common shares of the Fund in a
“Control Share Acquisition” may exercise voting rights with respect to such shares only to the extent the authorization of such voting rights is approved by other shareholders of the Fund. The Control Share By-Law is primarily intended to protect
the interests of the Fund and its long-term shareholders by limiting the risk that the Fund will become subject to undue influence by opportunistic traders pursuing short-term agendas adverse to the best interests of the Fund and its long-term
shareholders. The Control Share By-Law does not eliminate voting rights for common shares acquired in Control Share Acquisitions, but rather entrusts the Fund’s other “non-interested” shareholders with determining whether to approve the
authorization of the voting rights of the person acquiring such shares.
Subject to various conditions and exceptions, the Control Share By-Law defines a “Control Share Acquisition” to include an acquisition of common shares that, but for the Control Share By-Law, would
give the beneficial owner, upon the acquisition of such shares, the ability to exercise voting power in the election of Trustees of the Fund in any of the following ranges:
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(i)
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one-tenth or more, but less than one-fifth of all voting power;
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(ii)
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one-fifth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power;
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(iii)
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one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or
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(iv)
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a majority or more of all voting power.
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The Control Share By-Law generally excludes certain acquisitions of common shares from the definition of a Control Share Acquisition, including acquisitions of common shares that occurred prior to
October 5, 2020, though such shares are included in assessing whether any subsequent share acquisition exceeds one of the enumerated thresholds.
Subject to certain conditions and procedural requirements set forth in the Control Share By-Law, including the delivery of a “Control Share Acquisition Statement” to the Fund’s Secretary setting
forth certain required information, a shareholder who obtains or proposes to obtain beneficial ownership of common shares in a Control Share Acquisition generally may demand a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of considering whether
the voting rights of such acquiring person with respect to such shares shall be authorized.
This discussion is only a high-level summary of certain aspects of the Amended and Restated By-Laws, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amended and Restated By-Laws. Shareholders
should refer to the Amended and Restated By-Laws for more information. A copy of the Amended and Restated By-Laws can be found in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2020, which
is available at www.sec.gov, and may also be obtained by writing to the Secretary of the Fund at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
33
Additional Fund
Information
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Board of Trustees
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Jack B. Evans
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William C. Hunter
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Albin F. Moschner
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John K. Nelson
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Judith M. Stockdale
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Carole E. Stone
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Mathew Thornton III
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Margaret L. Wolff
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Robert L. Young
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Investment Adviser
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Custodian
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Legal Counsel
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Independent Registered
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Transfer Agent and
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Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC
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State Street Bank
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Chapman and Cutler LLP
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Public Accounting Firm
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Shareholder Services
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333 West Wacker Drive
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& Trust Company
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Chicago, IL 60603
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KPMG LLP
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Computershare Trust
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Chicago, IL 60606
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One Lincoln Street
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200 East Randolph Street
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Company, N.A.
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Boston, MA 02111
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Chicago, IL 60601
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150 Royall Street
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Canton, MA 02021
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(800) 257-8787
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Portfolio of Investments Information
The Fund is required to file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its
report on Form N-PORT. You may obtain this information on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Nuveen Funds’ Proxy Voting Information
You may obtain (i) information regarding how each fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by
calling Nuveen toll-free at (800) 257-8787 or on Nuveen’s website at www.nuveen.com and (ii) a description of the policies and procedures that each fund used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities without charge, upon
request, by calling Nuveen toll free at (800) 257-8787. You may also obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov.
CEO Certification Disclosure
The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has submitted to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) the annual CEO certification as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The
Fund has filed with the SEC the certification of its CEO and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Common Share Repurchases
The Fund intends to repurchase, through its open-market share repurchase program, shares of its own common stock at such times and in such amounts as is deemed advisable. During the period covered
by this report, the Fund repurchased shares of its common stock, as shown in the accompanying table. Any future repurchases will be reported to shareholders in the next annual or semi-annual report.
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Common shares repurchased
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FINRA BrokerCheck
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides information regarding the disciplinary history of FINRA member firms and associated investment professionals. This information as well as
an investor brochure describing FINRA BrokerCheck is available to the public by calling the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline number at (800) 289-9999 or by visiting www.FINRA.org.
34
Glossary of Terms Used in this Report
■ Average Annual Total Return: This is a commonly used method to express an investment’s performance over a particular,
usually multi-year time period. It expresses the return that would have been necessary each year to equal the investment’s actual cumulative performance (including change in NAV or market price and reinvested dividends and capital gains
distributions, if any) over the time period being considered.
■ Duration: Duration is a measure of the expected period over which a bond’s principal and interest will be paid, and
consequently is a measure of the sensitivity of a bond’s or bond fund’s value to changes when market interest rates change. Generally, the longer a bond’s or fund’s duration, the more the price of the bond or fund will change as interest rates
change.
■ Effective Leverage: Effective leverage is a fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage
(see leverage) and the leverage effects of certain derivative investments in a fund’s portfolio. Currently, the leverage effects of Tender Option Bond (TOB) inverse floater holdings are included in effective leverage values, in addition to any
regulatory leverage.
■ Industrial Development Revenue Bond (IDR): A unique type of revenue bond issued by a state or local government agency
on behalf of a private sector company and intended to build or acquire factories or other heavy equipment and tools.
■ Inverse Floating Rate Securities: Inverse floating rate securities, also known as inverse floaters or tender option
bonds (TOBs), are created by depositing a municipal bond, typically with a fixed interest rate, into a special purpose trust. This trust, in turn, (a) issues floating rate certificates typically paying short-term tax-exempt interest rates to third
parties in amounts equal to some fraction of the deposited bond’s par amount or market value, and (b) issues an inverse floating rate certificate (sometimes referred to as an “inverse floater”) to an investor (such as a Fund) interested in gaining
investment exposure to a long-term municipal bond. The income received by the holder of the inverse floater varies inversely with the short-term rate paid to the floating rate certificates’ holders, and in most circumstances the holder of the
inverse floater bears substantially all of the underlying bond’s downside investment risk. The holder of the inverse floater typically also benefits disproportionately from any potential appreciation of the underlying bond’s value. Hence, an
inverse floater essentially represents an investment in the underlying bond on a leveraged basis.
■ Leverage: Leverage is created whenever a fund has investment exposure (both reward and/or risk) equivalent to more
than 100% of the investment capital.
■ Net Asset Value (NAV) Per Share: A fund’s Net Assets is equal to its total assets (securities, cash, accrued earnings
and receivables) less its total liabilities. NAV per share is equal to the fund’s Net Assets divided by its number of shares outstanding.
■ Pre-Refunding: Pre-Refunding, also known as advanced refundings or refinancings, is a procedure used by state and
local governments to refinance municipal bonds to lower interest expenses. The issuer sells new bonds with a lower yield and uses the proceeds to buy U.S. Treasury securities, the interest from which is used to make payments on the higher-yielding
bonds. Because of this collateral, pre-refunding generally raises a bond’s credit rating and thus its value.
35
Glossary of Terms Used in this Report (continued)
■ S&P Short Duration Municipal Yield Index: An index that contains all bonds in the S&P Municipal Bond Index
that mature between 1 month and 12 years, and maintains a 10% weighting to AA rated bonds, 10% to A rated bonds, 20% to BBB rated bonds and 60% to below investment grade and non-rated bonds. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but
do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.
■ Total Investment Exposure: Total investment exposure is a fund’s assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable
to financial leverage. For these purposes, financial leverage includes a fund’s use of preferred stock and borrowings and investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB)
trusts, including the portion of assets held by a TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate securities.
■ Zero Coupon Bond: A zero coupon bond does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the
bond. Income to the holder of the bond comes from accretion of the difference between the original purchase price of the bond at issuance and the par value of the bond at maturity and is effectively paid at maturity. The market prices of zero
coupon bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of bonds that pay interest periodically.
36
Reinvest Automatically, Easily and Conveniently
Nuveen makes reinvesting easy. A phone call is all it takes to set up your reinvestment account.
Nuveen Closed-End Funds Automatic Reinvestment Plan
Nuveen Closed-End Fund allows you to conveniently reinvest distributions in additional Fund shares. By choosing to reinvest, you’ll be able to invest money regularly and automatically, and watch
your investment grow through the power of compounding. Just like distributions in cash, there may be times when income or capital gains taxes may be payable on distributions that are reinvested. It is important to note that an automatic
reinvestment plan does not ensure a profit, nor does it protect you against loss in a declining market.
Easy and convenient
To make recordkeeping easy and convenient, each month you’ll receive a statement showing your total distributions, the date of investment, the shares acquired and the price per share, and the total
number of shares you own.
How shares are purchased
The shares you acquire by reinvesting will either be purchased on the open market or newly issued by the Fund. If the shares are trading at or above net asset value at the time of valuation, the
Fund will issue new shares at the greater of the net asset value or 95% of the then-current market price. If the shares are trading at less than net asset value, shares for your account will be purchased on the open market. If the Plan Agent begins
purchasing Fund shares on the open market while shares are trading below net asset value, but the Fund’s shares subsequently trade at or above their net asset value before the Plan Agent is able to complete its purchases, the Plan Agent may cease
open-market purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the distribution in newly-issued Fund shares at a price equal to the greater of the shares’ net asset value or 95% of the shares’ market value on the last business day immediately prior
to the purchase date. Distributions received to purchase shares in the open market will normally be invested shortly after the distribution payment date. No interest will be paid on distributions awaiting reinvestment. Because the market price of
the shares may increase before purchases are completed, the average purchase price per share may exceed the market price at the time of valuation, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the distribution had been paid in shares issued
by the Fund. A pro rata portion of any applicable brokerage commissions on open market purchases will be paid by Plan participants. These commissions usually will be lower than those charged on individual transactions.
Flexible
You may change your distribution option or withdraw from the Plan at any time, should your needs or situation change. You can reinvest whether your shares are registered in your name, or in the name
of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee. Ask your investment advisor if his or her firm will participate on your behalf. Participants whose shares are registered in the name of one firm may not be able to transfer the shares to another firm and
continue to participate in the Plan. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time. Although the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants, there is no direct service
charge to participants in the Plan at this time.
Call today to start reinvesting distributions
For more information on the Nuveen Automatic Reinvestment Plan or to enroll in or withdraw from the Plan, speak with your financial professional or call us at (800) 257-8787.
37
Notes
38
Notes
39
Nuveen:
Serving Investors for Generations
Since 1898, financial professionals and their clients have relied on Nuveen to provide dependable investment solutions through continued adherence to proven, long-term investing
principles. Today, we offer a range of high quality solutions designed to be integral components of a well-diversified core portfolio.
Focused on meeting investor needs.
Nuveen is the investment manager of TIAA. We have grown into one of the world’s premier global asset managers, with specialist knowledge across all major asset classes and
particular strength in solutions that provide income for investors and that draw on our expertise in alternatives and responsible investing. Nuveen is driven not only by the independent investment processes across the firm, but also the insights,
risk management, analytics and other tools and resources that a truly world-class platform provides. As a global asset manager, our mission is to work in partnership with our clients to create solutions which help them secure their financial
future.
Find out how we can help you.
To learn more about how the products and services of Nuveen may be able to help you meet your financial goals, talk to your financial professional, or call us at (800) 257-8787.
Please read the information provided carefully before you invest. Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of any investment carefully. Where applicable, be sure to obtain a
prospectus, which contains this and other relevant information. To obtain a prospectus, please contact your securities representative or Nuveen, 333 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send
money.
Learn more about Nuveen Funds at: www.nuveen.com/closed-end-funds
Nuveen Securities, LLC member of FINRA and SIPC | 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 | www.nuveen.com
ESA-C-1120D 1466045-INV-B-01/22
