Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 26, 2012

1933 Act File No. 333-181183

1940 Act File No. 811-06384

 

 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form N-2

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
   x
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2    x
Post-Effective Amendment No.     
and/or     
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   x
Amendment No. 13    x

 

 

Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code): (800) 257-8787

Kevin J. McCarthy

Vice President and Secretary

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Name and Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code) of Agent for Service

 

 

Copies to:

Thomas S. Harman

Bingham McCutchen LLP

2020 K Street NW

Washington, DC 20006-1800

 

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If the securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.  x

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

 

¨ When declared effective pursuant to section 8(c)

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

Title of Securities
Being Registered
   Amount Being
Registered
     Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Unit(1)
     Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(1)
     Amount of
Registration
Fee(2)
 
Common Shares, $0.01 par value      950,000 Shares       $ 17.07       $ 16,216,500       $ 1,856.51   

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 based on the average of the high and low sales prices of the shares of beneficial interest on August 22, 2012 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
(2) Previously paid.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such dates as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

 

950,000 Common Shares

 

Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund

 


 

Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s primary investment objective is current income exempt from regular federal income tax consistent with the Fund’s investment policies. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is the enhancement of portfolio value relative to the Texas municipal bond market through investments in tax-exempt Texas Municipal Obligations (as defined below) that, in the opinion of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (“NFA”), the Fund’s investment adviser, are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. By purchasing such tax-exempt municipal securities, the Fund seeks to realize above-average capital appreciation in a rising market, and to experience less than average capital losses in a declining market. The Fund cannot assure you that it will achieve its investment objectives.

 

Investing in the Fund’s Common Shares involves certain risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” and “How the Fund Manages Risks” sections of this Prospectus.

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

You should read this Prospectus, which contains important information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest and retain it for future reference. A Preliminary Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), dated September 26, 2012, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the SAI, the table of contents of which is on the last page of this Prospectus, annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and other information about the Fund, and make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) 257-8787, by writing to the Fund or from the Fund’s website (http://www.nuveen.com). The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this Prospectus. You also may obtain a copy of the SAI (and other information regarding the Fund) from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) web site (http://www.sec.gov).

 

The Fund’s common shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other governmental agency.

 

Portfolio Contents.    Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined below) in Texas Municipal Obligations including municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax. The municipal securities in which the Fund will invest are generally issued by the State of Texas, a municipality of Texas, or a political subdivision of either, and pay interest that, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer (or on the basis of other authority believed by Nuveen Asset Management to be reliable), is exempt from regular federal income tax, although the interest may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax and the Fund may invest in municipal securities issued by U.S. territories (such as Puerto Rico or Guam) that are exempt from regular federal, state and local income tax (“Texas Municipal Obligations”).

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (an “NRSRO”) or are unrated but judged to be comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Nuveen Asset Management”), the Fund’s investment sub-adviser. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. No more than 10% of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. Municipal securities of below investment grade quality are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and are commonly referred to as junk bonds. The Fund may invest up to approximately 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than Fund liabilities incurred for the express purpose of creating leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Fund’s use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles), such as, but not limited to, the portion of assets in special purpose trusts of which the Fund owns the inverse floater certificates that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate certificates.

 

Adviser and Sub-adviser.    NFA is responsible for determining the Fund’s overall investment strategies and their implementation. Nuveen Asset Management is the Fund’s investment sub-adviser and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fund.

 

Common shares will not be sold at a price less than current net asset value. The Fund currently intends to distribute the shares offered pursuant to this Prospectus primarily through at-the-market transactions, although from time to time it may also distribute shares through an underwriting syndicate or a privately negotiated transaction. The Fund’s closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on September 25, 2012 was $16.93. To the extent shares are distributed other than through at-the-market transactions, the Fund will file a supplement to this Prospectus describing such transactions. For information on how common shares may be sold, see the “Plan of Distribution” section of this Prospectus.

 

The common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The trading or “ticker” symbol of the common shares of the Fund is “NTX.”

 


The date of this Preliminary Prospectus is September 26, 2012


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Summary

     1   

Summary of Fund Expenses

     15   

Financial Highlights

     17   

Trading and Net Asset Value Information

     18   

The Fund

     19   

Use of Proceeds

     19   

The Fund’s Investments

     19   

Use of Leverage

     30   

Risk Factors

     33   

How the Fund Manages Risk

     43   

Management of the Fund

     45   

Net Asset Value

     47   

Distributions

     48   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     48   

Plan of Distribution

     50   

Description of Shares

     51   

Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust

     54   

Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

     55   

Tax Matters

     55   

Custodian and Transfer Agent

     58   

Legal Opinion

     58   

Available Information

     58   

Statement of Additional Information Table of Contents

     59   

Appendix A—Factors Affecting Municipal Securities in Texas

     A-1   

 


 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this Prospectus. The Fund will update this Prospectus to reflect any material changes to the disclosures herein.


PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This is only a summary. You should review the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus and in the SAI.

 

The Fund

Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. See “The Fund.” The Fund’s common shares, $.01 par value (“Common Shares”), are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) under the symbol “NTX.” See “Description of Common Shares.” As of July 31, 2012, the Fund had 9,600,236 Common Shares outstanding, 7,092,000 of MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (referred to herein as “MTP Shares”) and net assets applicable to Common Shares of $151,892,141.

 

Investment Objectives and Policies

The Fund’s primary investment objective is current income exempt from regular federal income tax consistent with the Fund’s investment policies. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is the enhancement of portfolio value relative to the Texas municipal bond market through investments in tax-exempt Texas Municipal Obligations (as defined below) that, in the opinion of NFA (defined below), the Fund’s investment adviser, are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. By purchasing such tax-exempt Texas Municipal Obligations, the Fund seeks to realize above-average capital appreciation in a rising market, and to experience less than average capital losses in a declining market. The Fund cannot assure you that it will achieve its investment objectives.

 

  Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined below) in Texas Municipal Obligations, which are all securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax (“municipal securities”). The municipal securities in which the Fund will invest are generally issued by the State of Texas, a municipality of Texas, or a political subdivision of either, and pay interest that, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer (or on the basis of other authority believed by Nuveen Asset Management (defined below), the Fund’s investment sub-adviser, to be reliable), is exempt from regular federal income tax, although the interest may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, and the Fund may invest in municipal securities issued by U.S. territories (such as Puerto Rico or Guam) that are exempt from regular federal income tax (“Texas Municipal Obligations”). The Fund emphasizes investments in Texas Municipal Obligations with long-term maturities in order to maintain an average portfolio maturity of 15-30 years, but the average maturity may be shortened from time to time depending on market conditions. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio at any given time may include both long-term and intermediate-term Texas Municipal Obligations. As of August 31, 2012, the weighted average maturity of the Fund’s portfolio was 17.67 years.

 

  Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or are unrated but judged to be comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management.

 

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  The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. No more than 10% of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. Municipal securities of below investment grade quality are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and are commonly referred to as junk bonds. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than Fund liabilities incurred for the express purpose of creating leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Fund’s use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles), such as, but not limited to, the portion of assets in special purpose trusts of which the Fund owns the inverse floater certificates that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate certificates. During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep the Fund’s cash fully invested, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its gross assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term securities that may be either tax-exempt or taxable. The Fund may invest up to approximately 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities. A portion of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities that pay interest that is taxable under the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. For a discussion of how the federal alternative minimum tax may affect shareholders, see “Tax Matters.”

 

  As of February 29, 2012, the Fund invested approximately 99% of its total investments in municipal securities rated investment grade (using the higher of S&P’s, Moody’s, or Fitch’s rating), and approximately 1% of its total investments in municipal securities not rated by Moody’s, S&P’s, or Fitch. The relative percentages of the value of the investments attributable to investment grade municipal securities and to below investment grade municipal securities could change over time as a result of rebalancing the Fund’s assets by Nuveen Asset Management, market value fluctuations, issuance of additional shares and other events.

 

  See “The Fund’s Investments” and “Risk Factors.”

 

Investment Adviser

Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (“NFA”), the Fund’s investment adviser, is responsible for determining the Fund’s overall strategy and its implementation. See “Management of the Fund—Investment Adviser, Sub-Adviser and Portfolio Manager.”

 

Sub-adviser

Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Nuveen Asset Management”) serves as the Fund’s sub-adviser and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFA. Nuveen Asset Management is a registered investment adviser. Nuveen Asset Management oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fund.

 

  Nuveen Securities, LLC (“Nuveen Securities”), a registered broker-dealer affiliate of NFA and Nuveen Asset Management, is involved in the offering of the Fund’s Common Shares. See “Plan of Distribution-Distribution Through At-the-Market Transactions.”

 

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Use of Leverage

The Fund currently employs financial leverage primarily through its outstanding MTP Shares. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the average daily balance outstanding on MTP Shares and annual interest rate was $70,920,000 and 2.30%, respectively. Preferred shares, including MTP Shares, have seniority over the Common Shares. Financial leverage is also created as a result of the Fund’s investments in residual interest certificates of tender option bond trusts, also called inverse floating rate securities, because the Fund’s investment exposure to the underlying bonds held by the trust have been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate certificates. The Fund may also use borrowings as a means of financial leverage. See “The Fund’s Investments—Municipal Securities—Inverse Floating Rate Securities” and “Risk Factors—Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.”

 

  Leverage involves special risks. See “Risk Factors—Leverage Risks.” There is no assurance that the Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. Interest on borrowings may be at a fixed or floating rate, but generally will be based on short-term rates. The Fund will seek to invest the proceeds of any future financial leverage in a manner consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. See “Use of Leverage.”

 

  The Fund pays a management fee to NFA (which in turn pays a portion of its fee to the Fund’s subadviser, Nuveen Asset Management) based on a percentage of Managed Assets. Managed Assets include the proceeds realized and managed from the Fund’s use of leverage as set forth in the Fund’s investment management agreement. NFA will be responsible for using leverage to pursue the Fund’s investment objective and will base its decision regarding whether and how much leverage to use for the Fund based on its assessment of whether such use of leverage will advance the Fund’s investment objective. However, the fact that a decision to increase the Fund’s leverage will have the effect, all other things being equal, of increasing Managed Assets and therefore NFA’s and Nuveen Asset Management’s fees means that NFA and Nuveen Asset Management may have a conflict of interest in determining whether to increase the Fund’s use of leverage. NFA will seek to manage that potential conflict by only increasing the Fund’s use of leverage when it determines that such increase is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, and by periodically reviewing the Fund’s performance and use of leverage with the Board.

 

Offering Methods

The Fund may offer shares using one or more of the following methods: (i) at-the-market transactions through one or more broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with Nuveen Securities, one of the Fund’s underwriters; (ii) through an underwriting syndicate; and (iii) through privately negotiated transactions between the Fund and specific investors. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

 

Distribution Through At-the-Market Transactions.    The Fund from time to time may offer its Common Shares through Nuveen Securities, to certain broker-dealers that have entered into selected dealer agreements with Nuveen Securities. Currently, Nuveen Securities has entered into a selected dealer agreement with UBS Securities LLC (“UBS”) pursuant to which UBS will be acting as Nuveen Securities’ sub-placement agent with respect to at-the-market offerings of Common Shares. Common Shares will only be sold on such days as shall be agreed to by the Fund and Nuveen Securities.

 

3


 

Common Shares will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the Exchange, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund. The minimum price on any day will not be less than the current net asset value per share plus the per share amount of the commission to be paid to Nuveen Securities. The Fund and Nuveen Securities will suspend the sale of Common Shares if the per share price of the shares is less than the minimum price.

 

  The Fund will compensate Nuveen Securities with respect to sales of the Common Shares at a commission rate of 1% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares. Nuveen Securities will compensate broker-dealers participating in the offering at a fixed rate of 0.8% of the gross sales proceeds of the sale of Common Shares sold by that broker-dealer. Nuveen Securities may from time to time change the dealer re-allowance. Settlements of Common Share sales will occur on the third business day following the date of sale.

 

  In connection with the sale of the Common Shares on behalf of the Fund, Nuveen Securities may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”), and the compensation of Nuveen Securities may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. Unless otherwise indicated in a further Prospectus supplement, Nuveen Securities will act as underwriter on a reasonable efforts basis.

 

  The offering of Common Shares pursuant to the Distribution Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all Shares subject thereto or (ii) termination of the Distribution Agreement. The Fund and Nuveen Securities each have the right to terminate the Distribution Agreement in its discretion at any time. See “Plan of Distribution—Distribution Through Agents.”

 

  The Fund currently intends to distribute the shares offered pursuant to this Prospectus primarily through at-the-market transactions, although from time to time it may also distribute shares through an underwriting syndicate or a privately negotiated transaction. To the extent shares are distributed other than through at-the-market transactions, the Fund will file a supplement to this Prospectus describing such transactions.

 

  Distribution Through Underwriting Syndicates.    The Fund from time to time may issue additional Common Shares through a syndicated secondary offering. In order to limit the impact on the market price of the Fund’s Common Shares, Underwriters will market and price the offering on an expedited basis (e.g., overnight or similarly abbreviated offering period). The Fund will launch a syndicated offering on a day, and upon terms, mutually agreed upon between the Fund, Nuveen Securities and the underwriting syndicate.

 

 

The Fund will offer its shares at a price equal to a specified discount of up to 5% from the closing market price of the Fund’s Common Shares on the day prior to the offering date. The applicable discount will be negotiated by the Fund and Nuveen Securities in consultation with the underwriting syndicate on a transaction-by-transaction basis. The Fund will compensate the underwriting syndicate out of the proceeds of the offering based upon a sales load of up to 4% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares. The minimum net proceeds per share to the Fund will not be less than the

 

4


 

greater of (i) the Fund’s latest net asset value per Common Share or (ii) 91% of the closing market price of the Fund’s Common Shares on the day prior to the offering date. See “Plan of Distribution—Distribution Through Underwriting Syndicates.”

 

  Distribution Through Privately Negotiated Transactions.    The Fund, through Nuveen Securities, from time to time may sell directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional and other sophisticated investors, who may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the 1933 Act for any resale of Common Shares.

 

  The terms of such privately negotiated transactions will be subject to the discretion of the management of the Fund. In determining whether to sell Common Shares through a privately negotiated transaction, the Fund will consider relevant factors including, but not limited to, the attractiveness of obtaining additional funds through the sale of Common Shares, the purchase price to apply to any such sale of Common Shares and the investor seeking to purchase the Common Shares.

 

  Common Shares issued by the Fund through privately negotiated transactions will be issued at a price equal to the greater of (i) the net asset value per Common Share of the Fund’s Common Shares or (ii) at a discount ranging from 0% to 5% of the average daily closing market price of the Fund’s Common Shares at the close of business on the two business days preceding the date upon which Common Shares are sold pursuant to the privately negotiated transaction. The applicable discount will be determined by the Fund on a transaction-by-transaction basis. See “Plan of Distribution—Distribution Through Privately Negotiated Transactions.”

 

Special Risk Considerations

Investment in the Fund involves special risk considerations, which are summarized below. The Fund is designed as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. See “Risk Factors” for a more complete discussion of the special risk considerations of an investment in the Fund.

 

  Investment and Market Risk.    An investment in the Fund’s Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. Your investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the municipal securities owned by the Fund, which generally trade in the over-the-counter markets. Your Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions. See “Risk Factors—Investment and Market Risk”

 

 

Current Economic Conditions—Credit Crisis Liquidity and Volatility Risk.    The markets for credit instruments, including municipal securities, have experienced periods of extreme illiquidity and volatility since the latter half of 2007. General market uncertainty and consequent repricing risk have led to market imbalances of sellers and buyers, which in turn have resulted in significant valuation uncertainties in a variety of debt securities, including municipal securities, and significant and rapid value declines in certain instances. These conditions resulted, and in many cases continue to result in, greater price volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads and a lack of price transparency, with many debt securities remaining illiquid

 

5


 

and of uncertain value. These market conditions may make valuation of some of the Fund’s municipal securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant value declines in its holdings. In addition, illiquidity and volatility in the credit markets may directly and adversely affect the setting of dividend rates on the Common Shares.

 

  In response to the current national economic downturn, governmental cost burdens may be reallocated among federal, state and local governments. Also, as a result of the downturn, many state and local governments are experiencing significant reductions in revenues and consequently difficulties meeting ongoing expenses. As a result, certain of those state and local governments may have difficulty paying principal or interest on their outstanding debt and may experience ratings downgrades of their debt. In addition, laws enacted in the future by Congress or state legislatures or referenda could extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or impose other constraints on enforcement of such obligations, or on the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Issuers of municipal securities might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws.

 

  See “Risk Factors—Current Economic Conditions—Credit Crisis Liquidity and Volatility Risk” and “Risk Factors—Municipal Securities Market Risk.”

 

  Market Discount from Net Asset Value.    Shares of closed-end investment companies like the Fund have during some periods traded at prices higher than net asset value and have during other periods traded at prices lower than net asset value. The Fund cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade at, above or below net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of investment activities. Investors bear a risk of loss to the extent that the price at which they sell their shares is lower in relation to the Fund’s net asset value than at the time of purchase, assuming a stable net asset value. Proceeds from the sale of Common Shares in this offering will be reduced by shareholder transaction costs (if applicable, which vary depending on the offering method used). Depending on the premium of the Common Shares at the time of any offering of Common Shares hereunder, the Fund’s net asset value may be reduced by an amount up to the offering costs borne by the Fund (estimated to be an additional 0.77% of the offering price assuming a Common Share offering price of $16.99 (the Fund’s closing price on the Exchange on July 31, 2012)). The net asset value per Common Share will also be reduced by costs associated with any future issuances of Common or preferred shares. The Common Shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes. See “Risk Factors—Market Discount from Net Asset Value.”

 

 

Credit and Below Investment Grade Risk.    Credit risk is the risk that one or more municipal securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price, or the issuer thereof will fail to pay interest or principal when due, because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. Credit risk is increased when a portfolio security is downgraded or the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer deteriorates. The Fund may invest up to 20% (measured at the time of investment) of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that are rated below investment grade or that are unrated but judged to be of

 

6


 

comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management; provided, that no more than 10% of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B-/B3 or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. If a municipal security satisfies the rating requirements described above at the time of investment and is subsequently downgraded below that rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of the security. If a downgrade occurs, Nuveen Asset Management will consider what action, including the sale of the security, is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. This means that the Fund may invest in municipal securities that are involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or are experiencing other financial difficulties at the time of acquisition (such securities are commonly referred to as distressed securities). Municipal securities of below investment grade quality are predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due, and are susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and business developments, and are commonly referred to as junk bonds. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a municipal security in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by any NRSRO, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected. The market values for municipal securities of below investment grade quality tend to be volatile, and these securities are less liquid than investment grade municipal securities. For these reasons, an investment in the Fund compared with a portfolio consisting solely of investment grade securities, may experience the following:

 

   

increased price sensitivity resulting from changing interest rates and/or a deteriorating economic environment;

 

   

greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality;

 

   

adverse issuer specific events that are more likely to render the issuer unable to make interest and/or principal payments; and

 

   

the possibility that a negative perception of the below investment grade market develops, resulting in the price and liquidity of below investment grade securities becoming depressed, and this negative perception could last for a significant period of time.

 

  See “Risk Factors—Credit and Below Investment Grade Risk.”

 

 

Interest Rate Risk.    Generally, when market interest rates rise, bond prices fall, and vice versa. Interest rate risk is the risk that the municipal securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. As interest rates decline, issuers of municipal securities may prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities and potentially reducing the Fund’s income. As interest rates increase, slower than expected principal payments may extend the average life of securities, potentially locking in a below-market interest rate and reducing the Fund’s value. In typical market interest rate environments, the prices of longer-term municipal securities generally fluctuate more than prices of shorter-term municipal securities as interest rates change. Because the Fund will emphasize investing in long-term municipal securities, the Common Share net asset value and market price per share will fluctuate more in response to changes in market interest rates than if the Fund invested primarily in shorter-term municipal securities.

 

7


 

Because the values of lower-rated and comparable unrated debt securities are affected both by credit risk and interest rate risk, the price movements of such lower grade securities in response to changes in interest rates typically have not been highly correlated to the fluctuations of the prices of investment grade quality securities in response to changes in market interest rates. The Fund’s use of leverage, as described herein, will tend to increase Common Share interest rate risk. See “Risk Factors—Interest Rate Risk.”

 

  Municipal Securities Market Risk.    The amount of public information available about the municipal securities in the Fund’s portfolio is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds, and the investment performance of the Fund may therefore be more dependent on the analytical abilities of Nuveen Asset Management than if the Fund were a stock fund or taxable bond fund. The secondary market for municipal securities, particularly the below investment grade bonds in which the Fund may invest, also tends to be less well-developed or liquid than many other securities markets, which may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to sell its bonds at attractive prices. See “Risk Factors—Municipal Securities Market Risk and “Risks—Special Risks Related to Certain Municipal Obligations.”

 

  Concentration in Texas Issuers.    The Fund’s policy of investing primarily in municipal obligations of issuers located in Texas makes the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting such issuers.

 

  Risks Specific to Texas.    As a result of the ongoing market uncertainty, the most recent recession, and other economic challenges, the State, its political subdivisions and other issuers of Texas Municipal Obligations face an economic outlook that is difficult to predict. The Texas economy suffered during the most recent recession, although the impact in Texas has been less severe in many respects than in the national economy as a whole. In August 2009, S&P raised Texas’ issuer credit and general obligation credit ratings to AA+ from AA on the State’s outstanding general obligation debt. This rating on Texas’ general obligation debt reflects a steadily growing and diversifying economy, which despite the recession continues to perform better than the nation in terms of both economic activity and employment. In April 2010, Moody’s and Fitch began recalibrating their municipal rating scales to align with their global rating scales. These recalibrations were not rating upgrades. Moody’s rating for the State’s general obligation debt was recalibrated from Aa1 to Aaa, and Fitch’s rating was recalibrated from AA+ to AAA. The debt service ratio for outstanding State debt was 1.35% as of August 31, 2011. Although backed by the full faith and credit of the State, debt service for self-supporting general obligation bonds is reasonably expected to be paid from other revenue sources and is therefore not expected to create a draw on general revenue. See “Risks—General Risks of Investing in the Fund—Concentration Risk” and Appendix A of this prospectus. (“Factors Affecting Municipal Securities in Texas”).

 

  Reinvestment Risk.    Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if and when the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called bonds at market interest rates that are below the portfolio’s current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the Common Share’s market price or your overall returns. See “Risks—Reinvestment Risk.”

 

8


  Tax Risk.    To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to regulated investment companies, among other things, the Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources and satisfy a diversification test on a quarterly basis. If the Fund fails to satisfy the qualifying income or diversification requirements in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the diversification requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the diversification requirements, the Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions are not available to the Fund and it fails to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to stockholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.

 

  To qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends, which are treated as items of interest excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, at least 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund must consist of obligations exempt from regular income tax as of the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year. If the proportion of taxable investments held by the Fund exceeds 50% of the Fund’s total assets as of the close of any quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, the Fund will not satisfy the general eligibility test that permits it to pay exempt-interest dividends for the taxable year.

 

  The value of the Fund’s investments and its net asset value may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies. Because interest income from municipal securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates or changes in the tax-exempt status of interest income from municipal securities. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Fund’s net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Additionally, the Fund is not a suitable investment for individual retirement accounts, for other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

 

 

Leverage Risk.    The use of financial leverage created through borrowing, the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, or the use of tender option bonds creates an opportunity for increased Common Share net income and returns, but also creates special risks for holders of Common Shares (“Common Shareholders”). There is no assurance that the Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. The risk of loss attributable to the Fund’s use of leverage is borne by Common Shareholders. The Fund’s use of financial leverage can result in a greater decrease in net asset

 

9


 

values in declining markets. The Fund’s use of financial leverage similarly can magnify the impact of changing market conditions on Common Share market prices. See “Risk Factors—Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.” Because the long-term municipal securities in which the Fund invests generally pay fixed rates of interest while the Fund’s costs of leverage generally fluctuate with short- to intermediate-term yields, the incremental earnings from leverage will vary over time. However, the Fund may use derivatives, such as interest rate swaps, to fix the effective rate paid on all or a portion of the Fund’s leverage, in an effort to lower leverage costs over an extended period. Accordingly, the Fund cannot assure you that the use of leverage will result in a higher yield or return to Common Shareholders. The income benefit from leverage will be reduced to the extent that the difference narrows between the net earnings on the Fund’s portfolio securities and its cost of leverage. The income benefit from leverage will increase to the extent that the difference widens between the net earnings on the Fund’s portfolio securities and its cost of leverage. If short- or intermediate-term rates rise, the Fund’s cost of leverage could exceed the fixed rate of return on longer-term bonds held by the Fund that were acquired during periods of lower interest rates, reducing income and returns to Common Shareholders. This could occur even if short- or intermediate-term and long-term municipal rates rise. Because of the costs of leverage, the Fund may incur losses even if the Fund has positive returns if they are not sufficient to cover the costs of leverage. The Fund’s cost of leverage includes interest on borrowing, dividends paid on MTP Shares, or the interest expense attributable to tender option bonds (See “—Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk”), as well as any one-time costs (e.g., issuance costs) and ongoing fees and expenses associated with such leverage.

 

  The Fund is required to maintain certain regulatory and rating agency asset coverage requirements in connection with its use of leverage, in order to be able to maintain the ability to declare and pay Common Share distributions and to maintain the MTP Shares’ rating. An NRSRO could downgrade ratings on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, which may make such shares less liquid in the secondary market, although the downgrade would probably result in higher dividend rates. A ratings downgrade may result also in the Fund being forced to redeem such preferred shares, including MTP Shares, at times when attractive alternative investment opportunities for reinvestment of the redemption proceeds are not available.

 

  In order to maintain required asset coverage levels, the Fund may be required to alter the composition of its investment portfolio or take other actions, such as redeeming preferred shares or reducing leverage levels with the proceeds from portfolio transactions, at what might be an inopportune time in the market. Such actions could reduce the net earnings or returns to Common Shareholders over time.

 

  Furthermore, the amount of fees paid to NFA (which in turn pays a portion of its fees to Nuveen Asset Management) for investment advisory services will be higher if the Fund uses leverage because the fees will be calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets—this may create an incentive for NFA and Nuveen Asset Management to leverage the Fund.

 

10


  The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, which may themselves be leveraged and therefore present similar risks to those described above.

 

  The Fund seeks to manage the risks associated with its use of financial leverage as described below under “How the Fund Manages Risk—Investment Portfolio and Capital Structure Strategies to Manage Leverage Risk.”

 

  See “Risk Factors—Leverage Risk” and “Use of Leverage.”

 

  Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.    The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities. Typically, inverse floating rate securities represent beneficial interests in a special purpose trust (sometimes called a “tender option bond trust”) formed by a third party sponsor for the purpose of holding municipal bonds. See “The Fund’s Investments—Municipal Securities—Inverse Floating Rate Securities.” In general, income on inverse floating rate securities will decrease when interest rates increase and increase when interest rates decrease. Thus, distributions paid to the Fund on its inverse floaters will be reduced or even eliminated as short-term municipal interest rates rise and will increase when short-term municipal rates fall. Inverse floating rate securities generally will underperform the market for fixed rate municipal bonds in a rising interest rate environment. Investments in inverse floating rate securities may subject the Fund to the risks of reduced or eliminated interest payments and losses of principal. In addition, because of the leveraged nature of such investments, inverse floating rate securities will increase or decrease in value at a greater rate than the underlying fixed rate municipal bonds held by the tender option bond trust. As a result, the market value of such securities generally are more volatile than that of fixed rate securities. An investment in certain inverse floaters will involve the risk that the Fund could lose more than its original principal investment.

 

  The Fund’s investment in inverse floating rate securities creates financial leverage that provides an opportunity for increased Common Share net income and returns, but also creates the risk that Common Share long-term returns will be reduced if the cost of leverage exceeds the net return on the Fund’s investment portfolio.

 

  Inverse floating rate securities have varying degrees of liquidity based upon the liquidity of the underlying securities deposited in a tender option bond trust. The market price of inverse floating rate securities is more volatile than the underlying securities due to leverage. The leverage attributable to such inverse floating rate securities may be “called away” on relatively short notice and therefore may be less permanent than more traditional forms of leverage. The Fund may be required to sell its inverse floating rate securities at less than favorable prices, or liquidate other Fund portfolio holdings in certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

If the Fund has a need for cash and the securities in a special purpose trust are not actively trading due to adverse market conditions;

 

   

If special purpose trust sponsors (as a collective group or individually) experience financial hardship and consequently seek to terminate their respective outstanding special purpose trusts; and

 

11


   

If the value of an underlying security declines significantly (to a level below the notional value of the floating rate securities issued by the trust) and if additional collateral has not been posted by the Fund.

 

  See “Risk Factors—Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.”

 

  Inflation Risk.    Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions can decline. See “Risk Factors—Inflation Risk.”

 

  Derivatives Risk, Including the Risk of Swaps.    The Fund’s use of derivatives involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the investments underlying the derivatives. Whether the Fund’s use of derivatives is successful will depend on, among other things, if Nuveen Asset Management correctly forecasts market values, interest rates and other applicable factors. If Nuveen Asset Management incorrectly forecasts these and other factors, the investment performance of the Fund will be unfavorably affected. In addition, the derivatives market is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the derivatives market could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to successfully use derivative instruments.

 

  The Fund may enter into debt-related derivatives instruments including credit swap default contracts and interest rate swaps. Like most derivative instruments, the use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. In addition, the use of swaps requires an understanding by Nuveen Asset Management of not only of the referenced asset, rate or index, but also of the swap itself. See “Risk Factors—Derivatives Risk, Including the Risk of Swaps,” “Risk Factors—Counterparty Risk,” “Risk Factors—Hedging Risk” and the SAI.

 

  Counterparty Risk.    Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as the Fund’s counterparties with respect to derivatives, insured municipal securities or other transactions supported by another party’s credit will affect the value of those instruments. Certain entities that have served as counterparties in the markets for these transactions have recently incurred significant financial hardships including bankruptcy and losses as a result of exposure to sub-prime mortgages and other lower quality credit investments that have experienced recent defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. As a result, such hardships have reduced these entities’ capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations under such transactions. By using such derivatives or other transactions, the Fund assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience similar financial hardships. See “Risk Factors—Counterparty Risk.”

 

 

Hedging Risk.    The Fund’s use of derivatives or other transactions to reduce risks involves costs and will be subject to Nuveen Asset Management’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund’s portfolio holdings or other factors. No assurance can be given that Nuveen Asset Management’s judgment in this respect will be correct. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Fund

 

12


 

will enter into hedging or other transactions at times or under circumstances in which it may be advisable to do so. See “Risk Factors—Hedging Risk.”

 

  Insurance Risk.    The Fund may purchase municipal securities that are additionally secured by insurance, bank credit agreements, or escrow accounts. The credit quality of the companies that provide such credit enhancements will affect the value of those securities. Many significant providers of insurance for municipal securities have recently incurred significant losses and as a result, such losses have reduced the insurers’ capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations under such insurance if they are called to do so in the future. The insurance feature of a municipal security does not guarantee the full payment of principal and interest through the life of an insured obligation or the market value of the insured obligation. See “Risk Factors—Insurance Risk.”

 

  Anti-Takeover Provisions.    The Fund’s Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”) and the Fund’s By-laws (the “By-laws”) include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to open-end status. These provisions could have the effect of depriving the Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then current market price of the Common Shares. See “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws—Anti-Takeover Provisions” and “Risks—Anti-Takeover Provisions.”

 

  In addition, an investment in the Fund’s Common Shares raises other risks, which are more fully disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of this Prospectus, including: reinvestment risk, sector and industry risk, special risks relating to certain municipal obligations, market disruption risk, impact of offering methods risk, risks relating to certain affiliations; and risks that provisions in the Fund’s Declaration of Trust could affect the opportunities of Common Shareholders to sell their Common Shares. See “Risk Factors.”

 

Distributions

The Fund pays monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders at a level rate (stated in terms of a fixed cents per Common Share dividend rate) based on the projected performance of the Fund. The Fund’s ability to maintain a level Common Share dividend rate will depend on a number of factors, including dividends payable on preferred shares, including MTP Shares. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of dividends on the Common Shares and the Fund’s dividend policy could change. Over time, the Fund will distribute all of its net investment income (after it pays accrued dividends on any outstanding preferred shares). In addition, the Fund intends to effectively distribute, at least annually, the net capital gain and taxable ordinary income, if any, to Common Shareholders so long as the net capital gain and taxable ordinary income are not necessary to pay accrued dividends on, or redeem or liquidate, any preferred shares, including MTP Shares. You may elect to reinvest automatically some or all of your distributions in additional Common Shares under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

 

 

As explained more fully below in “Tax Matters,” at least annually, the Fund may elect to retain rather than distribute all or a portion of any net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term

 

13


 

capital loss) otherwise allocable to Common Shareholders and pay federal income tax on the retained gain. As provided under federal tax law, Common Shareholders of record as of the end of the Fund’s taxable year will include their attributable share of the retained gain in their income for the year as a long-term capital gain, and will be entitled to an income tax credit or refund for the tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Fund. The Fund will treat the retained capital gain amount as a substitute for equivalent cash distributions. See “Distributions” and “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

 

  The Fund reserves the right to change its distribution policy and the basis for establishing the rate of its monthly distributions at any time.

 

Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as custodian and transfer agent of the Fund’s assets. See “Custodian and Transfer Agent.”

 

Special Tax Considerations

The Fund may invest a portion of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that pay interest that is taxable under the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. If you are, or as a result of investment in the Fund would become, subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, the Fund may not be a suitable investment for you. In addition, distributions of ordinary taxable income (including any net short-term capital gain) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income (and not eligible for favorable taxation as “qualified dividend income”), and capital gain dividends will be subject to capital gains taxes. See “Tax Matters.”

 

Voting Rights

The holders of the Fund’s MTP Shares, voting as a separate class, would have the right to elect at least two trustees at all times and to elect a majority of the trustees in the event two full years’ dividends on the preferred shares, including MTP Shares, are unpaid. In each case, the remaining trustees will be elected by holders of Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together as a single class. The holders of shares of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, will vote as a separate class or classes on certain other matters as required under the Declaration, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and Massachusetts law. See “Description of Shares—Preferred Shares—Voting Rights” and “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.”

 

14


SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES

 

The table shows the expenses of the Fund as a percentage of the average net assets applicable to Common Shares, and not as a percentage of total assets or Managed Assets.

 

Shareholder Transaction Expenses (as a percentage of offering price)

        

Maximum Sales Charge

     4.00

Offering Costs Borne by the Fund(1)

     0.77
     As a Percentage of
Net Assets
Attributable to
Common Shares(2)


 

Annual Expenses

        

Management Fees

     0.95

Interest on MTP Shares and Interest and Related Expenses from Inverse Floaters(3)

     1.37

Other Expenses

     0.16
    


Total Annual Expenses

     2.48
    



(1) Assuming a Common Share offering price of $16.99 (the Fund’s closing price on the Exchange on July 31, 2012).

 

(2) Stated as percentages of average net assets attributable to Common Shares for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012.

 

(3) Interest on MTP Shares includes the amortization of offering costs. Interest and Related Expenses from Inverse Floaters includes interest expense that arises because accounting rules require the Fund to treat interest paid by trusts issuing certain inverse floating rate investments held by the Fund as having been paid (indirectly) by the Fund. Because the Fund also recognizes a corresponding amount of interest income (also indirectly), the Fund’s net asset value, net investment income, and total return are not affected by this accounting treatment. The actual Interest and Related Expenses from Inverse Floaters incurred in the future may be higher or lower.

 

The purpose of the table above is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you, as a Common Shareholder, would bear directly or indirectly. See “Management of the Fund—Investment Adviser.”

 

Examples

 

The following examples illustrate the expenses (including the applicable transaction fees, if any, and estimated offering costs of $7.70) that a shareholder would pay on a $1,000 investment that is held for the time periods provided in the table. Each example assumes that all dividends and other distributions are reinvested in the Fund and that the Fund’s Annual Expenses, as provided above, remain the same. The examples also assume a 5% annual return.(1)

 

Example # 1 (At-the-Market Transaction)

 

The following example assumes a transaction fee of 1.00%, as a percentage of the offering price.

 

1 Year


 

3 Years


   

5 Years


   

10 Years


 
$42   $ 94      $ 147      $ 294   

 

15


Example # 2 (Underwriting Syndicate Transaction)

 

The following example assumes a transaction fee of 4.00%, as a percentage of the offering price.

 

1 Year

  3 Years

    5 Years

    10 Years

 
$72   $ 121      $ 173      $ 316   

 

Example # 3 (Privately Negotiated Transaction)

 

The following example assumes there is no transaction fee.

 

1 Year

  3 Years

    5 Years

    10 Years

 
$33   $ 84      $ 139      $ 287   

 

The examples should not be considered a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown above.


(1) The examples assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at Common Share net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

 

16


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The following Financial Highlights table is intended to help a prospective investor understand the Fund’s financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of Common Stock of the Fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in shares of Common Stock of the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends). The information with respect to the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, along with the financial statements of the Fund including the Financial Highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, are included in the Fund’s 2012 Annual Report. A copy of the 2012 Annual Report may be obtained from www.sec.gov or by visiting www.nuveen.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this prospectus. Past results are not indicative of future performance.

 

The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

Selected data for a Common share outstanding throughout each period:

 

    Year Ended
February 28/29


    Year Ended July 31

 
    2012

    2011(f)

    2010

    2009

    2008

    2007

    2006

    2005

    2004

    2003

    2002

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                                                                       

Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value

  $ 14.12      $ 15.01      $ 13.84      $ 13.98      $ 14.87      $ 15.06      $ 15.46      $ 15.12      $ 14.57      $ 15.14      $ 15.16   
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Investment Operations:

                                                                                       

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    0.75        0.48        0.94        0.94        0.94        0.95        0.96        1.00        1.03        1.05        1.11   

Net Realized/ Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    1.48        (0.85     1.08        (0.17     (0.83     (0.11     (0.32     0.41        0.55        (0.58     (0.02

Distributions from Net Investment Income to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders(a)

    0.00        (0.01     (0.03     (0.13     (0.23     (0.25     (0.22     (0.13     (0.07     (0.08     (0.10

Distributions from Capital Gains to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders(a)

    0.00        0.00        0.00     (0.02     (0.02     (0.01     0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.02
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total

    2.23        (0.38     1.99        0.62        (0.14     0.58        0.42        1.28        1.51        0.39        0.97   
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Less Distributions:

                                                                                       

Net Investment Income to Common Shareholders

    (0.86     (0.50     (0.81     (0.71     (0.69     (0.73     (0.82     (0.94     (0.96     (0.95     (0.92

Capital Gains to Common Shareholders

    (0.03     (.01 )*      (0.01     (0.05     (0.06     (0.04     0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.01     (0.07
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total

    (0.89     (0.51     (0.82     (0.76     (0.75     (0.77     (0.82     (0.94     (0.96     (0.96     (0.99
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and Retired

    0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00   

Ending Common Share Net Asset Value

  $ 15.46      $ 14.12      $ 15.01      $ 13.84      $ 13.98      $ 14.87      $ 15.06      $ 15.46      $ 15.12      $ 14.57      $ 15.14   
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Ending Market Value

  $ 16.31      $ 15.19      $ 16.92      $ 14.78      $ 12.46      $ 13.89      $ 14.71      $ 16.19      $ 14.59      $ 14.71      $ 15.07   

Total Returns:

                                                                                       

Based on Market Value(b)

    13.81     (7.15 )%      20.92     25.98     (5.16 )%      (0.52 )%      (4.03 )%      17.83     5.87     4.14     9.29

Based on Common Share Net Asset Value(b)

    16.23     (2.61 )%      14.71     4.80     (1.04 )%      3.82     2.77     8.61     10.51     2.54     6.61

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                                                                       

Ending Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares (000)

  $ 148,222      $ 134,850      $ 143,080      $ 131,513      $ 132,713      $ 141,238      $ 143,009      $ 146,718      $ 143,233      $ 137,975      $ 143,305   

Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares(c)(d)

                                                                                       

Expenses(e)

    2.48     1.92 %**      1.19     1.27     1.26     1.24     1.19     1.18     1.18     1.20     1.23

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    5.10     5.69 %**      6.42     7.06     6.46     6.24     6.31     6.42     6.77     6.93     7.40

Portfolio Turnover Rate

    9     10     6     10     8     9     13     14     16     12     22

Auction Rate Preferred Shares at End of Period:

                                                                                       

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ —        $ —        $ 65,050      $ 65,050      $ 69,000      $ 69,000      $ 69,000      $ 69,000      $ 69,000      $ 69,000      $ 69,000   

Liquidation Value Per Share

  $ —        $ —        $ 25,000      $ 25,000      $ 25,000      $ 25,000      $ 25,000      $ 25,000      $ 25,000      $ 25,000      $ 25,000   

Asset Coverage Per Share

  $ —        $ —        $ 79,988      $ 75,543      $ 73,084      $ 76,173      $ 76,815      $ 78,159      $ 76,896      $ 74,991      $ 76,922   

MuniFund Term Preferred Shares at End of Period:

                                                                                       

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 70,920      $ 70,920      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Liquidation Value Per Share

  $ 10.00      $ 10.00      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Asset Coverage Per Share

  $ 30.90      $ 29.01      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Ending Market Value Per Share (2015)

  $ 10.05      $ 9.85      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Average Market Value Per Share (2015)

  $ 9.97      $ 9.86   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

 

17



(a) The amounts shown are based on Common share equivalents.
(b) Total Return Based on Market Value 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.

 

   Total Return Based on Common Share Net Asset Value is the combination of changes in common share net asset value, reinvested dividend income at net asset value and reinvested capital gains distributions at net asset value, 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 net asset value. 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 net asset value), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.
(c) Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to Auction Rate Preferred shareholders, where applicable; Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to Auction Rate Preferred Shares and/or MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, where applicable.
(d) Ratios do not reflect the effect of custodian fee credits earned on the Fund’s net cash on deposit with the custodian bank, where applicable.
(e) The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to MuniFund Term Preferred shareholders and/or the interest expense deemed to have been paid by the Fund on the floating rate certificates issued by the special purpose trusts for the self-deposited inverse floaters held by the Fund, where applicable, both as described in Footnote 1—General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, MuniFund Term Preferred Shares and Inverse Floating Rate Securities, respectively, in the most recent shareholder report, as follows:

 

Year Ended 2/28-2/29

        

2012

     1.37

2011(f)

     0.80 ** 

Year Ended 7/31

        

2010

     0.02   

2009

     0.01   

2008

     0.05   

2007

     0.06   

2006

     —     

2005

     —     

2004

     —     

2003

     —     

2002

     —     

(f) For the seven months ended February 28,2011.
* Rounds to less than $.01 per share.
** Annualized
^ For the period November 2, 2010 (first issuance of shares) through February 28, 2011.

 

TRADING AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION

 

The following table shows for the periods indicated: (i) the high and low sales prices for the Common Shares reported as of the end of the day on the Exchange, (ii) the high and low net asset values of the Common Shares, and (iii) the high and low of the discount or premium to net asset value (expressed as a percentage) of the Common Shares.

 

     Price

     Net Asset Value

     Premium/Discount
to Net Asset Value


 

Fiscal Quarter Ended


       High    

         Low    

         High    

         Low    

         High    

        Low    

 

August 31, 2012

   $ 17.25       $ 16.36       $ 15.85       $ 15.46         9.52     5.47

May 31, 2012

   $ 16.94       $ 15.85       $ 15.63       $ 15.27         8.38     3.52

February 29, 2012

   $ 17.05       $ 15.93       $ 15.52       $ 14.73          11.16     4.46

November 30, 2011

   $ 16.29       $ 15.52       $ 15.13       $ 14.72         10.22     4.43

August 31, 2011

   $ 16.11       $ 14.94       $ 14.96       $ 14.51         8.68     0.54

May 31, 2011

   $ 15.65       $ 14.95       $ 14.52       $ 13.86         12.35     3.58

February 28, 2011

   $ 15.89       $ 14.28       $ 14.55       $ 13.56         17.18     0.99

November 30, 2010

   $ 16.83       $ 15.04       $ 15.31       $ 14.28         9.93     4.69

August 31, 2010

   $ 17.14       $ 16.11       $ 15.35       $ 14.74         14.19     8.70

May 31, 2010

   $ 16.62       $ 15.75       $ 14.94       $ 14.65         11.68     6.64

February 28, 2010

   $ 15.89       $ 14.85       $ 14.75       $ 14.49         7.73     2.20

 

18


     Price

     Net Asset Value

     Premium/Discount
to Net Asset Value


 

Fiscal Quarter Ended


       High    

         Low    

         High    

         Low    

         High    

        Low    

 

November 30, 2009

   $ 16.00       $ 14.35       $ 15.02       $ 14.20          10.12     -0.42

August 31, 2009

   $ 15.10       $ 13.53       $ 14.17       $ 13.54         9.18     -1.88

May 31, 2009

   $ 13.86       $ 12.81       $ 14.02       $ 12.99         1.59     -3.89

 

THE FUND

 

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on July 26, 1991, pursuant to a Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”) governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fund issues common stock and preferred stock. On October 17, 1991, the Fund issued an aggregate of 6,250,000 Common Shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, pursuant to the initial public offering thereof. On November 20, 1991, the Fund issued an additional 750,000 Common Shares in connection with partial exercises by the underwriters of their over-allotment option. The Fund’s Common Shares are listed on the Exchange under the symbol “NTX.” The Fund has previously offered MuniPreferred Shares, a type of preferred stock. As of             , all of the Fund’s MuniPreferred Shares have been redeemed. The Fund has also issued MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, another type of preferred stock, referred to herein as MTP Shares.

 

The following provides information about the Fund’s outstanding shares as of July 31, 2012:

 

Title of Class


   Amount
Authorized


     Amount Held
by the Fund or
for its Account


     Amount
Outstanding


 

Common

     unlimited         0         9,600,236   

MTP

                          

Series 2015

     unlimited         0         7,092,000   

 

The Fund’s principal office is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, and its telephone number is (800) 257-8787.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The net proceeds from the issuance of Common Shares hereunder will be used by the Fund to invest in municipal securities in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies as stated below. It is presently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of such proceeds in securities that meet the Fund’s investment objective and policies within one month from the date on which the proceeds from an offering are received by the Fund. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in short-term or long-term securities issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term money market instruments. See “Risk Factors—Leverage Risk” and “Use of Leverage.”

 

THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS

 

Investment Objectives

 

The Fund’s primary investment objective is current income exempt from regular federal income tax consistent with the Fund’s investment policies. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is the enhancement of portfolio value relative to the Texas municipal bond market through investments in tax-exempt Texas Municipal Obligations, which, in the opinion of NFA, are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market

 

19


sectors that are undervalued. By purchasing such tax-exempt Texas Municipal Obligations, the Fund seeks to realize above-average capital appreciation in a rising market, and to experience less than average capital losses in a declining market. The Fund cannot assure you that it will achieve its investment objectives. See “The Fund’s Investments—Investment Policies.”

 

Investment Philosophy

 

Nuveen Asset Management believes that the unique tax treatment of municipal securities and the structural characteristics in the municipal securities market create attractive opportunities to enhance the after-tax total return and diversification of the investment portfolios of taxable investors. Nuveen Asset Management believes that these unique characteristics also present unique risks that may be managed to realize the benefits of the asset class.

 

After-Tax Income Potential.    The primary source of total return from municipal securities comes from the tax-exempt income derived therefrom. Nuveen Asset Management believes that, at acceptable levels of credit risk and maturity principal risk, the municipal securities market offers the potential for higher after-tax income when compared with other fixed income markets.

 

Managing Multi-Faceted Risks.    Risk in the municipal securities market is derived from multiple sources, including credit risk at the issuer and sector levels, structural risks such as call risk, yield curve risk, and legislative and tax-related risks. Nuveen Asset Management believes that managing these risks at both the individual security and Fund portfolio levels is an important element of realizing the after-tax income and total return potential of the asset class.

 

Opportunities for Diversification.    As of January 31, 2012, the municipal securities market aggregated approximately $3.7 trillion, with over 55,000 issuers, and a wide array of financing purposes, security terms, offering structures and credit quality. In addition, the municipal securities market in Texas aggregated approximately $250 billion, with approximately 3,900 issuers, and a wide array of financing purposes, security terms, offering structures and credit quality. Nuveen Asset Management believes that the size and depth of the Texas municipal securities market may facilitate the creation of a diversified portfolio that reduces exposure to the risks of individual issuers and may lower correlations to other credit and market risks within an investor’s overall portfolio.

 

Market Inefficiencies.    Nuveen Asset Management believes that the scale and intricacy of the municipal securities market often results in pricing anomalies and other inefficiencies that can be identified and capitalized on through trading strategies.

 

Investment Process

 

Nuveen Asset Management believes that a bottom-up, value-oriented investment strategy that seeks to identify underrated and undervalued securities and sectors is positioned to capture the opportunities inherent in the municipal securities market and potentially outperform the general municipal securities market over time. The primary elements of Nuveen Asset Management’s investment process are:

 

Credit Analysis and Surveillance.    Nuveen Asset Management focuses on bottom-up, fundamental analysis of municipal securities issuers. Analysts screen each sector for issuers that meet the fundamental tests of creditworthiness and favor those securities with demonstrable growth potential, solid coverage of debt service and a priority lien on hard assets, dedicated revenue streams or tax resources. As part of Nuveen Asset Management’s overall risk management process, analysts actively monitor the credit quality of portfolio holdings.

 

Sector Analysis.    Organized by sector, analysts continually assess the key issues and trends affecting each sector in order to maintain a sector outlook. Evaluating such factors as historical default rates and average credit

 

20


spreads within each sector, analysts provide top-down analysis that supports decisions to overweight or underweight a given sector in a portfolio.

 

Diversification.    Nuveen Asset Management seeks to invest in a large number of sectors and specific issuers in order to help insulate a portfolio from events that affect any individual industry or credit.

 

Portfolio managers normally seek to limit exposure to individual credits over the long-term. Portfolio managers also seek to diversify other portfolio level risks, including exposure to calls, and to manage a portfolio’s interest rate sensitivity within tolerance bands relative to the relevant benchmark.

 

Trading Strategies.    Through its trading strategies, Nuveen Asset Management seeks to enhance portfolio value by trading to take advantage of inefficiencies found in the municipal market. This may entail selling issues Nuveen Asset Management deems to be overvalued and purchasing issues Nuveen Asset Management considers to be undervalued.

 

Sell Discipline.    Nuveen Asset Management generally sells securities when it (i) determines a security has become overvalued or over-rated, (ii) identifies credit deterioration, or (iii) modifies a portfolio strategy, such as sector allocation. Nuveen Asset Management may also sell securities when such securities exceed the portfolio’s diversification targets.

 

Investment Policies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in Texas Municipal Obligations, including municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. No more than 10% of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. Securities of below investment grade quality are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and are commonly referred to as junk bonds. The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a rating agency downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, Nuveen Asset Management may consider such factors as its assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies. A general description of Moody’s, S&P’s and Fitch’s ratings of municipal securities is set forth in Appendix A to the SAI. The Fund may also invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in municipal bonds of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. See “The Fund’s Investments—Municipal Securities—Other Investment Companies” and “Portfolio Composition.”

 

As of February 29, 2012, the Fund invested approximately 99% of its total investments in municipal securities rated investment grade (using the higher of S&P’s, Moody’s, or Fitch’s rating), and approximately 1% of its total investments in municipal securities not rated by Moody’s, S&P’s, or Fitch. The relative percentages of the value of the investments attributable to investment grade municipal securities and to below investment grade municipal securities could change over time as a result of rebalancing the Fund’s assets by Nuveen Asset Management, market value fluctuations, issuance of additional shares and other events.

 

21


The Fund has not established any limit on the percentage of its portfolio that may be invested in Texas Municipal Obligations subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of federal tax law, and a substantial portion of the income produced by the Fund may be includable in alternative minimum taxable income. If you are, or as a result of investment in the Fund would become, subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, the Fund may not be a suitable investment for you. Special rules apply to corporate holders. In addition, distributions of net capital gain will be subject to capital gains taxes. See “Tax Matters.”

 

The Fund emphasizes investments in Texas Municipal Obligations with long-term maturities in order to maintain an average portfolio maturity of 15-30 years, but the average maturity may be shortened from time to time depending on market conditions. As of August 31, 2012, the weighted average maturity of the Fund’s portfolio was 17.67 years. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio at any given time may include both long-term and intermediate-term Texas Municipal Obligations.

 

The Fund may purchase municipal bonds that are additionally secured by insurance, bank credit agreements, or escrow accounts. The credit quality of companies which provide such credit enhancements will affect the value of those securities. Although the insurance feature reduces certain financial risks, the premiums for insurance and the higher market price paid for insured obligations may reduce the Fund’s income. Insurance generally will be obtained from insurers with a claims-paying ability rated BBB or better by an NRSRO at the time of purchase. The insurance feature does not guarantee the market value of the insured obligations or the net asset value of the common shares.

 

Underrated municipal securities are those municipal securities whose ratings do not, in Nuveen Asset Management’s opinion, reflect their true value. They may be underrated because of the time that has elapsed since their last ratings, or because rating agencies have not fully taken into account positive factors, or for other reasons. Undervalued municipal securities are those securities that, in Nuveen Asset Management’s opinion, are worth more than their market value. They may be undervalued because there is a temporary excess of supply in that particular sector (such as hospital bonds, or bonds of a particular municipal issuer). Nuveen Asset Management may buy such a security even if the value of that security is consistent with the value of other securities in that sector. Municipal securities also may be undervalued because there has been a general decline in the market price of municipal securities for reasons that do not apply to the particular municipal securities that Nuveen Asset Management considers undervalued. Nuveen Asset Management believes that the prices of these municipal securities should ultimately reflect their true value.

 

The Fund also may invest up to 15% of its net assets in inverse floating rate securities. The economic effect of leverage through the Fund’s purchase of inverse floating rate securities creates an opportunity for increased net income and returns, but also creates the possibly that the Fund’s long-term returns will be diminished if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the inverse floating rate securities purchased by the Fund.

 

During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep the Fund’s cash fully invested, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its gross assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term securities that may be either tax exempt or taxable. The Fund intends to invest in taxable short-term investments only in the event that suitable tax-exempt short-term investments are not available at reasonable prices and yields. Investment in taxable short-term investments would result in a portion of the Fund’s dividends being subject to regular federal income taxes, and if the proportion of taxable investments exceeded 50% of the Fund’s total assets as of the close of any quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, the Fund would not satisfy the general eligibility test that permits it to pay exempt-interest dividends for that taxable year. For more information, see the SAI. The Fund also may invest in taxable temporary investments that are certificates of deposit from U.S. banks with assets of at least $1 billion, or repurchase agreements. The Fund intends to allocate taxable income on temporary investments, if any, proportionately between common shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, based on the percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for that year.

 

The Fund cannot change its investment objectives without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together, and of the

 

22


holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, voting separately. For this purpose, “a majority of the outstanding shares” means the vote of (1) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less. See “Description of Shares—Preferred Shares—Voting Rights” for additional information with respect to the voting rights of holders of preferred shares.

 

The Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of its assets, the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any single issuer.

 

See Appendix A to this prospectus for a general description of the economic and credit characteristics of municipal issuers in Texas.

 

Municipal Securities

 

General.    The Fund may invest in various municipal securities, including municipal bonds and notes, other securities issued to finance and refinance public projects, and other related securities and derivative instruments creating exposure to municipal bonds, notes and securities that provide for the payment of interest income that is exempt from regular federal income tax (as previously defined, “municipal securities”). Municipal securities are often issued by state and local governmental entities to finance or refinance public projects such as roads, schools, and water supply systems. Municipal securities may also be issued on behalf of private entities or for private activities, such as housing, medical and educational facility construction, or for privately owned transportation, electric utility and pollution control projects. Municipal securities may be issued on a long term basis to provide permanent financing. The repayment of such debt may be secured generally by a pledge of the full faith and credit taxing power of the issuer, a limited or special tax, or any other revenue source, including project revenues, which may include tolls, fees and other user charges, lease payments and mortgage payments. Municipal securities may also be issued to finance projects on a short-term interim basis, anticipating repayment with the proceeds of the later issuance of long-term debt. The Fund may purchase municipal securities in the form of bonds, notes, leases or certificates of participation; structured as callable or non-callable; with payment forms including fixed coupon, variable rate, zero coupon, capital appreciation bonds, tender option bonds, and residual interest bonds or inverse floating rate securities; or acquired through investments in pooled vehicles, partnerships or other investment companies. Inverse floating rate securities are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term tax-exempt interest rates and represent a leveraged investment in an underlying municipal security, which could have the economic effect of financial leverage.

 

Municipal securities are either general obligation or revenue bonds and typically are issued to finance public projects (such as roads or public buildings), to pay general operating expenses, or to refinance outstanding debt.

 

Municipal securities may also be issued on behalf of private entities or for private activities, such as housing, medical and educational facility construction, or for privately owned industrial development and pollution control projects. General obligation bonds are backed by the full faith and credit, or taxing authority, of the issuer and may be repaid from any revenue source; revenue bonds may be repaid only from the revenues of a specific facility or source. The Fund may also purchase municipal securities that represent lease obligations, municipal notes, pre-refunded municipal securities, private activity bonds, tender option bonds and other related securities and derivative instruments that create exposure to municipal bonds, notes and securities and that provide for the payment of interest income that is exempt from regular federal income tax.

 

The municipal securities in which the Fund will invest are generally issued by the State of Texas, a municipality of Texas, or a political subdivision of either, and pay interest that, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer (or on the basis of other authority believed by Nuveen Asset Management to be reliable), is exempt from regular federal income tax, although the interest may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, and the Fund may invest in municipal securities issued by U.S. territories (such as Puerto Rico or Guam) that are exempt from regular federal income tax (“Texas Municipal Obligations”).

 

23


The yields on municipal securities depend on a variety of factors, including prevailing interest rates and the condition of the general money market and the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. The market value of municipal securities will vary with changes in interest rate levels and as a result of changing evaluations of the ability of their issuers to meet interest and principal payments.

 

A municipal security’s market value generally will depend upon its form, maturity, call features, and interest rate, as well as the credit quality of the issuer, all such factors examined in the context of the municipal securities market and interest rate levels and trends.

 

Obligations of municipal security issuers are subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. These obligations also may be subject to future federal or state laws or referenda that extend the time to payment of interest and/or principal, or that constrain the enforcement of these obligations or the power of municipalities to levy taxes. Legislation or other conditions may materially affect the power of a municipal security issuer to pay interest and/or principal when due.

 

As used in this prospectus, the term “municipal securities” includes municipal securities with relatively short-term maturities. Some of these short-term securities may be variable or floating rate securities. The Fund, however, emphasizes investments in municipal securities with long- or intermediate-term maturities. The Fund buys municipal securities with different maturities and intends to maintain an average portfolio maturity of 15 to 30 years, although this may be shortened depending on market conditions. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio may include long-term and intermediate-term municipal securities. If the long-term municipal security market is unstable, the Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in temporary investments. Temporary investments are high quality, generally uninsured, short-term municipal securities that may either be tax-exempt or taxable. The Fund will buy taxable temporary investments only if suitable tax-exempt temporary investments are not available at reasonable prices and yields. The Fund will invest only in taxable temporary securities that are U.S. Government securities or corporate debt securities rated within the highest grade by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, and that mature within one year from the date of purchase or carry a variable of floating rate of interest. The Fund’s policies on securities ratings only apply when the Fund buys a security, and the Fund is not required to sell securities that have been downgraded. See Appendix A to the SAI for a description of securities ratings.

 

Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation.    The Fund also may purchase municipal securities that represent lease obligations and certificates of participation in such leases. These carry special risks because the issuer of the securities may not be obligated to appropriate money annually to make payments under the lease. A municipal lease is an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase which is issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Income from such obligations is generally exempt from state and local taxes in the state of issuance. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of “non-appropriation” clauses that relieve the governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition, such leases or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments in the event the issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or utilizing the leased equipment or facilities. Although the obligations may be secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly, and result in a delay in recovering, or the failure to recover fully, the Fund’s original investment. To the extent that the Fund invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be monitored on an ongoing basis. In order to reduce this risk, the Fund will only purchase municipal securities representing lease obligations where Nuveen Asset Management believes the issuer has a strong incentive to continue making appropriations until maturity.

 

24


A certificate of participation represents an undivided interest in an unmanaged pool of municipal leases, an installment purchase agreement or other instruments. The certificates are typically issued by a municipal agency, a trust or other entity that has received an assignment of the payments to be made by the state or political subdivision under such leases or installment purchase agreements. Such certificates provide the Fund with the right to a pro rata undivided interest in the underlying municipal securities. In addition, such participations generally provide the Fund with the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days’ notice, of all or any part of the Fund’s participation interest in the underlying municipal securities, plus accrued interest.

 

Municipal Notes.    Municipal securities in the form of notes generally are used to provide for short-term capital needs, in anticipation of an issuer’s receipt of other revenues or financing, and typically have maturities of up to three years. Such instruments may include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes and construction loan notes. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance the working capital needs of governments. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various tax revenues, such as income, sales, property, use and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other kinds of revenue, such as federal revenues available under federal revenue sharing programs. Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long- term bond financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the funds needed for repayment of the bond anticipation notes. Tax and revenue anticipation notes combine the funding sources of both tax anticipation notes and revenue anticipation notes. Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. Mortgage notes insured by the Federal Housing Authority secure these notes; however, the proceeds from the insurance may be less than the economic equivalent of the payment of principal and interest on the mortgage note if there has been a default. The anticipated revenues from taxes, grants or bond financing generally secure the obligations of an issuer of municipal notes. An investment in such instruments, however, presents a risk that the anticipated revenues will not be received or that such revenues will be insufficient to satisfy the issuer’s payment obligations under the notes or that refinancing will be otherwise unavailable.

 

Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities.    The principal of and interest on pre-refunded municipal securities are no longer paid from the original revenue source for the securities. Instead, the source of such payments is typically an escrow fund consisting of U.S. government securities. The assets in the escrow fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer as the pre-refunded municipal securities. Issuers of municipal securities use this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to securities that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer. For example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded municipal securities. However, except for a change in the revenue source from which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded municipal securities remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are redeemed by the issuer.

 

Private Activity Bonds.    Private activity bonds, formerly referred to as industrial development bonds, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal securities, although the current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues. The Fund’s distributions of its interest income from private activity bonds may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum tax.

 

Inverse Floating Rate Securities.    The Fund may invest up to approximately 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities. Inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as “inverse floaters” or residual interests of a tender option bond) are securities whose interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Generally, inverse floating rate securities represent

 

25


beneficial interests in a special purpose trust formed by a third party sponsor for the purpose of holding municipal bonds. The special purpose trust typically sells two classes of beneficial interests or securities: short-term floating rate municipal securities (sometimes referred to as short-term floaters or tender option bonds), which are sold to third party investors, and inverse floating rate municipal securities, which the Fund would purchase. The short-term floating rate securities have first priority on the cash flow from the municipal bonds held by the special purpose trust. Typically, a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, grants the floating rate security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees. The holder of the short-term floater effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. However, an institution will not be obligated to accept tendered short-term floaters in the event of certain defaults or a significant downgrade in the credit rating assigned to the bond issuer. For its inverse floating rate investment, the Fund receives the residual cash flow from the special purpose trust. Because the holder of the short-term floater is generally assured liquidity at the face value of the security, the Fund as the holder of the inverse floater assumes the interest rate cash flow risk and the market value risk associated with the municipal security deposited into the special purpose trust. The volatility of the interest cash flow and the residual market value will vary with the degree to which the trust is leveraged. This is expressed in the ratio of the face value of the short-term floaters in relation to the residual inverse floaters that are issued by the special purpose trust. The higher the ratio of the special purpose trust’s total value represented by the short-term floaters, the greater the effective leverage. For example, if municipal bonds worth $100 are deposited in a special purpose trust and the trust issues short-term floaters worth $75 and inverse floaters worth $25, the trust will have a leverage ratio of 3:1 and the inverse floaters will exhibit price movements at a rate that is four times that of the underlying bonds deposited into the trust. If that same trust were to issue only $50 of floaters, the leverage ratio would be 1:1 and the inverse floaters would exhibit price movements at a rate that is only two times that of the underlying bonds. The Fund expects to make limited investments in inverse floaters, with leverage ratios that generally will vary between one and three times. In addition, all voting rights and decisions to be made with respect to any other rights relating to the municipal bonds held in the special purpose trust are passed through to the Fund, as the holder of the residual inverse floating rate securities.

 

Because increases in the interest rate on the short-term floaters reduce the residual interest paid on inverse floaters, and because fluctuations in the value of the municipal bond deposited in the special purpose trust affect the value of the inverse floater only, and not the value of the short-term floater issued by the trust, inverse floaters’ value are more volatile than that of fixed rate bonds. The market price of inverse floating rate securities is more volatile than the underlying bonds due to the leveraging effect of this ownership structure. These securities generally will underperform the market of fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment (i.e., when bond values are falling), but tend to out-perform the market of fixed rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable. Although volatile, inverse floaters typically offer the potential for yields available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity based upon the liquidity of the underlying bonds deposited in a special purpose trust.

 

The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts that have recourse to the Fund. In NFA’s discretion, the Fund may enter into a separate shortfall and forbearance agreement with the third party sponsor of a special purpose trust. The Fund may enter into such recourse agreements (i) when the liquidity provider to the special purpose trust requires such an agreement because the level of leverage in the trust exceeds the level that the liquidity provider is willing to support absent such an agreement; and/or (ii) to seek to prevent the liquidity provider from collapsing the trust in the event that the municipal obligation held in the trust has declined in value. Such an agreement would require the Fund to reimburse the third party sponsor of such inverse floater, upon termination of the trust issuing the inverse floater, the difference between the liquidation value of the bonds held in the trust and the principal amount due to the holders of floating rate interests. Such agreements may expose the Fund to a risk of loss that exceeds its investment in the inverse floating rate securities. Absent a shortfall and forbearance agreement, the Fund would not be required to make such a reimbursement. If the Fund chooses not to enter into such an agreement, the special purpose trust could be liquidated and the Fund could incur a loss.

 

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The Fund’s investments in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts that have recourse to the Fund may be highly leveraged. The structure and degree to which the Fund’s inverse floating rate securities are highly leveraged will vary based upon a number of factors, including the size of the trust itself and the terms of the underlying municipal security held in a special purpose trust. An inverse floating rate security generally is considered highly leveraged if the principal amount of the short-term floating rate interests issued by the related special purpose trust is in excess of three times the principal amount of the inverse floating rate securities owned by the trust (the ratio of the principal amount of such short-term floating rate interests to the principal amount of the inverse floating rate securities is referred to as the “gearing”). In the event of a significant decline in the value of an underlying security, the Fund may suffer losses in excess of the amount of its investment (up to an amount equal to the value of the municipal securities underlying the inverse floating rate securities) as a result of liquidating special purpose trusts or other collateral required to maintain the Fund’s anticipated effective leverage ratio.

 

Investments in inverse floating rate securities create effective leverage. The use of leverage creates special risks for Common Stockholders. See “Leverage” and “Risk Factors—Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.” The Fund will segregate or earmark liquid assets with its custodian in accordance with the 1940 Act to cover its obligations with respect to its investments in special purpose trusts. See also “Segregation of Assets” in the SAI.

 

Floating Rate Securities.    The Fund may also invest in floating rate securities, as described above, issued by special purpose trusts. Floating rate securities may take the form of short-term floating rate securities or the option period may be substantially longer. Generally, the interest rate earned will be based upon the market rates for municipal securities with maturities or remarketing provisions that are comparable in duration to the periodic interval of the tender option, which may vary from weekly, to monthly, to extended periods of one year or multiple years. Since the option feature has a shorter-term than the final maturity or first call date of the underlying bond deposited in the trust, the Fund as the holder of the floating rate securities relies upon the terms of the agreement with the financial institution furnishing the option as well as the credit strength of that institution. As further assurance of liquidity, the terms of the trust provide for a liquidation of the municipal bond deposited in the trust and the application of the proceeds to pay off the floating rate securities. The trusts that are organized to issue both short-term floating rate securities and inverse floaters generally include liquidation triggers to protect the investor in the floating rate securities.

 

Tender Option Bonds.    A tender option bond is a municipal security (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rates. The bond is typically issued with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, which grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. However, an institution will not be obligated to accept tendered bonds in the event of certain defaults or a significant downgrade in the credit rating assigned to the issuer of the bond. The Fund intends to invest in tender option bonds the interest on which will, in the opinion of bond counsel, counsel for the issuer of interests therein or counsel selected by Nuveen Asset Management, be exempt from regular federal income tax. However, because there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will agree with such counsel’s opinion in any particular case, there is a risk that the Fund will not be considered the owner of such tender option bonds and thus will not be entitled to treat such interest as exempt from such tax. Additionally, the federal income tax treatment of certain other aspects of these investments, including the proper tax treatment of tender option bonds and the associated fees in relation to various regulated investment company tax provisions, is unclear. The Fund intends to manage its portfolio in a manner designed to eliminate or minimize any adverse impact from the tax rules applicable to these investments.

 

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Special Taxing Districts.    Special taxing districts are organized to plan and finance infrastructure developments to induce residential, commercial and industrial growth and redevelopment. The bond financing methods such as tax increment finance, tax assessment, special services district and Mello-Roos bonds, are generally payable solely from taxes or other revenues attributable to the specific projects financed by the bonds without recourse to the credit or taxing power of related or overlapping municipalities. They often are exposed to real estate development-related risks and can have more taxpayer concentration risk than general tax-supported bonds, such as general obligation bonds. Further, the fees, special taxes, or tax allocations and other revenues that are established to secure such financings are generally limited as to the rate or amount that may be levied or assessed and are not subject to increase pursuant to rate covenants or municipal or corporate guarantees. The bonds could default if development failed to progress as anticipated or if larger taxpayers failed to pay the assessments, fees and taxes as provided in the financing plans of the districts.

 

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions.    The Fund may buy and sell municipal securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, making payment or taking delivery at a later date, normally within 15 to 45 days of the trade date. On such transactions, the payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the purchaser enters into the commitment. Beginning on the date the Fund enters into a commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, the Fund is required under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to maintain in a separate account liquid assets, consisting of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value at all times of at least equal to the amount of any delayed payment commitment. Income generated by any such assets which provide taxable income for federal income tax purposes is includable in the taxable income of the Fund and, to the extent distributed, will be taxable distributions to shareholders. The commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery or forward basis may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the bonds prior to settlement and at the time of delivery the market value may be less than their cost.

 

Zero Coupon Bonds.    A zero coupon bond is a bond that typically does not pay interest either for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. When held to its maturity, the holder receives the par value of the zero coupon bond, which generates a return equal to the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. A zero coupon bond is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. This original issue discount (“OID”) approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound prior to its maturity and reflects the payment deferral and credit risk associated with the instrument. Because zero coupon securities and other OID instruments do not pay cash interest at regular intervals, the instruments’ ongoing accruals require ongoing judgments concerning the collectability of deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. As a result, these securities may be subject to greater value fluctuations and less liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities that pay cash on a current basis. Because zero coupon bonds, and OID instruments generally, allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments, they may involve greater payment deferral and credit risk than coupon loans and bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. The Fund generally will be required to distribute dividends to shareholders representing the income of these instruments as it accrues, even though the Fund will not receive all of the income on a current basis or in cash. Thus, the Fund may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, and use the cash proceeds to make income distributions to its shareholders. For accounting purposes, these cash distributions to shareholders will not be treated as a return of capital.

 

Further, NFA collects management fees on the value of a zero coupon bond or OID instrument attributable to the ongoing non-cash accrual of interest over the life of the bond or other instrument. As a result, NFA receives non-refundable cash payments based on such non-cash accruals while investors incur the risk that such non-cash accruals ultimately may not be realized.

 

Structured Notes.    The Fund may utilize structured notes and similar instruments for investment purposes and also for hedging purposes. Structured notes are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an “embedded index”), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the

 

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differential performance of two assets or markets. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending upon a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index or indices or other assets. Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss. These types of investments may generate taxable income.

 

Derivatives.    The Fund may invest in certain derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objectives. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including interest rate and credit default swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts or other derivative instruments. The Fund may use also credit default swaps and interest rate swaps. Credit default swaps may require initial premium (discount) payments as well as periodic payments (receipts) related to the interest leg of the swap or to the default of a reference obligation. If the Fund is a seller of a contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, with respect to such debt obligations. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If the Fund is a buyer of a contract, the Fund would have the right to deliver a referenced debt obligation and receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of such debt obligation from the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event (such as a credit downgrade) by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporation, with respect to its debt obligations. In return, the Fund would pay the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the counterparty would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligations to the Fund. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with a counterparty of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. The Fund will usually enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments.

 

Nuveen Asset Management may use derivative instruments to seek to enhance return, to hedge some of the risk of the Fund’s investments in municipal securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset. These types of strategies may generate taxable income.

 

There is no assurance that these derivative strategies will be available at any time or that Nuveen Asset Management will determine to use them for the Fund or, if used, that the strategies will be successful.

 

Other Investment Companies.    The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. In addition, the Fund may invest a portion of its Managed Assets in pooled investment vehicles (other than investment companies) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. The Fund generally expects that it may invest in other investment companies and/or other pooled investment vehicles either during periods when it has large amounts of uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Fund receives the proceeds of the offering of its Common Shares or borrowings, or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive, high-yielding municipal securities available in the market. The Fund may invest in investment companies that are advised by the NFA, Nuveen Asset Management or their respective affiliates to the extent permitted by applicable law and/or pursuant to exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a stockholder in an investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s

 

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expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund’s advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Common shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies.

 

Nuveen Asset Management will take expenses into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in an investment company relative to available municipal security investments. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described herein. As described in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” the net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to Common Shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund may buy and sell municipal securities to accomplish its investment objectives in relation to actual and anticipated changes in interest rates. The Fund also may sell one municipal security and buy another of comparable quality at about the same time to take advantage of what Nuveen Asset Management believes to be a temporary price disparity between the two bonds that may result from imbalanced supply and demand. The Fund also may engage in a limited amount of short-term trading, consistent with its investment objectives. The Fund may sell securities in anticipation of a market decline (a rise in interest rates) or buy securities in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sell them, but the Fund will not engage in trading solely to recognize a gain. The Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objectives by prudently selecting municipal securities with a view to holding them for investment. Although the Fund cannot accurately predict its annual portfolio turnover rate, the Fund expects, though it cannot guarantee, that its annual portfolio turnover rate generally will not exceed 100% under normal circumstances. Historically, the Fund’s annual turnover rate has been significant below 100% and that historic level of turnover is expected to occur in the future. There are no limits on the rate of portfolio turnover, and investments may be sold without regard to length of time held when investment considerations warrant such action. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. Although these commissions and expenses are not reflected in the Fund’s “Total Annual Expenses” on page 15 of this prospectus, they will be reflected in the Fund’s total return. In addition, high portfolio turnover may result in the realization of net short term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. See “Tax Matters.”

 

USE OF LEVERAGE

 

The Fund currently employs financial leverage primarily through its outstanding MTP Shares. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the average daily balance outstanding on MTP Shares and annual interest rate was $70,920,000 and 2.30%, respectively. The leverage used by the Fund may vary with prevailing market or economic conditions. The timing and terms of any leverage transactions is determined by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Preferred shares, including MTP Shares, have seniority over the Common Shares. Following an offering of additional Common Shares from time to time, the Fund’s leverage ratio may decrease as a result of the increase in net assets attributable to Common Shares. A lower leverage ratio may result in either lower or higher returns to Common Shareholders over a period of time to the extent that net returns on the Fund’s investment portfolio exceed or fall below its cost of leverage over that period. Any change in returns may impact the level of the Fund’s distributions. See “Risk Factors—Leverage Risk.” Financial leverage is also created through the Fund’s use of borrowings or through investments in residual interest certificates of tender option bond trusts, also called inverse floating rate securities, because the Fund’s investment exposure to the underlying bonds held by the trust have been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate certificates. See “The Fund’s Investments—Municipal Securities—Inverse Floating Rate Securities” and “Risk Factors—Inverse Floating Rate Securities.”

 

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Preferred shares, including MTP Shares, and borrowings, if any, will have seniority over the Common Shares. Leverage involves special risks. There is no assurance that the Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. The Fund will seek to invest the proceeds from financial leverage in a manner consistent with the Fund’s objectives and policies.

 

The Fund’s investments in inverse floating rate securities pay dividends at rates based on short-term periods which are reset periodically. So long as the Fund’s portfolio is invested in securities that provide a higher rate of return than the Fund’s cost of leverage (after taking expenses into consideration), the leverage will cause you to receive a higher current rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged.

 

Changes in the value of the Fund’s bond portfolio, including costs attributable to borrowings or preferred shares, will be borne entirely by the Common Shareholders. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio, the leverage will decrease (or increase) the net asset value per Common Share to a greater extent than if the Fund were not leveraged.

 

Given the current economic and debt market environment with historically low short-term to intermediate-term interest rates, the Fund may use derivatives such as interest rate swaps, with terms that may range from one to seven years, to fix the effective rate paid on a significant portion of the Fund’s leverage. The interest rate swap program, if implemented, will seek to achieve potentially lower leverage costs over an extended period. This strategy would enhance Common Shareholder returns if short-term interest rates were to rise over time to exceed on average the effective fixed interest rate for that time period. This strategy, however, would add to effective leverage costs immediately (because the effective swap costs would likely be higher than current benchmark adjustable short term rates) and would increase overall leverage costs over the entirety of any such time period, in the event that short-term interest rates do not rise sufficiently during the period to exceed on average the effective fixed interest rate for that time period.

 

The Fund pays NFA a management fee based on a percentage of net assets. Net assets for this purpose includes the proceeds realized from the Fund’s use of financial leverage. See “Management of the Fund—Investment Management Agreement.” NFA will base its decision whether and how much to leverage the Fund based solely on its assessment of whether such use of leverage will advance the Fund’s investment objective. NFA will be responsible for using leverage to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. However, the fact that a decision to increase the Fund’s leverage will have the effect of increasing net assets and therefore NFA’s management fee means that NFA may have an incentive to increase the Fund’s use of leverage. NFA will seek to manage that incentive by only increasing the Fund’s use of leverage when it determines that such increase is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, and by periodically reviewing the Fund’s performance and use of leverage with the Fund’s Board of Trustees.

 

For tax purposes, the Fund is currently required to allocate net capital gain and other taxable income, if any, between the Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, in proportion to total dividends paid to each class for the year in which the net capital gain or other taxable income is realized. If net capital gain or other taxable income is allocated to preferred shares (instead of solely tax-exempt income), the Fund will likely have to pay higher total dividends to preferred shareholders or make special payments to preferred shareholders to compensate them for the increased tax liability. This would reduce the total amount of dividends paid to the Common Shareholders, but would increase the portion of the dividend that is tax-exempt.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally is not permitted to issue commercial paper or notes or borrow unless immediately after the borrowing or commercial paper or note issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets less liabilities other than the principal amount represented by commercial paper, notes or borrowings, is at least 300% of such principal amount. If the Fund borrows, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to prepay all or a portion of the principal amount of any outstanding commercial paper, notes or borrowing to the extent necessary in order to maintain the required asset coverage. Failure to maintain certain asset coverage requirements could result in an event of default and entitle the debt holders to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees.

 

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Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance, the value of the Fund’s asset coverage is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the Fund’s asset coverage). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the value of the Fund’s asset coverage less liabilities other than borrowings is at least 200% of such liquidation value. The Fund intends, to the extent possible, to purchase or redeem preferred shares, including MTP Shares, from time to time to the extent necessary in order to maintain coverage of any preferred shares of at least 200%. When the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, two of the Fund’s trustees will be elected by the holders of preferred shares, voting separately as a class. The remaining directors of the Fund are elected by holders of Common Shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class. In the event the Fund fails to pay dividends on preferred shares for two years, preferred shareholders would be entitled to elect a majority of the trustees of the Fund.

 

The Fund may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by either guidelines of one or more rating agencies that may issue ratings for commercial paper or notes, preferred shares, or, if the Fund borrows from a lender, by the lender. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede NFA and Nuveen Asset Management from managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. In addition to other considerations, to the extent that the Fund believes that the covenants and guidelines required by the rating agencies or lenders would impede its ability to meet its investment objective, or if the Fund is unable to obtain the rating on borrowings (expected to be at least AA/Aa or the equivalent short-term ratings) or preferred shares, the Fund will not incur borrowings or issue preferred shares, including additional MTP Shares.

 

Assuming the utilization of leverage through the use of preferred shares in the aggregate amount of approximately 33.33% of the Fund’s Managed Assets, at an aggregate cost of leverage of 1.15%, the income generated by the Fund’s portfolio (net of non-leverage expenses) must exceed 0.383% in order to cover such costs of leverage. Of course, these numbers are merely estimates, used for illustration. Actual interest or costs of leverage may vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above.

 

The Fund may also borrow money for repurchase of its shares or as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which otherwise might require untimely dispositions of Fund securities.

 

The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on Common Share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of income and changes in the value of bonds held in the Fund’s portfolio net of expenses) at the assumed portfolio total return rates provided in the table. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns expected to be experienced by the Fund. The table further reflects the use of leverage through preferred shares representing 33.33% of the Fund’s total capital as well as an estimated aggregate cost of 1.15% on the Fund’s leverage. See “Risk Factors—Leverage Risk” and “Use of Leverage.”

 

Assumed Portfolio Total Return

     -10.00%         -5.00%         0.00%         5.00%         10.00%   

Common Share Total Return

     -15.57%         -8.07%         -0.57%         6.92%         14.42%   

 

Common Share total return is composed of two elements—the Common Share dividends paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the net investment income of the Fund after paying dividends on MTP Shares and other expenses associated with outstanding MTP shares) and gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital losses than capital appreciation. For example, to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the tax-exempt interest it receives on its municipal securities investments is entirely offset by losses in the value of those securities.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or even that you may lose part or all of your investment. Therefore, before investing you should consider carefully the following risks that you assume when you invest in Common Shares.

 

Investment and Market Risk

 

An investment in the Fund’s Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. Your investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the municipal securities owned by the Fund, which generally trade in the over-the-counter markets. Your Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions. In addition, if the current national economic downturn deteriorates into a prolonged recession, the ability of municipalities to collect revenue and service their obligations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Current Economic Conditions—Credit Crisis Liquidity and Volatility Risk

 

The markets for credit instruments, including municipal securities, have experienced periods of extreme illiquidity and volatility since the latter half of 2007. General market uncertainty and consequent repricing risk have led to market imbalances of sellers and buyers, which in turn have resulted in significant valuation uncertainties in a variety of debt securities, including municipal securities, and significant and rapid value decline in certain instances. These conditions resulted, and in many cases continue to result in, greater price volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads and a lack of price transparency, with many debt securities remaining illiquid and of uncertain value. These market conditions may make valuation of some of the Fund’s municipal securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant value declines in its holdings. A significant decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio would likely result in a significant decline in the value of your investment in Common Shares. In addition, illiquidity and volatility in the credit markets may directly and adversely affect the setting of dividend rates on the Common Shares. This volatility may also impact the liquidity of inverse floating rate securities in the Fund’s portfolio. See “Risk Factors—Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.”

 

In response to the current national economic condition, governmental cost burdens may be reallocated among federal, state and local governments. Also, as a result of the downturn, many state and local governments are experiencing significant reductions in revenues and consequently difficulties meeting ongoing expenses. As a result, certain of these state and local governments may have difficulty paying principal or interest on their outstanding debt and may experience ratings downgrades of their debt. In addition, laws enacted in the future by Congress or state legislatures or referenda could extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or impose other constraints on enforcement of such obligations, or on the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Issuers of municipal securities might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. See “Risk Factors—Municipal Securities Market Risk.”

 

Market Discount from Net Asset Value

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies like the Fund have during some periods traded at prices higher than net asset value and have during other periods traded at prices lower than net asset value. The Fund cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade at, above or below net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of investment activities. Investors bear a risk of loss to the extent that the price at which they sell their shares is lower in relation to the Fund’s net asset value than at the time of purchase, assuming a stable net asset value. Proceeds from the sale of Common Shares in this offering will be reduced by transaction costs (if applicable, which vary depending on the offering method used). Depending on the premium of the Common Shares at the time of any

 

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offering of Common Shares hereunder, the Fund’s net asset value may be reduced by an amount up to the offering costs borne by the Fund (estimated to be an additional 0.77% of the offering price assuming a Common Share offering price of $16.99 (the Fund’s closing price on the Exchange on July 31, 2012)). The Common Shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.

 

Credit and Below Investment Grade Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that one or more municipal securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price, or the issuer thereof will fail to pay interest or principal when due, because the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial status. In general, lower-rated municipal securities carry a greater degree of risk that the issuer will lose its ability to make interest and principal payments, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s net asset value or dividends. Credit risk is increased when a portfolio security is downgraded or the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer deteriorates. The Fund may invest up to 50% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that are rated below investment grade at the time of investment or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. No more than 5% of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. If a municipal security satisfies the rating requirements described above at the time of investment and is subsequently downgraded below that rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of the security. If a downgrade occurs, Nuveen Asset Management will consider what action, including the sale of the security, is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. This means that the Fund may invest in municipal securities that are involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or are experiencing other financial difficulties at the time of acquisition (such securities are commonly referred to as distressed securities). Municipal securities of below investment grade quality, commonly referred to as junk bonds, are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due, and are susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and business developments. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a municipal security in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by any NRSRO, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected. The market values for municipal securities of below investment grade quality tend to be volatile, and these securities are less liquid than investment grade municipal securities. For these reasons, an investment in the Fund, compared with a portfolio consisting solely of investment grade securities, may experience the following:

 

   

increased price sensitivity resulting from changing interest rates and/or a deteriorating economic environment;

 

   

greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality;

 

   

adverse issuer specific events that are more likely to render the issuer unable to make interest and/or principal payments; and

 

   

the possibility that a negative perception of the below investment grade market develops, resulting in the price and liquidity of below investment grade securities becoming depressed, and this negative perception could last for a significant period of time.

 

Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of a below investment grade issuer to make principal payments and interest payments compared to an investment grade issuer. The principal amount of below investment grade securities outstanding has proliferated in the past decade as an increasing number of issuers have used below investment grade securities for financing. The current downturn may severely affect the ability of highly leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. As the national economy experiences the current economic downturn, resulting in decreased tax and other revenue streams of municipal issuers, or in the event interest rates rise sharply, increasing the interest cost on variable rate instruments and negatively impacting economic activity, the number of defaults by below investment grade municipal issuers is likely to increase. Similarly, downturns in profitability in specific industries could adversely affect private activity bonds. The market values of lower

 

34


quality debt securities tend to reflect individual developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher quality securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of lower quality securities may have an adverse impact on the Fund’s net asset value and the market value of its Common Shares. In addition, the Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings. In certain circumstances, the Fund may be required to foreclose on an issuer’s assets and take possession of its property or operations. In such circumstances, the Fund would incur additional costs in disposing of such assets and potential liabilities from operating any business acquired.

 

The secondary market for below investment grade securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor that may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to dispose of a particular security. There are fewer dealers in the market for below investment grade municipal securities than the market for investment grade municipal securities. The prices quoted by different dealers for below investment grade municipal securities may vary significantly, and the spread between the bid and ask price is generally much larger for below investment grade municipal securities than for higher quality instruments. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the secondary market for below investment grade securities could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may become illiquid. As a result, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the Fund’s net asset value.

 

Issuers of such below investment grade securities are highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with higher rated securities. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of below investment grade securities may experience financial stress. During such periods, such issuers may not have sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer’s ability to service its debt obligations also may be adversely affected by specific developments, the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss from default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of below investment grade securities because such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors of the issuer. Prices and yields of below investment grade securities will fluctuate over time and, during periods of economic uncertainty, volatility of below investment grade securities may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value. In addition, investments in below investment grade zero coupon bonds rather than income-bearing below investment grade securities, may be more speculative and may be subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates.

 

The Fund may invest in distressed securities, which are securities issued by companies that are involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or are experiencing other financial difficulties at the time of acquisition by the Fund. The issuers of such securities may be in transition, out of favor, financially leveraged or troubled, or potentially troubled, and may be or have recently been involved in major strategic actions, restructurings, bankruptcy, reorganization or liquidation. These characteristics of these companies can cause their securities to be particularly risky, although they also may offer the potential for high returns. These companies’ securities may be considered speculative, and the ability of the companies to pay their debts on schedule could be affected by adverse interest rate movements, changes in the general economic climate, economic factors affecting a particular industry or specific developments within the companies. Distressed securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding and may require the Fund to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its investment.

 

Investments in lower rated or unrated securities may present special tax issues for the Fund to the extent that the issuers of these securities default on their obligations pertaining thereto, and the federal income tax consequences to the Fund as a holder of such distressed securities may not be clear.

 

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Interest Rate Risk

 

Generally, when market interest rates rise, bond prices fall, and vice versa. Interest rate risk is the risk that the municipal securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. As interest rates decline, issuers of municipal securities may prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower-yielding securities and potentially reducing the Fund’s income. As interest rates increase, slower than expected principal payments may extend the average life of securities, potentially locking in a below-market interest rate and reducing the Fund’s value. In typical market interest rate environments, the prices of longer-term municipal securities generally fluctuate more than prices of shorter-term municipal securities as interest rates change. Because the Fund will emphasize investing in longer-term municipal securities, the Common Share net asset value and market price per share will fluctuate more in response to changes in market interest rates than if the Fund invested primarily in shorter-term municipal securities. Because the values of lower-rated and comparable unrated debt securities are affected both by credit risk and interest rate risk, the price movements of such lower grade securities typically have not been highly correlated to the fluctuations of the prices of investment grade quality securities in response to changes in market interest rates. The Fund’s use of leverage, as described herein, will tend to increase Common Share interest rate risk.

 

Municipal Securities Market Risk

 

Investing in the municipal securities market involves certain risks. The municipal market is one in which dealer firms make markets in bonds on a principal basis using their proprietary capital, and during the recent market turmoil these firms’ capital was severely constrained. As a result, some firms were unwilling to commit their capital to purchase and to serve as a dealer for municipal bonds. The amount of public information available about the municipal securities in the Fund’s portfolio is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds, and the investment performance of the Fund may therefore be more dependent on the analytical abilities of Nuveen Asset Management than if the Fund were a stock fund or taxable bond fund. The secondary market for municipal securities, particularly the below investment grade bonds in which the Fund may invest, also tends to be less well-developed or liquid than many other securities markets, which may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to sell its municipal securities at attractive prices or at prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them.

 

The ability of municipal issuers to make timely payments of interest and principal may be diminished during general economic downturns and as governmental cost burdens are reallocated among federal, state and local governments. In addition, laws enacted in the future by Congress or state legislatures or referenda could extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or impose other constraints on enforcement of such obligations, or on the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Issuers of municipal securities might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. In the event of bankruptcy of such an issuer, the Fund could experience delays in collecting principal and interest and the Fund may not, in all circumstances, be able to collect all principal and interest to which it is entitled. To enforce its rights in the event of a default in the payment of interest or repayment of principal, or both, the Fund may take possession of and manage the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities, which may increase the Fund’s operating expenses. Any income derived from the Fund’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.

 

Reinvestment Risk

 

Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if and when the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called bonds at market interest rates that are below the portfolio’s current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the Common Shares’ market price or their overall returns.

 

Leverage Risk

 

Leverage risk is the risk associated with the use of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, use of tender option bonds to leverage the Common Shares or borrowings (if any). There can be no

 

36


assurance that the Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. Because the long-term municipal securities in which the Fund invests generally pay fixed rates of interest while the Fund’s costs of leverage generally fluctuate with short- to intermediate-term yields, the incremental earnings from leverage will vary over time. However, the Fund may use derivatives, such as interest rate swaps, to fix the effective rate paid on all or a portion of the Fund’s leverage, in an effort to lower leverage costs over an extended period. Accordingly, the Fund cannot assure you that the use of leverage will result in a higher yield or return to Common Shareholders. The income benefit from leverage will be reduced to the extent that the difference narrows between the net earnings on the Fund’s portfolio securities and its cost of leverage. The income benefit from leverage will increase to the extent that the difference widens between the net earnings on the Fund’s portfolio securities and its cost of leverage. If short-term rates rise, the Fund’s cost of leverage could exceed the fixed rate of return on longer-term bonds held by the Fund that were acquired during periods of lower interest rates, reducing returns to Common Shareholders. This could occur even if short-to intermediate-term and long-term municipal rates rise. Because of the costs of leverage, the Fund may incur losses even if the Fund has positive returns, if they are not sufficient to cover the costs of leverage. The Fund’s cost of leverage includes the dividends paid on MTP Shares, the expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of any borrowings, and/or the interest attributable to tender option bonds as well as any one-time costs (e.g., issuance costs) and ongoing fees and expenses associated with such leverage.

 

The risk of loss attributable to the Fund’s use of leverage is borne by Common Shareholders. The Fund’s use of financial leverage can result in a greater decrease in net asset values in declining markets. The Fund’s use of financial leverage similarly can magnify the impact of changing market conditions on Common Share market prices. See “—Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.” Furthermore, the amount of fees paid to NFA (which in turn pays a portion of its fees to Nuveen Asset Management) for investment advisory services will be higher if the Fund uses leverage because the fees will be calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets— this may create an incentive for NFA and Nuveen Asset Management to leverage the Fund. The Fund is required to maintain certain regulatory and rating agency asset coverage requirements in connection with its use of leverage, in order to be able to maintain the ability to declare and pay Common Share distributions and to maintain the MTP Shares’ rating. An NRSRO could downgrade its ratings on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares A ratings downgrade of the Fund’s preferred shares may result in higher dividend rates and may also force the redemption of such preferred shares at what might be an inopportune time in the market. These factors may result in reduced net earnings or returns to Common Shareholders.

 

In order to maintain required asset coverage levels, the Fund may be required to alter the composition of its investment portfolio or take other actions, such as redeeming preferred shares, including MTP shares, or prepaying borrowings with the proceeds from portfolio transactions, at what might be an inopportune time in the market. Such actions could reduce the net earnings or returns to Common Shareholders over time.

 

The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, which may themselves be leveraged and therefore present similar risks to those described above.

 

The Fund seeks to manage the risks associated with its use of financial leverage as described below under “How the Fund Manages Risk—Investment Portfolio and Capital Structure Strategies to Manage Leverage Risk.”

 

Concentration Risk

 

As described above, the Fund will invest its net assets in a portfolio of municipal securities that are exempt from regular federal income tax. The Fund is therefore more susceptible to political, economic or regulatory factors affecting issuers of such securities. Briefly summarized below are important financial concerns relating to the Fund’s investments in Texas Municipal Obligations. The information set forth below and the related information in Appendix A to this prospectus is derived from sources that are generally available to investors. This information is intended to give a recent historical description and is not intended to indicate future or

 

37


continuing trends in the financial or other positions of the State. It should be noted that the information recorded here is based primarily on the economic and budget forecasts found in the most recent publications issued by the State. The accuracy and completeness of those publications have not been independently verified. There may be significant changes in circumstances altering the economic and budget predictions since the time of those publications or after the publication of this prospectus. Additionally, it should be noted that the creditworthiness of obligations issued by local Texas issuers may be unrelated to the creditworthiness of obligations issued by the State, and that there is no obligation on the part of the State to make payment on such local obligations in the event of default.

 

As a result of the ongoing market uncertainty, the most recent recession, and other economic challenges, the State, its political subdivisions and other issuers of Texas Municipal Obligations face an economic outlook that is difficult to predict. The effect of the most recession could affect the cash flow and ability of many conduit borrowers to service the debt payments on their bonds. Many of these entities may be unable to raise revenues due to weak consumer demand or other factors or may be experiencing higher costs (including costs of borrowing); the lack of access to capital and lower revenues or higher expenses could result in defaults on these conduit obligations.

 

The Texas economy suffered during the most recent recession, although the impact in Texas has been less severe in many respects than in the national economy as a whole. The growth of service-providing industries and exports has left a diversified Texas economy more similar to—and more subject to the ups and downs of—the national economy. However, with other economic engines and a comparatively stable housing market, Texas remains ahead of the nation in economic performance. During the most recent recession, the nation lost 6.3 percent of its jobs from its peak in January 2008 to its low point in February 2010, while Texas’ nonfarm employment fell by a comparatively milder 4.1 percent from its peak in August 2008 to its bottoming out in December 2009. By December 2011, Texas had more than recovered all the jobs lost during the recession, while the nation had recovered only 30 percent. The Comptroller’s econometric forecast predicts that the Texas economy will grow by 3.2 percent annually over the next thirty years (2011-2041), outpacing forecasts of national economic growth (2.6 percent).

 

In January 2011, the State Legislature began its eighty-second regular session (the “82nd Legislature”). During the Regular Session, the 82nd Legislature passed H.B. 275 authorizing the transfer of $3.2 billion from the Economic Stabilization Fund to the General Revenue Fund in order to cover the budgetary shortfall for fiscal year 2011. By the end of June 2011, the 82nd Legislature, both in the regular session and one special session adopted a budget totaling $173.5 billion in all-funds appropriations for the 2012-2013 biennium, resulting in a $14 billion overall budget decrease. The decrease is attributable to negative cash flow created by the economic recession affecting fiscal year 2009 and 2010 and the loss of $16 billion in federal stimulus monies provided during the recession. The reductions primarily affected the budgets of the Health and Human Services agencies, reducing their appropriations by $11 billion. Public education funding reflected a $2.3 billion deferral of the August 2013 Foundation School Program payment until September 2013 (the first month of fiscal year 2014). The General Revenue Fund appropriations totaled $81.3 billion, which represents a 0.8% reduction from the 2010-2011 biennium.

 

Taking into account all State funds other than trust funds, total net revenue for 2009 was $84.3 billion with expenditures of about $88.6 billion. Total net revenue for 2010 was about $87.4 billion with expenditures of about $90.4 billion. Total net revenue for 2011 was about $94.3 billion with expenditures of about $95.5 billion. The 2012 estimated net revenue is predicted to be about $91.5 billion. The State finished fiscal 2011 with a $2.6 billion positive cash balance in the General Revenue Fund. This was the 24th consecutive year that Texas ended a fiscal year with a positive balance in its General Revenue Fund. Furthermore, sales tax collections, which provided the State’s primary source of income in fiscal 2011, are predicted to increase over the next few years.

 

The debt service ratio for outstanding State debt was 1.35% as of August 31, 2011. Although backed by the full faith and credit of the State, debt service for self-supporting general obligation bonds is reasonably expected to be paid from other revenue sources and is therefore not expected to create a draw on general revenue. In

 

38


August 2009, S&P raised Texas’ issuer credit and general obligation credit ratings to AA+ from AA on the State’s outstanding general obligation debt. This rating on Texas’ general obligation debt reflects a steadily growing and diversifying economy, which despite the recession continues to perform better than the nation in terms of both economic activity and employment. In April 2010, Moody’s and Fitch began recalibrating their municipal rating scales to align with their global rating scales. These recalibrations were not rating upgrades. Moody’s rating for the State’s general obligation debt was recalibrated from Aa1 to Aaa, and Fitch’s rating was recalibrated from AA+ to AAA.

 

The foregoing information constitutes only a brief summary of some of the general factors that may impact certain issuers of municipal bonds and does not purport to be a complete or exhaustive description of all adverse conditions to which the issuers of municipal bonds held by the Fund are subject. Additionally, many factors, including national economic, social and environmental policies and conditions, which are not within the control of the issuers of the municipal bonds, could affect or could have an adverse impact on the financial condition of the issuers. The Fund is unable to predict whether or to what extent such factors or other factors may affect the issuers of the municipal securities, the market value or marketability of the municipal securities or the ability of the respective issuers of the municipal bonds acquired by the Fund to pay interest on or principal of the municipal securities. This information has not been independently verified. See Appendix A of this prospectus for a further discussion of factors affecting municipal securities in Texas.

 

Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk

 

The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities. Typically, inverse floating rate securities represent beneficial interests in a special purpose trust (sometimes called a “tender option bond trust”) formed by a third party sponsor for the purpose of holding municipal bonds. See “Municipal Securities—Inverse Floating Rate Securities.” In general, income on inverse floating rate securities will decrease when interest rates increase and increase when interest rates decrease. Thus, distributions paid to the Fund on its inverse floaters will be reduced or even eliminated as short-term municipal interest rates rise and will increase when short-term municipal rates fall. Inverse floating rate securities generally will underperform the market for fixed rate municipal bonds in a rising interest rate environment. Investments in inverse floating rate securities subject the Fund to the risks of reduced or eliminated interest payments and losses of principal.

 

Because of the leveraged nature of such investments, inverse floating rate securities will increase or decrease in value at a greater rate than the underlying fixed rate municipal bonds held by the tender option bond trust. As a result, the market value of such securities generally are more volatile than that of fixed rate securities.

 

The Fund’s investment in inverse floating rate securities will create effective leverage. Any effective leverage achieved through the Fund’s purchase of inverse floating rate securities will create an opportunity for increased Common Share net income and returns, but will also create the possibility that Common Share long-term returns will be diminished if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the inverse floating rate securities purchased by the Fund. See “—Leverage Risk.”

 

There is no assurance that the Fund’s strategy of investing in inverse floating rate securities will be successful.

 

Inverse floating rate securities have varying degrees of liquidity based, among other things, upon the liquidity of the underlying securities deposited in a tender option bond trust. The market price of inverse floating rate securities is more volatile than the underlying securities due to leverage. The leverage attributable to such inverse floating rate securities may be “called away” on relatively short notice and therefore may be less permanent than more traditional forms of leverage. The Fund may be required to sell its inverse floating rate securities at less than favorable prices, or liquidate other Fund portfolio holdings in certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

If the Fund has a need for cash and the securities in a special purpose trust are not actively trading due to adverse market conditions;

 

39


   

If special purpose trust sponsors (as a collective group or individually) experience financial hardship and consequently seek to terminate their respective outstanding special purpose trusts; and

 

   

If the value of an underlying security declines significantly (to a level below the notional value of the floating rate securities issued by the trust) and if additional collateral has not been posted by the Fund.

 

Insurance Risk

 

The Fund may purchase municipal securities that are secured by insurance, bank credit agreements or escrow accounts. The credit quality of the companies that provide such credit enhancements will affect the value of those securities. Certain significant providers of insurance for municipal securities have recently incurred significant losses as a result of exposure to sub-prime mortgages and other lower credit quality investments that have experienced recent defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. As a result, such losses have reduced the insurers’ capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations under such insurance if they are called upon to do so in the future. While an insured municipal security will typically be deemed to have the rating of its insurer, if the insurer of a municipal security suffers a downgrade in its credit rating or the market discounts the value of the insurance provided by the insurer, the rating of the underlying municipal security will be more relevant and the value of the municipal security would more closely, if not entirely, reflect such rating. In such a case, the value of insurance associated with a municipal security would decline and may not add any value. The insurance feature of a municipal security does not guarantee the full payment of principal and interest through the life of an insured obligation, the market value of the insured obligation or the net asset value of the Common Shares represented by such insured obligation.

 

Tax Risk

 

To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to regulated investment companies, among other things, the Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources and satisfy a diversification test on a quarterly basis. If the Fund fails to satisfy the qualifying income or diversification requirements in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the diversification requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the diversification requirements, the Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions are not available to the Fund and it fails to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to stockholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.

 

To qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends, which are treated as items of interest excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, at least 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund must consist of obligations exempt from regular income tax as of the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year. If the proportion of taxable investments held by the Fund exceeds 50% of the Fund’s total assets as of the close of any quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, the Fund will not satisfy the general eligibility test that permits it to pay exempt-interest dividends for the taxable year.

 

The value of the Fund’s investments and its net asset value may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies. Because interest income from municipal securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates or changes in the tax-exempt status of interest income from municipal securities. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Fund’s net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Additionally, the Fund is not a suitable investment for individual retirement accounts, for other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for investors who are not sensitive to the federal income tax consequences of their investments.

 

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Taxability Risk

 

The Fund will invest in municipal securities in reliance at the time of purchase on an opinion of bond counsel to the issuer that the interest paid on those securities will be excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, and Nuveen Asset Management will not independently verify that opinion. Subsequent to the Fund’s acquisition of such a municipal security, however, the security may be determined to pay, or to have paid, taxable income. As a result, the treatment of dividends previously paid or to be paid by the Fund as “exempt-interest dividends” could be adversely affected, subjecting the Fund’s shareholders to increased federal income tax liabilities.

 

Distributions of ordinary taxable income (including any net short-term capital gain) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income (and not eligible for favorable taxation as “qualified dividend income”), and capital gain dividends will be subject to capital gains taxes. See “Tax Matters.”

 

Borrowing Risks

 

In addition to borrowing for leverage (See “Use of Leverage”), the Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, including to meet redemption requests, pay dividends, repurchase its shares, or clear portfolio transactions. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of the Fund’s shares and may affect the Fund’s net income. When the Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which will reduce the Fund’s returns if such costs exceed the returns on the portfolio securities purchased or retained with such borrowings. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary. However, under certain market conditions, including periods of low demand or decreased liquidity in the municipal bond market such borrowings might be outstanding for longer periods of time.

 

Inflation Risk

 

Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investment will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of Common Shares and the distributions can decline. In addition, during any period of rising inflation, interest rates on borrowings would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders.

 

Special Risks Related to Certain Municipal Obligations

 

The Fund may invest in municipal leases and certificates of participation in such leases. Municipal leases and certificates of participation involve special risks not normally associated with general obligations or revenue bonds. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of “non-appropriation” clauses that relieve the governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition, such leases or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments in the event the governmental issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or utilizing the leased equipment. Although the obligations may be secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly, and may result in a delay in recovering or the failure to fully recover the Fund’s original investment. In the event of non-appropriation, the issuer would be in default and taking ownership of the assets may be a remedy available to the Fund, although the Fund does not anticipate that such a remedy would normally be pursued. To the extent that the Fund invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Certificates of participation, which represent interests in unmanaged pools of municipal leases or installment contracts, involve the same risks as the underlying municipal leases. In addition,

 

41


the Fund may be dependent upon the municipal authority issuing the certificates of participation to exercise remedies with respect to the underlying securities. Certificates of participation also entail a risk of default or bankruptcy, both of the issuer of the municipal lease and also the municipal agency issuing the certificate of participation.

 

Derivatives Risk, Including the Risk of Swaps

 

The Fund’s use of derivatives involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the investments underlying the derivatives. Whether the Fund’s use of derivatives is successful will depend on, among other things, if Nuveen Asset Management correctly forecasts market values, interest rates and other applicable factors. If Nuveen Asset Management incorrectly forecasts these and other factors, the investment performance of the Fund will be unfavorably affected. In addition, the derivatives market is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the derivatives market could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to successfully use derivative instruments.

 

The Fund may enter into debt-related derivatives instruments including credit swap default contracts and interest rate swaps. Like most derivative instruments, the use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. In addition, the use of swaps requires an understanding by Nuveen Asset Management not only of the referenced asset, rate or index, but also of the swap itself. Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements. See also, “—Counterparty Risk”, “—Hedging Risk” and the SAI.

 

Counterparty Risk

 

Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as the Fund’s counterparties with respect to derivatives, insured municipal securities or other transactions supported by another party’s credit will affect the value of those instruments. Certain entities that have served as counterparties in the markets for these transactions have recently incurred significant financial hardships including bankruptcy and losses as a result of exposure to sub-prime mortgages and other lower quality credit investments that have experienced recent defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. As a result, such hardships have reduced these entities’ capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations under such transactions. By using such derivatives or other transactions, the Fund assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience similar financial hardships.

 

Hedging Risk

 

The Fund’s use of derivatives or other transactions to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to Nuveen Asset Management’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund’s portfolio holdings or other factors. No assurance can be given that Nuveen Asset Management’s judgment in this respect will be correct. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Fund will enter into hedging or other transactions at times or under circumstances in which it may be advisable to do so.

 

Deflation Risk

 

Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time, which may have an adverse effect on the market valuation of companies, their assets and revenues. In addition, deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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Illiquid Securities Risk

 

The Fund may invest in municipal securities and other instruments that, at the time of investment, are illiquid. Illiquid securities are securities that are not readily marketable and may include some restricted securities, which are securities that may not be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, if they are unregistered, may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities on its books.

 

Market Disruption Risk

 

Certain events have a disruptive effect on the securities markets, such as terrorist attacks (including the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001), war and other geopolitical events. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy. Below investment grade securities tend to be more volatile than higher rated securities so that these events and any actions resulting from them may have a greater impact on the prices and volatility of below investment grade securities than on higher rated securities.

 

Impact of Offering Methods Risk

 

The issuance of Common Shares through the various methods described in the Prospectus may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for the Fund’s Common Shares by increasing the number of Common Shares available for sale. In addition, the Common Shares may be issued at a discount to the market price for such Common Shares, which may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares of the Fund.

 

Certain Affiliations

 

Certain broker-dealers may be considered to be affiliated persons of the Fund, NFA and/or Nuveen Investments. Absent an exemption from the SEC or other regulatory relief, the Fund is generally precluded from effecting certain principal transactions with affiliated brokers, and its ability to purchase securities being underwritten by an affiliated broker or a syndicate including an affiliated broker, or to utilize affiliated brokers for agency transactions, is subject to restrictions. This could limit the Fund’s ability to engage in securities transactions, purchase certain adjustable rate senior loans, if applicable, and take advantage of market opportunities. In addition, unless and until the underwriting syndicate is broken in connection with the initial public offering of the Common Shares, the Fund will be precluded from effecting principal transactions with brokers who are members of the syndicate.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

The Fund’s Declaration includes provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to open-end status. These provisions could have the effect of depriving the Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then current market price of the Common Shares. See “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.”

 

HOW THE FUND MANAGES RISK

 

Investment Limitations

 

The Fund has adopted certain investment limitations designed to limit investment risk and maintain portfolio diversification. These limitations are fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding common shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together as a single class, and the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares voting as a separate class.

 

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The Fund may not:

 

   

Invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry, other than municipal securities issued by states and local governments and their instrumentalities or agencies (not including those backed only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental users), and municipal securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies; and

 

   

Invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer (not including securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies, or the investment of 25% of the Fund’s total assets).

 

See the SAI for additional fundamental and non-fundamental policies of the Fund.

 

In addition, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, in connection with establishing and maintaining ratings on the Fund’s MTP Shares, restrict the Fund’s ability to borrow money, sell securities short, lend securities, buy and sell futures contracts, and write put or call options. The Fund does not expect that these restrictions will adversely affect its ability to achieve its investment objectives.

 

Limited Issuance of MTP Shares

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund could issue MTP Shares having a total liquidation value (original purchase price of the shares being liquidated plus any accrued and unpaid dividends) of up to one-half of the value of the asset coverage of the Fund. If the total liquidation value of the MTP Shares was ever more than one-half of the value of the Fund’s asset coverage, the Fund would not be able to declare dividends on the Common Shares until the liquidation value, as a percentage of the Fund’s assets, was reduced. Currently, the Fund has 7,092,000 MTP Shares outstanding with a liquidation value of $70,920,000 as of July 31, 2012. This higher than required margin of net asset value provides a cushion against later fluctuations in the value of the Fund’s portfolio and will subject Common Shareholders to less income and net asset value volatility than if the Fund were more leveraged. The Fund intends to purchase or redeem MTP Shares, if necessary, to keep the liquidation value of the MTP Shares below one-half of the value of the Fund’s asset coverage.

 

Investment Portfolio and Capital Structure Strategies to Manage Leverage Risk

 

Common Shareholders are subject to the risks of leverage primarily in the form of additional Common Share earnings and net asset value risk, associated with the Fund’s use of financial leverage in the form of preferred shares, including MTP shares, borrowings, or tender option bonds. See “Risk Factors—Leverage Risk” and “Risk Factors—Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.”

 

In an effort to mitigate these risks, the Fund and its Adviser seek to maintain the Fund’s financial leverage within an established range, and to rebalance leverage levels if the Fund’s leverage ratio moves outside this range to a meaningful degree for a persistent period of time. The Fund may rebalance leverage levels in one or more ways, including by increasing/reducing the amount of leverage outstanding and issuing/repurchasing Common Shares. The Fund currently expects that it would increase leverage levels through the use of tender option bonds. Reducing leverage may require the Fund to raise cash through the sale of portfolio securities at times and/or at prices that would otherwise be unattractive for the Fund. The Fund may also seek to diversify its capital structure and the risks associated with leverage by employing multiple forms of leverage. The Fund and its Adviser will weigh the relative potential benefits and risks as well as the costs associated with a particular action, and will take such action only if it determines that on balance the likely potential long-term benefits outweigh the associated risks and costs.

 

Because the long-term municipal securities in which the Fund invests generally pay fixed rates of interest while the Fund’s costs of leverage generally fluctuate with short-term yields, Common Shareholders bear incremental earnings risk from leverage.

 

Common Shareholders also bear incremental net asset value risk from leverage because they bear the full impact of price changes in the Fund’s investment portfolio, including assets attributable to leverage. In seeking to

 

44


manage the net asset value risk from leverage, the Fund may alter the composition of its investment portfolio in one or more ways, including increasing portfolio credit quality, reducing portfolio duration and increasing the level of short-term cash equivalents. Depending on subsequent market conditions, any such action may increase or reduce Common Share net earnings and/or returns compared to if the Fund had taken no action.

 

Quality Investments

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management.

 

Hedging Strategies

 

The Fund may use various investment strategies designed to limit the risk of bond price fluctuations and to preserve capital. These hedging strategies include using credit default swaps, interest-rate swaps on taxable and tax-exempt indices, forward starting rate swaps and options on interest rate swaps, financial futures contracts, options on financial futures or options based on either an index of long-term municipal securities or on taxable debt securities whose prices, in the opinion of Nuveen Asset Management, correlate with the prices of the Fund’s investments. These hedging strategies may generate taxable income.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Trustees and Officers

 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the management of the Fund, including supervision of the duties performed by NFA. The names and business addresses of the trustees and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth under “Management of the Fund” in the SAI.

 

Investment Adviser, Sub-Adviser and Portfolio Manager

 

NFA, the Fund’s investment adviser, offers advisory and investment management services to a broad range of mutual fund and closed-end fund clients. NFA is responsible for the Fund’s overall investment strategy and its implementation. NFA also is responsible for managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services.

 

NFA, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, a registered investment adviser, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen Investments”). Founded in 1898, Nuveen Investments and its affiliates had approximately $227 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2012.

 

Nuveen Asset Management, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the Fund’s sub-adviser, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between NFA and Nuveen Asset Management. Nuveen Asset Management is a registered investment adviser, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFA. Nuveen Asset Management oversees day-to-day operations and provides portfolio management services to the Fund. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreement, Nuveen Asset Management will be compensated for the services it provides to the fund with a portion of the management fee NFA receives from the Fund. NFA and Nuveen Asset Management retain the right to reallocate investment advisory responsibilities and fees between themselves in the future.

 

Nuveen Asset Management is responsible for the execution of specific investment strategies and day-to-day investment operations. Nuveen Asset Management manages the funds using a team of analysts and portfolio managers that focuses on a specific group of funds. The day-to-day operation of the Fund and the execution of its specific investment strategies is the primary responsibility of Daniel J. Close, the designated portfolio manager of the Fund.

 

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Daniel J. Close, CFA, is a Senior Vice President of Nuveen Investments. He has been the portfolio manager of the Fund since March, 2007. He has direct responsibility for managing approximately $4.8 billion of securities in 23 closed-end funds. He joined Nuveen Investments in 2000 as a member of Nuveen’s product management and development team. He then served as a research analyst for Nuveen’s municipal investing team, covering corporate-backed, energy, transportation and utility credits. He received his BS in Business from Miami University and his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Mr. Close has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Mr. Close also serves as a portfolio manager for various Nuveen Build America Bond strategies.

 

Additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager’s ownership of securities in the Fund is provided in the SAI. The SAI is available free of charge by calling (800) 257-8787 or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.nuveen.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this prospectus of the SAI.

 

Investment Management and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between NFA and the Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee for the services and facilities provided by NFA, payable on a monthly basis, based on the sum of a fund-level fee and a complex-level fee, as described below.

 

Fund-Level Fee. The annual fund-level fee for the Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Managed Assets*


   Fund-Level
Fee Rate


 

For the first $125 million

     0.4500

For the next $125 million

     0.4375

For the next $250 million

     0.4250

For the next $500 million

     0.4125

For the next $1 billion

     0.4000

For the next $3 billion

     0.3875

For managed assets over $5 billion

     0.3750

 

Complex-Level Fee.    The annual complex-level fee for the Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Complex-Level Managed Asset Breakpoint Level*


   Effective Rate at
Breakpoint Level


 

$55 billion

     0.2000

$56 billion

     0.1996

$57 billion

     0.1989

$60 billion

     0.1961

$63 billion

     0.1931

$66 billion

     0.1900

$71 billion

     0.1851

$76 billion

     0.1806

$80 billion

     0.1773

$91 billion

     0.1691

$125 billion

     0.1599

$200 billion

     0.1505

$250 billion

     0.1469

$300 billion

     0.1445

 

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* For the fund-level and complex-level fees, managed assets include closed-end fund assets managed by NFA that are attributable to financial leverage. For these purposes, financial leverage includes the funds’ 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 NFA 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 funds that constitute “eligible assets.” Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds or assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with NFA’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011. As of June 30, 2012, the complex-level fee rate for the Fund was 0.1731%.

 

Pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between NFA and Nuveen Asset Management, Nuveen Asset Management will receive from NFA a management fee equal to 46.6667% of NFA’s net management fee from the Fund.

 

The management fee compensates NFA for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its operations, including compensation of its trustees (other than those affiliated with NFA or Nuveen Asset Management), custodian, transfer agency and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of repurchasing shares, expenses associated with any borrowings, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes, if any.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ decision to renew the investment management agreement for the Fund is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders dated February 28/29 of each year or semi-annual report to shareholders dated August 31 of each year. A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ decision to approve the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement may be found in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders dated February 28/29 of each year or semi-annual report to shareholders dated August 31 of each year.

 

NET ASSET VALUE

 

The Fund’s net asset value per share is determined as of the close of regular session trading (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net asset value is calculated by taking the market value of the Fund’s total assets, including interest or dividends accrued but not yet collected, less all liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. The result, rounded to the nearest cent, is the net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees or its delegate.

 

In determining net asset value, expenses are accrued and applied daily and securities and other assets for which market quotations are available are valued at market value. The prices of municipal bonds are provided by a pricing service approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. When market price quotes are not readily available (which is usually the case for municipal securities), the pricing service, or, in the absence of a pricing service for a particular security, the Board of Trustees of the Funds, or its designee, may establish fair market value using a wide variety of market data including yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from securities dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant by the pricing service or the Board of Trustees’ designee. Exchange-listed securities are generally valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities traded on a securities exchange for which there are no transactions on a

 

47


given day or securities not listed on a securities exchange are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Securities traded on Nasdaq are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. Temporary investments in securities that have variable rate and demand features qualifying them as short-term investments are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. See “Net Asset Value” in the SAI for more information.

 

DISTRIBUTIONS

 

The Fund pays regular monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders at a level rate (stated in terms of a fixed cents per Common Share dividend rate) that reflects the past and projected performance of the Fund. Distributions can only be made from net investment income after paying any accrued dividends to MTP Shareholders or interest and required principal payments on borrowings.

 

The Fund’s ability to maintain a level dividend rate will depend on a number of factors, including the rate at which dividends are payable on the MTP Shares. The net income of the Fund includes all interest income accrued on portfolio assets less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund are accrued each day. For each year, all or substantially all of the net investment income of the Fund will be distributed. At least annually, the Fund also intends to distribute substantially all of its net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) and ordinary taxable income, if any, after paying any accrued dividends or making any liquidation payments to MTP Shareholders or interest and required principal payments on borrowings. Although it does not now intend to do so, the Board of Trustees may change the Fund’s dividend policy and the amount or timing of the distributions, based on a number of factors, including the amount of the Fund’s undistributed net investment income and historical and projected investment income and the amount of the expenses and dividend rates on the outstanding MTP Shares and expenses and interest on borrowings.

 

The Fund might not distribute all or a portion of any net capital gain for a taxable year. If the Fund does not distribute all of its net capital gain for a taxable year, it will pay federal income tax on the retained gain. As provided under federal tax law, Common Shareholders of record as of the end of the Fund’s taxable year will include their attributable share of the retained net capital gain in their income for the year as a long-term capital gain (regardless of their holding period in the Common Shares), will be deemed to have paid their proportionate shares of tax paid by the Fund, and will be entitled to income tax credits or refunds for the tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Fund. The Fund will treat the retained capital gains as a substitute for equivalent cash distributions. The Fund may make total distributions during a given calendar year in an amount that exceeds the Fund’s net investment income and net capital gain for that calendar year, in which case the excess would be treated by Common Shareholders as a return of capital for tax purposes.

 

The Fund reserves the right to change its distribution policy and the basis for establishing the rate of its monthly distributions at any time.

 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

 

If your Common Shares are registered directly with the Fund or if you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that participates in the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), you may elect to have all dividends, including any capital gain dividends, on your Common Shares automatically reinvested by the Plan Agent (defined below) in additional Common Shares under the Plan. You may elect to participate in the Plan by contacting Nuveen Investor Services at (800) 257-8787. If you do not participate, you will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to you or your brokerage firm by State Street Bank and Trust Company as dividend paying agent (the “Plan Agent”).

 

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If you decide to participate in the Plan, the number of Common Shares you will receive will be determined as follows:

 

(1) If Common Shares are trading at or above net asset value at the time of valuation, the Fund will issue new shares at the then current market price;

 

(2) If Common Shares are trading below net asset value at the time of valuation, the Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will purchase Common Shares in the open market, on the Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts. It is possible that the market price for the Common Shares may increase before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases. Therefore, the average purchase price per share paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the market price at the time of valuation, resulting in the purchase of fewer shares than if the dividend or distribution had been paid in Common Shares issued by the Fund. The Plan Agent will use all dividends and distributions received in cash to purchase Common Shares in the open market within 30 days of the valuation date. Interest will not be paid on any uninvested cash payments; or

 

(3) 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.

 

You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Plan Agent. If you withdraw or the Plan is terminated, you will receive whole shares in your account under the Plan and you will receive a cash payment for any fraction of a share in your account. If you wish, the Plan Agent will sell your shares and send you the proceeds, minus brokerage commissions and a $2.50 service fee.

 

The Plan Agent maintains all shareholders’ accounts in the Plan and gives written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information you may need for tax records.

 

For shares of the Fund held in the Plan, you are permitted to elect from among several permitted cost basis methods. In the absence of an election, the Plan will use first-in first-out (“FIFO”) methodology for tracking and reporting your cost basis on covered shares as its default cost basis method. The cost basis method you use may not be changed with respect to a repurchase by the Fund of shares after the settlement date of the repurchase. You should consult with your tax advisors to determine the best permitted cost basis method for your tax situation and to obtain more information about how the new cost basis reporting rules apply to you.

 

Common Shares in your account will be held by the Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all Common Shares you have received under the Plan.

 

There is no brokerage charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in Common Shares. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases.

 

Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving dividends and distributions.

 

If you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that does not participate in the Plan, you will not be able to participate in the Plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected on different terms than those described above. Consult your financial advisor for more information.

 

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board of Trustees the change is warranted. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Additional information about the Plan may be obtained by writing to State Street Bank and Trust Company, Attn: ComputerShare Nuveen Investments, P.O. Box 43071, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3071 or by calling (800) 257-8787.

 

49


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

The Fund may sell the Common Shares offered under this Prospectus through

 

   

at-the-market transactions;

 

   

underwriting syndicates; and

 

   

privately negotiated transactions.

 

The Fund will bear the expenses of the Offering, including but not limited to, the expenses of preparation of the Prospectus and SAI for the Offering and the expense of counsel and auditors of in connection with the Offering.

 

Distribution Through At-the-Market Transactions

 

The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement with Nuveen Securities, a form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The summary of the Distribution Agreement contained herein is qualified by reference to the Distribution Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement, the Fund may from time to time offer its Common Shares through Nuveen Securities to certain broker-dealers which have entered into selected dealer agreements with Nuveen Securities. Currently, Nuveen Securities has entered into a selected dealer agreement with UBS Securities LLC (“UBS”) pursuant to which UBS will be acting as Nuveen Securities’ sub-placement agent with respect to at-the-market offerings of Common Shares.

 

Common Shares will only be sold on such days as shall be agreed to by the Fund and Nuveen Securities. Common Shares will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the Exchange, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund. The minimum price on any day will not be less than the current net asset value per Common Share plus the per share amount of the commission to be paid to Nuveen Securities. The Fund and Nuveen Securities will suspend the sale of Common Shares if the per share price of the shares is less than the minimum price.

 

The Fund will compensate Nuveen Securities with respect to sales of the Common Shares at a commission rate of 1% of the gross proceeds of the Sale of Common Shares. Nuveen Securities will compensate broker-dealers participating in the offering at a rate of 0.8% of the gross proceeds of the Sale of Common Shares sold by that broker-dealer. Nuveen Securities may from time to time change the dealer re-allowance. Settlements of sales of Common Shares will occur on the third business day following the date on which any such sales are made.

 

In connection with the sale of the Common Shares on behalf of the Fund, Nuveen Securities may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act, and the compensation of Nuveen Securities may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. Unless otherwise indicated in a further Prospectus supplement, Nuveen Securities will act as underwriter on a reasonable efforts basis.

 

The offering of Common Shares pursuant to the Distribution Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all Shares subject thereto or (ii) termination of the Distribution Agreement. The Fund and Nuveen Securities each have the right to terminate the Distribution Agreement in its discretion at any time.

 

The Fund currently intends to distribute the shares offered pursuant to this Prospectus primarily through at-the-market transactions, although from time to time it may also distribute shares through an underwriting syndicate or a privately negotiated transaction. To the extent shares are distributed other than through at-the-market transactions, the Fund will file a supplement to this Prospectus describing such transactions.

 

The principal business address of Nuveen Securities is 333 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3300, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

 

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Distribution Through Underwriting Syndicates

 

The Fund from time to time may issue additional Common Shares through a syndicated secondary offering. In order to limit the impact on the market price of the Fund’s Common Shares, underwriters will market and price the offering on an expedited basis (e.g., overnight or similarly abbreviated offering period). The Fund will launch a syndicated offering on a day, and upon terms, mutually agreed upon between the Fund, Nuveen Securities, one of the Fund’s underwriters, and the underwriting syndicate.

 

The Fund will offer its shares at price equal to a specified discount of up to 5% from the closing market price of the Fund’s Common Shares on the day prior to the offering date. The applicable discount will be negotiated by the Fund and Nuveen Securities in consultation with the underwriting syndicate on a transaction-by-transaction basis. The Fund will compensate the underwriting syndicate out of the proceeds of the offering based upon a sales load of up to 4% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares. The minimum net proceeds per share to the Fund will not be less than the greater of (i) the Fund’s latest net asset value per Common Share or (ii) 91% of the closing market price of the Fund’s Common Shares on the day prior to the offering date.

 

Distribution Through Privately Negotiated Transactions

 

The Fund, through Nuveen Securities, from time to time may sell directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional and other sophisticated investors, who may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the 1933 Act for any resale of Common Shares.

 

The terms of such privately negotiated transactions will be subject to the discretion of the management of the Fund. In determining whether to sell Common Shares through a privately negotiated transaction, the Fund will consider relevant factors including, but not limited to, the attractiveness of obtaining additional funds through the sale of Common Shares, the purchase price to apply to any such sale of Common Shares and the person seeking to purchase the Common Shares.

 

Common Shares issued by the Fund through privately negotiated transactions will be issued at a price equal to the greater of (i) the net asset value per Common Share of the Fund’s Common Shares or (ii) at a discount ranging from 0% to 5% of the average daily closing market price of the Fund’s Common Shares at the close of business on the two business days preceding the date upon which Common Shares are sold pursuant to the privately negotiated transaction. The applicable discount will be determined by the Fund on a transaction-by-transaction basis.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

Common Shares

 

The Declaration authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of Common Shares. The Common Shares being offered have a par value of $0.01 per share and, subject to the rights of holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, and borrowings, if incurred, have equal rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Common Shares being offered will, when issued, be fully paid and, subject to matters discussed in “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust,” non-assessable, and will have no pre-emptive or conversion rights or rights to cumulative voting. Whenever the Fund incurs borrowings and/or preferred shares are outstanding, Common Shareholders will not be entitled to receive any cash distributions from the Fund unless all interest on such borrowings has been paid and all accrued dividends on preferred shares have been paid, unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to any borrowings would be at least 300% after giving effect to the distributions and asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to preferred shares would be at least 200% after giving effect to the distributions. See “—Preferred Shares” below.

 

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The Common Shares have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject to notice of issuance. The Fund intends to hold annual meetings of shareholders so long as the Common Shares are listed on a national securities exchange and such meetings are required as a condition to such listing. The Fund will not issue share certificates.

 

Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds like the Fund do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy additional Common Shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may conveniently do so by trading on the exchange through a broker or otherwise. Shares of closed-end investment companies may frequently trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. Shares of closed-end investment companies like the Fund have during some periods traded at prices higher than net asset value and have during other periods traded at prices lower than net asset value.

 

Because the market value of the Common Shares may be influenced by such factors as distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), call protection, dividend stability, portfolio credit quality, net asset value, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot assure you that Common Shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The Common Shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and investors in the Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes. See “Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund.”

 

Borrowings

 

The Declaration authorizes the Fund, without approval of the Common Shareholders, to borrow money. In this connection, the Fund may issue notes or other evidence of indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the Fund’s assets. The Fund borrows money at rates generally available to institutional investors. In connection with such Borrowings, the Fund may be required to maintain minimum average balances with the lender or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Any such requirements will increase the cost of any such borrowings over the stated interest rate. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund, immediately after any such Borrowings, must have an “asset coverage” of at least 300%. With respect to any such borrowings, asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of such borrowings represented by senior securities issued by the Fund. Certain types of borrowings may result in the Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverages or portfolio coverages or otherwise. In addition, as with the issuance of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, certain types of borrowings may result in the Fund being subject to certain restrictions imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies that may issue ratings for commercial paper or notes issued by the Fund. Such restrictions may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act.

 

The rights of lenders to the Fund to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any such borrowings will be senior to those of the Common Shareholders, and the terms of any such borrowings may contain provisions which limit certain activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to Common Shareholders in certain circumstances. Further, the 1940 Act does (in certain circumstances) grant to the lenders to the Fund certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal. In the event that such provisions would impair the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund would repay the borrowings. Any borrowings will likely be ranked senior or equal to all other existing and future borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may also borrow money for repurchase of its shares or as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency situations. See “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI.

 

52


Preferred Shares

 

The Declaration authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of preferred shares in one or more classes or series, with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees without the approval of the Common Shareholders. The Fund currently has 7,092,000 MTP Shares outstanding as of February 29, 2012. The Fund’s Board of Trustees has authorized the offering of MuniPreferred Shares in the past. As of February 29, 2012, all of the Fund’s MuniPreferred Shares have been redeemed.

 

Limited Issuance of Preferred Shares.    Under the 1940 Act, the Fund could issue preferred shares with an aggregate liquidation value of up to one-half of the value of the Fund’s total net assets, including any liabilities associated with borrowings, measured immediately after issuance of the preferred shares. “Liquidation value” means the original purchase price of the shares being liquidated plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless the liquidation value of the preferred shares is less than one-half of the value of the Fund’s total net assets (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution) immediately after the distribution.

 

Distribution Preference.    The preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would have complete priority over the Common Shares as to distribution of assets.

 

Liquidation Preference.    In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not earned or declared) before any distribution of assets is made to Common Shareholders.

 

Voting Rights.    Preferred shares are required to be voting shares and to have equal voting rights with Common Shares. Except as otherwise indicated in this Prospectus or the SAI and except as otherwise required by applicable law, preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would vote together with Common Shareholders as a single class.

 

Holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting as a separate class, would be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s trustees (following the establishment of the Fund by an initial trustee, the Declaration provides for a total of no less than two and no more than 12 trustees). The remaining trustees would be elected by Common Shareholders and holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together as a single class. In the unlikely event that two full years of accrued dividends are unpaid on the preferred shares, including MTP Shares, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting as a separate class, would be entitled to elect a majority of the Fund’s trustees until all dividends in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In order for the Fund to take certain actions or enter into certain transactions, a separate class vote of holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would be required, in addition to the single class vote of the holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, and Common Shares. See “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust” and the SAI under “Description of Shares—Preferred Shares—Voting Rights.”

 

Redemption, Purchase and Sale of Preferred Shares.    The terms of the preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would provide that they may be redeemed by the issuer at certain times, in whole or in part, at the original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends. Any redemption or purchase of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, by the Fund will reduce the leverage applicable to Common Shares, while any issuance of shares by the Fund would increase such leverage.

 

The Fund applied for and obtained ratings for its MTP Shares. As long as MTP Shares are outstanding, the composition of the Fund’s portfolio will reflect guidelines established by any such NRSROs. The Fund does not expect that these guidelines will adversely affect its ability to achieve its investment objectives. However, NRSROs may change their rating guidelines.

 

53


CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST

 

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. However, the Declaration contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for debts or obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such limited liability be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or the trustees. The Declaration further provides for indemnification out of the assets and property of the Fund for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations. The Fund believes that the likelihood of such circumstances is remote.

 

The Declaration includes provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to convert the Fund to open-end status. Specifically, the Declaration requires a vote by holders of at least two-thirds of the Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together as a single class, except as described below, to authorize (1) a conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company, (2) a merger or consolidation of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or a reorganization of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, (3) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Fund’s assets (other than in the regular course of the Fund’s investment activities), (4) in certain circumstances, a termination of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, or (5) a removal of trustees by shareholders (except at the end of a trustee’s term), and then only for cause, unless, with respect to (1) through (4), such transaction has already been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or the By-laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund’s Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class, is required; provided, however, that where only a particular class or series is affected (or, in the case of removing a trustee, when the trustee has been elected by only one class), only the required vote by the applicable class or series will be required. Approval of shareholders is not required, however, for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise whereby the Fund issues shares in connection with the acquisition of assets (including those subject to liabilities) from any other investment company or similar entity. In the case of the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company, or in the case of any of the foregoing transactions constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, the action in question will also require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund’s preferred shares, including MTP Shares, outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, or, if such action has been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or the By-laws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund’s preferred shares, including MTP Shares, outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class. None of the foregoing provisions may be amended except by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together as a single class. The votes required to approve the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or to approve transactions constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, are higher than those required by the 1940 Act. The Board of Trustees believes that the provisions of the Declaration relating to such higher votes are in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. See the SAI under “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.”

 

The provisions of the Declaration described above could have the effect of depriving the Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then current market price of the Common Shares by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund in a tender offer or similar transaction. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger or the assumption of control by a third party. They provide, however, the advantage of potentially requiring persons seeking control of the Fund to negotiate with its management regarding the price to be paid and facilitating the continuity of the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. The Board of Trustees of the Fund

 

54


has considered the foregoing anti-takeover provisions and concluded that they are in the best interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders.

 

Reference should be made to the Declaration on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.

 

REPURCHASE OF FUND SHARES; CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND

 

The Fund is a closed-end investment company and as such its shareholders will not have the right to cause the Fund to redeem their shares. Instead, the Common Shares will trade in the open market at a price that will be a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), net asset value, call protection, dividend stability, portfolio credit quality, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors. Because shares of closed-end investment companies may frequently trade at prices lower than net asset value, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has currently determined that, at least annually, it will consider action that might be taken to reduce or eliminate any material discount from net asset value in respect of Common Shares, which may include the repurchase of such shares in the open market or in private transactions, the making of a tender offer for such shares at net asset value, or the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. The Fund cannot assure you that its Board of Trustees will decide to take any of these actions, or that share repurchases or tender offers will actually reduce market discount. The Fund will be unable to repurchase its Common Shares if it does not meet certain asset coverage requirements relating to outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares.

 

If the Fund converted to an open-end investment company, it would be required to redeem all preferred shares, including MTP Shares, then outstanding, if any, (requiring in turn that it liquidate a portion of its investment portfolio), and the Common Shares would no longer be listed on the Exchange. In contrast to a closed-end investment company, shareholders of an open-end investment company may require the company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less any redemption charge that is in effect at the time of redemption. See the SAI under “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust” for a discussion of the voting requirements applicable to the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company.

 

Before deciding whether to take any action if the Common Shares trade below net asset value, the Board would consider all relevant factors, including the extent and duration of the discount, the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio, the impact of any action that might be taken on the Fund or its shareholders, and market considerations. Based on these considerations, even if the Fund’s shares should trade at a discount, the Board of Trustees may determine that, in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders, no action should be taken. See the SAI under “Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund” for a further discussion of possible action to reduce or eliminate such discount to net asset value. On July 30, 2008, the Fund’s Board of Trustees approved an open market share repurchase program under which the Fund may repurchase up to 10% of its Common Shares. To date, the Fund has not repurchased any Common Shares under the program.

 

TAX MATTERS

 

The following information is meant as a general summary for U.S. shareholders. Please see the SAI for additional information. Investors should rely on their own tax adviser for advice about the particular federal, state and local tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

 

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Fund must satisfy certain requirements regarding the sources of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its

 

55


income. As a RIC, the Fund is not expected to be subject to federal income tax. The Fund primarily invests in municipal securities (as defined above) issued by states, cities and local authorities and certain possessions and territories of the United States (such as Puerto Rico or Guam) or municipal securities whose income is otherwise exempt from regular federal income taxes. Substantially all of the Fund’s dividends paid to you are expected to qualify as “exempt-interest dividends.” A shareholder treats an exempt-interest dividend as interest on state and local bonds exempt from regular federal income tax. Federal income tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to corporations, individuals, trust and estates. Interest on certain municipal securities, such as certain private activity bonds, is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income. If the Fund receives income from such municipal securities, a portion of the dividends paid by the Fund, although exempt from regular federal income tax, will be taxable to shareholders whose tax liabilities are determined under the federal alternative minimum tax. The Fund will annually provide a report indicating the percentage of the Fund’s income attributable to municipal securities and the percentage includable in federal alternative minimum taxable income. Corporations are subject to special rules in calculating their federal alternative minimum taxable income with respect to interest from municipal securities.

 

In addition to exempt-interest dividends, the Fund may also distribute to its shareholders amounts that are treated as long-term capital gain or ordinary income (which may include short-term capital gains). These distributions are generally subject to regular federal income tax, whether or not reinvested in additional shares. Capital gain distributions are generally taxable at rates applicable to long-term capital gains regardless of how long a shareholder has held its shares. Long-term capital gains are currently taxable at a maximum rate of 15%. Absent further legislation, the maximum 15% rate on long-term capital gains will cease to apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, and the maximum rate on long-term capital gains will increase to 20%. The Fund does not expect that any part of its distributions to shareholders from its investments will qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders or as “qualified dividend income,” which for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012 is taxable to noncorporate shareholders at maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate.

 

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will generally apply to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax will also apply to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends and certain capital gains will generally be taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income, but exempt-interest dividends will not be taken into account.

 

As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax in any taxable year provided that it meets certain distribution requirements. As described in “Distributions” above, the Fund might not distribute some (or all) of its net capital gain. If the Fund does not distribute all of its net capital gain and net investment income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Fund retains any net capital gain, it may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who, if subject to federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their share of such undistributed amount; (ii) will be deemed to have paid their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount and will be entitled to credit that amount of tax against their federal income tax liabilities, if any; and (iii) will be entitled to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder.

 

56


Dividends declared by the Fund in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and paid during the following January will be treated as having been received by shareholders in the year the distributions were declared.

 

Each shareholder will receive an annual statement summarizing the shareholder’s dividend and capital gains distributions.

 

The redemption, sale or exchange of Common Shares normally will result in capital gain or loss to holders of Common Shares who hold their shares as capital assets. Generally a shareholder’s gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year even though the increase in value in such Common Shares may be at least partially attributable to tax-exempt interest income. For corporations, present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains at the same rate applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, however, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum rate of 15%, while short-term capital gains and other ordinary income are currently taxes at ordinary income rates. As noted above, absent further legislation, the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gains will cease to apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012 and the maximum rate on long-term capital gains will increase to 20%. If a shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of Common Shares before holding them for six months, any loss on the sale or disposition will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the common shareholder of long-term capital gain (including any amount credited to the common shareholder as undistributed capital gain). Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be disallowed to the extent those shares of the Fund are replaced by substantially identical shares of the Fund (including shares acquired by reason of participation in the Plan) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the original shares. In that event, the basis of the replacement shares of the Fund will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

Any interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the Fund’s shares to which exempt-interest dividends are allocated is not deductible. Under certain applicable rules, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly used for the purchase or ownership of the shares. In addition, if you receive social security or certain railroad retirement benefits, you may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of such benefits as a result of receiving investment income, including exempt-interest dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund.

 

The Fund may be required to withhold (as “backup withholding”) U.S. federal income tax from distributions (including exempt-interest dividends) and repurchase proceeds payable to a shareholder if the shareholder fails to provide the Fund with his or her correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if the shareholder has been notified by the IRS that he or she is subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

 

Texas Tax Matters

 

The following is a general, abbreviated summary of certain provisions of the applicable Texas tax law as presently in effect as it directly governs the taxation of Texas resident individual shareholders of the Fund. The treatment of shareholders other than individuals may differ from that described below. Shareholders other than individuals are urged to consult their tax advisors. This summary does not address the taxation of shareholders other than individuals, nor does it discuss any local taxes that may be applicable.

 

Dividends paid by the Fund directly to individual residents of Texas, as well as gains on the redemption of any shares of the Fund, are not subject to Texas income tax because Texas does not impose a personal income tax. Consequently, individual Texas residents enjoy no special Texas income tax benefits by investing in the Fund.

 

57


The state laws described above are subject to change by legislative, judicial, or administrative action either prospectively or retroactively. Shareholders of the Fund should consult their tax advisers about other state and local tax consequences of their investment in such Fund.

 

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

 

The custodian of the assets of the Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The Custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. The Fund’s transfer, shareholder services and dividend paying agent is also State Street (“Transfer Agent”). The Transfer Agent is located at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.

 

LEGAL OPINION

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares will be passed upon for the Fund by Bingham McCutchen LLP.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

The Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the 1940 Act and is required to file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These documents can be inspected and copied for a fee at the SEC’s public reference room, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, and Northeast Regional Office, Woolworth Building, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10013-2409. Reports, proxy statements, and other information about the Fund can be inspected at the offices of the Exchange.

 

This Prospectus does not contain all of the information in the Fund’s Registration Statement, including amendments, exhibits, and schedules. Statements in this Prospectus about the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by this reference.

 

Additional information about the Fund and Common Shares can be found in the Fund’s Registration Statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on Form N-2 filed with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the Fund’s Registration Statement, other documents incorporated by reference, and other information the Fund has filed electronically with the SEC, including proxy statements and reports file under the Exchange Act.

 

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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Use of Proceeds

   1

Investment Objectives

   1

Investment Policies and Techniques

   4

Management of the Fund

   20

Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser

   41

Portfolio Manager

   42

Code of Ethics

   46

Proxy Voting Policies

   46

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

   47

Net Asset Value

   47

Distributions

   48

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

   49

Plan of Distribution

   50

Description of Shares

   53

Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust

   55

Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

   57

Tax Matters

   58

Financial Statements

   64

Custodian and Transfer Agent

   64

Legal Opinion

   64

Additional Information

   65

Appendix A

   A-1

Appendix B

   B-1

 

59


APPENDIX A—FACTORS AFFECTING MUNICIPAL SECURITIES IN TEXAS

 

Summarized below are important financial considerations relating to the Fund’s investments in Texas municipal obligations. This section is not intended to be an entirely comprehensive description of all risks involved in investing in Texas municipal obligations. The following only highlights some of the more significant financial trends and problems and is based on information drawn from official statements and prospectuses relating to securities offerings of the State of Texas, and its agencies and instrumentalities, as available in the Texas Comptrollers’ February 2012 Bond Appendix and April 18, 2012 supplement. The accuracy and completeness of the information in those reports have not been independently verified. There may be significant changes in circumstances altering the economic and budget predictions since those publications or after the publication of this prospectus. The Fund assumes no obligation to update this information.

 

Population

 

Between April 2000 and April 2010, Texas’ population grew by 4.3 million to reach 25.1 million, an average annual increase of 1.9 percent, compared to the United States’ population in April 2010 of 308.7 million and its average annual growth rate of 0.9 percent. As of July 2011, the Texas population is 25.7 million.

 

In July 1994, Texas surpassed New York to become the nation’s second most populous state, which was made official with the release of the 2000 census figures. As of July 2011, Texas has 6.2 million more residents than New York State.

 

According to Census Bureau estimates for April 2010, the median age of the State’s population was 33.6 years, 3.6 years younger than the national median of 37.2 years. Only Utah had a younger median age than Texas, at 29.2 years.

 

The State’s population of persons less than 18 years of age in April 2010 was 6,866,000, the second largest population in this age group among the states. This rank applies as well for the college-age population (18 to 24), which stood at 2,573,000, the young adult population (25 to 44) at 7,072,000, and the older adult population (45 to 64) at 6,033,000. Texas’ population of persons age 65 and older, at 2,602,000, ranked 4th among the states.

 

The State’s population has become increasingly urban. In the year 1900, the Census Bureau categorized 17.1 percent of the State’s residents as urban, compared to a national average of 39.6 percent. By 2000, 82.5 percent of the State’s residents lived in urban areas, while a smaller share of the nation’s population—79.0 percent—was categorized as urban. As of April 2010, almost 88 percent of the State’s population lived in its 25 metropolitan statistical areas.

 

The Texas State Data Center at the University of Texas at San Antonio estimated that the racial and ethnic population shares for Texas in July 2009 were as follows: 46 percent Non-Hispanic White, 38 percent Hispanic, 12 percent Non-Hispanic Black, and 4 percent Non-Hispanic “Other.” Between April 2000 and July 2009, the number of non-Hispanic “Other” Texans (Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans) increased by 60 percent (an average of 5.9 percent per year), and the number of Hispanic Texans increased by over 42 percent (4.3 percent per year).

 

Revenue Sources

 

Sales tax provided the State’s primary source of income in fiscal 2011, which accounted for 55.3% of the total tax revenue. Federal receipts came in second, while licenses, fees, permits, fines and penalties provided a distant third largest revenue source to the State. Franchise taxes, motor fuel taxes and motor vehicle sales/rental taxes came in as the fourth, fifth and sixth largest respectively. The remainder of the State’s revenue was derived primarily from oil and gas severance taxes, interest and investment income, net lottery proceeds, insurance premium tax and other revenues. The State has no personal or corporate income tax, although the State does

 

A-1


impose a franchise tax based on taxable margin, defined as gross receipts less either cost of goods sold or compensation.

 

The State of Texas finished fiscal 2011 with a $2.6 billion positive cash balance in the General Revenue Fund. This was the 24th consecutive year that Texas ended a fiscal year with a positive balance in its General Revenue Fund.

 

Total tax collections for 2010 were $35.4 billion and actual net revenue was $87.4 billion. Total tax collections for 2011 were $38.9 billion and total net revenue was $94.3 billion. Estimated tax collections for 2012 and 2013 are $40.3 and $40.2 billion respectively, with total estimated net revenues for 2012 and 2012 targeting $91.5 and $91.6 billion respectively.

 

State Debt and State Revenue Bonds

 

Except as specifically authorized, the State Constitution generally prohibits the creation of debt by or on behalf of the State, with two exceptions: (i) debt created to supply casual deficiencies in revenues which do not total more than $200,000 at any time, and (ii) debt to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, defend the State in war, or pay existing debt. In addition, the Constitution prohibits the Legislature from lending the credit of the State to any person, including municipalities, or pledging the credit of the State in any manner for the payment of the liabilities of any individual, association of individuals, corporation or municipality. The limitations of the Constitution do not prohibit the issuance of revenue bonds, since the Texas courts (like the courts of most states) have held that certain obligations do not create a “debt” within the meaning of the Constitution. The State and various state agencies have issued revenue bonds payable from the revenues produced by various facilities or from lease payments appropriated by the Legislature. Furthermore, obligations which are payable from funds expected to be available during the current budget period do not constitute “debt” within the meaning of the Constitution. Short-term obligations, like the Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes issued by the Comptroller which mature within the biennial budget period in which they were issued, are not deemed to be debt within the meaning of the state constitutional prohibition.

 

By constitutional amendment, from time to time the voters of the State may authorize the issuance of general obligation (G.O.) indebtedness for which the full faith, credit and taxing power of the State are pledged. For self-supporting G.O. debt, no further legislative action is required after the legislature and voters authorize the debt issuance. For G.O. debt that is not self-supporting, the legislature must appropriate funds for debt service before the debt can be issued.

 

Various state agencies have the authority to issue G.O. debt. These include the Veterans’ Land Board (VLB), the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, within the Office of the Governor, the Texas Transportation Commission, which is authorized to issue G.O. bonds on behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority (TAFA), and the Texas Public Finance Authority (TPFA). The 81st Legislature transferred to TPFA the issuance authority that had been held by TAFA. TPFA is also authorized to issue G.O. bonds on behalf of the Texas Natural Research Laboratory Commission (this authorization was repealed by HB 1320, 74th Leg), TPWD, the Texas Military Preparedness Commission and the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas.

 

The Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA) is authorized to issue G.O. bonds to provide financial assistance for the expansion, development and diversification of production, processing and marketing of Texas agricultural products. Additionally, TAFA is authorized to issue G.O. bonds for a farm and ranch land acquisition program. The 81st Legislature transferred the TAFA issuance authority to the Texas Public Finance Authority (TPFA). The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is authorized to issue G.O. bonds to finance the acquisition and development of State parks. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is authorized to issue G.O. bonds to finance student loans.

 

A-2


The TPFA is authorized to issue G.O. bonds to finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of new facilities as well as major repair or renovation of existing facilities, for certain state agencies.

 

TPFA was also authorized to issue G.O. bonds on behalf of the Texas Natural Research Laboratory Commission (this authorization was repealed by HB 1320, 74th Leg), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Military Preparedness Commission and the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas.

 

The Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, within the Office of the Governor, is authorized to issue G.O. bonds to provide loans to finance the commercialization of new or improved products or processes developed in Texas and to stimulate the development of small businesses in Texas.

 

The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) is authorized to issue G.O. bonds on behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to finance the acquisition, construction, maintenance, reconstruction and expansion of state highways, and the participation by the State in the costs of constructing publicly owned toll roads.

 

Certain public colleges and universities are authorized to issue Constitutional Appropriation Bonds, the debt service for which is payable from the Higher Education Assistance Fund appropriations as required by the Constitution, without limitation as to principal amount, except that the debt service on the bonds may not exceed 50 percent of the amount appropriated each year.

 

Much of the State’s outstanding general obligation bonded indebtedness is designed to be self-supporting, even though the full faith and credit of the State is pledged for its repayment. Revenues from land and housing programs are expected to be sufficient to repay principal and interest on all outstanding VLB bonds. Although they are general obligation bonds, revenues from student loans are pledged to repay the principal and interest on outstanding THECB bonds. Debt service requirements for the Texas Economic Development bonds will be paid from revenues received from the program’s loans and debt service requirements for the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s Texas Military Value Revolving Loan Fund will be paid from revenues received from the program’s loans. The Texas Department of Transportation G.O. bonds (Mobility Fund) will be paid from dedicated revenue; however, if revenues are insufficient, the debt will be paid from the State’s general revenues.

 

The general obligation bonds issued by TPFA are not self-supporting. All debt service on these bonds is paid from the State’s general revenue fund. Although Constitutional Appropriation Bonds are not explicitly a general obligation or full faith and credit bond, the stated pledge has the same effect. Debt service for these bonds is paid from an annual constitutional appropriation to qualified institutions of higher education from the first monies coming into the State Treasury not otherwise dedicated by the Constitution.

 

The TPFA is authorized to issue revenue bonds payable from general revenue. This authority includes both lease-revenue bonds to finance the construction, acquisition or renovation of state office buildings as well as equipment revenue bonds. Additionally, the TPFA is authorized to issue revenue bonds payable from general revenue on behalf of the TPWD and the Military Facilities Commission.

 

In addition to the foregoing revenue obligations issued by state agencies, other state programs may be financed with revenue bonds or similar obligations payable from revenues generated by the specific authorized programs rather than from the general revenues of the State or its taxing power. Among the state entities authorized to issue such revenue bonds are the TWDB, the Texas Water Resources Finance Authority, the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, the Comptroller on behalf of the Texas School Facilities Finance Program, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the Texas Department of Economic Development—Office of the Governor, the TPFA, Texas Veterans’ Land Board and Texas colleges and universities (described below). The Texas Department of Transportation is also authorized to issue revenue bonds for the Texas Turnpike Authority and the State Highway Fund.

 

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Texas colleges and universities are authorized to issue tuition revenue bonds payable from certain revenues of the applicable college or university. Historically, however, the State has appropriated funds to the schools in an amount equal to all or a portion of the debt service on revenue bonds issued.

 

In addition to authorized tuition revenue bonds, The University of Texas System and The Texas A&M University System are authorized to issue Permanent University Fund (PUF) bonds payable from the interest in the Available University Fund.

 

In April 2010, Moody’s and Fitch began recalibrating their municipal rating scales to align with their global rating scales. These recalibrations were not rating upgrades. Moody’s rating for the state’s GO was recalibrated from Aa1 to Aaa, and Fitch’s rating was recalibrated from AA+ to AAA. Moody’s recalibration was designed “to enhance the comparability of ratings across the Moody’s rated universe,” and Fitch’s “intent of the recalibration is to ensure a greater degree of comparability across Fitch’s global portfolio of credit ratings.” S&P announced that its municipal ratings were comparable and recalibration was not necessary.

 

In August 2009, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) raised Texas’ issuer credit and general obligation credit ratings to AA+ from AA on the State’s outstanding G.O. debt. This rating on Texas’ G.O. debt reflects a steadily growing and diversifying economy, which despite the recession continues to perform better than the nation in terms of both economic activity and employment.

 

The 80th Legislature authorized additional G.O. debt that was approved by the voters at the November 2007 general election. These include HJR 90 for $3 billion to finance cancer research; SJR 65 for $1 billion to finance capital projects for certain state agencies; SJR 57 for $500 million to finance student loans; SJR 64 to finance $5 billion for transportation projects and SJR 20 for $250 million for water projects.

 

During the 78th Legislature, SJR 55 and SB 652 were passed along with a constitutional amendment authorizing TPFA to issue up to $250 million in G.O. bonds or notes for the benefit of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, in conjunction with the Office of Defense Affairs to fund loans for economic development programs that enhance the military value of military facilities in the State. HB 3324 authorized TPFA, at the request of the Texas Workforce Commission to issue up to $2 billion in revenue bonds secured by an assessment of certain businesses, if the cost of issuing bonds is less than the cost of borrowing from the federal government.

 

The 77th Legislature authorized the TTC, the governing Commission of the TXDOT, to issue debt for the Texas Mobility Fund, and voters approved the constitutional amendment in November, 2001 allowing the TXDOT to issue bonds secured by future revenue. The 77th Legislature also authorized the TTC to issue debt for the State Highway Fund in an amount not to exceed $3 billion with no more than $1 billion to be issued per year. This authority was amended by SB 792, Acts, 80th Legislature authorizing the program in an amount not to exceed $6 billion with no more than $1.5 billion to be issued per year.

 

Article III, Section 49-j of the Texas Constitution prohibits the Legislature from authorizing additional State debt payable from general revenues, including authorized but unissued bonds and lease purchase contracts in excess of $250,000 or for a term of greater than five years, if the resulting annual debt service exceeds five percent of an amount equal to the average amount of general revenue for the three immediately preceding years, excluding revenues constitutionally dedicated for purposes other than payment of debt service. The debt service ratio for outstanding debt was 1.35% as of August 31, 2011. With the inclusion of authorized but unissued debt, the ratio was 3.70%. Although backed by the full faith and credit of the State, debt service for self-supporting G.O. bonds are reasonably expected to be paid from other revenue sources and is therefore not expected to create a draw on general revenue.

 

On November 30, 2011 the TAFA had outstanding $9 million in general obligation commercial paper. As of November 30, 2011, $12.29 billion of general obligation bonds were authorized but unissued, $4.49 billion of

 

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which are designed to be self-supporting. On November 30, 2011, the Texas Public Finance Authority had $90.3 million in revenue commercial paper outstanding that is payable from general revenue.

 

Principal Business Activities

 

The State of Texas was identified in its early history with agriculture and ranching, and it was identified with the oil and gas industry through much of the last century. The growth of service-providing industries and exports has left a diversified Texas economy more similar to—and more subject to the ups and downs of—the national economy.

 

Even with diversification, Texas’ mix of industries retains some concentration in energy. The oil and gas sector remains five times more concentrated than the nation’s, helping the state economy balance the negatives when energy prices are high. Texas avoided the 2008-2009 recession longer than the nation, but the state economy joined in the national recession when energy prices plummeted. As oil prices rose again, renewed energy exploration helped Texas outperform the national economy.

 

With other economic engines and a comparatively stable housing market, Texas remains ahead of the nation in economic performance. During the most recent recession, the nation lost 6.3 percent of its jobs from its peak in January 2008 to its low point in February 2010, while Texas’ nonfarm employment fell by a comparatively milder 4.1 percent from its peak in August 2008 to its bottoming out in December 2009. By December 2011, Texas had more than recovered all the jobs lost during the recession, while the nation had recovered only 30 percent.

 

Technology-based commerce and oil and gas have changed their relative importance over time. As with the national economy, service-providing sectors, which include trade, transportation and utilities; information; financial activities; educational and health services; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality services; and government, maintained jobs much better than the goods industries during the recent recession. However, since the low point of Texas employment in December 2009, goods employment growth (8.0 percent) has increased much faster than that of services (3.7 percent), mostly because of renewed health in oil and gas exploration. Mining, construction, and manufacturing have all added jobs in the state over this period, with growth boosted by demand for oil field machinery, rigs, and drilling equipment. Among the eight service-providing industries, only information (down 6.9 percent through two years) and government (down 1.2 percent) failed to experience net job growth from December 2009 to December 2011.

 

Texas’ location and transportation accessibility have made it a distribution center for the southwestern United States, as well as an international market for export trade. According to the Foreign Trade Division of the U. S. Census Bureau, after suffering a decline in 2009, the growth in Texas exports during 2010 was up a robust 27 percent. This compares to export growth of 21 percent among the other U.S. states for this period. During the first three quarters of 2011, Texas exports increased another 23 percent from the same period in 2010, and exports now account for 20 percent of the state’s gross domestic product. Based on the Census Bureau’s Origin of Movement series, the state’s export total ranks first among the states, as it has done since 2002.

 

While Texas ranked seventh among the states in manufacturing employment during most of the 1980s, the state now ranks second, with 837,400 manufacturing jobs. The value of manufacturing as a part of the state’s gross domestic product increased by 2.2 percent, from $160.7 billion in 2010 to $164.4 billion in 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Texas Comptroller. Manufacturing job growth of 3.1 percent over the past year has boosted manufacturing production, which had continued to grow because of productivity improvements during several years of job losses in the industry. The Comptroller’s econometric forecast predicts that the Texas economy will grow by 3.2 percent annually over the next thirty years (2011-2041), outpacing forecasts of national economic growth from IHS Global Insight (2.6 percent).

 

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Oil and gas

 

The oil and gas industry remains more than five times more important to Texas than the nation. As such, it insulates the state economy when energy prices rise and hurts the state economy when they fall. Because Texas is a headquarters center for oil and gas exploration worldwide, the State gets substantial economic benefit from energy exploration around the world. Employment in the mining and logging industry follows the ups and downs of oil and fuel prices with a lag of several months. Mining and logging employment had dropped from about 4 percent of all Texas jobs in 1985 to 1.5 percent in January 2003, before rising back to 2.4 percent today. The gross state product from the oil and gas industry was estimated to be $187 billion in 2010, and preliminary estimates indicate that it increased by another 8 percent in 2011.

 

The Texas oil industry reached lofty levels of activity in 2008, dipped in 2009, and has bounced back since. As evidence, the number of operating oil and gas drilling rigs sank from 946 in September 2008 (its highest level since 1983) to 329 in June 2009 before rebounding back to 911 in December 2011. With worldwide demand for oil, refining capacity constraints, speculation, and political and weather-related shocks, oil prices are volatile, having hovered around $140 per barrel at times in 2008 before crashing to lows around $35 in 2009. The price in January 2012 was about $100 per barrel. Mostly firmer prices have seen Texas’ mining and logging employment recover in recent months, from its recent low of 190,400 in October 2009 to 257,900 in December 2011, its highest level ever.

 

In 2010, NYMEX crude oil futures managed to reach the $90 range by the end of the year drawing on the persistent weakness of the dollar and acknowledging the insatiable energy consumption of China who has taken the lead from the U.S. as the number one energy consumer. Because of the huge disparity in prices between oil and gas, oil rig counts continued to rise and reached parity with gas rigs by the year end. In turn, total Texas rig counts rose 52 percent from the 2009 level to 656 rigs.

 

For 2011, the disruption of Libya oil production along with rising demand that has tighten the global spare capacity, the unabated geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, diminishing excess storage levels, the narrowing differentials between the Brent and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) pricing benchmarks on NYMEX crude oil futures, and the weakness of the dollar elevated NYMEX crude oil futures above $110 level by April. However, as the European financial crisis continues to deepen, fear of its contagion along with the possible slowing of China’s economy brought oil prices down to the mid $70s by October. By this time, the threat of crude supply disruption through Strait of Hormuz intensified and caused prices to rise to $100 range by the year end.

 

Riding on the drilling boom to develop unconventional resources, notably the Eagle Ford shale, Texas crude oil production began to grow in fiscal 2009, continued in 2010, and accelerated in 2011 confirming the reversal of a nearly four-decade production decline that began when Texas oil production peaked in 1972. However, given limitations in the supply of water available for oil and natural gas well fracture-stimulation operations because of the ongoing Texas drought, and the competition for manpower and equipment in the development of other unconventional plays in North America, Texas oil production may experience a temporary decline in the short term.

 

Since the offshore drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), justified by the massive oil spill from British Petroleum’s Macondo well during the summer of 2010, has been lifted, drilling activity in the gulf has returned to near pre-disaster levels despite stricter federal standards.

 

Similarly natural gas rig counts and prices have been mimicking oil on the down side since 2008. The number of operating natural gas drilling rigs in Texas swung from a high of 756 during September 2008 to a low of 243 during July 2009. With the accelerated development of the Barnett Shale, Texas natural gas production has been on an upward path since 2006 and exceeded 7 trillion cubic feet of gas in both 2008 and 2009, production levels not seen since the 70s. With production increases, industrial consumption decline, and gas

 

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storage reaching capacity, NYMEX natural gas prices eventually declined from over $13 in July 2008 to less than $4 by the end of March 2009 and eventually touching $2 level by the end of August 2009. Prices subsequently rebounded to the $5 level by December 2009 as fear of a price collapse due to overflowing supply subsided along with reductions in storage levels helped by the much needed colder-than-normal weather. In 2010, NYMEX natural gas prices averaged $4.40 riding on the strong rebound of the industrial consumption and the electric power generation partly caused by a summer heat wave in certain populated areas of the U.S. and countered by a mild hurricane season with storage levels remaining above their 5-year average.

 

For 2011, during the first half, NYMEX natural gas prices remained range-bound in the mid $4 level. Although much of the US experienced record breaking temperatures during the summer, particularly in Texas, increased consumption was not enough to compensate for the increase in production nationwide. The production increase in combination with a mild winter ultimately led to record storage levels and suppressed prices to the $3 level by the end of the year. Because of the steep discount relative to oil, natural gas rig counts have remained in the low 300s, while rig counts for crude oil have risen to just under 600. The relatively higher crude oil prices have also increased drilling for natural gas liquids and condensates, contributing to higher overall volumes of liquids production and associated tax revenues. In addition, renewed interests from the power, transportation, and manufacturing sectors that take advantage of the price differential between oil and natural gas have given natural gas a hopeful future where prices will eventually be at a reasonable level relative to oil.

 

With improving rig availability, gains in efficiency along with technological advances in drilling and fracturing wells horizontally, costs per mcf has been driven to levels in favor of less risk and high volume shale wells over conventional wells. In addition, with oil prices commanding a premium over natural gas, the development of natural gas plays rich in liquids such as the Eagle Ford shale in Texas continues to accelerate in spite of subpar gas prices. While natural gas production from the Barnett Shale may have reached a plateau, production from the Eagle Ford Shale is just beginning with great potential. With plentiful domestic supply and abundance resources, natural gas has asserted itself as an ideal bridge fuel for power generation and transportation that could reduce imports and provide new jobs in time of high unemployment. As such, production from shale formations such as Haynesville and Marcellus is expected to compose a larger portion of overall U.S. production in the future.

 

Employment and Unemployment

 

Texas employment rose from 9.3 million to 9.6 million during the first five years of the 2000s. From January 2005 until the state’s nonfarm employment peaked in August 2008 at 10.64 million, Texas added more than one million nonfarm jobs, but recessionary conditions caused the state to give up 433,400 jobs from August 2008 until employment bottomed out in December 2009. A recovery of 440,200 jobs since then, and 204,500 over the past year, shows that moderate growth has returned, at 2.0 percent from December 2010 to December 2011.

 

Even though slow for a recovery by historical standards, Texas added jobs at a faster rate than any of the ten largest states over the past year.

 

Based on total economic production, Texas avoided three of the nation’s six recessions since the early 1970s, even though the state had its own recession in 1986. In 2011, Texas’ nominal gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated to be $1.27 trillion, a 5.0 percent increase from 2010, based on estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the Texas Comptroller’s Office. Texas, if it were a nation, would be the fourteenth largest economy in the world, using 2011 estimates from BEA and IHS Global Insight, Inc.

 

The renewed growth has been boosted by economic activity among goods-producing industries. While the nation’s goods-producing employment expanded by 2.0 percent from December 2010 to December 2011, Texas’ goods-producing employment increased by 3.7 percent, adding 59,600 jobs and accounting for about one-sixth of the nation’s net increase. Mining and logging, at an all-time high number of jobs, added 40,700 jobs and grew by

 

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a robust 18.7 percent, for the fastest job growth rate of all major Texas industries. It was a service-providing industry, however, that accounted for the largest job gain (53,100) over the past year, and this was professional and business services, which expanded its job count by 4.1 percent, owing in large part to temporary positions that often grow quickly in an economic recovery. Trade, transportation, and utilities, and leisure and hospitality services, also added large numbers of jobs (45,800 and 41,200 respectively). Overall, eight of the state’s eleven major industries added jobs over the past year.

 

Largely because the state’s comparatively youthful workforce and an international border region with particularly high unemployment rates, Texas’ statewide jobless rate exceeded the national average through most of the past 30 years. However, with a state economy that avoided the worst part of the nation’s downturn, the Texas unemployment rate inched below the national unemployment rate in early 2007 and has remained below the national rate since. The Texas unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in December 2011, compared to the U.S. rate of 8.5 percent. Four-fifths (twenty) of the state’s 25 metropolitan areas had unemployment rates below 8 percent in December 2011 and four had a rate exceeding the national average, with three of these along the Mexican border. Midland (3.9 percent) had the lowest urban unemployment rate in the state, while Brownsville-Harlingen and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (each 11.2 percent) had the highest rates.

 

Consumer confidence is a key to economic health since it is a factor affecting housing, automobile and other major purchases. The Consumer Confidence Index in the West South Central States (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana) dropped precipitously from lofty levels in 2008 and early 2009 to its lowest level on record, 46.4 in March 2009. The U.S. index plummeted even more than that for the West South Central states, dropping to a record low of 25.3 in February 2009. Because the West South Central region saw a gentler fall in its housing market and had a greater concentration of industries that benefit from the exploration for and production of energy, its consumer confidence was more resilient than the national index and declined later. Although having improved by 53 percent from its low point, consumer confidence in the West South Central states has remained mostly unchanged over the past year. As such, consumer pessimism continues to restrain economic growth.

 

Primary and Secondary Education

 

Primary and secondary public education in the State is provided by 1,029 school districts and 199 State Charter Schools, which in the 2010-11 school year operated 8,526 campuses, including 4,561 elementary schools, 365 junior high schools and 1,338 middle schools, 1,785 high schools and 477 combined elementary and secondary schools. These numbers do not include private elementary and high schools.

 

Texas public schools are administered locally by elected school boards and on the State level by the State Board of Education, the State Commissioner of Education and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The State Board of Education is the State’s policy-making and planning body for the public school system. Members of the State Board of Education are elected for staggered four-year terms. The State Commissioner of Education is appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the Senate and is the executive head of the Texas Education Agency.

 

According to the Texas Education Agency, student enrollment for the 2010-11 year totaled 4,912,385. All children between the ages of 6 and 18 are required to attend school. School districts offer prekindergarten programs for eligible three-year olds and four-year olds. Hispanic students make up 50.3 percent, African American students 12.9 percent, Asian and Native Americans 3.9 percent, and White 31.2 percent of the total student enrollment.

 

For the 2009-10 school year, there were 333,007 full-time equivalent teachers, 58,576 professional support staff, 18,543 campus administrators, 6,853 central administrators, 64,701 educational aides in the public schools, and 178,141 auxiliary staff. The average teacher salary for 2009-10 was $48,263.

 

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For the 2009-10 school year, total actual revenues for public education from State, local, federal, and other sources were $49.8 billion. Of that total, $21.1 billion came from State sources, $22.$8 billion from local sources, and $6.0 billion from federal sources.

 

The State shares in the cost of public primary and secondary education with local districts. State funding for primary and secondary education is provided through the Permanent School Fund, the Available School Fund and the Foundation School Program. The Permanent School Fund is an endowment fund consisting of State lands, the sale of lands, and royalty earnings. The fund is available for investment only; the investment income is deposited along with one-quarter of the motor fuels tax in the Available School Fund for distribution to school districts. Under the terms of the State Constitution, the Permanent School Fund may not be used for appropriation, but it may be used to guarantee bonds issued by school districts.

 

The bulk of funding for Texas’s public schools comes from the Foundation School Program, a guaranteed yield school finance system comprised of state revenues and local property tax funds. The Foundation School Program allocates state funds to public schools according to a system of formulas based on various district and student characteristics. A series of allotments ensure that each school district can provide an adequate instructional program to meet the needs of its students, regardless of its local property tax base.

 

Texas has two debt tax rate equalization programs, the Instructional Facilities Allotment (IFA) program, started in 1997, to assist low property wealth districts with new debt, and the Existing Debt Allotment Program (EDA), started in 1999, to help districts service existing debt. Each school district is guaranteed a specified amount per student in state and local funds for each cent of tax effort to pay the principal of and interest on eligible bonds. Funding of these programs is on a biennial basis with a fixed appropriation. Appropriations for the two programs during the 20010-2011 biennium were $1.463 billion. For the 20122013 biennium, appropriations for these programs are $1.366 billion.

 

On November 22, 2005 the state Supreme Court found that Texas’ school finance system constituted a statewide property tax prohibited by the state constitution because so many school districts were taxing at or near the maximum allowable maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate—$1.50 for most districts. The legislature, in an attempt to return to school districts “meaningful discretion” in setting local tax rates met in a special legislative session April 17, 2006 to change the school finance system before the Court’s June 1, 2006 injunction to cut off state aid to schools could go into effect. During the 79th Third Called Session, in House Bill 1, the Legislature significantly reduced school district M&O tax rates—approximately 11 percent in 2007 and 33 percent in 2008. After the special session, plaintiffs agreed with attorneys for the state that new school funding, and the difference—created in HB1—between the new lower compressed tax rates and the M&O rate cap was large enough to merit dissolution of the Supreme Court injunction.

 

In the last Regular Session (Spring of 2011), the Legislature appropriated about $35.1 billion in state funds to public schools for the upcoming 2012-2013 biennium, including about $4.5 billion to continue the property tax relief initiated in the 79th 3rd Special Session of 2006. The Legislative Budget Board estimates that local revenues during the 2012-2013 biennium will be about $39.5 billion, while federal revenues are estimated at about $10.5 billion.

 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey, 80.0 percent of the State’s population, age 25 and older, were high school graduates, as compared to an 85.0 percent share for the nation. In addition, 25.8 percent of the State’s population age 25 and older had received a bachelor’s degree, as compared to a national share of 27.9 percent.

 

The State has 148 public and independent institutions of higher education in Texas:

 

   

50 public community college districts (with multiple campuses),

 

   

38 public four-year universities and upper division centers,

 

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four campuses in the Texas State Technical College System (including three extension centers),

 

   

nine public health-related institutions,

 

   

three public two-year, lower-division Lamar state colleges,

 

   

39 independent four-year colleges and universities,

 

   

one independent medical school,

 

   

two independent junior colleges, and

 

   

two independent chiropractic institutions.

 

In addition, there are ten multi-institution teaching centers (MITCs) that offer courses at one central location or at several sites. MITCs are partnerships between institutions of higher education and may include public community and technical colleges, public universities, and independent colleges and universities.

 

The certified headcount enrollment in all colleges and universities in the state in the fall of 2010 was 1,445,157. Higher education in the state at public and, to a lesser extent, private institutions is supervised by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which has authority over program offerings and the use of certain funds appropriated by the Legislature for higher education. The higher education institutions are under the control of separate boards of regents.

 

Public higher education in the state is funded through a combination of tuition, student fees and other local funds (including gifts from benefactors), income from the Permanent University Fund (PUF), appropriations made by the Legislature, and tuition revenue bonds. In 2003, the State ended legislative control over tuition rates at public universities effective with the 2003 fall semester.

 

In the past, governing boards of institutions of higher education could set a rate within statutory limits set by the Legislature. Effective with the 2003 fall semester, Section 54.0513, Education Code, allows the governing boards to charge any amount and vary amounts by program and course level, and to set different rates “to increase graduation rates, encourage efficient use of facilities, or enhance employer performance.”

 

In addition to tuition, the boards of regents of the various colleges and universities set many student fees. An additional nonresident tuition is set annually by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and is calculated to result in a total nonresident rate that is equal to the average nonresident tuition charged by the five most populous states, excluding Texas.

 

According to the Legislative Budget Board, the 82nd Legislature appropriated $22.2 billion to support higher education for the 2012-2013 biennium. Excluding benefits, the Legislature appropriated $19.8 billion in All Funds and $10.2 billion in General Revenue funds. This is a decrease of $474.5 million in All Funds and $623 million in General Revenue from the 2010-2011 biennium. Funding levels for 20122013 include:

 

   

TEXAS Grant Program, $559.5 million

 

   

Tuition Equalization Grant Program, $168.8 million

 

   

Professional Nursing Shortage Reduction Program, $30 million

 

   

B-On-Time Program, $112 million

 

   

Adult Basic Education Community College Grants, $4.0 million

 

   

Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program, $24.0 million

 

   

Baylor College of Medicine Undergraduate Medical Education, $75.3 million

 

   

Joint Admission Medical Program, $7 million

 

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Hospital Based Nursing Grant Program, $4.8 million

 

   

Developmental Education Program, $4.0 million

 

   

Family Practice Residency Program, $15.5 million

 

   

Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Program, $1 million

 

   

Baylor College of Medicine Graduate Medical Education formula allocation, $10.3 million

 

The Legislature appropriated $39.6 million for Top Ten Percent Scholarships in the 2012-13 biennium, a decrease of $8.9 million from 2010-11. General academic enrollment growth at 4-year and 2-year institutions and received no funding for the 2012-13 biennium. There was also no funding for new community college campuses or alternative teaching certification programs at community colleges.

 

The 82nd Legislature enacted HB 9, which requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to incorporate student success measures into the agency’s funding recommendations for higher education institutions to the Legislature. Under the legislation, no more than 10 percent of general revenue appropriated to undergraduate institutions from base funds will be distributed based on student success measures.

 

In 2003, the State enacted Subchapter B, Chapter 54, Education Code, requiring governing boards to set aside 20 percent of tuition charged above $46 per semester credit hour for resident undergraduate and graduate financial assistance. The assistance may include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, student loans, and student loan repayment assistance. In 2003, the State also enacted Subchapter Q, Chapter 54, Education Code, creating the Texas B-On-Time Loan program. Under this program, students at public and private institutions of higher education may receive no-interest student loans, provided that they complete the recommended or advanced high school program; the 80th Legislature through HB 1250 extended the eligibility to include students that complete an equivalent program. If a student who receives a loan graduates from an institution of higher education in the customary amount of time allotted for the degree (i.e. four years for most bachelor degree programs) and has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale, the loan will be forgiven.

 

The 80th Legislature passed HB 3900 adding Subchapter H to Chapter 54, Texas Education Code, establishing the Texas Tomorrow Fund II, a trust fund outside of the state treasury that is a prepaid tuition undergraduate education program financed by fund assets. Contract purchasers may buy “units” worth one percent of one year’s tuition and required fees at today’s rates that are redeemable at the time the student enrolls in the institution for an equivalent percentage of costs.

 

The Permanent University Fund (PUF) is a permanent endowment fund with a market value of $12,275,367,162 December 31, 2011, according to The University of Texas (UT) System, which administers the Fund. Income from the Fund is dedicated first to payment of debt service of PUF bonds, which may be used for capital improvement at certain institutions in the UT and Texas A&M University (TAMU) systems. The amount of PUF bonds that may be issued is limited to 30 percent of the book value of the Fund, which was $11,132,409,656 as of December 31, 2011. The residual amount of income of the PUF, after debt service, is dedicated to excellence programs for The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University (College Station) and Prairie View A&M University.

 

Under Section 66.08, Texas Education Code, the UT System Board of Regents may delegate investment authority and contract with a nonprofit corporation, allowing them to invest funds under the control and management of the board, including the PUF. The corporation may not engage in any business other than investing funds designated by the board under the contract. In March 1996, the University of Texas Investment Management Company (UTIMCO) was created as a 501(c) (3) investment-management corporation whose sole purpose is the management of investment assets under the fiduciary care of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System. UTIMCO is the first external investment corporation formed by a public university

 

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system and oversees investments of approximately $25.7 billion as of December 31, 2011 including the Permanent University Fund. UTIMCO is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System.

 

In November 1999, voters approved a constitutional amendment designed to increase the amount of money available to 17 campuses of the UT and TAMU systems. As a result of the amendment’s passage, the University of Texas Board Of Regents is able to increase the income from the PUF that is placed into the Available University Fund (AUF). The amendment allows the UT Board of Regents to transfer the income from the PUF into the AUF, including the gains from the sale of securities. The amendment includes safeguards designed to ensure that this change in policy does not affect the long-term ability of the PUF to support the two university systems. Another change in the investment policy involves the type of investments that the UT Board of Regents may acquire for the PUF. The approved language authorizes the Board of Regents to manage any kind of investment of the PUF in accordance with the standards of a “prudent investor.” This change allows the Board of Regents to take into consideration the investment of all the assets of the Fund, rather than a single investment, when making investment decisions. This change will allow the Fund to increase its earnings over time without risking the Fund’s principal.

 

In 2003, the State enacted Subchapter E, Chapter 62, Texas Education Code, which merged the Texas Excellence Fund (TEF) and the University Research Fund (URF) into a new Research Development Fund (RDF) beginning with the 2005 fiscal year; however, the RDF was never created. Instead, the Legislature appropriated general revenue to each affected institution for the 2006-2007 biennium in a line item named “Research Development Fund;” however, this is not a separate fund. The TEF and URF were created in 2001 to promote increased research capacity at universities other than the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University (College Station) and Prairie View A&M University. Funding for the TEF was set at an amount equal to the portion of the total return on all investment assets of the Higher Education Fund (HEF) in the preceding State fiscal year computed by multiplying that total return by the percentage of the total return on all investment assets of the Permanent Fund for Tobacco Education and Enforcement. By law, funding for the TEF came from the annual $50 million deposit of general revenue to the permanent HEF. Funding for the URF came from general revenue appropriations in an amount equal to the amount deposited in the TEF.

 

In a constitutional amendment election held in November 2009, Proposition 4 created the National Research University Fund (NRUF) which repurposed the Higher Education Fund (HEF). This change was designed to assist the state in developing more public universities into national research universities. The balance of the NRUF was $592,794,945.71 as of January 31, 2012.

 

Under this fund awards will be based on an institution meeting benchmarks in the following areas:

 

  (1) Expenditure of at least $45 million in restricted research;

 

  (2) Four of the following:

 

  (3) $400 million endowment;

 

  (4) 200 Ph.D.’s awarded annually;

 

  (5) Freshmen class with high academic achievement;

 

  (6) Membership in Association of Research Libraries, Phi Beta Kappa or equivalent national recognition;

 

  (7) High quality faculty; Commitment to high quality graduate education.

 

During the 2002-2003 biennium, the State deposited a little more than $33 million into each Fund. During the 2004-2005 biennium, the State deposited $11.6 million into each Fund. The 78th Legislature did not appropriate the $50 million annual amount for the permanent HEF for the 2004-2005 biennium, but the General Appropriations Act (GAA) included funding for the TEF and URF at the levels prescribed by statute. The

 

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Governor vetoed the appropriations to both excellence funds when he signed the GAA; however, in August 2004, the Governor and the Legislative Budget Board restored the fiscal 2005 appropriations using budget execution authority; there have been no additional appropriations to either fund.

 

In 2003, the State changed the way that indirect cost recovery funds earned by certain institutions of higher education are treated in the appropriations process. Prior to the 2004-2005 State budget, one-half of these amounts earned by institutions of higher education (other than health-related institutions) were used to reduce State general revenue appropriations to those institutions. Section 145.001, Education Code, now requires that indirect cost recovery funds no longer be used as a method of finance in order to reduce general revenue appropriations. The 80th Legislature passed SB 1446 removing indirect cost recovery fees from the list of items that must be accounted for as educational and general funds by institutions of higher education.

 

The 81st Texas Legislature passed HB 51 which appropriated $25 million annually for the 2010-2011 biennium to implement provisions related to funding and incentives that will both strengthen the state’s existing public Tier 1 universities and develop Tier 1 status at emerging public research universities. Currently Texas has seven emerging public research universities: Texas Tech, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas in Denton and the University of Texas institutions in Arlington, Dallas, San Antonio and El Paso.

 

HB 51 provided the Research University Development Fund (RUDF) with $126.2. The purpose of RUDF is for recruitment and retention of faculty and to enhance research productivity at research and emerging research universities. This funding can go only to UT-Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and the University of Houston; in subsequent years, however, the other five emerging research universities will be eligible to receive appropriations from the fund as well. The 82nd Legislature provided no funding for the RUDF in the 2012-2013 biennium.

 

The law also created the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP). Under TRIP, matching funds will be awarded based on how much an institution raises in private gifts and endowments to enhance research activities. For the 2012-2013 biennium, the legislature appropriated $35.6 million to TRIP, a decrease of $11.9 million from the 2010-2011 biennium.

 

Retirement Systems

 

The State operates three defined-benefit retirement systems: the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) and the Judicial Retirement System of Texas (JRS). In addition, State employees, except those compensated on a fee basis, are covered under the federal Social Security System. Political subdivisions of the State may voluntarily provide coverage for their employees under the State’s agreement with the federal Social Security Administration.

 

TRS is the largest of the three retirement systems, with 1,003,886 current members and 312,680 retirement recipients as of August 31, 2011. TRS provides benefits to all employees of the public school system within the State as well as faculty and staff members of State-supported institutions of higher education. In addition, TRS administers the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program, which was established by legislation enacted in June 1985. This program provides healthcare benefits to TRS retirees. On September 1, 2002, TRS began administering the Texas School Employees Uniform Group Insurance Program, which provides healthcare benefits to TRS active employees of school districts participating in the program.

 

ERS covers State employees and Law Enforcement and Custodial Officers System (LECOS) and, as of August 31, 2011, had 137,293 active contributing members for ERS and 36,806 for LECOS. ERS had 83,430 annuitants and LECOS had 7,728 annuitants. ERS also administers the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program, which provides insurance coverage to active and retired State employees and their families and employees of certain Texas higher education institutions. JRS provides benefits to judicial officers of the State and, with 563 active contributing members and 653 annuitants for JRS Plan One and Two, is the smallest of the three systems. JRS is administered by ERS although, technically, it is a separate legal entity.

 

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TRS and ERS are maintained on an actuarial basis. As of August 31, 2011, the unfunded accrued actuarial liability of TRS was $24.1 billion and for ERS, $5,052.7 million. The TRS fair value of investments, as of August 31, 2011, was $106.0 billion. The ERS fair value of pooled investments as of August 31, 2011, was $22.1 billion.

 

Prior to 1985, JRS was maintained on a pay-as-you-go basis. However, legislation enacted in 1985 divided JRS into two plans by changing the name of the existing plan and establishing a second, separate plan. The new plan, known as JRS Plan Two, is maintained on an actuarially sound basis and covers individuals who become judicial officers after August 31, 1985. The unfunded actuarial liability of JRS Plan Two as of August 31, 2011, was $16.2 million. The old plan, known as JRS Plan One, is maintained on a pay-as-you-go basis and covers judicial officers who were active on August 31, 1985, or had retired on or before that date.

 

Contributions to the retirement systems are made by both the State and covered employees. The Constitution mandates a State contribution rate of not less than 6 percent or more than 10 percent of payroll for ERS and TRS; member contributions may not be less than 6 percent of payroll. The Legislature, however, may appropriate additional funds as are actuarially determined to be needed to fund benefits authorized by law.

 

For the 2012-2013 biennium, the Legislature set the State’s contribution rates to the retirement systems at the following rates: ERS at 6.00 percent and 6.50 percent respectively and TRS at 6.644 percent of payroll, and JRS Plan Two at 6.0 percent and 6.5 percent respectively of payroll. Member contribution rates are 6.5 percent for ERS and 6.0 percent for JRS Plan Two and 6.4 percent for TRS.

 

The Legislature is prohibited by statute from implementing changes in the ERS, JRS and TRS systems that would cause the period required to amortize the unfunded actuarial liability of the plans to exceed 31 years. Prior to the adoption of these measures, the State had no official limit on the amortization period for unfunded actuarial liability, although the management of both ERS and TRS had adopted an informal policy of limiting the period to 30 years.

 

The State’s retirement systems were created and are operated pursuant to statutes enacted by the Legislature. The Legislature has the authority to modify these statutes and, accordingly, contribution rates, benefits, benefit levels and such other aspects of each system, as it deems appropriate, including the provisions limiting changes that increase the amortization period for unfunded actuarial liability of any plan. The State’s retirement systems are not subject to the funding and vesting requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), although Congress has from time to time considered legislation that would regulate pension funds of public bodies.

 

In addition to providing pension benefits, the State administers four programs which provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees, their spouses, and beneficiaries. Benefits are authorized by statute and contributions are determined by the General Appropriations Act.

 

The Employees Retirement System (ERS) administers the program for State retirees with at least 10 years of state service under the retirement programs of ERS or the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). Retirees who elected to participate in the Optional Retirement Program are eligible for these benefits, providing that contributions have not been withdrawn. Public school district retirees that are members of TRS are also eligible for the health care benefits.

 

In addition to providing pension benefits, the State administers four programs which provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees, their spouses, and beneficiaries. Benefits are authorized by statute and contributions are determined by the General Appropriations Act.

 

The Employees Retirement System (ERS) administers the program for State retirees with at least 10 years of state service under the retirement programs of ERS or the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). Retirees who elected to participate in the Optional Retirement Program are eligible for these benefits, providing that contributions have not been withdrawn. Public school district retirees that are members of TRS are also eligible for the health care benefits.

 

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The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M University System provide separate postemployment health care and life insurance coverages to their retirees, surviving spouses, and beneficiaries. Substantially all of the employees under the university systems that reach normal retirement age while working for the State may become eligible for the health and life insurance benefits.

 

TRS administers a program that provides benefits to public school district retirees with at least 10 years of service. The Texas Public School Retired Employees Group Insurance Program (TRS-Care) provides a free basic level of coverage for eligible retirees and optional coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents. Basic coverage includes participation in a major medical group health insurance plan with deductibles based upon enrollment in Part A or Part B of Medicare. The deductible is $1,800 for those eligible for Part A, $3,000 for those not eligible for Part A but eligible for Part B, and $4,000 for those not eligible for either Part A or Part B. Funding for free basic coverage is provided based on public school district payroll. For fiscal year 2011 the State of Texas, active school employee and school districts contribution rates are 1.0%, 0 .65%, and 0.55% of school district payroll, respectively.

 

The cost of state retirees’ health care and life insurance benefits and TRS-Care is financed on a pay-as-you-go-basis. The expenditures are recognized when reimbursements are made for claims paid by non-state entities or when premiums are paid.

 

Administrators of the ERS’ and TRS’ plans for Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB) began reporting additional information concerning those plans in fiscal year 2007. As of August 31, 2011, the unfunded accrued actuarial liability of TRS was $28.9 billion. The State of Texas began including similar information in its financial statements in fiscal year 2008. As of August 31, 2011, the unfunded accrued actuarial liability of ERS was $21.50 billion. The inclusion of this additional information to the financial statements does not signify any plans by the state to change its current funding of OPEB, which is on a pay-as-you-go basis. However, obtaining this additional information will require actuarial valuations and a calculation, for information purposes only, of an amount in excess of the annual contributions based on current funding methods. These disclosures are for informational purposes only and will not impact the net assets of the State.

 

Litigation

 

The State of Texas is a party to various legal proceedings concerning its operations and governmental functions but unrelated to the security for the bonds discussed in the Bond Appendix. In the opinion of the State Comptroller of Public Accounts, based on information provided by the State Attorney General as to the existence and legal status of such proceedings, none of such proceedings, except for the four school finance lawsuits, and M.D., by her next friend, Sarah R. Stukenberg, et al. v. Rick Perry, in his official capacity as Governor of the State of Texas, et al. case, as discussed below, if finally decided adversely to the State, could possibly have a materially adverse effect on the long term financial condition of the State.

 

There are four lawsuits filed that challenge the public school finance system on Texas constitutional grounds: The Texas Taxpayer & Student Fairness Coalition, et al. v. Robert Scott, Commissioner of Education, et al.; Calhoun County Independent School District, et al. v. Robert Scott, Texas Commissioner of Education, et al.; Edgewood Independent School District, et al. v. Robert Scott, in his Official Capacity as Commissioner of Education, et al.; and Fort Bend Independent School District, et al. v. Robert Scott, Texas Commissioner of Education, et al.

 

In these suits plaintiffs assert that the school funding system allegedly: (1) fails to make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public schools in violation of Art. VII, § 1 of the Texas Constitution; and (2) prevents districts from exercising meaningful discretion in setting their tax rates in violation of Art. VIII, § 1-e of the Texas Constitution, which prohibits a statewide property tax. The Texas Taxpayer lawsuit was filed in October, 2011 and the other three lawsuits were filed in December 2011 in the Travis County District Courts. The State has filed general denials in these lawsuits.

 

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A fifth suit was filed on February 24, 2012 as a plea of intervention by Texans for Real Efficiency and Equity in Education (TREE) et al. to the Fort Bend Independent School District, et al. v. Robert Scott, Texas Commissioner of Education, et al. case.

 

M.D., by her next friend, Sarah R. Stukenberg, et al. v. Rick Perry, in his official capacity as Governor of the State of Texas, et al. This is a class action lawsuit filed in United States District Court on behalf of foster children in Texas. Plaintiffs allege that the current foster care system fails to adequately care for and serve the foster children in violation of various constitutional and federal statutory rights. The district court has certified the class and the class certification order is currently on appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

 

In addition, the State Comptroller of Public Accounts is a party to various State tax law proceedings that are unrelated to the security for bonds discussed in the Bond Appendix. None of the individual tax cases, if finally decided against the state, would have a materially adverse effect on the long term financial condition of the State. However, if a negative precedent were applied to all similarly situated taxpayers, then there could possibly be an adverse affect on the financial condition of the State.

 

The following cases, discussed below, are examples of this type of state tax law proceeding: In re Allcat Claims Service, L.P., et al; and Nestle USA, Inc., et al. v. Combs, et al.

 

Two original mandamus proceedings were filed directly with the Texas Supreme Court in 2011 to challenge the constitutionality of the State’s franchise tax: In re Allcat Claims Service, L.P. & John Weakly; and Nestle USA, Inc., et al v. Combs, et al. In Allcat, the plaintiffs alleged that the franchise tax assessed on partnerships owned by individuals violates Article VIII, §24(a) of the Texas Constitution, which forbids the Legislature from imposing a tax on the net incomes of natural persons, unless the tax is approved by the voters in a statewide referendum. On November 28, 2011, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the franchise tax is not a tax imposed on the net incomes of the individual partners, and is not unconstitutional on its face under Article VIII, § 24 of the Texas Constitution.

 

In Nestle, the plaintiffs filed suit on October 19, 2011, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief and to challenge the constitutionality of the franchise tax based upon the “equal and uniform” clause in the Texas Constitution and the equal protection, due process and commerce clause provisions of the United States Constitution. The State filed a response on October 31, 2011. On January 12, 2012, the Texas Supreme Court heard oral argument in the Nestle case and took it under advisement. The case was dismissed for want of jurisdiction in an opinion issued on February 10, 2012.

 

Further, the following summary is a tax law proceeding in which the State Comptroller of Public Accounts is a party and that if finally decided against the State is not anticipated to have a materially adverse effect on the long term financial condition of the State. However, if a negative precedent were applied to all similarly situated taxpayers, then there could possibly be an adverse affect on the financial condition of the State. The Southwest Royalties, Inc. v. Combs, et al. case, discussed below, is an example of this type of state tax law proceeding. If there was a final order ruling against the state that is not appealed, and that is applied to a significant portion of the tax, the State has legal options available to mitigate any potential impact on the financial condition of the State.

 

Southwest Royalties, Inc. v. Combs, et al. The Plaintiff filed an action in State District Court in Travis County, and alleged that the purchase of casing, tubing and other well bore equipment used to extract oil and gas from the subsurface to the surface qualified for a manufacturing exemption under Tax Code §151.318, and was therefore not taxable. On April 10, 2012, the Court issued a verbal ruling from the bench in favor of the plaintiff, but on April 30, 2012, after an April 26, 2012 rehearing, the Court issued a decision in favor of the State.

 

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950,000 Common Shares

 

Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund

 


PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS


 

 

 

 

September 26, 2012

 



 

LPR-NUW-0912D


The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

NUVEEN TEXAS QUALITY INCOME MUNICIPAL FUND

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DATED SEPTEMBER 26, 2012

Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Fund was organized on July 26, 1991.

This Statement of Additional Information relating to common shares of the Fund (“Common Shares”) does not constitute a Prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s Preliminary Prospectus relating thereto dated September 26, 2012 (the “Prospectus”). This Statement of Additional Information does not include all information that a prospective investor should consider before purchasing Common Shares. Investors should obtain and read the Fund’s Prospectus prior to purchasing such shares. In addition, the Fund’s financial statements and the independent registered public accounting firm’s report therein included in the Fund’s annual report dated February 29, 2012, are incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the Fund’s Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787. You may also obtain a copy of the Fund’s Prospectus on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s “SEC” web site (http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Statement of Additional Information have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Use of Proceeds

     1   

Investment Objectives

     1   

Investment Policies and Techniques

     4   

Management of the Fund

     20   

Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser

     41   

Portfolio Manager

     42   

Code of Ethics

     46   

Proxy Voting Policies

     46   

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

     47   

Net Asset Value

     47   

Distributions

     48   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     49   

Plan of Distribution

     50   

Description of Shares

     53   

Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust

     55   

Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

     57   

Tax Matters

     58   

Financial Statements

     64   

Custodian and Transfer Agent

     64   

Legal Opinion

     64   

Additional Information

     65   

Appendix A

     A-1   

Appendix B

     B-1   

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

The net proceeds from the issuance of Common Shares hereunder will be used by the Fund to invest in municipal securities in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies as stated below. It is presently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of such proceeds in securities that meet the Fund’s investment objective and policies within one month from the date on which the proceeds from an offering are received by the Fund. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in short-term or long-term securities issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term money market instruments. See “Risk Factors—Leverage Risk” and “Use of Leverage” in the Prospectus.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES

The Fund’s primary investment objective is current income exempt from regular federal income tax consistent with the Fund’s investment policies. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is the enhancement of portfolio value relative to the Texas municipal bond market through investments in tax-exempt Texas Municipal Obligations (as defined below under “Investment Policies”) which, in the opinion of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (“NFA”), the Fund’s investment adviser, are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. The Fund cannot assure you that it will achieve its investment objectives. The Fund’s investment objectives and its policy to invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined below) in Texas Municipal Obligations, including municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax are fundamental policies of the Fund.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

Except as described below, the Fund, as a fundamental policy, may not, without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and preferred shares, including MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“MTP Shares”), voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting as a separate class:

(1) Under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, including assets attributable to any principal amount of any borrowings (including the issuance of commercial paper or notes) or any preferred shares outstanding (“Managed Assets”) in Texas Municipal Obligations including municipal securities and other related investments, the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax.

(2) Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than preferred shares, except to the extent such issuance might be involved with respect to borrowings described under subparagraph (3) below or with respect to transactions involving futures contracts or the writing of options within the limits described in “Certain Trading Strategies of the Fund—Financial Futures and Options Transactions” and “Description of MuniPreferred—Asset Maintenance—MuniPreferred Basic Maintenance Amount”1;

(3) Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes or for repurchase of its shares, and then only in an amount not exceeding one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets including the amount borrowed. While any such borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets, no additional purchases of investment securities will be made;

(4) Underwrite any issue of securities, except to the extent that the purchase of Municipal Obligations in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and limitations may be deemed to be an underwriting;

 

 

1 

The Fund has revised certain fundamental policies relating to the purchase of financial futures and options, which have the effect of permitting the Fund to engage in derivative transactions for non-hedging purposes. As a result, the sections of the prospectus referred to here have been superseded. See “Hedging Strategies and Other Use of Derivatives.”

 

1


(5) Invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry; provided, however, that such limitation shall not be applicable to Municipal Obligations other than those Municipal Obligations backed only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental users, nor shall it apply to Municipal Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities;

(6) Purchase or sell real estate, but this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in Municipal Obligations secured by real estate or interests therein or foreclosing upon and selling such security;

(7) Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts, derivative instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities);

(8) Make loans, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and exemptive orders granted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended2;

(9) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer, except that this limitation shall not apply to securities of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities or to the investment of 25% of its total assets;

(10) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except that, to secure borrowings permitted by subparagraph (3) above, it may pledge securities having a market value at the time of pledge not exceeding 20% of the value of the Fund’s total assets;

(11) Invest more than 10% of its total assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days; and

(12) Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer other than the securities of the Fund if, to the Fund’s knowledge, those trustees of the Fund, or those officers and directors of the Adviser, who individually own beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such issuer, together own beneficially more than 5% of such outstanding securities.

For the purpose of applying the limitation set forth in subparagraph (2) above, the Fund may not issue senior securities not permitted by the 1940 Act simply by describing such securities in the Prospectus.

For the purpose of applying the limitation set forth in subparagraph (5) above, such policy will apply to Municipal Obligations if the payment of principal and interest for such securities is derived solely from a specific project, and in that situation the Fund will consider such municipal securities to be in an industry associated with the project.

For the purpose of applying the limitation set forth in subparagraph (3) above, under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally is not permitted to issue commercial paper or notes or borrow unless immediately after the borrowing or commercial paper or note issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets less liabilities other than the principal amount represented by commercial paper, notes or borrowings, is at least 300% of such principal amount. The Fund does not currently have or have pending any exemptive relief with the Securities and Exchange Commission that would allow it to borrow outside of the limits of the 1940 Act.

For the purpose of applying the limitation set forth in subparagraph (9) above, a governmental issuer shall be deemed the single issuer of a security when its assets and revenues are separate from other governmental entities and its securities are backed only by its assets and revenues. Similarly, in the case of a non-governmental issuer, if the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of the non-governmental issuer, then such

 

 

2 

Section 21 of the 1940 Act makes it unlawful for a registered investment company, like the Fund, to lend money or other property if (i) the investment company’s policies set forth in its registration statement do not permit such a loan or (ii) the borrower controls or is under common control with the investment company. The Fund has not applied for, and currently does not intend to apply for, such exemptive relief.

 

2


non-governmental issuer would be deemed to be the single issuer. Where a security is also backed by the enforceable obligation of a superior or unrelated governmental or other entity (other than a bond insurer), it shall also be included in the computation of securities owned that are issued by such governmental or other entity. Where a security is guaranteed by a governmental entity or some other facility, such as a bank guarantee or letter of credit, such a guarantee or letter of credit would be considered a separate security and would be treated as an issue of such government, other entity or bank. When a municipal security is insured by bond insurance, it shall not be considered a security that is issued or guaranteed by the insurer; instead, the issuer of such municipal security will be determined in accordance with the principles set forth above. The foregoing restrictions do not limit the percentage of the Fund’s assets that may be invested in municipal securities insured by any given insurer.

The Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of its net assets, the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any single issuer.

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest only up to 10% of its Managed Assets in the aggregate in shares of other investment companies and only up to 5% of its Managed Assets in any one investment company, provided the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the acquired investment company at the time such shares are purchased. As a stockholder in any investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses, and will remain subject to payment of the Fund’s management, advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Holders of common shares would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described herein. As described in the Prospectus in the section entitled “Risk Factors”, the net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.

In addition to the foregoing fundamental investment policies, the Fund is also subject to the following non-fundamental restrictions and policies, which may be changed by the Board of Trustees. The Fund may not:

(1) Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold at no added cost, and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.

(2) Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies except in compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any exemptive relief obtained thereunder.

(3) Enter into futures contracts or related options or forward contracts, if more than 30% of the Fund’s net assets would be represented by futures contracts or more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets would be committed to initial margin deposits and premiums on futures contracts and related options.

(4) Purchase securities when borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets if and so long as preferred shares are outstanding.

(5) Purchase securities of companies for the purpose of exercising control, except that the Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in tax-exempt or taxable fixed-income securities or equity securities for the purpose of acquiring control of an issuer whose municipal bonds (a) the Fund already owns and (b) have deteriorated or are expected shortly to deteriorate significantly in credit quality, provided Nuveen Asset Management determines that such investment should enable the Fund to better maximize the value of its existing investment in such issuer.

The restrictions and other limitations set forth above will apply only at the time of purchase of securities and will not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of an acquisition of securities.

 

3


The Fund may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by either guidelines of one or more NRSROs that may issue ratings for preferred shares, including MTP Shares, commercial paper or notes, or, if the Fund borrows from a lender, by the lender. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. If these restrictions were to apply, it is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines would impede NFA from managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies.

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES

The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and techniques that are described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY AND PROCESS

INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY. Nuveen Asset Management (“Nuveen Asset Management”), the Fund’s investment sub-adviser, believes that the unique tax treatment of municipal securities and the structural characteristics in the municipal securities market create attractive opportunities to enhance the after-tax total return and diversification of the investment portfolios of taxable investors. Nuveen Asset Management believes that these unique characteristics also present unique risks that may be managed to realize the benefits of the asset class.

After-Tax Income Potential: The primary source of total return from municipal securities comes from the tax-exempt income derived therefrom. Nuveen Asset Management believes that, at acceptable levels of credit risk and maturity principal risk, the municipal securities market offers the potential for higher after-tax income when compared with other fixed income markets.

Managing Multi-Faceted Risks: Risk in the municipal securities market is derived from multiple sources, including credit risk at the issuer and sector levels, structural risks such as call risk, yield curve risk, and legislative and tax-related risks. Nuveen Asset Management believes that managing these risks at both the individual security and Fund portfolio levels is an important element of realizing the after-tax income and total return potential of the asset class.

Opportunities for Diversification: As of January 31, 2011, the municipal securities market aggregated approximately $3.7 trillion, and over 55,000 issuers, collectively, with a wide array of financing purposes, security terms, offering structures, and credit quality. In addition, the municipal securities market in Texas aggregated approximately $250 billion, with approximately 3,900 issuers, and a wide array of financing purposes, security terms, offering structures and credit quality. Nuveen Asset Management believes that the size and depth of the Texas municipal securities market may facilitate the creation of a diversified portfolio that reduces exposure to the risks of individual issuers and may lower correlations to other credit and market risks within an investor’s overall portfolio.

Market Inefficiencies: Nuveen Asset Management believes that the scale and intricacy of the municipal securities market often results in pricing anomalies and other inefficiencies that can be identified and capitalized on through trading strategies.

INVESTMENT PROCESS. Nuveen Asset Management believes that a bottom-up, value-oriented investment strategy that seeks to identify underrated and undervalued securities and sectors is positioned to capture the opportunities inherent in the municipal securities market and potentially outperform the general municipal securities market over time. The primary elements of Nuveen Asset Management’s investment process are:

Credit Analysis and Surveillance: Nuveen Asset Management focuses on bottom-up, fundamental analysis of municipal securities issuers. Analysts screen each sector for issuers that meet the fundamental tests of

 

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creditworthiness and favor those securities with demonstrable growth potential, solid coverage of debt service and a priority lien on hard assets, dedicated revenue streams or tax resources. As part of Nuveen Asset Management’s overall risk management process, analysts actively monitor the credit quality of portfolio holdings.

Sector Analysis: Organized by sector, analysts continually assess the key issues and trends affecting each sector in order to maintain a sector outlook. Evaluating such factors as historical default rates and average credit spreads within each sector, analysts provide top-down analysis that supports decisions to overweight or underweight a given sector in a portfolio.

Diversification: Nuveen Asset Management seeks to invest in a large number of sectors and specific issuers in order to help insulate a portfolio from events that affect any individual industry or credit. Portfolio managers normally seek to limit exposure to individual credits over the long-term. Portfolio managers also seek to diversify other portfolio level risks, including exposure to calls, and to manage a portfolio’s interest rate sensitivity within tolerance bands relative to the relevant benchmark.

Trading Strategies: Through its trading strategies, Nuveen Asset Management seeks to enhance portfolio value by trading to take advantage of inefficiencies found in the municipal market. This may entail selling issues Nuveen Asset Management deems to be overvalued and purchasing issues Nuveen Asset Management considers to be undervalued.

Sell Discipline: Nuveen Asset Management generally sells securities when it (i) determines a security has become overvalued or over-rated, (ii) identifies credit deterioration, or (iii) modifies a portfolio strategy, such as sector allocation. Nuveen Asset Management may also sell securities when such securities exceed the portfolio’s diversification targets.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in Texas Municipal Obligations, which are all securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax (“municipal securities”). Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that at the time of investment are rated below investment grade or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. No more than 10% of the Fund’s Managed Assets may be invested in municipal securities rated below B3/B- or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by Nuveen Asset Management. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than Fund liabilities incurred for the express purpose of creating leverage). Total assets for this purpose shall include assets attributable to the Fund’s use of effective leverage (whether or not those assets are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles), such as, but not limited to, the portion of assets in special purpose trusts of which the Fund owns the inverse floater certificates that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate certificates. Securities of below investment grade quality are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and are commonly referred to as junk bonds. The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a rating agency downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, Nuveen Asset Management may consider such factors as Nuveen Asset Management’s assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies. The Fund may also invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in municipal bonds of the types in which the Fund may invest directly.

 

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Underrated municipal securities are those municipal securities whose ratings do not, in Nuveen Asset Management’s opinion, reflect their true value. They may be underrated because of the time that has elapsed since their last ratings, or because rating agencies have not fully taken into account positive factors, or for other reasons. Undervalued municipal securities are those securities that, in Nuveen Asset Management’s opinion, are worth more than their market value. They may be undervalued because there is a temporary excess of supply in that particular sector (such as hospital bonds, or bonds of a particular municipal issuer). Nuveen Asset Management may buy such a security even if the value of that security is consistent with the value of other securities in that sector. Municipal securities also may be undervalued because there has been a general decline in the market price of municipal securities for reasons that do not apply to the particular municipal securities that Nuveen Asset Management considers undervalued. Nuveen Asset Management believes that the prices of these municipal securities should ultimately reflect their true value.

The Fund also may invest up to 15% of its net assets in inverse floating rate securities. The economic effect of leverage through the Fund’s purchase of inverse floating rate securities creates an opportunity for increased net income and returns, but also creates the possibly that the Fund’s long-term returns will be diminished if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the inverse floating rate securities purchased by the Fund.

During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep the Fund’s cash fully invested, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in short-term investments including high quality, short-term securities that may be either tax exempt or taxable. The Fund intends to invest in taxable short-term investments only in the event that suitable tax-exempt short-term investments are not available at reasonable prices and yields. Investment in taxable short-term investments would result in a portion of your dividends being subject to regular federal income taxes.

The Fund cannot change its investment objectives without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting separately. For this purpose, “a majority of the outstanding shares” means the vote of (1) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less.

A general description of the ratings of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch of municipal securities is set forth in Appendix B to this Statement of Additional Information. The ratings of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch represent their opinions as to the quality of the municipal securities they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield.

The term “municipal securities” includes municipal securities with relatively short-term maturities. Some of these short-term securities may be variable or floating rate securities. The Fund, however, emphasizes investments in municipal securities with long- or intermediate-term maturities. The Fund buys municipal securities with different maturities and intends to maintain an average portfolio maturity of 15 to 30 years, although this may be shortened depending on market conditions. As of August 31, 2012, the weighted average maturity of the Fund’s portfolio was 17.67 years. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio may include long-term and intermediate-term municipal securities. If the long-term municipal bond market is unstable, the Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in temporary investments. Temporary investments are high quality, generally uninsured, short-term municipal securities that may either be tax-exempt or taxable. The Fund will buy taxable temporary investments only if suitable tax-exempt temporary investments are not available at reasonable prices and yields. The Fund will invest only in taxable temporary securities that are U.S. Government securities or corporate debt securities rated within the highest grade by Moody’s or S&P, and that mature within one year from the date of purchase or carry a variable or floating rate of interest. The Fund’s policies on securities ratings

 

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only apply when the Fund buys a security, and the Fund is not required to sell securities that have been downgraded. See Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information for a description of securities ratings. The Fund also may invest in taxable temporary investments that are certificates of deposit from U.S. banks with assets of at least $1 billion, or repurchase agreements. The Fund intends to allocate taxable income on temporary investments, if any, proportionately between common shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, based on the percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for that year.

The Fund has not established any limit on the percentage of its portfolio that may be invested in municipal securities subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of federal tax law, and the Fund expects that a substantial portion of the income it produces will be includable in alternative minimum taxable income. For a discussion of how the federal alternative minimum tax may affect shareholders, see “Tax Matters.”

As of February 29, 2012, the Fund invested approximately 99% of its total investments in municipal securities rated investment grade (using the higher of S&P’s, Moody’s, or Fitch’s rating), and approximately 1% of its total investments in municipal securities not rated by Moody’s, S&P’s, or Fitch. The relative percentages of the value of the investments attributable to investment grade municipal securities and to below investment grade municipal securities could change over time as a result of rebalancing the Fund’s assets by Nuveen Asset Management, market value fluctuations, issuance of additional shares and other events.

Municipal securities are either general obligation or revenue bonds and typically are issued to finance public projects (such as roads or public buildings), to pay general operating expenses, or to refinance outstanding debt.

Municipal securities may also be issued on behalf of or for private activities, such as housing, medical and educational facility construction, or for privately owned industrial development and pollution control projects. General obligation bonds are backed by the full faith and credit, or taxing authority, of the issuer and may be repaid from any revenue source; revenue bonds may be repaid only from the revenues of a specific facility or source. The Fund may also purchase municipal securities that represent lease obligations, municipal notes, pre-refunded municipal securities, private activity bonds, tender option bonds and other related securities and derivative instruments that create exposure to municipal bonds, notes and securities and that provide for the payment of interest income that is exempt from regular federal income tax.

Municipal securities of below investment grade quality (Ba/BB or below) are commonly referred to as junk bonds. Issuers of securities rated Ba/BB or B are regarded as having current capacity to make principal and interest payments but are subject to business, financial or economic conditions which could adversely affect such payment capacity. Municipal securities rated Baa or BBB are considered “investment grade” securities; municipal securities rated Baa are considered medium grade obligations which lack outstanding investment characteristics and have speculative characteristics, while municipal securities rated BBB are regarded as having adequate capacity to pay principal and interest. Municipal securities rated Aaa or AAA in which the Fund may invest may have been so rated on the basis of the existence of insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when due, of all principal and interest. Municipal securities rated below investment grade quality are obligations of issuers that are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal according to the terms of the obligation and, therefore, carry greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default and bankruptcy and increased market price volatility. Municipal securities rated below investment grade tend to be less marketable than higher-quality securities because the market for them is less broad. The market for unrated municipal securities is even narrower. During periods of thin trading in these markets, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly and the Fund may have greater difficulty selling its portfolio securities. The Fund will be more dependent on Nuveen Asset Management’s research and analysis when investing in these securities.

The Fund may invest in distressed securities, which are securities issued by companies that are involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or are experiencing other financial difficulties at the time of acquisition by the Fund. The issuers of such securities may be in transition, out of favor, financially leveraged or troubled, or potentially troubled, and may be or have recently been involved in major strategic actions, restructurings,

 

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bankruptcy, reorganization or liquidation. These characteristics of these companies can cause their securities to be particularly risky, although they also may offer the potential for high returns. These companies’ securities may be considered speculative, and the ability of the companies to pay their debts on schedule could be affected by adverse interest rate movements, changes in the general economic climate, economic factors affecting a particular industry or specific developments within the companies. Distressed securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding and may require the Fund to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its investment.

Investments in lower rated or unrated securities may present special tax issues for the Fund to the extent that the issuers of these securities default on their obligations pertaining thereto, and the federal income tax consequences to the Fund as a holder of such distressed securities may not be clear.

A municipal security’s market value generally will depend upon its form, maturity, call features, and interest rate, as well as the credit quality of the issuer, all such factors examined in the context of the municipal securities market and interest rate levels and trends.

The foregoing policies as to ratings of portfolio investments will apply only at the time of the purchase of a security, and the Fund will not be required to dispose of securities in the event Moody’s, S&P or Fitch downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issuer.

Obligations of issuers of municipal securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. In addition, the obligations of such issuers may become subject to the laws enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures or referenda extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result of legislation or other conditions, the power or ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its municipal securities may be materially affected.

Subject to rating agency guidelines, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its Managed Assets in broad segments of the municipal securities market, such as revenue obligations of hospitals and other health care facilities, special taxing districts, securities issued to finance charter schools and other private educational facilities, municipal utility securities, industrial development bonds and other private activity bonds. Subject to the availability of suitable investment opportunities, Nuveen Asset Management will attempt to minimize the sensitivity of the Fund’s portfolio to credit and other risks associated with a particular sector or industry. However, if the Fund invests a significant portion of its Managed Assets in the segments noted above, the Fund will be more susceptible to economic, business, political, regulatory and other developments generally affecting issuers in such segments of the municipal securities market. To the extent that the Fund focuses its Managed Assets in the hospital and healthcare facilities sector, the Fund will be subject to risks associated with such sector, including adverse government regulation and reduction in reimbursement rates, as well as government approval of products and services and intense competition. Securities issued to finance charter schools and other private educational facilities will be subject to various risks, including the reversal of legislation authorizing or funding charter schools, the failure to renew or secure a charter, the failure of a funding entity to appropriate necessary funds and competition from alternatives such as voucher programs. Issuers of municipal utility securities can be significantly affected by government regulation, financing difficulties, supply and demand of services or fuel and natural resource conservation.

General.    The Fund may invest in various municipal securities, including municipal bonds and notes, other securities issued to finance and refinance public projects, and other related securities and derivative instruments creating exposure to municipal bonds, notes and securities that provide for the payment of interest income that is exempt from regular federal income tax (as previously defined, “municipal securities”). Municipal securities are often issued by state and local governmental entities to finance or refinance public projects such as roads, schools, and water supply systems. Municipal securities may also be issued on behalf of private entities or for

 

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private activities, such as housing, medical and educational facility construction, or for privately owned transportation, electric utility and pollution control projects. Municipal securities may be issued on a long term basis to provide permanent financing. The repayment of such debt may be secured generally by a pledge of the full faith and credit taxing power of the issuer, a limited or special tax, or any other revenue source, including project revenues, which may include tolls, fees and other user charges, lease payments and mortgage payments. Municipal securities may also be issued to finance projects on a short-term interim basis, anticipating repayment with the proceeds of the later issuance of long-term debt. The Fund may purchase municipal securities in the form of bonds, notes, leases or certificates of participation; structured as callable or non-callable; with payment forms including fixed coupon, variable rate, zero coupon, capital appreciation bonds, tender option bonds, and residual interest bonds or inverse floating rate securities; or acquired through investments in pooled vehicles, partnerships or other investment companies. Inverse floating rate securities are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term tax-exempt interest rates and represent a leveraged investment in an underlying municipal security, which could have the economic effect of financial leverage.

Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation.    Also included within the general category of municipal securities described in the Fund’s Prospectus are municipal leases, certificates of participation in such lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called “Municipal Lease Obligations”) of municipal authorities or entities. Although a Municipal Lease Obligation does not constitute a general obligation of the municipality for which the municipality’s taxing power is pledged, a Municipal Lease Obligation is ordinarily backed by the municipality’s covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the Municipal Lease Obligation. However, certain Municipal Lease Obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In the case of a “non-appropriation” lease, the Fund’s ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property, without recourse to the general credit of the lessee, and disposition or releasing of the property might prove difficult. In order to reduce this risk, the Fund will only purchase Municipal Lease Obligations where Nuveen Asset Management believes the issuer has a strong incentive to continue making appropriations until maturity.

Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities.    The principal of and interest on pre-refunded municipal securities are no longer paid from the original revenue source for the securities. Instead, the source of such payments is typically an escrow fund consisting of U.S. government securities. The assets in the escrow fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer as the pre-refunded municipal securities. Issuers of municipal securities use this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to securities that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer. For example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded municipal securities. However, except for a change in the revenue source from which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded municipal securities remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are redeemed by the issuer.

Private Activity Bonds.    Private activity bonds, formerly referred to as industrial development bonds, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal securities, although the current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues. The Fund’s distributions of its interest income from private activity bonds may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum tax.

Tender Option Bonds.    A tender option bond is a municipal security (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rates. The bond is typically issued with the agreement of a third party, such as

 

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a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, which grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. However, an institution will not be obligated to accept tendered bonds in the event of certain defaults or a significant downgrade in the credit rating assigned to the issuer of the bond. The Fund intends to invest in tender option bonds the interest on which will, in the opinion of bond counsel, counsel for the issuer of interests therein or counsel selected by Nuveen Asset Management, be exempt from regular federal income tax. However, because there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such counsel’s opinion in any particular case, there is a risk that the Fund will not be considered the owner of such tender option bonds and thus will not be entitled to treat such interest as exempt from such tax. Additionally, the federal income tax treatment of certain other aspects of these investments, including the proper tax treatment of tender option bonds and the associated fees in relation to various regulated investment company tax provisions, is unclear. The Fund intends to manage its portfolio in a manner designed to eliminate or minimize any adverse impact from the tax rules applicable to these investments.

Special Taxing Districts.     Special taxing districts are organized to plan and finance infrastructure development to induce residential, commercial and industrial growth and redevelopment. The bond financing methods such as tax increment finance, tax assessment, special services district and Mello-Roos bonds, are generally payable solely from taxes or other revenues attributable to the specific projects financed by the bonds without recourse to the credit or taxing power of related or overlapping municipalities. They often are exposed to real estate development-related risks and can have more taxpayer concentration risk than general tax-supported bonds, such as general obligation bonds. Further, the fees, special taxes, or tax allocations and other revenues that are established to secure such financings are generally limited as to the rate or amount that may be levied or assessed and are not subject to increase pursuant to rate covenants or municipal or corporate guarantees. The bonds could default if development failed to progress as anticipated or if larger taxpayers failed to pay the assessments, fees and taxes as provided in the financing plans of the districts.

HEDGING STRATEGIES AND OTHER USES OF DERIVATIVES

The Fund may periodically engage in hedging transactions, and otherwise use various types of derivative instruments, described below, to reduce risk, to effectively gain particular market exposures, to seek to enhance returns, and to reduce transaction costs, among other reasons.

“Hedging” is a term used for various methods of seeking to preserve portfolio capital value by offsetting price changes in one investment through making another investment whose price should tend to move in the opposite direction.

A “derivative” is a financial contract whose value is based on (or “derived” from) a traditional security (such as a stock or a bond), an asset (such as a commodity like gold), or a market index (such as the Lehman Municipal Bond Index). Some forms of derivatives may trade on exchanges, while non-standardized derivatives, which tend to be more specialized and complex, trade in “over-the-counter” or a one-on-one basis. It may be desirable and possible in various market environments to partially hedge the portfolio against fluctuations in market value due to market interest rate or credit quality fluctuations, or instead to gain a desired investment exposure, by entering into various types of derivative transactions, including financial futures and index futures as well as related put and call options on such instruments, structured notes, or interest rate swaps on taxable or tax-exempt securities or indexes (which may be “forward-starting”), credit default swaps, and options on interest rate swaps, among others.

These transactions present certain risks. In particular, the imperfect correlation between price movements in the futures contract and price movements in the securities being hedged creates the possibility that losses on the

 

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hedge by a Fund may be greater than gains in the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances. As a result, in volatile markets, the Fund may not be able to close out the transaction without incurring losses substantially greater than the initial deposit. Finally, the potential deposit requirements in futures contracts create an ongoing greater potential financial risk than do options transactions, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium. Losses due to hedging transactions will reduce yield. Net gains, if any, from hedging and other portfolio transactions will be distributed as taxable distributions to shareholders.

The Fund will invest in these instruments only in markets believed by Nuveen Asset Management to be active and sufficiently liquid. Successful implementation of most hedging strategies will generate taxable income.

Both parties entering into an index or financial futures contract are required to post an initial deposit, typically equal to from 1% to 5% of the total contract price. Typically, option holders enter into offsetting closing transactions to enable settlement in cash rather than take delivery of the position in the future of the underlying security. Interest rate swap and credit default swap transactions are typically entered on a net basis, meaning that the two payment streams are netted out with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund will only sell covered futures contracts, which means that the Fund segregates assets equal to the amount of the obligations.

The Fund may utilize structured notes and similar instruments for investment purposes and also for hedging purposes. Structured notes are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an “embedded index”), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending upon a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index or indices or other assets. Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss.

The Fund may also use credit default swaps and interest rate swaps. Credit default swaps may require initial premium (discount) payments as well as periodic payments (receipts) related to the interest leg of the swap or to the default of a reference obligation. If the Fund is a seller of a contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, with respect to such debt obligations. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If the Fund is a buyer of a contract, the Fund would have the right to deliver a referenced debt obligation and receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of such debt obligation from the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event (such as a credit downgrade) by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporation, with respect to its debt obligations. In return, the Fund would pay the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the counterparty would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligations to the Fund. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with a counterparty of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. The Fund will usually enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments.

 

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Nuveen Asset Management may use derivative instruments to seek to enhance return, to hedge some of the risk of the Fund’s investments in municipal securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset. These types of strategies may generate taxable income.

There is no assurance that these derivative strategies will be available at any time or that Nuveen Asset Management will determine to use them for the Fund or, if used, that the strategies will be successful.

For further information regarding these investment strategies and risks presented thereby, see Appendix B to this Statement of Additional Information.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are not readily marketable), including, but not limited to, restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), securities that may be resold only pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act that are deemed to be illiquid, and certain repurchase agreements.

Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. To the extent that the Board of Trustees or its delegatee determines that the price of any illiquid security provided by the pricing service is inappropriate, such security will be priced at a fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees or its delegatee.

INVERSE FLOATING RATE SECURITIES AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES

Inverse Floating Rate Securities.    The Fund may invest up to approximately 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities. Inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as “inverse floaters” or residual interests of a tender option bond) are securities whose interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Generally, inverse floating rate securities represent beneficial interests in a special purpose trust formed by a third party sponsor for the purpose of holding municipal bonds. The special purpose trust typically sells two classes of beneficial interests or securities: short-term floating rate municipal securities (sometimes referred to as short-term floaters or tender option bonds), which are sold to third party investors, and inverse floating rate municipal securities, which the Fund would purchase. The short-term floating rate securities have first priority on the cash flow from the municipal bonds held by the special purpose trust. Typically, a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, grants the floating rate security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees. The holder of the short-term floater effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. However, an institution will not be obligated to accept tendered short-term floaters in the event of certain defaults or a significant downgrade in the credit rating assigned to the bond issuer. For its inverse floating rate investment, the Fund receives the residual cash flow from the special purpose trust. Because the holder of the short-term floater is generally assured liquidity at the face value of the security, the Fund as the holder of the inverse floater assumes the interest rate cash flow risk and the market value risk associated with the municipal security deposited into the special purpose trust. The volatility of the interest cash flow and the residual market value will vary with the degree to which the trust is leveraged. This is expressed in the ratio of the face value of the short-term floaters in relation to the residual inverse floaters that are issued by the special purpose trust. The higher the percentage of the special purpose trust’s total value represented by the short-term floaters, the greater the effective leverage. For example, if municipal bonds worth

 

12


$100 are deposited in a special purpose trust and the trust issues short-term floaters worth $75 and inverse floaters worth $25, the trust will have a leverage ratio of 3:1 and the inverse floaters will exhibit price movements at a rate that is four times that of the underlying bonds deposited into the trust. If that same trust were to issue only $50 of floaters, the leverage ratio would be 1:1 and the inverse floaters would exhibit price movements at a rate that is only two times that of the underlying bonds. The Fund expects to make limited investments in inverse floaters, with leverage ratios that may vary between one and three times. In addition, all voting rights and decisions to be made with respect to any other rights relating to the municipal bonds held in the special purpose trust are passed through to the Fund, as the holder of the residual inverse floating rate securities.

Because increases in the interest rate on the short-term floaters reduce the residual interest paid on inverse floaters, and because fluctuations in the value of the municipal bond deposited in the special purpose trust affect the value of the inverse floater only, and not the value of the short-term floater issued by the trust, inverse floaters’ value are more volatile than that of fixed rate bonds. The market price of inverse floating rate securities is more volatile than the underlying bonds due to the leveraging effect of this ownership structure. These securities generally will underperform the market of fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment (i.e., when bond values are falling), but tend to out-perform the market of fixed rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable. Although volatile, inverse floaters typically offer the potential for yields available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity based upon the liquidity of the underlying bonds deposited in a special purpose trust.

The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts that have recourse to the Fund. In Nuveen Asset Management’s discretion, the Fund may enter into a separate shortfall and forbearance agreement with the third party sponsor of a special purpose trust. The Fund may enter into such recourse agreements (i) when the liquidity provider to the special purpose trust requires such an agreement because the level of leverage in the trust exceeds the level that the liquidity provider is willing to support absent such an agreement; and/or (ii) to seek to prevent the liquidity provider from collapsing the trust in the event that the municipal obligation held in the trust has declined in value. Such an agreement would require the Fund to reimburse the third party sponsor of such inverse floater, upon termination of the trust issuing the inverse floater, the difference between the liquidation value of the bonds held in the trust and the principal amount due to the holders of floating rate interests. Such agreements may expose the Fund to a risk of loss that exceeds its investment in the inverse floating rate securities. Absent a shortfall and forbearance agreement, the Fund would not be required to make such a reimbursement. If the Fund chooses not to enter into such an agreement, the special purpose trust could be liquidated and the Fund could incur a loss.

The Fund’s investments in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts that have recourse to the Fund may be highly leveraged. The structure and degree to which the Fund’s inverse floating rate securities are highly leveraged will vary based upon a number of factors, including the size of the trust itself and the terms of the underlying municipal security held in a special purpose trust. An inverse floating rate security generally is considered highly leveraged if the principal amount of the short-term floating rate interests issued by the related special purpose trust is in excess of three times the principal amount of the inverse floating rate securities owned by the trust (the ratio of the principal amount of such short-term floating rate interests to the principal amount of the inverse floating rate securities is referred to as the “gearing”). In the event of a significant decline in the value of an underlying security, the Fund may suffer losses in excess of the amount of its investment (up to an amount equal to the value of the municipal securities underlying the inverse floating rate securities) as a result of liquidating special purpose trusts or other collateral required to maintain the Fund’s anticipated effective leverage ratio.

Floating Rate Securities.    The Fund may also invest in floating rate securities, as described above, issued by special purpose trusts. Floating rate securities may take the form of short-term floating rate securities or the option period may be substantially longer. Generally, the interest rate earned will be based upon the market rates for municipal securities with maturities or remarketing provisions that are comparable in duration to the periodic interval of the tender option, which may vary from weekly, to monthly, to extended periods of one year or

 

13


multiple years. Since the option feature has a shorter term than the final maturity or first call date of the underlying bond deposited in the trust, the Fund as the holder of the floating rate security relies upon the terms of the agreement with the financial institution furnishing the option as well as the credit strength of that institution. As further assurance of liquidity, the terms of the trust provide for a liquidation of the municipal security deposited in the trust and the application of the proceeds to pay off the floating rate security. The trusts that are organized to issue both short-term floating rate securities and inverse floaters generally include liquidation triggers to protect the investor in the floating rate security.

See “Segregation of Assets” below.

OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of other open or closed-end investment companies (including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. In addition, the Fund may invest a portion of its Managed Assets in pooled investment vehicles (other than investment companies) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. The Fund generally expects that it may invest in other investment companies and/or other pooled investment vehicles either during periods when it has large amounts of uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Fund receives the proceeds of an offering of its Common Shares or borrowing or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive, high-yielding municipal securities available in the market. The Fund may invest in investment companies that are advised by NFA, Nuveen Asset Management or their respective affiliates to the extent permitted by applicable law and/or pursuant to exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a stockholder in an investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses and would remain subject to payment of the Fund’s management, advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Common Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies.

Nuveen Asset Management will take expenses into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in an investment company relative to available municipal security investments. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described herein. As described in the Fund’s Prospectus, the net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to Common Shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.

PORTFOLIO TRADING AND TURNOVER RATE

The Fund may buy and sell municipal securities to accomplish its investment objectives in relation to actual and anticipated changes in interest rates. The Fund also may sell one municipal security and buy another of comparable quality at about the same time to take advantage of what Nuveen Asset Management believes to be a temporary price disparity between the two bonds that may result from imbalanced supply and demand. The Fund also may engage in a limited amount of short-term trading, consistent with its investment objectives. The Fund may sell securities in anticipation of a market decline (a rise in interest rates) or buy securities in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sell them, but the Fund will not engage in trading solely to recognize a gain. The Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objectives by prudently selecting municipal securities with a view to holding them for investment. Although the Fund cannot accurately predict its annual portfolio turnover rate, the Fund expects, though it cannot guarantee, that its annual portfolio turnover rate generally will not exceed 100% under normal circumstances. Historically, the Fund’s annual turnover rate has been significantly below 100%, and that historic level of turnover is expected to occur in the future. There are no limits on the rate of portfolio turnover, and investments may be sold without regard to length of time held when investment considerations warrant such action. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. Although these commissions and expenses are not reflected in the Fund’s “Total Annual Expenses” on page 15 of the Prospectus, they will be

 

14


reflected in the Fund’s total return. In addition, high portfolio turnover may result in the realization of net short term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. See “Tax Matters.”

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

As temporary investments, the Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a contractual agreement whereby the seller of securities (U.S. government securities or municipal securities) agrees to repurchase the same security at a specified price on a future date agreed upon by the parties. The agreed-upon repurchase price determines the yield during the Fund’s holding period. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans collateralized by the underlying security that is the subject of the repurchase contract. Income generated from transactions in repurchase agreements will be taxable. See “Tax Matters” for information relating to the allocation of taxable income between common shares and preferred shares. The Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements with registered securities dealers or domestic banks that, in the opinion of Nuveen Asset Management, present minimal credit risk. The risk to the Fund is limited to the ability of the issuer to pay the agreed-upon repurchase price on the delivery date; however, although the value of the underlying collateral at the time the transaction is entered into always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price, if the value of the collateral declines there is a risk of loss of both principal and interest. In the event of default, the collateral may be sold but the Fund might incur a loss if the value of the collateral declines, and might incur disposition costs or experience delays in connection with liquidating the collateral. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization upon the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited. Nuveen Asset Management will monitor the value of the collateral at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times subsequent during the term of the repurchase agreement in an effort to determine that such value always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price. In the event the value of the collateral declines below the repurchase price, Nuveen Asset Management will demand additional collateral from the issuer to increase the value of the collateral to at least that of the repurchase price, including interest.

SEGREGATION OF ASSETS

As a closed-end investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund is subject to the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, and various interpretive provisions of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Securities and its staff. In accordance with these laws, rules and positions, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other Securities and Exchange Commission or staff-approved measures, to “cover” open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivatives instruments. In the case of forward currency contracts that are not contractually required to cash settle, for example, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to such contracts’ full notional value while the positions are open. With respect to forward currency contracts that are contractually required to cash settle, however, the Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Fund’s daily net liability) under the contracts, if any, rather than such contracts’ full notional value. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff regarding asset segregation.

The Fund generally will use its assets to cover its obligations as required by the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, and applicable positions of the Securities and Exchange Commission and its staff. As a result of their segregation, such assets may not be used for other operational purposes. Nuveen Asset Management will monitor the Fund’s use of derivatives and will take action as necessary for the purpose of complying with the asset segregation policy stated above. Such actions may include the sale of the Fund’s portfolio investments.

 

15


SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

Short-Term Taxable Fixed Income Securities

For temporary defensive purposes or to keep cash on hand fully invested, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in cash equivalents and short- term taxable fixed-income securities, although the Fund intends to invest in taxable short-term investments only in the event that suitable tax-exempt short- term investments are not available at reasonable prices and yields. Short-term taxable fixed income investments are defined to include, without limitation, the following:

(1) U.S. government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest that are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government agency securities include securities issued by (a) the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, and the Government National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks*, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal National Mortgage Association*, whose securities are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing Association, whose securities are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do so since it is not so obligated by law. The U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities. Consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.

(2) Certificates of Deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or a savings and loan association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return, and are normally negotiable. The issuer of a certificate of deposit agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon. Under current FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $100,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured.

(3) Repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities. At the time the Fund purchases securities pursuant to a repurchase agreement, it simultaneously agrees to resell and redeliver such securities to the seller, who also simultaneously agrees to buy back the securities at a fixed price and time. This assures a predetermined yield for the Fund during its holding period, since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements only with respect to obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit; or bankers’ acceptances in which the Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is limited to the ability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon sum on the repurchase date; in the event of default, the repurchase agreement provides that the Fund is entitled to sell the underlying collateral. If the seller defaults under a repurchase agreement when the value of the underlying collateral is less than the repurchase price, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. Nuveen Asset Management monitors the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. Nuveen Asset Management does so in an effort to determine that the value of the collateral always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price to be paid to the Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.

 

 

 

* These securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

 

16


(4) Commercial paper, which consists of short-term unsecured promissory notes, including variable rate master demand notes issued by corporations to finance their current operations. Master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for such notes. However, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. Nuveen Asset Management will consider the financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow, and other liquidity measures) and will continuously monitor the corporation’s ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because the Fund’s liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. Investments in commercial paper will be limited to commercial paper rated in the highest categories by a major rating agency and which mature within one year of the date of purchase or carry a variable or floating rate of interest.

Short-Term Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities

Short-term tax-exempt municipal securities are securities that are exempt from regular federal income tax and mature within three years or less from the date of issuance. Short-term tax-exempt municipal income securities are defined to include, without limitation, the following:

Bond Anticipation Notes (“BANs”) are usually general obligations of state and local governmental issuers which are sold to obtain interim financing for projects that will eventually be funded through the sale of long-term debt obligations or bonds. The ability of an issuer to meet its obligations on its BANs is primarily dependent on the issuer’s access to the long-term municipal bond market and the likelihood that the proceeds of such bond sales will be used to pay the principal and interest on the BANs.

Tax Anticipation Notes (“TANs”) are issued by state and local governments to finance the current operations of such governments. Repayment is generally to be derived from specific future tax revenues. TANs are usually general obligations of the issuer. A weakness in an issuer’s capacity to raise taxes due to, among other things, a decline in its tax base or a rise in delinquencies, could adversely affect the issuer’s ability to meet its obligations on outstanding TANs.

Revenue Anticipation Notes (“RANs”) are issued by governments or governmental bodies with the expectation that future revenues from a designated source will be used to repay the notes. In general, they also constitute general obligations of the issuer. A decline in the receipt of projected revenues, such as anticipated revenues from another level of government, could adversely affect an issuer’s ability to meet its obligations on outstanding RANs. In addition, the possibility that the revenues would, when received, be used to meet other obligations could affect the ability of the issuer to pay the principal and interest on RANs.

Construction Loan Notes are issued to provide construction financing for specific projects. Frequently, these notes are redeemed with funds obtained from the Federal Housing Administration.

Bank Notes are notes issued by local government bodies and agencies, such as those described above to commercial banks as evidence of borrowings. The purposes for which the notes are issued are varied but they are frequently issued to meet short-term working capital or capital-project needs. These notes may have risks similar to the risks associated with TANs and RANs.

Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper (“Municipal Paper”) represents very short-term unsecured, negotiable promissory notes issued by states, municipalities and their agencies. Payment of principal and interest on issues of municipal paper may be made from various sources, to the extent the funds are available therefrom. Maturities of municipal paper generally will be shorter than the maturities of TANs, BANs or RANs. There is a limited secondary market for issues of Municipal Paper.

 

17


Certain municipal securities may carry variable or floating rates of interest whereby the rate of interest is not fixed but varies with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as a bank prime rate or a tax-exempt money market index.

While the various types of notes described above as a group represent the major portion of the short-term tax-exempt note market, other types of notes are available in the marketplace and the Fund may invest in such other types of notes to the extent permitted under its investment objectives, policies and limitations. Such notes may be issued for different purposes and may be secured differently from those mentioned above.

WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS

The Fund may buy and sell municipal securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, making payment or taking delivery at a later date, normally within 15-45 days of the trade date. On such transactions the payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. Beginning on the date the Fund enters into a commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, the Fund is required under rules of the Commission to maintain in a separate account liquid assets, consisting of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value, at all times, of at least equal to the amount of the commitment. Income generated by any such assets which provide taxable income for federal income tax purposes is includable in the taxable income of the Fund. The Fund may enter into contracts to purchase municipal securities on a forward basis (i.e., where settlement will occur more than 60 days from the date of the transaction) only to the extent that the Fund specifically collateralizes such obligations with a security that is expected to be called or mature within sixty days before or after the settlement date of the forward transaction. The commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward basis may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the bonds prior to settlement and at the time of delivery the market value may be less than cost.

ZERO COUPON BONDS

A zero coupon bond is a bond that typically does not pay interest either for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. When held to its maturity, the holder receives the par value of the zero coupon bond, which generates a return equal to the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. A zero coupon bond is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. This original issue discount (“OID”) approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound prior to its maturity and reflects the payment deferral and credit risk associated with the instrument. Because zero coupon securities and other OID instruments do not pay cash interest at regular intervals, the instruments’ ongoing accruals require ongoing judgments concerning the collectability of deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. As a result, these securities may be subject to greater value fluctuations and less liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities that pay cash on a current basis. Because zero coupon bonds, and OID instruments generally, allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments, they may involve greater payment deferral and credit risk than coupon loans and bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. The Fund generally will be required to distribute dividends to shareholders representing the income of these instruments as it accrues, even though the Fund will not receive all of the income on a current basis or in cash. Thus, the Fund may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, and use the cash proceeds to make income distributions to its shareholders. For accounting purposes, these cash distributions to shareholders will not be treated as a return of capital.

Further, NFA collects management fees on the value of a zero coupon bond or OID instrument attributable to the ongoing non-cash accrual of interest over the life of the bond or other instrument. As a result, NFA receives non-refundable cash payments based on such non-cash accruals while investors incur the risk that such non-cash accruals ultimately may not be realized.

 

18


STRUCTURED NOTES

The Fund may utilize structured notes and similar instruments for investment purposes and also for hedging purposes. Structured notes are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an “embedded index”), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending upon a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/ or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index or indices or other assets. Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss. These types of investments may generate taxable income.

 

19


MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement with NFA (“the management agreement”), is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The number of trustees of the Fund is ten, one of whom is an “interested person” (as the term “interested person” is defined in the 1940 Act) and nine of whom are not interested persons (referred to herein as “independent trustees”). None of the independent trustees has ever been a director, trustee or employee of, or consultant to, Nuveen Investments, NFA, Nuveen Asset Management or their affiliates. The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, the Class I trustees serving until the 2013 annual meeting, the Class II trustees serving until the 2014 annual meeting and the Class III trustees serving until the 2012 annual meeting, in each case until their respective successors are elected and qualified, as described below. Currently, William C. Hunter, Judith M. Stockdale, Carole E. Stone and Virginia L. Stringer are slated in Class I, John P. Amboian, David J. Kundert and Terence J. Toth are slated in Class II and Robert P. Bremner, Jack B. Evans and William J. Schneider are slated in Class III. The officers of the Fund serve annual terms and are elected on an annual basis. The names, business addresses and birthdates of the trustees and officers of the Fund, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each oversees and other trusteeships they hold are set forth below. The trustees of the Fund are directors or trustees, as the case may be, of 102 Nuveen-sponsored open-end funds (the “Nuveen Mutual Funds”) and 117 Nuveen-sponsored closed-end funds (collectively with the Nuveen Mutual Funds, the “Nuveen Funds”).

 

Name, Business Address
and Birthdate

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

   Number Of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen By
Trustee
     Other
Trusteeships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
Five Years

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:

Robert P. Bremner

8/22/40

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Chairman of
the Board
and Trustee
   Term—Class III
Length of service—
Since 1997
   Private Investor and Management Consultant; Treasurer and Director, Humanities Council of Washington D.C.; Board Member, Independent Directors Council affiliated with the Investment Company Institute.      219       None

 

20


Name, Business Address
and Birthdate

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of Time
Served with Fund
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

  Number Of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen By
Trustee
   

Other
Trusteeships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
Five Years

Jack B. Evans

10/22/48

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Trustee   Term—Class III
Length of service—
Since 1999
  President, The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation (since 1996); Member of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System; Director, Source Media Group; Life Trustee of Coe College and the Iowa College Foundation; formerly, Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; formerly, President and Chief Operating Officer, SCI Financial Group, Inc., (a regional financial services firm).     219      Director and Chairman, United Fire Group, a publicly held company; formerly, Director, Alliant Energy.

William C. Hunter

3/6/48

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Trustee   Term—Class I
Length of service—
Since 2004
  Dean Emeritus (since June 30, 2012), formerly, Dean, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa (2006-2012); Director (since 2005) and President (since July 2012) of Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Honor Society; Director of Wellmark, Inc. (since 2009); formerly, Dean and Distinguished Professor of Finance, School of Business at the University of Connecticut (2003-2006); formerly, Director (1997-2007), Credit Research Center at Georgetown University; previously, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (1995-2003).     219      Director (since 2004) of Xerox Corporation.

 

21


Name, Business Address
and Birthdate

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

   Number Of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen By
Trustee
    

Other
Trusteeships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
Five Years

David J. Kundert

10/28/42

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Trustee    Term—Class III
Length of service—
Since 2005
   Director, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company; retired (since 2004) as Chairman, JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management, President and CEO, Banc One Investment Advisors Corporation, and President, One Group Mutual Funds; prior thereto, Executive Vice President, Bank One Corporation and Chairman and CEO, Banc One Investment Management Group; member of the Board of Regents, Luther College; member of the Wisconsin Bar Association; member of Board of Directors, Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens; member of Board of Directors and Chair of Investment Committee, Greater Milwaukee Foundation.      219       None

 

22


Name, Business Address
and Birthdate

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

   Number Of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen By
Trustee
    

Other
Trusteeships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
Five Years

William J. Schneider

9/24/44

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Trustee    Term—Class III
Length of service—
Since 1997
   Chairman of Miller-Valentine Partners Ltd., a real estate investment company; Member, Mid-America Health System Board; Member, University of Dayton Business School Advisory Council; formerly, Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer (retired) of Miller-Valentine Group; formerly member, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Association; formerly, Director, Dayton Development Coalition; formerly, member, Business Advisory Council, Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank.      219       None

Judith M. Stockdale

12/29/47

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Trustee    Term—Class I
Length of service—
Since 1997
   Executive Director, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (since 1994); prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (1990-1994).      219       None

Carole E. Stone

6/28/47

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Trustee    Term—Class I
Length of service—
Since 2007
   Director, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (since 2009); formerly, Commissioner, New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform (2005-2010); formerly, Chair, New York Racing Association Oversight Board (2005-2007).      219       Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange (since 2006).

 

23


Name, Business Address
and Birthdate

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
     Other
Trusteeships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
Five Years

Virginia L. Stringer

8/16/44

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Trustee    Term—Class I
Length of Service—
Since 2011
   Board Member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum; Governance consultant and non-profit board member; former Member, Governing Board, Investment Company Institute’s Independent Directors Council; former Owner and President, Strategic Management Resources, Inc., a management consulting firm; previously, held several executive positions in general management, marketing and human resources at IBM and The Pillsbury Company.      219       Previously,
Independent
Director,
First
American
Fund
Complex
from (1987-
2010) and
Chair from
(1997-2010).

 

24


Name, Business Address

and Birthdate

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of Time

Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

   Number Of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen By
Trustee
     Other
Trusteeships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
Five Years

Terence J. Toth

9/29/59

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Trustee    Term—Class II
Length of service—
Since 2008
  

Director, Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. (since 2008); Managing Partner, Promus Capital (since 2008); formerly, CEO and President, Northern Trust Global Investments (2004-2007); Executive Vice President, Quantitative Management & Securities Lending (2000-2004); prior thereto, various positions with Northern Trust Company (since 1994); Member, Goodman Theatre Board (since 2004), Chicago Fellowship Board (since 2005) and Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008); formerly, Member,

Northern Trust Mutual Funds Board (2005-2007), Northern Trust Global Investments Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Japan Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Securities Inc. Board (2003-2007) and Northern Trust Hong Kong Board (1997-2004).

     219       None

 

25


Name, Business Address
and Birthdate

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of Office
and Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

   Number Of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen By
Trustee
     Other
Trusteeships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
Five Years

INTERESTED TRUSTEE:

           

John P. Amboian(1)

6/14/61

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Trustee    Term—Class II

Length of service—
Since 2008

   Chief Executive Officer and Chairman (since 2007) and Director (since 1999) of Nuveen Investments, Inc., formerly, President (1999-2007); Chief Executive Officer (since 2007) of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc.; Director (since 1998), formerly, Chief Executive Officer (2007-2010) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.      219       None

 

(1) Mr. Amboian is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of his positions with Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen Investments”) and certain of its subsidiaries.

 

26


OFFICERS OF THE FUND

 

Name, Birthdate and
Business Address

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupations
Including Other Directorships
During Past Five Years

  Number Of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee/Officer

Gifford R. Zimmerman

9/9/56

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

   Chief
Administrative
Officer
  Term—Until
August 2013
Length of
Service—Since
Inception
   Managing Director (since 2002) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2002), Assistant Secretary (since 1997) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.; Managing Director (since 2004) and Assistant Secretary (since 1994) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC and Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc. (since 2002); Managing Director, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Symphony Asset Management LLC (since 2003); Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (since 2006) and Winslow Capital Management, LLC. (since 2010); Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2006) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst.   219

 

27


Name, Birthdate and
Business Address

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupations
Including Other Directorships
During Past Five Years

  Number Of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee/Officer

Williams Adams IV

6/9/55

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President   Term—Until
August 2013
Length of Service —

Since 2007

   Senior Executive Vice President, Global Structured Products, formerly, Executive Vice President (1999-2010) of Nuveen Investments, LLC; Co-President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (since 2011); President (since 2011), formerly, Managing Director (2010-2011) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC.   117

Cedric H. Antosiewicz

1/11/62

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President   Term—Until
August 2013
Length of Service—

Since 2007

   Managing Director of Nuveen Securities, LLC.   117

Margo L. Cook

4/11/64

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President   Term—Until
August 2013
Length of Service—
Since 2009
   Executive Vice President (since 2008) of Nuveen Investments, Inc. and Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (since 2011); Managing Director—Investment Services of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); previously, Head of Institutional Asset Management (2007-2008) of Bear Stearns Asset Management; Head of Institutional Asset Management (1986-2007) of Bank of NY Mellon; Chartered Financial Analyst.   219

Lorna C. Ferguson

10/24/45

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President   Term—Until
August 2013
Length of Service—

Since 1998

   Managing Director (since 2004) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2005) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.   219

 

28


Name, Birthdate and
Business Address

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupations
Including Other Directorships
During Past Five Years

  Number Of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee/Officer

Stephen D. Foy

5/31/54

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President
and Controller
  Term—Until
August 2013
Length
of Service—Since
1998
   Senior Vice President (since 2010), formerly Vice President (2004-2010) and Funds Controller of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Vice President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (since 2005); Chief Financial Officer (since 2010) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Certified Public Accountant.   219

 

29


Name, Birthdate and
Business Address

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served with Fund
 

Principal Occupations
Including Other Directorships
During Past Five Years

  Number Of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee/Officer

Scott S. Grace

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(8/20/70)

  Vice President
and Treasurer
  Term—Until

August 2013

Length of Service—

Since 2009

  Managing Director, Corporate Finance & Development, Treasurer (since 2009) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director and Treasurer (since 2009) of Nuveen Investment Advisers Inc., Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc., Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. and (since 2011) Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; Vice President and Treasurer of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC and Winslow Capital Management, LLC; Vice President of Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC; formerly, Treasurer (2006-2009), Senior Vice President (2008-2009), previously, Vice President (2006-2008) of Janus Capital Group, Inc.; formerly, Senior Associate in Morgan Stanley’s Global Financial Services Group (2000-2003); Chartered Accountant.   219

Walter M. Kelly

2/24/70

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President

and Chief
Compliance
Officer

  Term—Until

August 2013

Length of

Service—

Since 2003

  Senior Vice President (since 2008) and Assistant Secretary (since 2003), of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President (since 2008) of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.; formerly, Senior Vice President (2008-2011) of Nuveen Securities LLC.   219

 

30


Name, Birthdate and
Business Address

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupations
Including Other Directorships
During Past Five Years

  Number Of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee/Officer

Tina M. Lazar

8/27/61

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President   Term—Until

August 2013

Length of Service—

Since 2002

   Senior Vice President (since 2010), formerly, Vice President (2005-2010) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.   219

Kevin J. McCarthy

3/26/66

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President
and Secretary
  Term—Until

August 2013

Length of Service—

Since 2007

   Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (since 2008), formerly, Vice President (2007-2008) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2008), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2007) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc., NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, NWQ Holdings, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC and Winslow Capital Management, LLC. (since 2010); Vice President and Secretary (since 2010) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; prior thereto, Partner, Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP (1997-2007).   219

 

31


Name, Birthdate and
Business Address

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served with Fund
  

Principal Occupations
Including Other Directorships
During Past Five Years

  Number Of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee/Officer

Kathleen L. Prudhomme

3/30/53

901 Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

  Vice President

and Assistant

Secretary

  Term—Until

August 2013

Length of Service—

Since 2011

   Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.; Managing Director and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2011); Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; formerly, Deputy General Counsel, FAF Advisors, Inc. (2004-2010).   219

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

The Board of Directors or the Board of Trustees (as the case may be, each is referred to hereafter as the “Board” and the directors or trustees of the Nuveen Funds, as applicable, are each referred to herein as “Trustees”) oversees the operations and management of the Nuveen Funds, including the duties performed for the Nuveen Funds by the investment adviser and sub-adviser. The Board has adopted a unitary board structure. A unitary board consists of one group of trustees who serve on the board of every fund in the complex. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Trustees seek to provide effective governance through establishing a board, the overall composition of which, will, as a body, possess the appropriate skills, independence and experience to oversee the Nuveen Funds’ business. With this overall framework in mind, when the Board, through its Nominating and Governance Committee discussed below, seeks nominees for the Board, the Trustees consider, not only the candidate’s particular background, skills and experience, among other things, but also whether such background, skills and experience enhance the Board’s diversity and at the same time complement the Board given its current composition and the mix of skills and experiences of the incumbent Trustees.

The Board believes the unitary board structure enhances good and effective governance, particularly given the nature of the structure of the investment company complex. Funds in the same complex generally are served by the same service providers and personnel and are governed by the same regulatory scheme which raises common issues that must be addressed by the trustees across the fund complex (such as compliance, valuation, liquidity, brokerage, trade allocation or risk management). The Board believes it is more efficient to have a single board review and oversee common policies and procedures which increases the Board’s knowledge and expertise with respect to the many aspects of fund operations that are complex-wide in nature. The unitary structure also enhances the Board’s influence and oversight over the investment adviser, sub-adviser and other service providers.

In an effort to enhance the independence of the Board, the Board also has a Chairman that is an independent Trustee. The Board recognizes that a chairman can perform an important role in setting the agenda for the Board, establishing the boardroom culture, establishing a point person on behalf of the Board for fund management, and reinforcing the Board’s focus on the long-term interests of shareholders. The Board recognizes that a chairman may be able to better perform these functions without any conflicts of interests arising from a position with fund

 

32


management. Accordingly, the Trustees have elected Robert P. Bremner as the independent Chairman of the Board. Specific responsibilities of the Chairman include: (i) presiding at all meetings of the Board and of the shareholders; (ii) seeing that all orders and resolutions of the Trustees are carried into effect; and (iii) maintaining records of and, whenever necessary, certifying all proceedings of the Trustees and the shareholders.

Although the Board has direct responsibility over various matters (such as advisory contracts, underwriting contracts and Fund performance), the Board also exercises certain of its oversight responsibilities through several committees that it has established and which report back to the full Board. The Board believes that a committee structure is an effective means to permit Trustees to focus on particular operations or issues affecting the Nuveen Funds, including risk oversight. More specifically, with respect to risk oversight, the Board has delegated matters relating to valuation and compliance to certain committees (as summarized below) as well as certain aspects of investment risk. In addition, the Board believes that the periodic rotation of Trustees among the different committees allows the Trustees to gain additional and different perspectives of the Fund’s operations. The Board has established five standing committees: the Executive Committee, the Dividend Committee, the Audit Committee, the Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board may also from time to time create ad hoc committees to focus on particular issues as the need arises. The membership and functions of the standing committees are summarized below.

The Executive Committee, which meets between regular meetings of the Board, is authorized to exercise all of the powers of the Board. Robert P. Bremner, Chair, Judith M. Stockdale and John P. Amboian serve as the current members of the Executive Committee of the Board. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the Executive Committee did not meet.

The Dividend Committee is authorized to declare distributions on the Trust’s shares including, but not limited to, regular and special dividends, capital gains and ordinary income distributions. The members of the Dividend Committee are Jack B. Evans, Chair, Judith M. Stockdale and Terence J. Toth. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 the Dividend Committee met six times.

The Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee (the “Compliance Committee”) is responsible for the oversight of compliance issues, risk management and other regulatory matters affecting the Nuveen Funds that are not otherwise the jurisdiction of the other committees. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Nuveen Funds’ compliance and risk matters. As part of its duties, the Compliance Committee reviews the policies and procedures relating to compliance matters and recommends modifications thereto as necessary or appropriate to the full Board; develops new policies and procedures as new regulatory matters affecting the Nuveen Funds arise from time to time; evaluates or considers any comments or reports from examinations from regulatory authorities and responses thereto; and performs any special reviews, investigations or other oversight responsibilities relating to risk management, compliance and/or regulatory matters as requested by the Board.

In addition, the Compliance Committee is responsible for risk oversight, including, but not limited to, the oversight of risks related to investments and operations. Such risks include, among other things, exposures to particular issuers, market sectors, or types of securities; risks related to product structure elements, such as leverage; and techniques that may be used to address those risks, such as hedging and swaps. In assessing issues brought to the committee’s attention or in reviewing a particular policy, procedure, investment technique or strategy, the Compliance Committee evaluates the risks to the Nuveen Funds in adopting a particular approach or resolution compared to the anticipated benefits to the Nuveen Funds and their shareholders. In fulfilling its obligations, the Compliance Committee meets on a quarterly basis, and at least once a year in person. The Compliance Committee receives written and oral reports from the Nuveen Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) and meets privately with the CCO at each of its quarterly meetings. The CCO also provides an annual report to the full Board regarding the operations of the Nuveen Funds’ and other service providers’ compliance programs as well as any recommendations for modifications thereto. The Compliance Committee also receives reports from the investment services group of Nuveen regarding various investment risks. Notwithstanding the

 

33


foregoing, the full Board also participates in discussions with management regarding certain matters relating to investment risk, such as the use of leverage and hedging. The investment services group therefore also reports to the full Board at its quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance. Accordingly, the Board directly and/or in conjunction with the Compliance Committee oversees matters relating to investment risks. Matters not addressed at the committee level are addressed directly by the full Board. The committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board of Trustees. The members of the Compliance Committee are Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, William J. Schneider, Virginia L. Stringer and Judith M. Stockdale, Chair. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the Compliance Committee met five times.

The Audit Committee assists the Board in the oversight and monitoring of the accounting and reporting policies, processes and practices of the Nuveen Funds, and the audits of the financial statements of the Nuveen Funds; the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Nuveen Funds; the Nuveen Funds’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the Nuveen Funds’ financial statements; the independent auditors’ qualifications, performance and independence; and the pricing procedures of the Nuveen Funds and the internal valuation group of Nuveen. It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to select, evaluate and replace any independent auditors (subject only to Board and, if applicable, shareholder ratification) and to determine their compensation. The Audit Committee is also responsible for, among other things, overseeing the valuation of securities comprising the Nuveen Funds’ portfolios. Subject to the Board’s general supervision of such actions, the Audit Committee addresses any valuation issues, oversees the Nuveen Funds’ pricing procedures and actions taken by Nuveen’s internal valuation group which provides regular reports to the committee, reviews any issues relating to the valuation of the Trustees Funds’ securities brought to its attention and considers the risks to the Funds in assessing the possible resolutions to these matters. The Audit Committee may also consider any financial risk exposures for the Trustees Funds in conjunction with performing its functions.

To fulfill its oversight duties, the Audit Committee receives annual and semi-annual reports and has regular meetings with the external auditors for the Nuveen Funds and the internal audit group at Nuveen Investments. The Audit Committee also may review in a general manner the processes the Board or other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management as well as compliance with legal and regulatory matters relating to the Nuveen Funds’ financial statements. The committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board. Members of the Audit Committee shall be independent (as set forth in the charter) and free of any relationship that, in the opinion of the Trustees, would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment as an Audit Committee member. The members of the Audit Committee are Robert P. Bremner, David J. Kundert, Chair, William J. Schneider, Carole E. Stone and Terence J. Toth, each of whom is an independent Trustee of the Nuveen Funds. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the Audit Committee met four times.

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for seeking, identifying and recommending to the Board qualified candidates for election or appointment to the Board. In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee oversees matters of corporate governance, including the evaluation of Board performance and processes, the assignment and rotation of committee members, and the establishment of corporate governance guidelines and procedures, to the extent necessary or desirable, and matters related thereto. Although the unitary and committee structure has been developed over the years and the Nominating and Governance Committee believes the structure has provided efficient and effective governance, the committee recognizes that as demands on the Board evolve over time (such as through an increase in the number of funds overseen or an increase in the complexity of the issues raised), the committee must continue to evaluate the Board and committee structures and their processes and modify the foregoing as may be necessary or appropriate to continue to provide effective governance. Accordingly, the Nominating and Governance Committee has a separate meeting each year to, among other things, review the Board and committee structures, their performance and functions, and recommend any modifications thereto or alternative structures or processes that would enhance the Board’s governance over the Nuveen Funds’ business.

 

34


In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee, among other things, makes recommendations concerning the continuing education of Trustees; monitors performance of legal counsel and other service providers; establishes and monitors a process by which security holders are able to communicate in writing with members of the Board; and periodically reviews and makes recommendations about any appropriate changes to Trustee compensation. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee receives suggestions from various sources, including shareholders, as to suitable candidates. Suggestions should be sent in writing to Lorna Ferguson, Manager of Fund Board Relations, Nuveen Investments, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606. The Nominating and Governance Committee sets appropriate standards and requirements for nominations for new Trustees and reserves the right to interview any and all candidates and to make the final selection of any new Trustees. In considering a candidate’s qualifications, each candidate must meet certain basic requirements, including relevant skills and experience, time availability (including the time requirements for due diligence site visits to internal and external sub-advisers and service providers) and, if qualifying as an Independent Trustee candidate, independence from the Adviser, sub-advisers, underwriters or other service providers, including any affiliates of these entities. These skill and experience requirements may vary depending on the current composition of the Board, since the goal is to ensure an appropriate range of skills, diversity and experience, in the aggregate. Accordingly, the particular factors considered and weight given to these factors will depend on the composition of the Board and the skills and backgrounds of the incumbent Trustees at the time of consideration of the nominees. All candidates, however, must meet high expectations of personal integrity, independence, governance experience and professional competence. All candidates must be willing to be critical within the Board and with management and yet maintain a collegial and collaborative manner toward other Board members. The committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board. This committee is composed of the independent Trustees of the Nuveen Funds. Accordingly, the members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Robert P. Bremner, Chair, Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, David J. Kundert, William J. Schneider, Judith M. Stockdale, Carole E. Stone and Terence J. Toth. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the Nominating and Governance Committee met six times.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Board approved the creation of the Open-End Funds Committee. The Open-End Funds Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in the oversight and monitoring of the Nuveen Funds that are registered as open-end management investment companies (“Open-End Funds”). The committee may review and evaluate matters related to the formation and the initial presentation to the Board of any new Open-End Fund and may review and evaluate any matters relating to any existing Open-End Fund. The committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board. The members of the Open-End Funds Committee are Robert P. Bremner, David J. Kundert, Judith M. Stockdale, Virginia L. Stringer and Terence J. Toth, Chair. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the Open-End Funds Committee met one time.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Board approved the creation of the Closed-End Funds Committee. The Closed-End Funds Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in the oversight and monitoring of the Nuveen Funds that are registered as closed-end investment companies (“Closed-End Funds”). The committee may review and evaluate matters related to the formation and the initial presentation to the Board of any new Closed-End Fund and may review and evaluate any matters relating to any existing Closed-End Fund. The committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board. The members of the Closed-End Funds Committee are Robert P. Bremner, Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, William J. Schneider, Chair, and Carole E. Stone. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the Closed-End Funds Committee met one time.

Board Diversification and Trustee Qualifications

In determining that a particular Board Member was qualified to serve as a Board Member, the Board has considered each Board Member’s background, skills, experience and other attributes in light of the composition of the Board with no particular factor controlling. The Board believes that Board Members need to have the ability to critically review, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, and to interact effectively with Fund management, service providers and counsel, in order to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties and the Board believes each Board Member satisfies this standard.

 

35


An effective Board Member may achieve this ability through his or her educational background; business, professional training or practice; public service or academic positions; experience from service as a board member (including the Boards of the Funds), or as an executive of investment funds, public companies or significant private or not-for-profit entities or other organizations; and or/other life experiences. Accordingly, set forth below is a summary of the experiences, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led to the conclusion, as of the date of this document, that each Board Member should continue to serve in that capacity. References to the experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills of Board Members are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Board Member as having any special expertise or experience and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.

John P. Amboian

Mr. Amboian, an interested Trustee of the Nuveen Funds, joined Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen”) in June 1995 and became Chief Executive Officer in July 2007 and Chairman in November 2007. Prior to this, since 1999, he served as President with responsibility for the firm’s product, marketing, sales, operations and administrative activities. Mr. Amboian initially served Nuveen as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Nuveen, Mr. Amboian held key management positions with two consumer product firms affiliated with the Phillip Morris Companies. He served as Senior Vice President of Finance, Strategy and Systems at Miller Brewing Company. Mr. Amboian began his career in corporate and international finance at Kraft Foods, Inc., where he eventually served as Treasurer. He received a Bachelor’s degree in economics and a Masters of Business Administration (“MBA”) from the University of Chicago. Mr. Amboian serves on the Board of Trustees of Nuveen and is a Board Member or Trustee of the Investment Company Institute Board of Governors, Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, Children’s Memorial Hospital and Foundation, the Council on the Graduate School of Business (University of Chicago), and the North Shore Country Day School Foundation. He is also a member of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.

Robert P. Bremner

Mr. Bremner, the Nuveen Funds’ Independent Chairman, is a private investor and management consultant in Washington, D.C. His biography of William McChesney Martin, Jr., a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, was published by Yale University Press in November 2004. From 1994 to 1997, he was a Senior Vice President at Samuels International Associates, an international consulting firm specializing in governmental policies, where he served in a part-time capacity. Previously, Mr. Bremner was a partner in the LBK Investors Partnership and was chairman and majority stockholder with ITC Investors Inc., both private investment firms. He currently serves on the Board and as Treasurer of the Humanities Council of Washington D.C. and is a Board Member of the Independent Directors Council affiliated with the Investment Company Institute. From 1984 to 1996, Mr. Bremner was an independent Trustee of the Flagship Funds, a group of municipal open-end funds. He began his career at the World Bank in Washington D.C. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Yale University and received his MBA from Harvard University.

Jack B. Evans

President of the Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation, since 1996, Mr. Evans was formerly President and Chief Operating Officer of the SCI Financial Group, Inc., a regional financial services firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Formerly, he was a member of the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago as well as a Director of Alliant Energy. Mr. Evans is Chairman of the Board of United Fire Group, sits on the Board of the Source Media Group, is a member of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System and is a Life Trustee of Coe College. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Coe College and an MBA from the University of Iowa.

 

36


William C. Hunter

Mr. Hunter became Dean Emeritus of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa on June 30, 2012. He was appointed Dean of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa on July 1, 2006. He had been Dean and Distinguished Professor of Finance at the University of Connecticut School of Business since June 2003. From 1995 to 2003, he was the Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. While there he served as the Bank’s Chief Economist and was an Associate Economist on the Federal Reserve System’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). In addition to serving as a Vice President in charge of financial markets and basic research at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta, he held faculty positions at Emory University, Atlanta University, the University of Georgia and Northwestern University. A past Director of the Credit Research Center at Georgetown University, SS&C Technologies, Inc. (2005) and past President of the Financial Management Association International, he has consulted with numerous foreign central banks and official agencies in Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, Central America and South America. From 1990 to 1995, he was a U.S. Treasury Advisor to Central and Eastern Europe. He has been a Director of the Xerox Corporation since 2004 and Wellmark, Inc. since 2009. He is a Director and President of Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society.

David J. Kundert

Mr. Kundert retired in 2004 as Chairman of JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management, and as President and CEO of Banc One Investment Advisors Corporation, and as President of One Group Mutual Funds. Prior to the merger between Bank One Corporation and JPMorgan Chase and Co., he was Executive Vice President, Bank One Corporation and, since 1995, the Chairman and CEO, Banc One Investment Management Group. From 1988 to 1992, he was President and CEO of Bank One Wisconsin Trust Company. Currently, Mr. Kundert is a Director of the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. He started his career as an attorney for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mr. Kundert has served on the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute and he is currently a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association. He is on the Board of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and chairs its Investment Committee. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College, and his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University.

William J. Schneider

Mr. Schneider is currently Chairman, formerly Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer (retired, December 2004) of Miller-Valentine Partners Ltd., a real estate investment company. He is a Director and Past Chair of the Dayton Development Coalition. He was formerly a member of the Community Advisory Board of the National City Bank in Dayton as well as a former member of the Business Advisory Council of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank. Mr. Schneider is a member of the Business Advisory Council for the University of Dayton College of Business. Mr. Schneider was an independent Trustee of the Flagship Funds, a group of municipal open-end funds. He also served as Chair of the Miami Valley Hospital and as Chair of the Finance Committee of its parent holding company. Mr. Schneider has a Bachelor of Science in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Dayton.

Judith M. Stockdale

Ms. Stockdale is currently Executive Director of the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, a private foundation working in land conservation and artistic vitality in the Chicago region and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Her previous positions include Executive Director of the Great Lakes Protection Fund, Executive Director of Openlands, and Senior Staff Associate at the Chicago Community Trust. She has served on the Boards of the Land Trust Alliance, the National Zoological Park, the Governor’s Science Advisory Council (Illinois), the Nancy Ryerson Ranney Leadership Grants Program, Friends of Ryerson Woods and the Donors Forum. Ms. Stockdale, a native of the United Kingdom, has a Bachelor of Science degree in geography from the University of Durham (UK) and a Master of Forest Science degree from Yale University.

 

37


Carole E. Stone

Ms. Stone retired from the New York State Division of the Budget in 2004, having served as its Director for nearly five years and as Deputy Director from 1995 through 1999. Ms. Stone is currently on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, CBOE Holdings, Inc. and C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated and was formerly a Commissioner on the New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform. She has also served as the Chair of the New York Racing Association Oversight Board, as Chair of the Public Authorities Control Board and as a member of the Boards of Directors of several New York State public authorities. Ms. Stone has a Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College in Business Administration.

Virginia L. Stringer

Ms. Stringer served as the independent chair of the Board of the First American Fund Complex from 1997 to 2010, having joined such Board in 1987. Ms. Stringer serves on the board of the Mutual Fund Directors Forum. She is a recipient of the Outstanding Corporate Director award from Twin Cities Business Monthly and the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Ms. Stringer is the past board chair of the Oak Leaf Trust, director of the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation and also served as President of the Minneapolis Club’s Governing Board. She is a director and former board chair of the Minnesota Opera and a Life Trustee and former board member of the Voyageur Outward Bound School. She also served as a trustee of Outward Bound USA. She was appointed by the Governor of Minnesota to the Board on Judicial Standards and also served on a Minnesota Supreme Court Judicial Advisory Committee to reform the state’s judicial disciplinary process. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and attended the London Business School as an International Business Fellow. Ms. Stringer also served as board chair of the Human Resource Planning Society, the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund and the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable. Ms. Stringer is the retired founder of Strategic Management Resources, a consulting practice focused on corporate governance, strategy and leadership. She has twenty five years of corporate experience having held executive positions in general management, marketing and human resources with IBM and the Pillsbury Company.

Terence J. Toth

Mr. Toth is a Director, Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. (since 2008) and a Managing Partner, Promus Capital (since 2008). From 2004 to 2007, he was Chief Executive Officer and President of Northern Trust Global Investments, and Executive Vice President of Quantitative Management & Securities Lending from 2000 to 2004. He also formerly served on the Board of the Northern Trust Mutual Funds. He joined Northern Trust in 1994 after serving as Managing Director and Head of Global Securities Lending at Bankers Trust (1986 to 1994) and Head of Government Trading and Cash Collateral Investment at Northern Trust from 1982 to 1986. He currently serves on the Boards of the Goodman Theatre and Chicago Fellowship and is Chairman of the Board of Catalyst Schools of Chicago. Mr. Toth graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, and received his MBA from New York University. In 2005, he graduated from the CEO Perspectives Program at Northwestern University.

 

38


SHARE OWNERSHIP

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each trustee as of January 31, 2012:

 

Name of Trustee

   Dollar Range
of Equity
Securities in
the Fund
     Aggregate Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in
All Registered
Investment Companies
Overseen by Trustee
in Family of Investment
Companies

John M. Amboian

     None       Over $100,000

Robert P. Bremner

     None       Over $100,000

Jack B. Evans

     None       Over $100,000

William C. Hunter

     None       Over $100,000

David J. Kundert

     None       Over $100,000

William S. Schneider

     None       Over $100,000

Judith M. Stockdale

     None       Over $100,000

Carole E. Stone .

     None       Over $100,000

Virginia L. Stringer

     None       Over $100,000

Terence J. Toth

     None       Over $100,000

No trustee who is not an interested person of the Fund or his immediate family member owns beneficially or of record, any security of NFA, Nuveen Asset Management, Nuveen Investments or any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with NFA, or Nuveen Investments.

As of September 1, 2012, the officers and Trustees as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of any class of the Fund’s outstanding securities. Additionally, no disinterested trustee owned shares of NFA, Nuveen Asset Management or Nuveen (or any entity controlled by or under common control with NFA, Nuveen Asset Management or Nuveen).

5% Shareholders

The following table sets forth the percentage ownership of each person who, as of December 31, 2011, owned of record, or is known by the Fund to own of record beneficially, 5% or more of any class of the Fund’s equity securities:*

 

Name of Equity Security

  

Name and Address of Owner

   % of Record Ownership(a)  

Common Stock

  

Karpus Management, Inc., d/b/a

Karpus Investment Management

183 Sully’s Trail

Pittsford, New York 14534

     15.05 %

 

* The information contained in this table is based on a Schedule 13G filing made January 27, 2012.

COMPENSATION

The following table shows, for each independent trustee, (1) the aggregate compensation paid by the Fund for its fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, (2) the amount of total compensation paid by the Fund that has been deferred and (3) the total compensation paid to each trustee by the Nuveen Funds during the calendar year ended December 31, 2011. The Fund does not have a retirement or pension plan. The officers and trustees affiliated with Nuveen Investments serve without any compensation from the Fund. Certain of the Nuveen Funds have a deferred compensation plan (the “Compensation Plan”) that permits any trustee who is not an “interested person”

 

39


of certain funds to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of his or her compensation as a trustee. The deferred compensation of a participating trustee is credited to the book reserve account of a fund when the compensation would otherwise have been paid to the trustee. The value of the trustee’s deferral account at any time is equal to the value that the account would have had if contributions to the account had been invested and reinvested in shares of one or more of the eligible Nuveen Funds. At the time for commencing distributions from a trustee’s deferral account, the trustee may elect to receive distributions in a lump sum or over a period of five years. The Fund will not be liable for any other fund’s obligations to make distributions under the Compensation Plan.

 

     Aggregate
Compensation from Fund(1)
     Amount of
Total Compensation
From the Fund
That Has Been
Deferred(2)
     Total Compensation from
Fund and Fund Complex(3)
 

Robert P. Bremner

   $ 780       $       $ 329,731   

Jack B. Evans

     598                 260,124   

William C. Hunter

     553                 218,576   

David J. Kundert .

     600                 244,966   

William J. Schneider

     609                 259,415   

Judith M. Stockdale

     594                 248,033   

Carole E. Stone .

     595                 245,650   

Virginia L. Stringer(4)

     553                 175,000   

Terence J. Toth

     612                 263,891   

 

(1) The compensation paid, including deferred amounts, to the independent trustees for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 for services to the Fund.
(2) Pursuant to a deferred compensation agreement with certain of the Nuveen Funds, deferred amounts are treated as though an equivalent dollar amount has been invested in shares of one or more eligible Nuveen Funds. Total deferred fees for the Fund (including the return from the assumed investment in the eligible Nuveen Funds) payable are stated above.
(3) Based on the compensation paid (including any amounts deferred) for the 2011 calendar year ended December 31, 2011 for services to the Nuveen open-end and closed-end funds. Because the funds in the Fund Complex have different fiscal year ends, the amounts shown in this column are presented on a calendar year basis.
(4) Virginia L. Stringer was appointed to the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Nuveen Funds, effective January 1, 2011.

Prior to January 1, 2012, independent trustees received a $120,000 annual retainer plus (a) a fee of $4,500 per day for attendance in person or by telephone at regularly scheduled meetings of the Board; (b) a fee of $3,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at special, non-regularly scheduled Board meetings where in-person attendance was required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance was not required; (c) a fee of $2,500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Audit Committee meetings where in-person attendance was required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance was not required; (d) a fee of $2,500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee meetings where in-person attendance was required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance was not required; (e) a fee of $1,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Dividend Committee meetings; and (f) a fee of $500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at all other committee meetings ($1,000 for shareholder meetings) where in-person attendance was required and $250 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such committee meetings (excluding shareholder meetings) where in-person attendance was not required, and $100 per meeting when the Executive Committee acts as pricing committee for IPOs, plus, in each case, expenses incurred in attending such meetings, provided that no fees were received for meetings held on days on which regularly scheduled Board meetings were held. In addition to the payments described above, the Chairman of the Board received $75,000, the chairpersons of the Audit Committee, the Dividend Committee and

 

40


the Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee received $10,000 each and the chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee received $5,000 as additional retainers. Independent trustees also received a fee of $3,000 per day for site visits to entities that provided services to the Nuveen Funds on days on which no Board meeting was held. When ad hoc committees were organized, the Nominating and Governance Committee will at the time of formation determined compensation to be paid to the members of such committee; however, in general, such fees were $1,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at ad hoc committee meetings where in-person attendance was required and $500 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance was not required. The annual retainer, fees and expenses were allocated among the Nuveen Funds on the basis of relative net assets, although management might have, in its discretion, established a minimum amount to be allocated to each fund.

Effective January 1, 2012, independent trustees receive a $130,000 annual retainer plus (a) a fee of $4,500 per day for attendance in person or by telephone at regularly scheduled meetings of the Board; (b) a fee of $3,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at special, nonregularly scheduled Board meetings where in-person attendance is required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required; (c) a fee of $2,500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Audit Committee meetings where in-person attendance is required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required; (d) a fee of $2,500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee meetings where in-person attendance is required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required; (e) a fee of $1,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Dividend Committee meetings; (f) a fee of $500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at all other committee meetings ($1,000 for shareholder meetings) where in-person attendance is required and $250 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such committee meetings (excluding shareholder meetings) where in-person attendance is not required, and $100 per meeting when the Executive Committee acts as pricing committee for IPOs, plus, in each case, expenses incurred in attending such meetings, provided that no fees are received for meetings held on days on which regularly scheduled Board meetings are held; and (g) a fee of $2,500 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at Open-End Funds Committee meetings where in-person attendance is required and $2,000 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required; provided that no fees are received for meetings held on days on which regularly scheduled Board meetings are held. In addition to the payments described above, the Chairman of the Board receives $75,000, the chairpersons of the Audit Committee, the Dividend Committee, the Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee and the Open-End Funds Committee receive $12,500 each and the chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives $5,000 as additional retainers. Independent trustees also receive a fee of $3,000 per day for site visits to entities that provide services to the Nuveen Funds on days on which no Board meeting is held. When ad hoc committees are organized, the Nominating and Governance Committee will at the time of formation determine compensation to be paid to the members of such committee; however, in general, such fees will be $1,000 per meeting for attendance in person or by telephone at ad hoc committee meetings where in-person attendance is required and $500 per meeting for attendance by telephone or in person at such meetings where in-person attendance is not required. The annual retainer, fees and expenses are allocated among the Nuveen Funds on the basis of relative net assets, although management may, in its discretion, establish a minimum amount to be allocated to each fund.

The Fund has no employees. Its officers are compensated by Nuveen Investments or its affiliates.

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER

Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (“NFA”) is responsible for the Fund’s overall investment strategy and its implementation. NFA also is responsible for managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services.

 

41


NFA, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, a registered investment adviser, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen Investments”). Founded in 1898, Nuveen Investments and its affiliates had approximately $220 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2011.

Nuveen Asset Management, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the Fund’s subadviser, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between NFA and Nuveen Asset Management. Nuveen Asset Management is a registered investment adviser, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFA. Nuveen Asset Management oversees day-to-day operations and provides portfolio management services to the Fund. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreement, Nuveen Asset Management will be compensated for the services it provides to the fund with a portion of the management fee NFA receives from the Fund. NFA and Nuveen Asset Management retain the right to reallocate investment advisory responsibilities and fees between themselves in the future.

PORTFOLIO MANAGER

Unless otherwise indicated, the information below is provided as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information.

Portfolio Management. Daniel J. Close serves as the Fund’s portfolio manager (“Portfolio Manager”) and is primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the Fund. He has been the portfolio manager of the Fund since March, 2007. Mr. Close, CFA, is a Senior Vice President of Nuveen Investments. He has direct responsibility for managing approximately $4.8 billion of securities in 26 closed-end funds. He joined Nuveen Investments in 2000 as a member of Nuveen’s product management and development team. He then served as a research analyst for Nuveen’s municipal investing team, covering corporate-backed, energy, transportation and utility credits. He received his BS in Business from Miami University and his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Mr. Close has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Mr. Close also serves as a portfolio manager for various Nuveen Build America Bond strategies.

The Portfolio Manager also has responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the Fund. Information regarding these other accounts is set forth below.

 

     Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by Account Type as of February 29, 2012  

Portfolio Manager

   Type of
Account Managed
   Number
of
Accounts
     Total Assets      Number of
Accounts with
Performance
Based Fees
     Assets of
Accounts with
Performance
Based Fees
 

Daniel J. Close

   Registered Investment Companies      26       $ 4.557 billion         0       $ 0   
   Other Pooled Investment Vehicles      0       $ 0         0       $ 0   
   Other Accounts      10       $ 71.95 million         0       $ 0   

The Fund’s portfolio manager is responsible for managing the Fund and other accounts, including separate accounts and unregistered funds.

As shown in the above table, the Fund’s portfolio manager may manage accounts in addition to the Fund. The potential for conflicts of interest exists when a portfolio manager manages other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies to the Fund (“Similar Accounts”). Potential conflicts may include, for example, conflicts between investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities.

Responsibility for managing NFA’s clients’ portfolios is organized according to investment strategies. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed using the same objectives, approach and philosophy. Therefore, portfolio holdings, relative position sizes and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest.

 

42


NFA may receive more compensation with respect to certain Similar Accounts than that received with respect to the Fund or may receive compensation based in part on the performance of certain Similar Accounts. This may create a potential conflict of interest for the Fund’s portfolio manager by providing an incentive to favor these Similar Accounts when, for example, placing securities transactions. Potential conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of limited investment opportunities. Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited availability, and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest.

Nuveen Asset Management has policies and procedures designed to manage these conflicts described above such as allocation of investment opportunities to achieve fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among its clients over time. For example, orders for the same equity security are aggregated on a continual basis throughout each trading day consistent with Nuveen Asset Management’s duty of best execution for its clients. If aggregated trades are fully executed, accounts participating in the trade will be allocated their pro rata share on an average price basis. Partially completed orders will be allocated among the participating accounts on a pro-rata average price basis as well.

Compensation. Portfolio manager compensation consists primarily of base pay, an annual cash bonus and long-term incentive payments.

Base pay. Base pay is determined based upon an analysis of the portfolio manager’s general performance, experience, and market levels of base pay for such position.

Annual cash bonus. The Fund’s portfolio manager is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on investment performance, qualitative evaluation and financial performance of Nuveen Asset Management.

A portion of each portfolio manager’s annual cash bonus is based on the Fund’s investment performance, generally measured over the past one- and three or five-year periods unless the portfolio manager’s tenure is shorter. Investment performance for the Fund generally is determined by evaluating the Fund’s performance relative to its benchmark(s) and/or Lipper industry peer group.

A portion of the cash bonus is based on a qualitative evaluation made by each portfolio manager’s supervisor taking into consideration a number of factors, including the portfolio manager’s team collaboration, expense management, support of personnel responsible for asset growth, and his or her compliance with Nuveen Asset Management’s policies and procedures.

The final factor influencing a portfolio manager’s cash bonus is the financial performance of Nuveen Asset Management based on its operating earnings.

Long-term incentive compensation. Certain key employees of Nuveen Investments and its affiliates, including certain portfolio managers, have received equity interests in the parent company of Nuveen Investments. In addition, certain key employees of Nuveen Asset Management, including certain portfolio managers, have received profits interests in Nuveen Asset Management which entitle their holders to participate in the firm’s growth over time.

There are generally no differences between the methods used to determine compensation with respect to the Fund and the Other Accounts shown in the table above.

Material Conflicts of Interest. Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple accounts are presented a number of potential conflicts, including, among others, those discussed below.

The management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each account. Nuveen Asset Management seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular

 

43


investment discipline. Most accounts managed by a portfolio manager in a particular investment strategy are managed using the same investment models.

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, an account may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. To deal with these situations, Nuveen Asset Management has adopted procedures for allocating limited opportunities across multiple accounts.

With respect to many of its clients’ accounts, Nuveen Asset Management determines which broker to use to execute transaction orders, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts, Nuveen Asset Management may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, Nuveen Asset Management may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for a Fund and other accounts which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of the Fund or the other accounts.

Some clients are subject to different regulations. As a consequence of this difference in regulatory requirements, some clients may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions or to engage in these transactions to the same extent as the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where Nuveen Asset Management has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of some accounts, with respect to which a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities.

Nuveen Asset Management has adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts common among investment managers. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

At February 29, 2012, the Portfolio Manager beneficially owned (as determined pursuant to Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act) shares of the Fund having values within the indicated dollar ranges.

 

Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned in the Fund
 

Daniel J. Close

   $ 0   

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between NFA and the Fund (the “Investment Management Agreement”), the Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee for the overall advisory and administrative services and general office facilities provided by NFA. The Fund’s management fee is separated into two components—a complex-level component, based on the aggregate amount of all fund assets managed by NFA, and a specific fund-level component, based only on the amount of assets within the Fund. This pricing structure enables Nuveen fund shareholders to benefit from growth in the assets within each individual fund as well as from growth in the amount of complex-wide assets managed by NFA.

Fund-Level Fee.    The annual fund-level fee for the Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Managed Assets*

   Fund-Level Fee Rate  

For the first $125 million

     0.4500

For the next $125 million

     0.4375

For the next $250 million

     0.4250

For the next $500 million

     0.4125

For the next $1 billion

     0.4000

For the next $3 billion

     0.3875

For managed assets over $5 billion

     0.3750

 

44


Complex-Level Fee.    The annual complex-level fee for the Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Complex-Level Managed
Asset Breakpoint Level*

   Effective Rate at
Breakpoint Level
 

  $55 billion

     0.2000

  $56 billion

     0.1996

  $57 billion

     0.1989

  $60 billion

     0.1961

  $63 billion

     0.1931

  $66 billion

     0.1900

  $71 billion

     0.1851

  $76 billion

     0.1806

  $80 billion

     0.1773

  $91 billion

     0.1691

  $125 billion

     0.1599

  $200 billion

     0.1505

  $250 billion

     0.1469

  $300 billion

     0.1445

 

* For the fund-level and complex-level fees, managed assets include closed-end fund assets managed by NFA that are attributable to financial leverage. For these purposes, financial leverage includes the funds’ 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 NFA 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 funds that constitute “eligible assets.” Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds or assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with NFA’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011. As of June 30, 2012, the complex-level fee rate for the Fund was 0.1731%.

The following table sets forth the management fee paid by the Fund for the last three fiscal periods:

 

     Management Fee Net of Expense
Reimbursement Paid to
NFA for the Period Ended
     Expense
Reimbursement from
NFA for the Period Ended
 

Twelve months ended July 31, 2010

   $ 1,318,389       $   

Seven months ended February 28, 2011

   $ 771,053       $   

Twelve months ended February 29, 2012

   $ 1,342,612       $   

Pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between NFA and Nuveen Asset Management, Nuveen Asset Management will receive from NFA a management fee equal to 46.6667% of NFA’s net management fee from the Fund.

In addition to the fee of NFA, the Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its operations, including compensation of its trustees (other than those affiliated with NFA), custodian, transfer agency and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of repurchasing shares, expenses of issuing preferred shares, if any, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies and taxes, if any. All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before payment of dividends to investors.

The Investment Management Agreement has been approved by a majority of the disinterested trustees of the Fund and shareholders of the Fund. The Investment Management Agreement was initially approved by the Board

 

45


of Trustees at meetings held on July 31-August 2, 2007 and was approved by shareholders on October 12, 2007. The Investment Management Agreement went into effect November 13, 2007. The Investment Management Agreement was renewed most recently by the Board of Trustees at a meeting held on May 23-25, 2011. A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ decision to renew the Investment Management Agreement is in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2011.

The Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement has been approved by a majority of the disinterested trustees of the Fund and shareholders of the Fund. The Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement was initially approved by the Board of Trustees at a meeting held on May 25-26, 2010. The Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement went into effect , 2010 and will remain in effect until , 2012. The Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement was renewed most recently by the Board of Trustees at a meeting held on May 23-25, 2011. A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ decision to renew the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement is in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2011.

CODE OF ETHICS

The Fund, NFA, Nuveen Asset Management, Nuveen Securities and other related entities have adopted codes of ethics that essentially prohibit certain of their personnel, including the Fund’s Portfolio Manager, from engaging in personal investments that compete or interfere with, or attempt to take advantage of a client’s, including the Fund’s, anticipated or actual portfolio transactions, and are designed to assure that the interests of clients, including Fund shareholders, are placed before the interests of personnel in connection with personal investment transactions. Personnel subject to the codes of ethics may purchase shares of the Fund subject to the restriction set forth in such codes. While personnel subject to the codes of ethics may generally invest in securities in which the Fund may also invest, portfolio managers of municipal bond funds such as the Fund may not do so. Text-only versions of the codes of ethics of the Fund, NFA, Nuveen Asset Management, and Nuveen can be viewed online or downloaded from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet web site at www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy those documents by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202-942-8090. In addition, copies of those codes of ethics may be obtained, after mailing the appropriate duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549 or by e-mail request at publicinfo@sec.gov.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

The Fund invests primarily in municipal securities. On rare occasions the Fund may acquire, directly or through a special purpose vehicle, equity securities of a municipal bond issuer whose bonds the Fund already owns when such bonds have deteriorated or are expected shortly to deteriorate significantly in credit quality. The purpose of acquiring equity securities generally will be to acquire control of the municipal bond issuer and to seek to prevent the credit deterioration or facilitate the liquidation or other workout of the distressed issuer’s credit problem. In the course of exercising control of a distressed municipal issuer, Nuveen Asset Management may pursue the Fund’s interests in a variety of ways, which may entail negotiating and executing consents, agreements and other arrangements, and otherwise influencing the management of the issuer. Nuveen Asset Management does not consider such activities proxy voting for purposes of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, but nevertheless provides reports to the Fund’s Board of Trustees on its control activities on a quarterly basis.

In the rare event that a municipal issuer held by the Fund were to issue a proxy, or that the Fund were to receive a proxy issued by a cash management security, Nuveen Asset Management would either engage an independent third party to determine how the proxy should be voted or vote the proxy with the consent, or based on the instructions, of the Fund’s Board of Trustees or its representative. In the case of a conflict of interest, the proxy would be submitted to the Fund’s Board to determine how the proxy should be voted. A member of Nuveen Asset Management’s legal department would oversee the administration of the voting, and ensure that records were maintained in accordance with Rule 206(4)-6, reports were filed with the SEC on Form N-PX, and the results provided to the Fund’s Board of Trustees and made available to shareholders as required by applicable rules.

 

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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, Nuveen Asset Management is responsible for decisions to purchase and sell securities for the Fund, the negotiation of the prices to be paid and the allocation of transactions among various dealer firms. Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment by the Fund of brokerage commissions. There generally is no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market but the price paid by the Fund usually includes an undisclosed dealer commission or mark-up. Transactions in the OTC market can also be placed with broker-dealers who act as agents and charge brokerage commissions for effecting OTC transactions. The Fund may place its OTC transactions either directly with principal market makers, or with broker-dealers if that is consistent with Nuveen Asset Management’s obligation to obtain best qualitative execution. In certain instances, the Fund may make purchases of underwritten issues at prices that include underwriting fees.

Portfolio securities may be purchased directly from an underwriter or in the OTC market from the principal dealers in such securities, unless it appears that a better price or execution may be obtained through other means. Portfolio securities will not be purchased from Nuveen Investments or its affiliates or affiliates of NFA except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

It is Nuveen Asset Management’s policy to seek the best execution under the circumstances of each trade. Nuveen Asset Management will evaluate price as the primary consideration, with the financial condition, reputation and responsiveness of the dealer considered secondary in determining best execution. Given the best execution obtainable, it will be Nuveen Asset Management’s practice to select dealers that, in addition, furnish research information (primarily credit analyses of issuers and general economic reports) and statistical and other services to Nuveen Asset Management. It is not possible to place a dollar value on information and statistical and other services received from dealers. Since it is only supplementary to Nuveen Asset Management’s own research efforts, the receipt of research information is not expected to reduce significantly Nuveen Asset Management’s expenses. While Nuveen Asset Management will be primarily responsible for the placement of the business of the Fund, Nuveen Asset Management’s policies and practices in this regard must be consistent with the foregoing and will, at all times, be subject to review by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.

Nuveen Asset Management may manage other investment accounts and investment companies for other clients that may invest in the same types of securities as the Fund and that may have investment objectives similar to those of the Fund. Nuveen Asset Management seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell assets or securities by the Fund and another advisory account. If an aggregated order cannot be filled completely, allocations will generally be made on a pro rata basis. An order may not be allocated on a pro rata basis where, for example (i) consideration is given to portfolio managers who have been instrumental in developing or negotiating a particular investment; (ii) consideration is given to an account with specialized investment policies that coincide with the particulars of a specific investment; (iii) pro rata allocation would result in odd-lot or de minimis amounts being allocated to a portfolio or other client; or (iv) where Nuveen Asset Management reasonably determines that departure from a pro rata allocation is advisable. There may also be instances where the Fund will not participate at all in a transaction that is allocated among other accounts. While these allocation procedures could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available to the Fund from time to time, it is the opinion of the Board of Trustees that the benefits available from Nuveen Asset Management’s management outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from Nuveen Asset Management’s larger management activities and its need to allocate securities.

NET ASSET VALUE

The Fund’s net asset value per share is determined as of the close of regular session trading (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net asset value is calculated by taking the fair value of the Fund’s total assets, including interest or dividends accrued but not yet

 

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collected, less all liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. The result, rounded to the nearest cent, is the net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees or its delegate, Nuveen Asset Management.

In determining net asset value, expenses are accrued and applied daily, and securities and other assets for which market quotations are available are valued daily at market value. The prices of fixed income securities are provided by a pricing service and are based on the mean between the bid and asked price. When price quotes are not readily available, which is typically the case for municipal bonds, the pricing service establishes a security’s fair value based on various factors, including prices of comparable fixed income securities utilizing a matrix pricing system. Due to the subjective and variable nature of fair value pricing, it is possible that the fair value determined for a particular security may be different from the value realized upon the sale of the security.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Board of Trustees or its delegate at fair value. These securities generally include but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities that may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; debt securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of net asset value; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value.” As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it upon its current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund pays regular monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders at a level rate (stated in terms of a fixed cents per Common Share dividend rate) that reflects the past and projected performance of the Fund. Distributions can only be made from net investment income after paying any interest and required principal payments on borrowings to preferred shareholders, if preferred shares are issued in the future.

To permit the Fund to maintain a more stable monthly distribution, the Fund may from time to time distribute less than the entire amount of net investment income earned in a particular period. Such undistributed net investment income would be available to supplement future distributions, including distributions that might otherwise have been reduced by a decrease in the Fund’s monthly net income due to fluctuations in investment income or expenses, an increase in interest payments on borrowings or due to an increase in the dividend rate on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular period may be more or less than the amount of net investment income actually earned by the Fund during such period. However, the Fund intends to maintain distributions of net investment income for any period in amounts sufficient to continue to qualify for treatment under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as a regulated investment company (as explained more fully below in “Tax Matters”). Undistributed net investment income will be added to the Fund’s net asset value and, correspondingly, distributions from undistributed net investment income will be deducted from the Fund’s net asset value.

As explained more fully below in “Tax Matters,” at least annually, the Fund intends to distribute to Common Shareholders any net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) after paying any interest and required principal payments on borrowings and making any redemption or liquidation payments to preferred shareholders, including MTP Shareholders, or alternatively, to retain all or a portion of the year’s net capital gain. The Fund will pay federal income tax on any net capital gain not used to pay distributions to shareholders. As provided under federal tax law, Common Shareholders of record as of the

end of the Fund’s taxable year will include their attributable share of the retained net capital gain in their income

 

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for the year as a long-term capital gain (regardless of their holding period in the Common Shares), will be deemed to have paid their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund, and will be entitled to income tax credits or refunds for the tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Fund.

For tax purposes, the Fund is currently required to allocate net capital gain and other taxable income, if any, between Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, in proportion to total dividends paid to each class for the year in which such net capital gain or other taxable income is realized. For information relating to the impact of the issuance of preferred shares on the distributions made by a Fund to Common Shareholders, see the Fund’s Prospectus under “Use of Leverage.”

If preferred shares, including MTP Shares, are outstanding, the Fund may not declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless at the time of such declaration (1) all accumulated dividends on the preferred shares have been paid, (2) all interest and required principal on borrowings has been paid, (3) the net asset value of the Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution) is at least 200% of the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, and (4) the net asset value of the Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution) is at least 300% of the value of the Fund’s borrowings. These limitations on the Fund’s ability to make distributions on its Common Shares could under certain circumstances impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification for treatment as a regulated investment company.

The Fund reserves the right to change its distribution policy and the basis for establishing the rate of its monthly distributions at any time.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

If your Common Shares are registered directly with the Fund or if you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that participates in the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), you may elect to have all dividends, including any capital gain dividends, on your Common Shares automatically reinvested by the Plan Agent (defined below) in additional Common Shares under the Plan. You may elect to participate in the Plan by contacting Nuveen Investor Services at (800) 257-8787. If you do not participate, you will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to you or your brokerage firm by State Street Bank and Trust Company as dividend paying agent (the “Plan Agent”).

If you decide to participate in the Plan, the number of Common Shares you will receive will be determined as follows:

 

  (1) If Common Shares are trading at or above net asset value at the time of valuation, the Fund will issue new shares at the then current market price;

 

  (2) If Common Shares are trading below net asset value at the time of valuation, the Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will purchase Common Shares in the open market, on the Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants” accounts. It is possible that the market price for the Common Shares may increase before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases. Therefore, the average purchase price per share paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the market price at the time of valuation, resulting in the purchase of fewer shares than if the dividend or distribution had been paid in Common Shares issued by the Fund. The Plan Agent will use all dividends and distributions received in cash to purchase Common Shares in the open market within 30 days of the valuation date. Interest will not be paid on any uninvested cash payments; or

 

  (3) 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.

 

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You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Plan Agent. If you withdraw or the Plan is terminated, you will receive whole shares in your account under the Plan and you will receive a cash payment for any fraction of a share in your account. If you wish, the Plan Agent will sell your shares and send you the proceeds, minus brokerage commissions and a $2.50 service fee.

The Plan Agent maintains all shareholders’ accounts in the Plan and gives written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information you may need for tax records.

For shares of the Fund held in the Plan, you are permitted to elect from among several permitted cost basis methods. In the absence of an election, the Plan will use first-in first-out (“FIFO”) methodology for tracking and reporting your cost basis on covered shares as its default cost basis method. The cost basis method you use may not be changed with respect to a repurchase by the Fund of shares after the settlement date of the repurchase. You should consult with your tax advisors to determine the best permitted cost basis method for your tax situation and to obtain more information about how the new cost basis reporting rules apply to you.

Common Shares in your account will be held by the Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all Common Shares you have received under the Plan.

There is no brokerage charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in Common Shares. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases.

Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving dividends and distributions.

If you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that does not participate in the Plan, you will not be able to participate in the Plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected on different terms than those described above. Consult your financial advisor for more information.

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board of Trustees the change is warranted. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Additional information about the Plan may be obtained from State Street Bank and Trust Company, Attn: ComputerShare Nuveen Investments, P.O. Box 43071, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3071, (800) 257-8787.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The Fund may sell the Common Shares offered under this Prospectus through

 

  at-the-market transactions;

 

  underwriting syndicates; and

 

  privately negotiated transactions.

The Fund will bear the costs of the offering, including but not limited to, the expense of preparing the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for an offering, and the expense of counsel, auditors and others in connection with the offering.

Distribution Through At-the-Market Transactions

The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement with Nuveen Securities, a form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The summary of the Distribution

 

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Agreement contained herein is qualified by reference to the Distribution Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement, the Fund may issue and sell Common Shares from time to time through Nuveen Securities to certain broker-dealers that have entered into selected dealer agreements with Nuveen Securities. Currently, Nuveen Securities has entered into a selected dealer agreement with UBS Securities LLC (“UBS”) pursuant to which UBS will be acting as Nuveen Securities’ sub-placement agent with respect to at-the-market offerings of Common Shares.

Common Shares will only be sold on such days as shall be agreed to by the Fund and Nuveen Securities. Common Shares will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the NYSE, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund. The minimum price on any day will not be less than the current NAV per Common Share plus the per share amount of the commission to be paid to Nuveen Securities. The Fund and Nuveen Securities will suspend the sale of Common Shares if the per share price of the shares is less than the minimum price.

The Fund will compensate Nuveen Securities with respect to sales of the Common Shares will be at a commission rate of 1% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares. Nuveen Securities will compensate broker-dealers participating in the offering at a rate of 0.8% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares sold by that broker-dealer. Dealer reallowance may be changed by Nuveen Securities from time to time. Settlements of sales of Common Shares will occur on the third business day following the date on which any such sales are made.

In connection with the sale of the Common Shares on behalf of the Fund, Nuveen Securities may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act, and the compensation of Nuveen Securities may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. Unless otherwise indicated in a further Prospectus supplement, Nuveen Securities as underwriter will act as underwriter on a reasonable efforts basis.

The offering of Common Shares pursuant to the Distribution Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all Shares subject thereto or (ii) termination of the Distribution Agreement. The Fund and Nuveen Securities each have the right to terminate the Distribution Agreement in its discretion at any time.

The Fund currently intends to distribute the shares offered pursuant to this Prospectus primarily through at-the-market transactions, although from time to time it may also distribute shares through an underwriting syndicate or a privately negotiated transaction. To the extent shares are distributed other than through at-the-market transactions, the Fund will file a supplement to this Prospectus describing such transactions.

The principal business address of Nuveen Securities is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Distribution Through Underwriting Syndicates

The Fund from time to time may issue additional Common Shares through a syndicated secondary offering. In order to limit the impact on the market price of the Fund’s Common Shares, underwriters will market and price the offering on an expedited basis, e.g., in an overnight or similarly abbreviated offering period. The Fund will launch a syndicated offering on a day, and upon terms, mutually agreed upon between the Fund, Nuveen Securities, one of the Fund’s underwriters, and the underwriting syndicate.

The Fund will offer its shares at a price equal to a specified discount of up to 2% from the closing market price of the Fund’s Common Shares on the day prior to the offering date. The applicable discount will be negotiated by the Fund and Nuveen Securities in consultation with the underwriting syndicate on a transaction-by-transaction basis. The Fund will compensate the underwriting syndicate out of the proceeds of the offering based upon a sales load of up to 4% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares. The minimum net proceeds per share to the Fund will not be less than the greater of (i) the Fund’s latest net asset value per Common Share or (ii) 94% of the closing market price of the Fund’s Common Shares on the day prior to the offering date.

 

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Privately Negotiated Transactions

The Fund, through Nuveen Securities, may sell directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional and other sophisticated investors, who may be deemed to be underwriters, as defined in the 1933 Act, for any resale of the Common Shares.

The terms of such privately negotiated transactions will be subject to the discretion of the management of the Fund. In determining whether to sell Common Shares through a privately negotiated transaction, the Fund will consider relevant factors including, but not limited to, the attractiveness of obtaining additional funds through the sale of Common Shares, the purchase price to apply to any such sale of Common Shares and the person seeking to purchase the Common Shares.

Common Shares issued by the Fund through privately negotiated transactions will be issued at a price equal to the greater of (i) the NAV per Common Share of the Fund’s Common Shares or (ii) at a discount ranging from 0% to 5% of the average of the daily market price of the Fund’s Common Shares at the close of business on the two business days preceding the date upon which Common Shares are sold pursuant to the privately negotiated transaction. The applicable discount will be determined by the Fund on a transaction-by-transaction basis.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

Common Shares

The Declaration authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of Common Shares. The Common Shares being offered have a par value of $0.01 per share and, subject to the rights of holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, and borrowings, if incurred, have equal rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Common Shares being offered will, when issued, be fully paid and, subject to matters discussed in “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust,” non-assessable, and will have no pre-emptive or conversion rights or rights to cumulative voting. Whenever the Fund incurs borrowings and/or preferred shares are outstanding, Common Shareholders will not be entitled to receive any cash distributions from the Fund unless all interest on such borrowings has been paid and all accrued dividends on preferred shares have been paid, unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to any borrowings would be at least 300% after giving effect to the distributions and asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to preferred shares would be at least 200% after giving effect to the distributions. See “—Preferred Shares” below.

The Common Shares have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject to notice of issuance. The Fund intends to hold annual meetings of shareholders so long as the Common Shares are listed on a national securities exchange and such meetings are required as a condition to such listing. The Fund will not issue share certificates.

Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds like the Fund do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy additional Common Shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may conveniently do so by trading on the exchange through a broker or otherwise. Shares of closed-end investment companies may frequently trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. Shares of closed-end investment companies like the Fund have during some periods traded at prices higher than net asset value and have during other periods traded at prices lower than net asset value.

Because the market value of the Common Shares may be influenced by such factors as distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), call protection, dividend stability, portfolio credit quality, net asset value, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot assure you that Common Shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The Common Shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and investors in the Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes. See “Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund.”

Borrowings

The Declaration authorizes the Fund, without approval of the Common Shareholders, to borrow money. In this connection, the Fund may issue notes or other evidence of indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the Fund’s assets. The Fund borrows money at rates generally available to institutional investors. In connection with such Borrowings, the Fund may be required to maintain minimum average balances with the lender or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Any such requirements will increase the cost of any such borrowings over the stated interest rate. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund, immediately after any such Borrowings, must have an “asset coverage” of at least 300%. With respect to any such borrowings, asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of such borrowings represented by senior securities issued by the Fund. Certain types of borrowings may result in the Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverages or portfolio coverages or otherwise. In addition, as with the issuance of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, certain types of borrowings may result in the Fund being subject to certain restrictions imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies that may issue ratings for commercial paper or notes issued by the Fund. Such restrictions may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act.

 

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The rights of lenders to the Fund to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any such borrowings will be senior to those of the Common Shareholders, and the terms of any such borrowings may contain provisions which limit certain activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to Common Shareholders in certain circumstances. Further, the 1940 Act does (in certain circumstances) grant to the lenders to the Fund certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal. In the event that such provisions would impair the Fund’s eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund will attempt to repay or restructure the borrowings to preserve that eligibility. Any borrowings will likely be ranked senior or equal to all other existing and future borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may also borrow money for repurchase of its shares or as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency situations. See “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI.

Preferred Shares

The Declaration authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of preferred shares in one or more classes or series, with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees without the approval of the Common Shareholders. The Fund currently has 7,092,000 MTP Shares outstanding as of February 29, 2012. The Fund’s Board of Trustees has authorized the offering of MuniPreferred Shares in the past. As of February 29, 2012, all of the Fund’s MuniPreferred Shares have been redeemed.

Limited Issuance of Preferred Shares. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund could issue preferred shares with an aggregate liquidation value of up to one-half of the value of the Fund’s total net assets, including any liabilities associated with borrowings, measured immediately after issuance of the preferred shares. “Liquidation value” means the original purchase price of the shares being liquidated plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless the liquidation value of the preferred shares is less than one-half of the value of the Fund’s total net assets (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution) immediately after the distribution.

Distribution Preference. The preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would have complete priority over the Common Shares as to distribution of assets.

Liquidation Preference. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not earned or declared) before any distribution of assets is made to Common Shareholders.

Voting Rights. Preferred shares are required to be voting shares and to have equal voting rights with Common Shares. Except as otherwise indicated in this Prospectus or the SAI and except as otherwise required by applicable law, preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would vote together with Common Shareholders as a single class.

Holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting as a separate class, would be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s trustees (following the establishment of the Fund by an initial trustee, the Declaration provides for a total of no less than two and no more than 12 trustees). The remaining trustees would be elected by Common Shareholders and holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together as a single class. In the unlikely event that two full years of accrued dividends are unpaid on the preferred shares, including MTP Shares, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting as a separate class, would be entitled to elect a majority of the Fund’s trustees until all dividends in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In order for the Fund to take certain actions or enter into certain transactions, a separate class vote of holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would be required, in addition to the single class vote of the holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, and Common Shares. See “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust” and the SAI under “Description of Shares—Preferred Shares—Voting Rights.”

 

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Redemption, Purchase and Sale of Preferred Shares. The terms of the preferred shares, including MTP Shares, would provide that they may be redeemed by the issuer at certain times, in whole or in part, at the original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends. Any redemption or purchase of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, by the Fund will reduce the leverage applicable to Common Shares, while any issuance of shares by the Fund would increase such leverage.

The Fund applied for and obtained ratings for its MTP Shares. As long as MTP Shares are outstanding, the composition of the Fund’s portfolio will reflect guidelines established by any such NRSROs. The Fund does not expect that these guidelines will adversely affect its ability to achieve its investment objectives. However, NRSROs may change their rating guidelines.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. However, the Declaration contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for debts or obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such limited liability be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or the trustees. The Declaration further provides for indemnification out of the assets and property of the Fund for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations. The Fund believes that the likelihood of such circumstances is remote.

The Declaration includes provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to convert the Fund to open-end status. Specifically, the Declaration requires a vote by holders of at least two-thirds of the Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together as a single class, except as described below, to authorize (1) a conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company, (2) a merger or consolidation of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or a reorganization of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, (3) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Fund’s assets (other than in the regular course of the Fund’s investment activities), (4) in certain circumstances, a termination of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, or (5) a removal of trustees by shareholders (except at the end of a trustee’s term), and then only for cause, unless, with respect to (1) through (4), such transaction has already been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or the By-laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund’s Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class, is required; provided, however, that where only a particular class or series is affected (or, in the case of removing a trustee, when the trustee has been elected by only one class), only the required vote by the applicable class or series will be required. Approval of shareholders is not required, however, for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise whereby the Fund issues shares in connection with the acquisition of assets (including those subject to liabilities) from any other investment company or similar entity. In the case of the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company, or in the case of any of the foregoing transactions constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, the action in question will also require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund’s preferred shares, including MTP Shares, outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, or, if such action has been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or the By-laws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund’s preferred shares, including MTP Shares, outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class. None of the foregoing provisions may be amended except by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Common Shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting together as a single class. The votes required to approve the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or to approve transactions

 

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constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, are higher than those required by the 1940 Act. The Board of Trustees believes that the provisions of the Declaration relating to such higher votes are in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. See the SAI under “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.”

The provisions of the Declaration described above could have the effect of depriving the Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then current market price of the Common Shares by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund in a tender offer or similar transaction. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger or the assumption of control by a third party. They provide, however, the advantage of potentially requiring persons seeking control of the Fund to negotiate with its management regarding the price to be paid and facilitating the continuity of the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has considered the foregoing anti-takeover provisions and concluded that they are in the best interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders.

Reference should be made to the Declaration on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.

The Declaration provides that the obligations of the Fund are not binding upon the trustees of the Fund individually, but only upon the assets and property of the Fund, and that the trustees shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. Nothing in the Declaration, however, protects a trustee against any liability to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

 

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REPURCHASE OF FUND SHARES; CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND

The Fund is a closed-end investment company and as such its shareholders will not have the right to cause the Fund to redeem their shares. Instead, the Fund’s common shares will trade in the open market at a price that will be a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), net asset value, call protection, price, dividend stability, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors. Because shares of a closed-end investment company may frequently trade at prices lower than net asset value, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has currently determined that, at least annually, it will consider action that might be taken to reduce or eliminate any material discount from net asset value in respect of common shares, which may include the repurchase of such shares in the open market or in private transactions, the making of a tender offer for such shares at net asset value, or the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. There can be no assurance, however, that the Board of Trustees will decide to take any of these actions, or that share repurchases or tender offers, if undertaken, will reduce market discount. On July 30, 2008, the Fund’s Board of Trustees approved an open market share repurchase program under which the Fund may repurchase up to 10% of its Common Shares. To date, the Fund has not repurchased any Common Shares under the program.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time if the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, the Fund may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Common Shares unless (1) all accrued preferred shares, including MTP Shares, dividends have been paid and (2) at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition, the net asset value of the Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the acquisition price of the Common Shares) is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon). The staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission currently requires that any tender offer made by a closed-end investment company for its shares must be at a price equal to the net asset value of such shares at the close of business on the last day of the tender offer. Any service fees incurred in connection with any tender offer made by the Fund will be borne by the Fund and will not reduce the stated consideration to be paid to tendering shareholders.

Subject to its investment limitations, the Fund may borrow to finance the repurchase of shares or to make a tender offer. Interest on any borrowings to finance share repurchase transactions or the accumulation of cash by the Fund in anticipation of share repurchases or tenders will reduce the Fund’s net income. Any share repurchase, tender offer or borrowing that might be approved by the Board of Trustees would have to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Although the decision to take action in response to a discount from net asset value will be made by the Board of the Fund at the time it considers such issue, it is the Board’s present policy, which may be changed by the Board, not to authorize repurchases of common shares or a tender offer for such shares if (1) such transactions, if consummated, would (a) result in the delisting of the common shares from the NYSE, or (b) impair the Fund’s eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company under the Code or impair the Fund’s status as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act; (2) the Fund would not be able to liquidate portfolio securities in an orderly manner and consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies in order to repurchase shares; or (3) there is, in the Board’s judgment, any (a) material legal action or proceeding instituted or threatened challenging such transactions or otherwise materially adversely affecting the Fund, (b) general suspension of or limitation on prices for trading securities on the NYSE, (c) declaration of a banking moratorium by Federal or state authorities or any suspension of payment by United States or state banks in which the Fund invests, (d) material limitation affecting the Fund or the issuers of its portfolio securities by federal or state authorities on the extension of credit by lending institutions or on the exchange of foreign currency, (e) commencement of war, armed hostilities or other international or national calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or (f) other event or condition which would have a material adverse effect (including any adverse tax effect) on the Fund or its shareholders if shares were repurchased. The Board of Trustees of the Fund may in the future modify these conditions in light of experience.

 

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Conversion to an open-end company would require the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund’s common shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class, and of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund’s preferred shares, including MTP Shares, outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, provided however, that such separate class vote shall be a majority vote if the action in question has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or By-laws. See the Prospectus under “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust” for a discussion of voting requirements applicable to conversion of the Fund to an open-end company. If the Fund converted to an open-end company, it would be required to redeem all preferred shares then outstanding, and the Fund’s common shares would no longer be listed on the NYSE. Shareholders of an open-end investment company may require the company to redeem their shares on any business day (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of redemption. In order to avoid maintaining large cash positions or liquidating favorable investments to meet redemptions, open-end companies typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Open-end companies are thus subject to periodic asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management. The Board of Trustees of the Fund may at any time propose conversion of the Fund to an open-end company depending upon their judgment as to the advisability of such action in light of circumstances then prevailing.

The repurchase by the Fund of its shares at prices below net asset value would result in an increase in the net asset value of those shares that remain outstanding. However, there can be no assurance that share repurchases or tenders at or below net asset value would result in the Fund’s shares trading at a price equal to their net asset value. Nevertheless, the fact that the Fund’s shares may be the subject of repurchase or tender offers at net asset value from time to time, or that the Fund may be converted to an open-end company, may reduce any spread between market price and net asset value that might otherwise exist.

In addition, a purchase by the Fund of its common shares would decrease the Fund’s total assets which would likely have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. Any purchase by the Fund of its common shares at a time when preferred shares are outstanding will increase the leverage applicable to the outstanding common shares then remaining.

Before deciding whether to take any action if the Fund’s common shares trade below net asset value, the Board of the Fund would consider all relevant factors, including the extent and duration of the discount, the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio, the impact of any action that might be taken on the Fund or its shareholders and market considerations. Based on these considerations, even if the Fund’s shares should trade at a discount, the Board of Trustees may determine that, in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders, no action should be taken.

TAX MATTERS

The following is intended to be a general summary of certain US federal income tax consequences of investing, holding and disposing of common shares of the Fund. It is not intended to be a complete discussion of all such federal income tax consequences, nor does it purport to deal with all categories of investors (including investors in common shares with large positions in the Fund). Investors are advised to consult with their own tax advisors before investing in the Fund.

The Fund intends to elect to be treated, and to qualify each year, as a regulated investment company, (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code and to satisfy conditions under which dividends on common shares attributable to interest on municipal securities (as defined above) are exempt from federal income tax in the hands of owners of such stock, subject to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax.

To qualify under Subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things: (a) distribute to its shareholders each year at least 90% of the sum of (i) its investment company taxable income

 

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(as that term is defined in the Code, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and (ii) its net tax-exempt income (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) (b) derive at least 90% of its gross income (including income on municipal securities exempt from regular income tax) for each taxable year from dividends, interest (including interest income on municipal securities exempt from regular federal income tax), payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (as defined in the Code), and (c) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s assets is represented by cash, cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, with these other securities limited, with respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the Fund’s total assets, and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund’s assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies), the securities of or two or more issuers (other than securities of other regulated investment companies) controlled by the Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. To meet these requirements, the Fund may need to restrict its use of certain of the investment techniques described under “Investment Policies and Techniques” and “Other Investment Policies and Techniques” above.

If the Fund fails to satisfy the qualifying income or diversification requirements in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the diversification requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the diversification requirements, the Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions are not available to the Fund and it fails to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, the Fund will be taxable at regular corporate tax rates (and, to the extent applicable, at corporate alternative minimum tax rates). In such an event, all distributions (including capital gains distributions and distributions derived from interest on municipal securities) will be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, subject to the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders and, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, to the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income distributed to individuals. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares (reducing that basis accordingly), and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and distribute any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. In addition, if the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a Fund-level tax on certain net built-in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within ten years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year.

A regulated investment company that fails to distribute, by the close of each calendar year, an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary taxable income for such year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in such year, plus any shortfalls from the prior year’s required distribution, is liable for a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on the excess of the required distribution for such calendar year over the distributed amount for such calendar year. To avoid the imposition of this excise tax, the Fund generally intends to make the required distributions of its ordinary taxable income, if any, and its capital gain net income, to the extent possible, by the close of each calendar year.

As described in “Distributions” above, the Fund may retain for investment or otherwise use some (or all) of its net capital gain. If the Fund does not distribute all of its net capital gain and net investment income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Fund retains any net capital gain, it may

 

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designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who, if subject to federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their share of such undistributed amount; (ii) will be deemed to have paid their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount and will be entitled to credit that amount of tax against their federal income tax liabilities, if any; and (iii) will be entitled to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder.

The Fund intends to qualify to pay “exempt-interest” dividends, as defined in the Code, to its common shares by satisfying the requirement that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of municipal securities. Exempt-interest dividends are dividends or any part thereof (other than a capital gain dividend) paid by the Fund which are attributable to interest on municipal securities and which are so reported by the Fund. Exempt-interest dividends will be exempt from federal income tax, subject to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax. Insurance proceeds received by the Fund under any insurance policies in respect of scheduled interest payments on defaulted municipal bonds, as described herein, will generally be correspondingly excludable from federal gross income. In the case of non-appropriation by a political subdivision, however, there can be no assurance that payments made by the issuer representing interest on such “non-appropriation” municipal lease obligations will be excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes. See “Investment Policies and Techniques” above. Any gains of the Fund that are attributable to market discount on municipal securities are treated as ordinary income to the extent of accrued market discount on the bond. Certain minimum net asset value coverage limitations on distributions made with respect to Common Shares may under certain circumstances impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company.

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will generally apply to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax will also apply to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends and certain capital gains will generally be taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income, but exempt-interest dividends will not be taken into account.

A portion of the Fund’s expenditures that would otherwise be deductible may not be allowed as deductions by reason of the Fund’s investment in municipal securities (such disallowed portion, in general, being the same percentage of the Fund’s aggregate expenses as the percentage of the Fund’s aggregate gross income that constitutes exempt interest income from municipal securities). A similar disallowance rule also applies to interest expense paid or incurred by the Fund, if any. Under rules used by the IRS for determining when borrowed funds are considered used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly used for the purchase or ownership of such shares. Any such disallowed deductions will offset the Fund’s gross exempt-interest income for purposes of calculating the dividends that the Fund can report as exempt-interest dividends.

Distributions to shareholders of net investment income received by the Fund from taxable investments, if any, including temporary taxable investments and of net short-term capital gains realized by the Fund, if any, will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions by the Fund of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, are taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has owned the shares with respect to which such distributions are made. The amount of taxable income allocable to the Fund’s shares will depend upon the amount of such income realized by

 

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the Fund. Distributions, if any, in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a shareholder’s shares and, after that basis has been reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). As long as the Fund qualifies as a RIC under the Code, it is not expected that any part of its distributions to shareholders from its investments will qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders or as “qualified dividend income” taxable to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013.

The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) requires the Fund to report distributions paid with respect to its Common Shares and its preferred shares, including MTP Shares, as consisting of a portion of each type of income distributed by the Fund. The portion of each type of income deemed received by the holders of each class of shares will be equal to the portion of total Fund dividends received by such class. Thus, the Fund will report dividends paid as exempt-interest dividends in a manner that allocates such dividends between the holders of the common shares and the preferred shares, including MTP Shares, in proportion to the total dividends paid to each such class during or with respect to the taxable year, or otherwise as required by applicable law. Capital gain dividends and ordinary income dividends will also be allocated between the two classes under these rules.

The interest on private activity bonds in most instances is not federally tax-exempt to a person who is a “substantial user” of a facility financed by such bonds or a “related person” of such “substantial user.” As a result, the Fund may not be an appropriate investment for a shareholder who is considered either a “substantial user” or a “related person” within the meaning of the Code. In general, a “substantial user” of a facility includes a “nonexempt person who regularly uses a part of such facility in his trade or business.” “Related persons” are in general defined to include persons among whom there exists a relationship, either by family or business, which would result in a disallowance of losses in transactions among them under various provisions of the Code (or if they are members of the same controlled group of corporations under the Code), including a partnership and each of its partners (and certain members of their families), an S corporation and each of its shareholders (and certain members of their families) and various combinations of these and other relationships. The foregoing is not a complete description of all of the provisions of the Code covering the definitions of “substantial user” and “related person.”

Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, dividends declared in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of those months and paid during the following January, will be treated as having been distributed by the Fund (and received by the shareholders) on December 31 of the year declared. The U.S. federal income tax status of all distributions will be reported to shareholders annually.

Federal income tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to corporations, individuals, trusts and estates. Interest on certain municipal securities, such as bonds issued to make loans for housing purposes or to private entities (but not to certain tax-exempt organizations such as universities and non-profit hospitals), is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income. If the Fund receives income from municipal securities the interest on which is a tax preference item, a portion of the dividends paid by the Fund, although otherwise exempt from federal income tax, will be taxable to shareholders whose tax liabilities are determined under the federal alternative minimum tax. The Fund will annually provide a report indicating the percentage of the Fund’s income attributable to municipal securities and the portion thereof the interest on which is a tax preference item. In addition, for certain corporations, federal alternative minimum taxable income is increased by 75% of the difference between an alternative measure of income (“adjusted current earnings”) and the amount otherwise determined to be the alternative minimum taxable income. Interest on all municipal securities, and therefore all distributions by the Fund that would otherwise be tax-exempt, is included in calculating a corporation’s adjusted current earnings. Certain small corporations are not subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. Bonds issued in 2009 or 2010 generally will not be treated as private activity bonds, and interest earned on such bonds (and Fund distributions consisting of such interest) generally will not be treated as a tax preference item and generally will not result in or increase a corporate shareholder’s liability for the federal alternative minimum tax.

 

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Tax-exempt income, including exempt-interest dividends paid by the Fund, is taken into account in calculating the amount of social security and railroad retirement benefits that may be subject to federal income tax.

The Fund’s investment in zero coupon bonds will cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these bonds. Such income will be accrued daily by the Fund. In order to avoid a tax payable by the Fund, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities that it might otherwise continue to hold in order to generate cash so that the Fund may make required distributions to its shareholders.

Certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may defer the use of certain deductions or losses of the Fund, affect the holding period of securities held by the Fund, and alter the character of the gains or losses realized by the Fund. These provisions may also require the Fund to recognize income or gain without receiving cash with which to make distributions in the amounts necessary to satisfy the requirements for maintaining regulated investment company status and for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company.

Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against a RIC’s net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, potentially subject to certain limitations, the Fund may carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to offset capital gains in future years. The Fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss from any taxable year that began on or before December 22, 2010 to offset its capital gains, if any, for up to eight years following the year of the loss. The Fund is permitted to carry forward indefinitely a net capital loss from any taxable year that began after December 22, 2010 to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the Fund and may not be distributed as such to shareholders. Carryforwards of losses from taxable years that began after December 22, 2010 must be fully utilized before the Fund may utilize carryforwards of losses from taxable years that began on or before December 22, 2010. Generally, the Fund may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to treat certain losses as though they were incurred on the first day of the taxable year immediately following the taxable year in which they were actually incurred.

The repurchase, sale or exchange of common shares normally will result in capital gain or loss to holders of common shares who hold their shares as capital assets. Generally a shareholder’s gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year even though the increase in value in such common shares may be at least partially attributable to tax-exempt interest income. For corporations, present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains at the same rate applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, however, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum rate of 15%, while short-term capital gains and other ordinary income are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. Absent further legislation, the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gains will cease to apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012 and the maximum rate on long-term capital gains will increase to 20%. If a shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of common shares before holding them for six months, any loss on the sale or disposition will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the common shareholder of long-term capital gain (including any amount credited to the common shareholder as undistributed capital gain. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be disallowed to the extent those shares of the Fund are replaced (including without limitation under the Plan) by substantially identical shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the original shares, or to the extent the shareholder enters into a contract or option to repurchase shares during such period. In that event, the basis of the replacement shares of the Fund will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

The Fund is required in certain circumstances to withhold (as “backup withholding”) a portion of dividends (including exempt-interest dividends) and certain other payments paid to certain holders of the Fund’s shares who do not furnish to the Fund their correct taxpayer identification numbers (in the case of individuals, their

 

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social security numbers) and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made to a shareholder may be refunded or credited against such shareholder’s federal income tax liability, provided the required information and forms are timely furnished to the IRS.

The Code provides that every shareholder required to file a tax return must include for information purposes on such return the amount of tax-exempt interest received during the taxable year, including any exempt-interest dividends received from the Fund.

The description of certain federal tax provisions above relates only to U.S. federal income tax consequences for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., generally, U.S. citizens or residents or U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates, and who are subject to U.S. federal income tax and hold their shares as capital assets. Except as otherwise provided, this description does not address the special tax rules that may be applicable to particular types of investors, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, securities dealers, other regulated investment companies, or tax-exempt or tax-deferred plans, accounts or entities. Investors that are not U.S. persons may be subject to different U.S. federal income tax treatment, including a non-resident alien U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% or any lower applicable treaty rate on amounts treated as ordinary dividends from the Fund or, in certain circumstances, unless an effective IRS Form W-8BEN or other authorized withholding certificate is on file, to backup withholding on certain other payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States.

Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to Fund distributions payable to such entities after December 31, 2013 and to repurchase proceeds payable to such entities after December 31, 2014.

The foregoing is a general summary of certain provisions of the Code and regulations thereunder presently in effect as they directly govern the federal income taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. Moreover, the foregoing does not address many of the factors that may be determinative of whether an investor will be liable for the alternative minimum tax. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors for more detailed information concerning the federal, foreign, state and local tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of Fund shares.

STATE AND LOCAL TAX MATTERS

The exemption from U.S. federal income tax for exempt-interest dividends generally does not result in exemption for such dividends under the income or other tax laws of any state or local taxing authority. In some states, however, the portion of any exempt-interest dividends derived from interest received by the Fund on its holdings of that state’s securities and its political subdivisions and instrumentalities is exempt from the state’s income tax. The Fund will report annually to its shareholders the percentage of interest income earned by the Fund during the preceding year on tax-exempt obligations indicating, on a state-by-state basis, the source of such income. Shareholders of the Fund are advised to consult with their own tax advisors about state and local tax matters.

Texas Tax Matters

The following is a general, abbreviated summary of certain provisions of the applicable Texas tax law as presently in effect as it directly governs the taxation of Texas resident individual shareholders of the Fund. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive

 

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with respect to Fund transactions. This summary does not address the taxation of other shareholders nor does it discuss any local taxes that may be applicable. The treatment of shareholders other than individuals who pay Texas franchise tax may differ from that described below. Shareholders other than individuals are urged to consult their tax advisors.

The Fund will be subject to the Texas franchise tax only if it has a sufficient nexus with Texas. The Fund does not believe it has nexus with Texas.

Dividends paid by the Fund directly to individual residents of Texas, as well as gains on the redemption of any shares of the Fund, are not subject to Texas income tax because Texas does not impose a personal income tax. Consequently, individual Texas residents enjoy no special Texas income tax benefits by investing in the Fund.

To the extent an investor is subject to state and local taxes outside of Texas, distributions and dividends earned by an investment in the Fund and gain from the sale of shares in the Fund may represent taxable income.

Shareholders are advised to consult with their own tax advisors for more detailed information concerning Texas State and local tax matters.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Financial Statements and the independent registered public accounting firms reports thereon, appearing in the Fund’s annual shareholder report for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, are incorporated herein by reference in this Statement of Additional Information. The Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787.

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

The custodian of the assets of the Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The Custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. The Fund’s transfer, shareholder services and dividend paying agent is also State Street (the “Transfer Agent”). The Transfer Agent is located at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.

LEGAL OPINION

Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares will be passed upon for the Fund by Bingham McCutchen LLP, Washington, DC.

 

64


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto, relating to the shares of the Fund offered hereby, has been filed by the Fund with the SEC, Washington, D.C. The Fund’s Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, including any exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Fund and the shares offered hereby, reference is made to the Fund’s Registration Statement. Statements contained in the Fund’s Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. Copies of the Registration Statement may be inspected without charge at the SEC’s principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC.

 

65


APPENDIX A

Ratings of Investments

Standard & Poor’s Corporation—A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor’s Corporation, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (“Standard & Poor’s” or “S&P”), rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P) follows:

A Standard & Poor’s issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion evaluates the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors or obtained by Standard & Poor’s from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor’s does not perform an audit in connection with any credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.

Issue credit ratings can be either long term or short term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days—including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

•    Likelihood of payment—capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

•    Nature of and provisions of the obligation;

•    Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

AAA

An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

A-1


AA

An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A

An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB

An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC, and C

Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB

An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B

An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC

An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC

An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C

A ‘C’ rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the ‘C’ rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument’s terms.

 

A-2


D

An obligation rated ‘D’ is in payment default. The ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Plus (+) or minus (-)

The ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

NR

This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings

A-1

A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2

A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3

A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B

A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of ‘B-1’, ‘B-2’, and ‘B-3’ may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the ‘B’ category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B-1.

A short-term obligation rated ‘B-1’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

B-2.

A short-term obligation rated ‘B-2’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

 

A-3


B-3.

A short-term obligation rated ‘B-3’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

C

A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D

A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in payment default. The ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Dual Ratings

Standard & Poor’s assigns “dual” ratings to all debt issues that have a put option or demand feature as part of their structure. The first rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second rating addresses only the demand feature. The long-term rating symbols are used for bonds to denote the long-term maturity and the short-term rating symbols for the put option (for example, ‘AAA/A-1+’). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, note rating symbols are used with the short-term issue credit rating symbols (for example, ‘SP-1+/A-1+’).

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.—A brief description of the applicable Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody’s) follows:

Municipal Bonds

Aaa

Bonds that are rated ‘Aaa’ are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edged.” Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

Aa

Bonds mat are rated ‘Aa’ are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the ‘Aaa’ group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in ‘Aaa’ securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present mat make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in ‘Aaa’ securities.

A

Bonds that are rated ‘A’ possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present that suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

Baa

Bonds that are rated ‘Baa’ are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain

 

A-4


protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

Ba

Bonds that are rated ‘Ba’ are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B

Bonds that are rated ‘B’ generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

Caa

Bonds that are rated ‘Caa’ are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.

Ca

Bonds that are rated ‘Ca’ represent obligations that are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C

Bonds that are rated ‘C’ are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor Prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

#(hatchmark): Represents issues that are secured by escrowed funds held in cash, held in trust, invested and reinvested in direct, non-callable, non-prepayable United States government obligations or non-callable, non-prepayable obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Resolution Funding Corporation debt obligations.

Con. (...): Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals that begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition attaches. The parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon completion of construction or elimination of the basis of the condition.

(P): When applied to forward delivery bonds, indicates the rating is provisional pending delivery of the bonds. The rating may be revised prior to delivery if changes occur in the legal documents or the underlying credit quality of the bonds.

Note: Moody’s applies numerical modifiers 1,2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates mat the issue ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

Short-Term Loans

MIG 1/VMIG 1

This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

A-5


MIG 2/VMIG 2

This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3/VMIG 3

This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

MIG 4/VMIG 4

This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly regarded as required of an investment security is present and although not distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.

SG

This designation denotes speculative quality. Debt instruments in this category lack margins of protection.

Commercial Paper

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics:

 

   

Leading market positions in well-established industries.

 

   

High rates of return on funds employed.

 

   

Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

 

   

Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

 

   

Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation than is the case for Prime-2 securities. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Fitch Ratings—A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:

Long-Term Credit Ratings

Investment Grade

AAA

Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

A-6


AA

Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A

High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB

Good credit quality. ‘BBB’ ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

Speculative Grade

BB

Speculative. ‘BB’ ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

B

Highly speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

CCC, CC, C

High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. A ‘CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. ‘C’ ratings signal imminent default.

DDD, DD, and D Default

The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their Prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the obligor. While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated with any precision, the following serve as general guidelines. ‘DDD’ obligations have the highest potential for recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest ‘DD’ indicates potential recoveries in the range of 50%-90%, and ‘D’ the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%. Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated ‘DDD’ have the highest Prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated ‘DD’ and ‘D’ are generally undergoing a formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated ‘DD’ are likely to satisfy a higher portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated ‘D’ have a poor Prospect for repaying all obligations.

Short-Term Credit Ratings

The following ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A Short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance, in line with

 

A-7


industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

Fl

Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2

Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

F3

Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

B

Speculative Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C

High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

D

Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.

Notes to Long-term and Short-term ratings:

“+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ Long-term rating category, to categories below ‘CCC, or to Short-term ratings other than ‘FT.

‘NR’ indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.

‘Withdrawn’: A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced.

Rating Watch: Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as “Positive”, indicating a potential upgrade, “Negative”, for a potential downgrade, or “Evolving”, if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.

A Rating Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable, or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are ‘stable’ could be downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.

 

A-8


Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund

 

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

 

September 26, 2012


PART C—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 25: Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

1. Financial Statements:
     Contained in Part A:
     Financial Highlights for the Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund (the “Fund” or the “Registrant”) for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 2002.

 

     Contained in Part B:
     Financial Statements are incorporated in Part B by reference to Registrant’s February 29, 2012 Annual Report (audited) on Form N-CSR as filed with the SEC on April 25, 2012.

 

2. Exhibits:

 

  a.1       Declaration of Trust dated July 26, 1991. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit a.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  a.2       Articles of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the Registrant (Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Municipal Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares) dated December 27, 2006. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit a.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  a.3       Certificate of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the Registrant dated February 26, 2010. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit a.3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  b.       By-Laws of Nuveen Leveraged Municipal Closed-End Funds Organized as Massachusetts Business Trusts, including Registrant (Amended and Restated as of November 18, 2009). Filed on August 24, 2012 as Exhibit b. to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  c.       None.
  d.1       Form of Share Certificate. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit d.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  d.2       Rating Agency Guidelines. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit d.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  d.3       Form of Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Registrant’s MuniFund Term Preferred (“MTP”) Shares. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Appendix A to the Statement of Additional Information within Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  e.       Terms and Conditions of the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit e to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  f.       None.
  g.1       Investment Management Agreement dated November 13, 2007 between Registrant and Nuveen Asset Management (now, Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.). Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit g.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  g.2       Sub-Advisory Agreement dated December 31, 2010 between Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit g.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  h.1       Form of Underwriting Agreement. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit h.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  h.2       Form of Standard Dealer Agreement. Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit h.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  h.3       Form of Nuveen Master Selected Dealer Agreement. Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit h.3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.

 

C-1


  h.4       Form of Dealer Letter Agreement. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit h.5 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  h.5       Distribution Agreement dated May 29, 2012 between the Registrant and Nuveen Securities, LLC. Filed on August 24, 2012 as Exhibit h.5 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  h.6       Dealer Agreement dated May 29, 2012 (Common Stock). Filed on August 24, 2012 as Exhibit h.6 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  i.       Nuveen Open-End and Closed-End Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors and Trustees (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009). Filed on September 24, 2010 as Exhibit i to Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169575) and incorporated by reference herein.
  j.1       Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated February 25, 2005. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit i.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  j.2       Appendix A, dated March 9, 2012, to the Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement dated February 25, 2005 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company. Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit j.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  k.1       Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated October 7, 2002. Filed on September 3, 2010 as Exhibit k.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-169206) and incorporated by reference herein.
  k.2       Schedule A, dated May 25, 2011, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated October 7, 2002 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company. Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit k.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  k.3       Amendment to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated July 1, 2011. Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit k.3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  l.       Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP.*
  m.       Not Applicable.
  n.       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.*
  o.       None.
  p.       Not Applicable.
  q.       None.
  r.       Code of Ethics and Reporting Requirements of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (including affiliated entities) and the Nuveen Funds dated January 1, 2011. Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit r. to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.
  s.       Powers of Attorney. Filed on May 4, 2012 as Exhibit s. to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) and incorporated by reference herein.

 

* Filed herewith.
** To be filed by amendment.

Item 26: Marketing Arrangements

See the relevant Sections of the Form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit h.1 to this Registration Statement.

See the relevant Sections of the Form of Standard Dealer Agreement filed as Exhibit h.2 to this Registration Statement and the Introductory Paragraph and Sections 2 and 3 of the Form of Nuveen Master Selected Dealer Agreement filed as Exhibit h.3 to this Registration Statement.

 

C-2


See Paragraph e of the Form of Dealer Letter Agreement between Nuveen and the underwriters filed as Exhibit h.4 to this Registration Statement.

Item 27: Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

Printing and Engraving Fees    $ 40,000   
Legal Fees      65,000   
Accounting Fees      5,000   
FINRA      2,921   
Stock Exchange Listing Fees      3,325   
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fees      1,850   
Miscellaneous Fees      6,904   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 125,000   
  

 

 

 

Item 28: Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant

Not applicable.

Item 29: Number of Holders of Securities

As of July 31, 2012:

 

Title of Class

   Number of Record Holders  
Common Shares, $0.01 par value      4,230   
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value MTP Shares      1,291   

Item 30: Indemnification

Article VII, Section 4 of the Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation provides as follows:

ARTICLE VII, SECTION 4: Indemnification. Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 4, every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a Shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”), shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof.

No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:

 

  a) against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office;

 

  b) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust; or

 

  c) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication (as provided in paragraph (a) or (b)) and resulting in a payment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition or a reasonable determination, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that he did not engage in such conduct:

 

  i. by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter); or

 

  ii. by written opinion on independent legal counsel.

 

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The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel other than Covered Persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this Section 4 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 4, provided that either:

 

  a) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances; or

 

  b) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of the readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

As used in this Section 4, a “Disinterested Trustee” is one (x) who is not an Interested Person of the Trust (including anyone, as such Disinterested Trustee, who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), and (y) against whom none of such actions, suits or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending.

As used in this Section 4, the words “Claim,” “action,” “suit” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include without limitation, attorneys fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.

Item 31: Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser

A description of any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the directors and officers of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (“NFA”), the Fund’s investment adviser, who serve as officers or trustees of the Registrant have engaged during the last two years for his or her account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee appears under “Management” in the Statement of Additional Information. Such information for the remaining senior officers of NFA appears below:

 

Name and Position with NFA

 

Other Business, Profession, Vocation or
Employment During Past Two Years

Thomas J. Schreier, Jr., Co-President   Vice Chairman, Wealth Management, of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Chairman of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; Co-Chief Executive Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of FAF Advisors; formerly, President of First American Funds.
Sherri A. Hlavacek, Managing Director and Corporate Controller  

Managing Director and Corporate Controller of Nuveen Investments, Inc., Nuveen Securities, LLC, Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc., Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. and of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); Vice President and Controller of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC, Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC, Winslow Capital Management LLC. and Symphony Asset Management LLC; Certified Public Accountant.

 

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Name and Position with NFA

 

Other Business, Profession, Vocation or
Employment During Past Two Years

Mary E. Keefe, Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer  

Managing Director (since 2004) and Director of Compliance of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc., Symphony Asset Management LLC and Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Winslow Capital Management, LLC.
John L. MacCarthy, Director, Executive Vice President and Secretary  

Executive Vice President (since 2008), Secretary and General Counsel (since 2006) of Nuveen Investments, Inc., and Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2008) and Secretary (since 2006) of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc., and (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; Vice President and Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC and Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC; Director, Vice President and Secretary of Winslow Capital Management, LLC.
Glenn R. Richter, Director   Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (since 2006); Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2011); Executive Vice President of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.; Chief Administrative Officer of NWQ Holdings, LLC.

Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Nuveen Asset Management”) acts as sub-investment adviser to the Registrant and also serves as sub-investment adviser to other open-end and closed-end funds and investment adviser to separately managed accounts. The following is a list of the senior officers of Nuveen Asset Management. The principal business address of each person is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

 

Name and Position with Nuveen Asset Management

 

Other Business, Profession, Vocation or
Employment During Past Two Years

Thomas J. Schreier, Jr., Chairman   Vice Chairman, Wealth Management, of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Chairman of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of FAF Advisors; formerly, President of First American Funds.
William T. Huffman, President   Chief Operating Officer, Municipal Fixed Income (since 2008) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.; previously, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (2002-2007) of Northern Trust Global Advisors, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer (2007) of Northern Trust Global Investments Limited; CPA.

 

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Name and Position with Nuveen Asset Management

 

Other Business, Profession, Vocation or
Employment During Past Two Years

John L. MacCarthy, Executive Vice President and Secretary  

Executive Vice President (since 2008), Secretary and General Counsel (since 2006) of Nuveen Investments, Inc. and Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2008) and Secretary (since 2006) of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc. and (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management LLC; Vice President and Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC and Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC; Director, Vice President and Secretary of Winslow Capital Management, LLC.
Charles R. Manzoni, Jr., Executive Vice President and General Counsel  

Managing Director and General Counsel of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Chief Risk Officer, and Secretary and General Counsel, director on Board of Directors, FAF Advisors.
Sherri A. Hlavacek, Managing Director and Corporate Controller  

Managing Director and Corporate Controller of Nuveen Investments, Inc., Nuveen Securities, LLC, Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc., Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc. and of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); Vice President and Controller of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC, Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC, Winslow Capital Management, LLC and Symphony Asset Management LLC; Certified Public Accountant.
Mary E. Keefe, Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer  

Managing Director (since 2004) and Director of Compliance of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc., Symphony Asset Management LLC and Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Winslow Capital Management, LLC.

Item 32: Location of Accounts and Records

NFA, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, maintains the Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, minutes of trustees and shareholders meetings and contracts of the Registrant and all advisory material of the investment adviser. Nuveen Asset Management, in its capacity as sub-adviser, also may maintain certain books and records of the Fund.

State Street Bank and Trust Company, 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021, maintains all general and subsidiary ledgers, journals, trial balances, records of all portfolio purchases and sales, and all other required records not maintained by NFA or Nuveen Asset Management.

 

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Item 33: Management Services

Not applicable.

Item 34: Undertakings

 

1. Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of its shares until it amends its prospectus if: (1) subsequent to the effective date of its registration statement, the net asset value declines more than ten percent from its net asset value as of the effective date of the registration statement; or (2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus.

 

2. Not applicable.

 

3. Not applicable.

 

4. If the securities are being registered in reliance on Rule 415 under the 1933 Act, an undertaking:

(a) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(1) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(2) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and

(3) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(b) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and

(c) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

(d) that, for the purpose of determining liability under the 1933 Act to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act as part of this registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, shall be deemed to be part of and included in this registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in this registration statement or prospectus that is part of this registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into this registration or prospectus that is part of this registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in this registration statement or prospectus that was part of this registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(e) that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the 1933 Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:

The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:

(1) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act;

(2) the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the 1933 Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

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(3) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

5. The Registrant undertakes that:

a. For purposes of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 497(h) under the 1933 Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

b. For the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

6. The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in this City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the 26th day of September, 2012.

 

NUVEEN TEXAS QUALITY INCOME MUNICIPAL FUND
/s/    Kevin J. Mccarthy

Kevin J. McCarthy,

Vice President and Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

         

Date

/S/    STEPHEN D. FOY        

STEPHEN D. FOY

   Vice President and Controller (principal financial and accounting officer)       September 26, 2012

/S/    GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN

GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN

   Chief Administrative Officer (principal executive officer)      
ROBERT P. BREMNER*    Chairman of the Board and Trustee   ý

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By*:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/    Kevin J. McCarthy

 

KEVIN J. MCCARTHY,

Attorney-in-Fact

September 26, 2012

JOHN P. AMBOIAN*    Trustee      
JACK B. EVANS*    Trustee      
WILLIAM C. HUNTER*    Trustee      
DAVID J. KUNDERT*    Trustee      
WILLIAM J. SCHNEIDER*    Trustee      
JUDITH M. STOCKDALE*    Trustee      
CAROLE E. STONE*    Trustee      
VIRGINIA L. STRINGER*    Trustee      
TERENCE J. TOTH*    Trustee      

 

* The original powers of attorney authorizing Kevin J. McCarthy and Gifford R. Zimmerman, among others, to execute this Registration Statement, and Amendments thereto, for the trustees of the Registrant on whose behalf this Registration Statement is filed, have been executed and filed as Exhibit s. to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-181183) on May 4, 2012 and incorporated by reference herein.


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

    

Name

  l.       Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP.
  n.       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.