Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund

Filed pursuant to Rule 497(b)

File No. 333-184032

LOGO

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF

NUVEEN AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA, NEA PRC)

NUVEEN PREMIER MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. (NIF)

AND

NUVEEN PREMIUM INCOME MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (NPX)

(EACH, A “FUND” AND COLLECTIVELY, THE “FUNDS”)

NOVEMBER 7, 2012

Although we recommend that you read the complete Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, for your convenience, we have provided a brief overview of the issues to be voted on.

 

Q. Why am I receiving this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus?

 

A. You are receiving this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus in connection with the special shareholder meetings of the Funds, at which a proposal regarding the reorganization of your Fund will be considered.

 

Q. What actions has each Fund’s Board of Trustees or Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved?

 

A. The Board of Nuveen’s municipal closed-end funds has approved a series of mergers of municipal closed-end funds, including the reorganization of each of Nuveen Premier Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (“Premier Opportunity”) and Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Opportunity Fund (“Premium Opportunity” and together with Premier Opportunity, the “Acquired Funds” and each, an “Acquired Fund”) into Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”) (each, a “Reorganization” and together, the “Reorganizations”).

 

Q. Why has each Fund’s Board recommended these proposals?

 

A. Each Fund’s Board has determined that the Reorganization proposed for its Fund would be in the best interests of such Fund. Each Fund’s Board considered the Reorganizations as part of a broad initiative to rationalize the product offerings of Nuveen Funds and eliminate overlapping products. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds have similar investment objectives and policies and substantially similar portfolio compositions. The proposed Reorganizations are intended to result in lower operating expenses per common share (excluding costs of leverage) due to economies of scale resulting from the larger size of the combined fund and to enhance the secondary trading market for common shares of the Funds as a result of the greater share volume of the combined fund. Although the anticipated total annual operating expenses per common share of the combined fund (including the costs of leverage) are expected to be higher for each Acquired Fund due to the increased levels of leverage and higher proportion of fixed-rate leverage in the combined fund, such leverage may produce higher returns for common shares over time to the extent that the returns obtained from investing leverage proceeds exceed the costs of leverage.

 

Q. What are the potential benefits of the Reorganizations to common shareholders?

 

A. The investment adviser to the Funds and each Fund’s Board believe that the proposed Reorganizations are expected to offer the following potential benefits to common shareholders of the Funds:

 

   

Lower fees and operating expenses per common share (excluding costs of leverage) from greater economies of scale as the combined fund’s size results in a lower effective


 

management fee rate based on managed assets and allows fixed operating expenses to be spread over a larger asset base. As noted above, the anticipated total annual operating expenses per common share of the combined fund, (including the costs of leverage) are expected to be higher for each Acquired Fund due to the increased levels of leverage and higher proportion of fixed-rate leverage in the combined fund.

 

   

Improved secondary market trading for common shares as the combined fund’s greater share volume is expected to result in increased market liquidity, which may lead to narrower bid-ask spreads and smaller trade-to-trade price movements. The potential for higher common share net earnings and enhanced total returns over time may increase investor interest in the combined fund which would result in increased market liquidity. In addition, Acquired Fund common shareholders may experience improved secondary market trading after the Reorganizations due to the nature of the Acquiring Fund’s investment objectives of investing primarily in municipal securities exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals (the “AMT”), in addition to regular federal income taxes, as the AMT feature of the objectives, which is not currently in place with respect to the Acquired Funds, may appeal to a broader group of investors.

 

   

Increased flexibility in managing the structure and costs of leverage over time for example, by enabling the larger combined fund to simultaneously employ, or modify allocations between, fixed rate and floating rate issues as issues mature and/or as the investment adviser’s market outlook changes. In contrast, a smaller stand alone fund would likely be limited to employing one type of leverage and to smaller issues.

 

Q. How will preferred shareholders of the Acquiring Fund be impacted by the Reorganizations?

 

     The Acquiring Fund currently has one series of MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“MTP Shares”) and one series of Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“VMTP Shares”) outstanding, and these shares will remain outstanding following the Reorganizations. Each of the Acquired Funds currently has outstanding shares of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Shares”). Upon the closing of the Reorganizations, preferred shareholders of each Acquired Fund will receive on a one-for-one basis newly issued preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund with substantially similar terms, as of the time of the closings of the Reorganizations, as the preferred shares of the Acquired Fund exchanged therefor. While preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund will rank on a parity to each other, there are differences between the different types of preferred shares, which are discussed in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. With respect to matters requiring all preferred shareholders to vote as a single class or common and preferred shareholders to vote together, following the Reorganizations, preferred shareholders of the Acquiring Fund will hold a smaller percentage of the outstanding preferred shares of the combined fund.

 

Q. Will the Reorganizations impact Fund distributions to common shareholders?

 

A.

The Reorganizations are not expected to adversely impact distributions to common shareholders and are expected to result in the same or higher distribution rates for common shareholders of each Fund (as common shareholders of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganizations) as a result of lower operating expenses per common share (excluding the

 

2


  costs of leverage). Total annual operating expenses per common share for common shareholders of the Acquired Funds (as common shareholders of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganizations) are anticipated to be higher including the costs of leverage and could result in lower distribution rates if the costs of leverage exceed returns from leverage proceeds.

 

Q. Do the Funds have similar investment objectives and policies?

 

A. The Funds have similar investment objectives, policies and risks. Each Fund invests primarily in municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax and, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, from the federal AMT. Each Fund emphasizes investments in investment grade municipal securities. Each Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, and currently engages in leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and the use of inverse floating rate securities.

 

Q. What specific proposals will I be asked to vote on in connection with a proposed Reorganization?

 

A. Generally, shareholders of each Acquired Fund will be asked to vote on an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with common shareholders and preferred shareholders voting as a single class and preferred shareholders voting separately. Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund will be asked to vote on the issuance of additional common shares in connection with the Reorganizations, with common and preferred shareholders voting as a single class and common shares voting separately. In addition, preferred shareholders of the Acquiring Fund will be asked to vote on the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

Q. Will shareholders of the Acquired Funds receive new shares in exchange for their current shares?

 

A. Yes. Upon the closing of the Reorganizations, each Acquired Fund will transfer substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for common and preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of such Acquired Fund. Each Acquired Fund will then be liquidated, dissolved and terminated in accordance with applicable law.

 

     Acquired Fund shareholders will become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund. Holders of common shares of each Acquired Fund will receive newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, the aggregate net asset value of which will be equal to the aggregate net asset value of the common shares of the Acquired Fund held as of the close of trading on the business day immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganizations (including for this purpose fractional Acquiring Fund common shares to which shareholders would be entitled). Fractional shares will be sold on the open market and shareholders will receive cash in lieu of such fractional shares. Holders of preferred shares of each Acquired Fund will receive on a one-for-one basis newly issued preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund having substantially similar terms, as of the closing of the Reorganizations, as the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor.

 

     Current shareholders of the Acquiring Fund will remain shareholders of the Acquiring Fund.

 

3


Q. Do the Reorganizations constitute a taxable event for the Acquired Funds’ shareholders?

 

A. No. Each Reorganization is intended to qualify as a tax-free “reorganization” for federal income tax purposes. It is expected that you will recognize no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a direct result of a Reorganization, except that gain or loss may be recognized with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional Acquiring Fund common shares. Prior to the closing of the Reorganizations, each Acquired Fund expects to declare a distribution of all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any. Such a distribution may be taxable to an Acquired Fund’s shareholders for federal income tax purposes. To the extent that an Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities are sold in connection with a Reorganization, such Acquired Fund may realize gains or losses, which may increase or decrease the net capital gains or net investment income to be distributed by the Acquired Fund. However, since each Acquired Fund’s current portfolio composition is substantially similar to that of the Acquiring Fund and no Acquired Fund currently holds portfolio securities subject to the federal AMT, it is not currently expected that any significant portfolio sales will occur solely in connection with the Reorganizations (less than 5% of the assets of each Acquired Fund).

 

Q. What will happen if the required shareholder approvals in connection with a Reorganization are obtained for one Fund but not for the other Funds?

 

A. The closing of each Reorganization is contingent upon the closing of both Reorganizations. Because the closing of the Reorganizations is contingent on both of the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Fund obtaining the requisite shareholder approvals and satisfying their other closing conditions, it is possible that your Fund’s Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of your Fund approve the Reorganization and your Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions, if one or more of the other Funds do not obtain their requisite shareholder approvals or satisfy their closing conditions. If all the shareholder approvals are not obtained, each Fund’s Board may take such actions as it deems in the best interests of such Fund, including conducting additional solicitations with respect to the proposals or continuing to operate the Fund as a stand-alone fund.

 

Q. Will I have to pay any fees or expenses in connection with the Reorganizations?

 

A. The costs of the Reorganizations (whether or not consummated) will be allocated among the Funds ratably based on the relative expected benefits of the Reorganizations comprised of forecasted cost savings (excluding the costs of leverage) and distribution increases, if any, to each Fund during the first year following the Reorganizations. Common shareholders will indirectly bear the costs of the Reorganizations. The costs of the Reorganizations are estimated to be $320,000 for the Acquiring Fund, $45,000 for Premier Opportunity and $540,000 for Premium Opportunity. Preferred shareholders are not expected to bear any costs of the Reorganizations. The Reorganizations are expected to result in cost savings (excluding the costs of leverage) over time for the common shareholders of each Fund (as common shareholders of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganizations). Although the anticipated total annual operating expenses per common share of the combined fund (including the costs of leverage) are expected to be higher for Acquired Fund shareholders due to the increased levels of leverage and higher proportion of fixed-rate leverage in the combined fund, such leverage may produce higher returns for common shares over time to the extent that the returns obtained from investing leverage proceeds exceed the costs of leverage.

 

4


Q. What is the timetable for the Reorganizations?

 

A. If the shareholder voting and other conditions to closing are satisfied (or waived), the Reorganizations are expected to take effect on or about February 11, 2013 or as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

Q. How does the Board recommend that I vote on the Reorganizations?

 

A. After careful consideration, the Board has determined that the Reorganizations are in the best interests of each Fund and recommends that you vote FOR your Fund’s proposal(s).

General

 

Q. Who do I call if I have questions?

 

A. If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposal or how to vote your shares, please call Computershare Fund Services, your proxy solicitor, at (866) 300-0742 weekdays during its business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturdays 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Please have your proxy materials available when you call.

 

Q. How do I vote my shares?

 

A. You may vote by mail, by telephone or over the Internet:

 

   

To vote by mail, please mark, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card. No postage is required if mailed in the United States.

 

   

To vote by telephone, please call the toll-free number located on your proxy card and follow the recorded instructions, using your proxy card as a guide.

 

   

To vote over the Internet, go to the Internet address provided on your proxy card and follow the instructions, using your proxy card as a guide.

 

Q. Will anyone contact me?

 

A. You may receive a call from Computershare Fund Services, the proxy solicitor hired by your Fund, to verify that you received your proxy materials, to answer any questions you may have about the proposals and to encourage you to vote your proxy.

 

     We recognize the inconvenience of the proxy solicitation process and would not impose on you if we did not believe that the matters being proposed were important. Once your vote has been registered with the proxy solicitor, your name will be removed from the solicitor’s follow-up contact list.

 

     Your vote is very important. We encourage you as a shareholder to participate in your Fund’s governance by returning your vote as soon as possible. If enough shareholders fail to cast their votes, your Fund may not be able to hold its meeting or the vote on each issue, and will be required to incur additional solicitation costs in order to obtain sufficient shareholder participation.

 

5


NOVEMBER 7, 2012

NUVEEN AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA, NEA PRC)

NUVEEN PREMIER MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. (NIF)

AND

NUVEEN PREMIUM INCOME MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (NPX)

(EACH, A “FUND” AND COLLECTIVELY, THE “FUNDS”)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 14, 2012

To the Shareholders:

Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (“AMT-Free Municipal” or the “Acquiring Fund”), and Nuveen Premier Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (“Premier Opportunity”) and Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Opportunity Fund (“Premium Opportunity”) (each, an “Acquired Fund” and together, the “Acquired Funds”), will be held in the offices of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen” or “Nuveen Investments”), 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, on Friday, December 14, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., Central time, for the following purposes:

 

  1. Agreement and Plan of Reorganization. The shareholders of each Fund voting as set forth below, for an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to which each Acquired Fund would: (i) transfer substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for common shares and preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, and the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund; (ii) distribute such shares of the Acquiring Fund to the common shareholders and preferred shareholders of the Acquired Fund (with cash being issued in lieu of fractional common shares); and (iii) liquidate, dissolve and terminate in accordance with applicable law.

 

  (a) For the shareholders of each Acquired Fund, the common and preferred shareholders voting as a single class to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

  (b) For the shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund, the preferred shareholders voting separately as a single class, to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

  2. Approval of Issuance of Additional Common Shares by the Acquiring Fund.

 

  (a) For the shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, the common and preferred shareholders voting as a single class to approve the issuance of additional common shares in connection with each reorganization pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

  (b) For the shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, the common shareholders voting separately as a single class to approve the issuance of additional common shares in connection with each reorganization pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

1


  3. With respect to each Fund, to transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting.

Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 31, 2012 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting. In order to avoid delay and additional expense for the Funds, and to assure that your shares are represented, please vote as promptly as possible, whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting. You may vote by mail, by telephone or over the Internet.

 

   

To vote by mail, please mark, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card. No postage is required if mailed in the United States.

 

   

To vote by telephone, please call the toll-free number located on your proxy card and follow the recorded instructions, using your proxy card as a guide.

 

   

To vote over the Internet, go to the Internet address provided on your proxy card and follow the instructions, using your proxy card as a guide.

Kevin J. McCarthy

Vice President and Secretary

The Nuveen Funds

 

2


NUVEEN FUNDS

333 WEST WACKER DRIVE

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606

(800) 257-8787

JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

NUVEEN AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA, NEA PRC)

NUVEEN PREMIER MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. (NIF)

AND

NUVEEN PREMIUM INCOME MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (NPX)

(EACH, A “FUND” AND COLLECTIVELY, THE “FUNDS”)

NOVEMBER 7, 2012

This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the common and preferred shareholders of Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund (“AMT-Free Municipal” or the “Acquiring Fund”), and the common shareholders of Nuveen Premier Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (“Premier Opportunity”) and Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Opportunity Fund (“Premium Opportunity”) (each, an “Acquired Fund” and together, the “Acquired Funds”), each a closed-end management investment company, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by each Fund’s Board of Trustees or Board of Directors, as applicable (each, a “Board” and each Trustee or Director, a “Board Member”) for use at a Special Meeting of Shareholders of each Fund to be held in the offices of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen” or “Nuveen Investments”), 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, on Friday, December 14, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., Central time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof (each, a “Special Meeting” and collectively, the “Special Meetings”) to consider the proposals listed below and discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. AMT-Free Municipal and Premium Opportunity are each organized as a Massachusetts business trust. Premier Opportunity is organized as a Minnesota corporation. The enclosed proxy card and this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus are first being sent to shareholders of the Funds on or about November 9, 2012. Shareholders of record of the Funds as of the close of business on October 31, 2012 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.

This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus explains concisely what you should know before voting on the proposals described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or investing in the Acquiring Fund. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.

 

 

The securities offered by this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), nor has the SEC passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

On the matters coming before each Special Meeting as to which a choice has been specified by shareholders on the accompanying proxy card, the shares will be voted accordingly where such proxy card is properly executed, timely received and not properly revoked (pursuant to the instructions below). If a proxy is returned and no choice is specified, the shares will be voted FOR the proposals. Shareholders of a Fund who execute proxies may revoke them at any time before they are voted by


filing with that Fund a written notice of revocation, by delivering a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the Special Meeting and voting in person. Merely attending the Special Meeting, however, will not revoke any previously submitted proxy.

The Board of each Fund has determined that the use of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the Special Meetings is in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders in light of the similar matters being considered and voted on by shareholders.

The following table indicates the proposals of each Fund for which the votes of common shareholders of each Fund and preferred shareholders of AMT-Free Municipal are being solicited pursuant to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and which shareholders are solicited to vote with respect to each matter. Except as otherwise noted below, the common shareholders of a Fund vote together with the preferred shareholders as a single class.

 

Matter

   Common
Shares
   Preferred
Shares

For Shareholders of AMT-Free Municipal,

     

1(b)

   the preferred shareholders voting separately as a single class, to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,       X*

2(a)

   the common and preferred shareholders voting as a single class to approve the issuance of additional common shares in connection with each reorganization pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,    X    X*

2(b)

   the common shareholders voting separately as a single class to approve the issuance of additional common shares in connection with each reorganization pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.    X   

For Shareholders of Premier Opportunity,

1(a)

   the common and preferred shareholders voting as a single class, to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,    X    —*

1(b)

   the preferred shareholders voting separately as a single class, to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.       —*

For Shareholders of Premium Opportunity,

1(a)

   the common and preferred shareholders voting as a single class, to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,    X    —*

1(b)

   the preferred shareholders voting separately as a single class, to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.       —*

 

*

Holders of MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“MTP Shares”) and Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“VMTP Shares”) of the Acquiring Fund are being solicited through this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity are separately soliciting holders of their

 

ii


  Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Shares”) through a separate proxy statement and not through this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus on each of the foregoing proposals that require preferred shareholders to vote together with common shareholders as a single class or preferred shareholders to vote separately as a single class.

A quorum of shareholders is required to take action at each Special Meeting. A majority of the shares entitled to vote at each Special Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum of shareholders at that Special Meeting. Votes cast by proxy or in person at each Special Meeting will be tabulated by the inspectors of election appointed for that Special Meeting. The inspectors of election will determine whether or not a quorum is present at the Special Meeting. The inspectors of election will treat abstentions and “broker non-votes” (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees, typically in “street name,” as to which (i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and (ii) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter) as present for purposes of determining a quorum.

Those persons who were shareholders of record at the close of business on October 31, 2012 will be entitled to one vote for each share held and, with respect to holders of common shares, a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional common share held.

As of October 31, 2012, the shares of the Funds issued and outstanding were as follows:

 

Fund Ticker Symbol*

   Common Shares      VRDP
Shares
     VMTP
Shares
     MTP
Shares
 

Acquiring Fund (NEA)

     22,243,814                 676         8,300,000   

Premier Opportunity (NIF)

     19,526,645         1,309                   

Premium Opportunity (NPX)

     37,359,200         2,190                   

 

* The common shares of Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The common shares of AMT-Free Municipal are listed on the NYSE MKT. Upon the closing of the reorganizations, it is expected that the common shares of the Acquiring Fund will be listed on the NYSE MKT. MTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol NEA PrC. The VRDP Shares of Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity and the VMTP Shares of AMT-Free Municipal are not listed on any exchange.

The proposed reorganizations seek to combine three Funds that have similar investment objectives, policies and risks to achieve certain economies of scale and other operational efficiencies for the Funds (each, a “Reorganization” and together, the “Reorganizations”). The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and among each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund (the “Agreement”) provides for: (i) the Acquiring Fund’s acquisition of substantially all of the assets of each Acquired Fund in exchange for newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, par value $0.01 per share, and newly issued VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund, with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, and the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of each Acquired Fund, and (ii) the distribution of the Acquiring Fund common shares and Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received by each Acquired Fund to its common and preferred shareholders, respectively, as part of the liquidation, dissolution and termination of each Acquired Fund in accordance with applicable law. The aggregate net asset value of Acquiring Fund common shares received by each Acquired Fund in a Reorganization will equal, as of the Valuation Time (as such term is defined on page 21), the aggregate net asset value of Acquired Fund common shares held by shareholders of such Acquired Fund as of such time. Prior to the Valuation Time, the net asset value of each Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund will be reduced by the costs of the Reorganization borne by such Fund. No fractional Acquiring Fund common shares will be issued to an Acquired Fund’s

 

iii


shareholders in connection with the Reorganizations and, in lieu of such fractional shares, an Acquired Fund’s shareholders will receive cash in an amount equal to the value received for such shares in the open market, which may be higher or lower than net asset value. VRDP shareholders of each Acquired Fund will receive the same number of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares having substantially similar terms as the outstanding VRDP Shares of the Acquired Fund held by such preferred shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Reorganizations. The aggregate liquidation preference of the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received in the Reorganizations will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of the corresponding Acquired Fund VRDP Shares held immediately prior to the Reorganizations.

All preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in connection with the Reorganizations will have equal priority with each other and with the Acquiring Fund’s existing outstanding preferred shares as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets in the event of the Acquiring Fund’s liquidation. In addition, the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in connection with the Reorganizations, will be senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares, as to payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets in the event of the Acquiring Fund’s liquidation. The Acquiring Fund will continue to operate after the Reorganizations as a registered closed-end management investment company with the investment objectives and policies described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

With respect to each Reorganization, the Reorganization is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund’s common shares and preferred shares, voting as a single class, and by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Acquired Fund’s outstanding preferred shares voting separately as a single class. Each Reorganization also is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, voting separately as a single class. In addition, common and preferred shareholders of the Acquiring Fund voting as a single class, and common shareholders voting separately as a single class, are being asked to approve the issuance of additional common shares of the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganizations.

The closing of each Reorganization is contingent upon the closing of both Reorganizations. In order for the Reorganizations to occur, each Fund must obtain all requisite shareholder approvals as well as certain consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties, including liquidity providers and rating agencies with respect to outstanding preferred shares. Because the closing of the Reorganizations is contingent on each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund obtaining the requisite shareholder approvals and satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) other closing conditions, it is possible that your Fund’s Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of your Fund approve the Reorganization and your Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions. If the requisite shareholder approvals are not obtained, each Fund’s Board may take such actions as it deems in the best interest of such Fund, including conducting additional solicitations with respect to the proposals or continuing to operate the Fund as a stand-alone fund.

This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus concisely sets forth the information shareholders of the Funds should know before voting on the proposals and constitutes an offering of common shares of the Acquiring Fund only. Shareholders should read it carefully and retain it for future reference.

The following documents have been filed with the SEC and are incorporated into this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference:

 

  (i) the Statement of Additional Information relating to the proposed Reorganizations, dated November 7, 2012 (the “Reorganization SAI”);

 

iv


  (ii) the audited financial statements and related independent registered public accounting firm’s report for the Acquiring Fund contained in the Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011;

 

  (iii) the audited financial statements and related independent registered public accounting firm’s report for each Acquired Fund contained in the Funds’ Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011;

 

  (iv) the unaudited financial statements for the Acquiring Fund contained in the Fund’s Semi-Annual Report for the fiscal period ended April 30, 2012; and

 

  (v) the unaudited financial statements for the Acquired Funds contained in the Funds’ Semi-Annual Report for the fiscal period ended April 30, 2012.

No other parts of the Funds’ Annual or Semi-Annual Reports are incorporated by reference herein.

Copies of the foregoing may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787 or writing the Funds at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. If you wish to request a copy of the Reorganization SAI, please ask for the “Reorganization SAI.” In addition, the Acquiring Fund will furnish, without charge, a copy of its most recent Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report to a shareholder upon request. Any such request should be directed to the Acquiring Fund by calling (800) 257-8787 or by writing the Acquiring Fund at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

The Funds are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and in accordance therewith file reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy statements, registration statements and other information filed by the Funds, including the Registration Statement on Form N-14 relating to the common shares of the Acquiring Fund of which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part, may be inspected without charge and copied (for a duplication fee at prescribed rates) at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or at the SEC’s New York Regional Office (3 World Financial Center, Suite 400, New York, New York 10281) or Chicago Regional Office (175 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois 60604). You may call the SEC at (202) 551-8090 for information about the operation of the public reference room. You may obtain copies of this information, with payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also access reports and other information about the Funds on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.

The common shares of the Acquiring Fund are listed on the NYSE MKT, and the common shares of Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity are listed on the NYSE. The MTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund are listed on the NYSE, and the VMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund and the VRDP Shares of the Acquired Funds are not listed on any exchange. It is expected that the common shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued in each Reorganization will be listed on the NYSE MKT. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Funds can be inspected at the offices of the NYSE and NYSE MKT, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.

This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus serves as a prospectus of the Acquiring Fund in connection with the issuance of the Acquiring Fund common shares in each Reorganization. No person

 

v


has been authorized to give any information or make any representation not contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and, if so given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

 

vi


JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

NOVEMBER 7, 2012

NUVEEN AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA, NEA PRC)

NUVEEN PREMIER MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. (NIF)

AND

NUVEEN PREMIUM INCOME MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (NPX)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROPOSAL NO.  1—REORGANIZATION OF EACH ACQUIRED FUND INTO THE ACQUIRING FUND (COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OF EACH ACQUIRED FUND AND PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND)

     1   

A.    SYNOPSIS

     1   

Background and Reasons for the Reorganizations

     1   

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganizations

     1   

Comparison of the Acquiring Fund and Each Acquired Fund

     2   

Comparative Risk Information

     8   

Comparative Expense Information

     8   

Comparative Performance Information

     10   

B.    RISK FACTORS

     10   

C.    INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATIONS

     19   

General

     19   

Terms of the Reorganizations

     19   

Reasons for the Reorganizations

     22   

Capitalization

     25   

Expenses Associated with the Reorganizations

     26   

Dissenting Shareholders’ Rights of Appraisal

     26   

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganizations

     27   

Votes Required

     29   

Description of Common Shares to be Issued by the Acquiring Fund; Comparison to Acquired Funds

     31   

Description of VRDP Shares to be Issued by the Acquiring Fund

     34   

Comparison of Massachusetts Business Trusts and Minnesota Corporations

     35   

D.    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INVESTMENT POLICIES

     39   

Comparison of the Investment Objectives and Policies of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds

     39   

PROPOSAL NO.  2—APPROVAL OF ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL COMMON SHARES OF ACQUIRING FUND (ACQUIRING FUND SHAREHOLDERS ONLY)

     50   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUIRING FUND

     51   

Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws

     51   

Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

     52   

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund MTP Shares

     53   

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares

     55   

Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Redemption Agent

     56   

Federal Income Tax Matters Associated with Investment in the Acquiring Fund

     56   

Net Asset Value

     59   

Legal Opinions

     60   

Experts

     60   

 

vii


GENERAL INFORMATION

     60   

Outstanding Shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds

     60   

Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds

     60   

Expenses of Proxy Solicitation

     62   

Shareholder Proposals

     63   

Shareholder Communications

     63   

Fiscal Year

     63   

Annual Report Delivery

     63   

Other Information

     64   

APPENDIX A — FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

     A-1   

APPENDIX B — FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

     B-1   

 

viii


PROPOSAL NO. 1—REORGANIZATION OF EACH ACQUIRED FUND INTO

THE ACQUIRING FUND (COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OF EACH ACQUIRED FUND

AND PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND)

 

A. SYNOPSIS

The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus with respect to the proposed Reorganizations and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more complete information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and in the Reorganization SAI and the appendices thereto. Shareholders should read the entire Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully. Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this summary are defined elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

Background and Reasons for the Reorganizations

The Board of Nuveen’s municipal closed-end funds has approved a series of mergers of municipal closed-end funds, including the reorganization of each of the Acquired Funds into the Acquiring Fund. Each Board has determined that the Reorganization proposed for its Fund would be in the best interests of such Fund. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds have similar investment objectives and policies, and substantially similar portfolio compositions. The proposed Reorganizations are intended to enhance the secondary trading market for common shares of the Funds and to result in lower operating expenses per common share (excluding the costs of leverage) due to economies of scale resulting from the larger size of the combined fund. Although the anticipated total annual operating expenses per common share of the combined fund are expected to be higher for each Acquired Fund due to the increased levels of leverage and higher proportion of fixed-rate leverage in the combined fund, such leverage may produce higher returns for common shares over time. In order for the Reorganizations to occur, each Fund must obtain the requisite shareholder approvals as well as certain consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties, including liquidity providers and rating agencies with respect to outstanding preferred shares. Because the closing of the Reorganizations is contingent on both Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Fund satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) their respective closing conditions, it is possible that your Fund’s Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of your Fund approve the Reorganization and your Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions. If the requisite shareholder approvals are not obtained, each Fund’s Board may take such actions as it deems in the best interest of its Fund including conducting additional solicitations with respect to the proposals or continuing to operate the Fund as a stand-alone fund. For a fuller discussion of the Boards’ considerations regarding the approval of the Reorganizations, see “Proposal No. 1—Information About the Reorganizations—Reasons for the Reorganizations.”

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganizations

As a condition to closing, the Funds will receive an opinion of Vedder Price P.C., subject to certain representations, assumptions and conditions, substantially to the effect that each proposed Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In addition, Sidley Austin LLP, as special tax counsel to the Acquiring Fund, will deliver an opinion to the Acquiring Fund, subject to certain representations, assumptions and conditions, substantially to the effect that the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received in the Reorganizations by holders of the VRDP Shares of the Acquired Funds will qualify as equity in the Acquiring Fund for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, it is expected that no Fund will recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a direct result of the Reorganizations. It is also expected that shareholders of each Acquired Fund who receive Acquiring Fund common shares


pursuant to a Reorganization will recognize no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, except that gain or loss may be recognized with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional Acquiring Fund common shares being issued. Prior to the closing of the Reorganizations, each Acquired Fund expects to declare a distribution of all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any. All or a portion of such distribution may be taxable to an Acquired Fund’s shareholders for federal income tax purposes. In addition, to the extent that an Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities are sold in connection with a Reorganization, such Acquired Fund may realize gains or losses, which may increase or decrease the net taxable dividends and capital gain to be distributed by the Acquired Fund. However, since each Acquired Fund’s current portfolio composition is substantially similar to that of the Acquiring Fund and neither Acquired Fund holds portfolio securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals (the “AMT”), it is not currently expected that any significant portfolio sales will occur solely in connection with the Reorganizations (less than 5% of the assets of each Acquired Fund).

Comparison of the Acquiring Fund and Each Acquired Fund

General.    The Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund are closed-end management investment companies. Each Fund is a diversified management investment company. The common shares of the Acquiring Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE MKT. The common shares of Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity are listed and trade on the NYSE. The Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity were organized on July 29, 2002 and May 26, 1993, respectively, as business trusts under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Premier Opportunity was organized on October 31, 1991 as a corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota. The common shares of each Fund have equal voting rights and equal rights with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights or rights to cumulative voting.

The Acquiring Fund currently has outstanding 676 VMTP Shares, with a par value of $0.01 per share, a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share and a total liquidation value of $67,600,000, and 8,300,000 MTP Shares, with a par value of $0.01 per share, a liquidation preference of $10 per share and a total liquidation value of $83,000,000, which will remain outstanding following the completion of the Reorganizations. Premier Opportunity has 1,309 VRDP Shares outstanding, with a par value of $0.01 per share, a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share and a total liquidation value of $130,900,000. Premium Opportunity has 2,190 VRDP Shares outstanding, with a par value of $0.01 per share, a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share and a total liquidation value of $219,000,000. VMTP Shares, MTP Shares and VRDP Shares are entitled to one vote per share. Preferred shares issued by the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganizations will have equal priority with each other and with outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of the Acquiring Fund’s liquidation. In addition, preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund will have priority in all respects to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares, as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares to be issued to the Acquired Funds pursuant to the Reorganizations will have rights and preferences, including liquidation preferences, that are substantially similar, as of the closing of the Reorganizations, to those of the outstanding Acquired Fund VRDP Shares for which they are exchanged.

Investment Objectives and Policies.    The Funds have similar investment objectives and policies. The Acquiring Fund’s investment objectives are to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax and the federal AMT and to enhance portfolio value relative to the

 

2


municipal bond market by investing in tax-exempt municipal bonds that the Fund’s investment adviser, Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (“Nuveen Fund Advisors” or the “Adviser”), believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued.

Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity have identical investment objectives, which are to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax and to enhance portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by investing in tax-exempt municipal bonds that the Adviser believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued.

Under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest at least 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 portfolio securities that pay interest exempt from regular federal income taxes and from federal AMT. Under normal circumstances, each Acquired Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in a portfolio of securities that pay interest exempt from regular federal income taxes. The Acquired Funds do not have any policy regarding investments in securities subject to the federal AMT, and may have substantial holdings of securities subject to such tax.

The Acquiring Fund’s policy of investing in bonds that are exempt from the federal AMT may prevent the Acquiring Fund from investing in certain kinds of bonds that are held by, or are eligible investments for, the Acquired Funds.

Under normal circumstances, each Fund invests 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 the Adviser. Each 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 the Adviser. No more than 10% of each 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 the Adviser.

If a municipal security satisfies the ratings requirements described above at the time of purchase, a Fund will not be required to dispose of the security upon a downgrade.

Each Fund may enter into certain derivative instruments in pursuit of its investment objectives. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including credit default swaps and interest rate swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts, or other derivative instruments. A Fund may not enter into a futures contract 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 future contracts or related options.

Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities. Inverse floating rate securities represent a leveraged investment in the underlying municipal bond deposited. Inverse floating rate securities offer the opportunity for higher income than the underlying bond, but will subject the Fund to the risk of lower or even no income if short-term interest rates rise sufficiently. By investing in an inverse floating rate security rather than directly in the underlying bond, the Fund will experience a greater increase in its common share net asset value if the underlying

 

3


municipal bond increases in value, but will also experience a correspondingly larger decline in its common share net asset value if the underlying bond declines in value.

Each Fund may borrow money for the repurchase of its shares or for temporary or emergency purposes, such as for the payment of dividends or the settlement of portfolio transactions.

Credit Quality.    A comparison of the credit quality of the respective portfolios of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds, as of April 30, 2012, is set forth in the table below.

 

Credit Rating(1)

   Acquiring
Fund
     Premier
Opportunity
     Premium
Opportunity
    Combined
Fund
Pro Forma(2)
 

Aaa/AAA

     31%         28%         22%        26%   

Aa/AA

     30%         46%         48%        42%   

A/A

     28%         15%         22%        22%   

Baa/BBB

     7%         9%         8%        8%   

Ba/BB or Lower

     2%         1%         —% (3)      1%   

Unrated

     2%         1%         —% (3)      1%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

     100%         100%         100%        100%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Prior to January 2, 2012, each Fund had a policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of interest and principal. Each Fund also had a policy of investing in municipal securities rated at least investment grade. The portfolio composition of the Funds may vary over time as a result of the new policies of the Funds.
(2) Reflects the effect of the Reorganizations.
(3) Rounds to less than 1%.

Leverage.    Each Fund may utilize the following forms of leverage: (a) portfolio investments that have the economic effect of leverage, including but not limited to investments in futures, options and inverse floating rate securities, and (b) the issuance of preferred shares. Each Fund currently engages in leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and the use of inverse floaters. Certain important ratios related to each Fund’s use of leverage for the last three fiscal years for which financial statements are available are set forth below:

 

        Acquiring Fund

     2011        2010        2009  

Asset Coverage Ratio

       317.07        321.50        315.52

Regulatory Leverage Ratio(1)

       31.54        31.10        31.69

Effective Leverage Ratio(2)

       37.91        37.45        38.16

 

        Premier Opportunity

     2011        2010        2009  

Asset Coverage Ratio

       319.30        324.41        314.65

Regulatory Leverage Ratio(1)

       31.32        30.82        31.78

Effective Leverage Ratio(2)

       38.57        38.51        37.72

 

        Premium Opportunity

     2011        2010        2009  

Asset Coverage Ratio

       330.94        330.75        321.04

Regulatory Leverage Ratio(1)

       30.22        30.23        31.15

Effective Leverage Ratio(2)

       36.96        36.98        37.71

 

4


 

(1) Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares or debt issued by the Fund. Both of these are part of a Fund’s capital structure. Regulatory leverage is sometimes referred to as “1940 Act Leverage” and is subject to asset coverage limits set forth in the 1940 Act.
(2) Effective leverage is a Fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage and the leverage effects of certain derivative investments in the Fund’s portfolio. Currently, the leverage effects of Tender Option Bond (TOB) inverse floater holdings, in addition to any regulatory leverage, are included in effective leverage ratios.

Board Members and Officers.    The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds have the same Board Members and officers. The management of each Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser under an investment management agreement between the Adviser and each Fund (an “Investment Management Agreement”), is the responsibility of its Board. Each Fund currently has ten (10) trustees or directors, one (1) of whom is an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and nine (9) of whom are not interested persons (the “independent directors/trustees”). The names and business addresses of the Board Members and officers of the Funds and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth in the Reorganization SAI under “Management of the Funds.”

While the Acquiring Fund and Acquired Funds have the same Board Members, the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity (the “Massachusetts Funds”) have a board structure that is different from the structure for Premier Opportunity (the “Minnesota Fund”). All members of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Fund stand for election each year. In contrast to the Minnesota Fund’s board structure, and pursuant to the Massachusetts Funds’ by-laws, the Board of Trustees of each Massachusetts Fund is divided into three classes (Class I, Class II and Class III) with staggered multi-year terms, such that only the members of one of the three classes stand for election each year. The staggered Board structure could delay for up to two years the election of a majority of the Board.

Investment Adviser.    The Adviser, Nuveen Fund Advisors, is the investment adviser to each Fund and is responsible for investing each Fund’s assets. The Adviser oversees the management of each Fund’s portfolio, manages each Fund’s business affairs and provides certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services. Nuveen Fund Advisors is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

The Adviser, a registered investment adviser, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments. Founded in 1898, Nuveen Investments and its affiliates had approximately $212 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2012. On November 13, 2007, Nuveen Investments was acquired by investors led by Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC (the “MDP Acquisition”).

Nuveen Fund Advisors has selected its affiliate, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Nuveen Asset Management” or the “Sub-Adviser”), located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, to serve as a sub-adviser to each of the Funds. Nuveen Asset Management manages the investment of the Funds’ assets on a discretionary basis, subject to the supervision of Nuveen Fund Advisors. Nuveen Asset Management, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Fund Advisors and was appointed as Sub-Adviser effective in January 2011 as part of an internal restructuring of the Adviser.

Each Fund is dependent upon services and resources provided by its Adviser, and therefore the Adviser’s parent, Nuveen Investments. Nuveen Investments significantly increased its level of debt in connection with the MDP Acquisition. While Nuveen Investments believes that monies generated from

 

5


operations and cash on hand will be adequate to fund debt service requirements, capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future, there can be no assurance that Nuveen Investments’ business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available in an amount sufficient to enable Nuveen Investments to pay its indebtedness (with scheduled maturities beginning in 2014) or to fund its other liquidity needs. Nuveen Investments believes that potential adverse changes to its overall financial position and business operations would not adversely affect its or its affiliate’s portfolio management operations and would not otherwise adversely affect its ability to fulfill its obligations to the Funds under the investment management agreements.

Pursuant to each Investment Management Agreement, each Fund’s management fee consists of two components—a complex-level component, based on the aggregate amount of all eligible fund assets managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors, and a fund-level component, based only on the amount of managed assets within such Fund. The pricing structure enables the Funds’ shareholders to benefit from growth in assets within each individual fund as well as from growth of complex-wide assets managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors.

The annual fund-level fee for each Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedules:

Management Fee Schedule for the Acquiring Fund

 

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 $2 billion and over

     0.3750

Management Fee Schedule for Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity

 

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 $5 billion and over

     0.3750

The management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. Each Fund pays all of its other costs and expenses of its operations, including compensation of its Board Members (other than those affiliated with the Adviser), custodian, transfer agency and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of repurchasing shares, expenses of issuing any preferred shares, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes, if any. For the services provided pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement, Nuveen Fund Advisors pays Nuveen Asset Management a fee,

 

6


payable monthly, equal to 38.4615% of the management fee (net of applicable breakpoints, waivers and reimbursements) paid by the Funds to Nuveen Fund Advisors.

Due to the increased size of the combined fund, the effective fund-level fee rate as a percentage of average daily Managed Assets for the combined fund is expected to be lower than the current effective fund-level fee rate for the Acquiring Fund and each of the Acquired Funds. Each Fund also pays a complex-level fee to Nuveen Fund Advisors, which is payable monthly and is in addition to the fund-level fee. The complex-level fee is based on the aggregate daily amount of eligible assets for all Nuveen sponsored funds in the U.S., as stated in the table below. As of June 30, 2012, the complex-level fee rate was 0.1731%.

The annual complex-level fee for each Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:

Complex-Level Fee Rates

 

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 the Adviser 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 the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining managed assets in certain circumstances. The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily managed assets of all Nuveen 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 Nuveen Fund Advisors’ assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011.

A discussion of the basis for the Board’s most recent approval of each Fund’s Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement will be included in the Fund’s Annual Report for the period ended October 31, 2012.

Portfolio Management.    Subject to the supervision of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management is responsible for execution of specific investment strategies and day-to-day investment

 

7


operations. Nuveen Asset Management manages the Funds using a team of analysts and a portfolio manager that focuses on a specific group of funds. Paul L. Brennan, CFA, CPA, is the portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund and Premier Opportunity. Douglas J. White, CFA, is the portfolio manager of Premium Opportunity. Additional information regarding the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of securities is contained in the Reorganization SAI. Douglas White has been the portfolio manager for Premium Opportunity since 2011. Paul Brennan has been the portfolio manager for the Acquiring Fund and Premier Opportunity since 2006, and Mr. Brennan will continue to manage the Acquiring Fund upon completion of the Reorganizations.

Paul Brennan is currently a portfolio manager for several national municipal open- and closed-end funds. Mr. Brennan joined Nuveen in 1997 when Nuveen acquired Flagship Financial. He earned his BS in Accountancy and Finance from Wright State University. He manages 22 Nuveen-sponsored investment companies, with a total of approximately $14.6 billion under management as of September 30, 2012.

Douglas White joined FAF Advisors, Inc. in 1987, and he joined Nuveen on January 1, 2011 when Nuveen acquired a portion of the asset management business of FAF Advisors, Inc. Mr. White received a B.A. from Carleton College and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Minnesota. He manages 5 Nuveen-sponsored investment companies, with a total of approximately $4.2 billion under management as of September 30, 2012.

Comparative Risk Information

Because the Funds have similar investment strategies, the principal risks of each Fund are similar. Each Fund is subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and other risks of investing primarily in a portfolio of municipal securities. Each Fund is subject to the risks associated with the use of inverse floating rate securities and the issuance of preferred shares. The principal risks of investing in the Acquiring Fund are described in more detail below. An investment in an Acquired Fund is also subject to each of these principal risks.

Comparative Expense Information

The purpose of the comparative fee table is to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses of investing in common shares of the Funds. The information in the table reflects the fees and expenses for each Fund’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, as adjusted as described in footnote 1 below, and the pro-forma expenses for the 12 months ended October 31, 2011, for the combined fund. The figures in the Example are not necessarily indicative of past or future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. The Funds’ actual rates of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% annual return shown in the Example.

 

8


Comparative Fee Table(1)

 

     Acquiring
Fund
    Premier
Opportunity
    Premium
Opportunity
    Combined
Fund Pro
Forma(2)
 

Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets applicable to common shares)

        

Management Fees

     0.95     0.96     0.94     0.92

Interest and Related Expenses from Inverse Floaters and Preferred Shares(3)

     1.15     0.59     0.77     0.84

Other Expenses

     0.11     0.10     0.09     0.09
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Annual Expenses

     2.21     1.65     1.80     1.85
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) “Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets applicable to common shares)” are based on the expenses of the Acquiring Fund and Acquired Funds for the twelve (12) months ended October 31, 2011, subject to the following adjustments. For the Acquiring Fund and Premier Opportunity, “Interest and Related Expenses from Inverse Floaters and Preferred Shares” reflects annualized interest and related expenses for preferred shares that were outstanding for less than the 12-month period. For the Acquiring Fund and Premier Opportunity, “Other Expenses” excludes expenses incurred during the 12-month period for auction fees and/or dividend disbursing agent fees associated with auction rate preferred shares that are no longer outstanding. For the Acquiring Fund, fee and expense reimbursements that expired during the 12-month period are not reflected. It is important for you to understand that a decline in a Fund’s average net assets applicable to common shares during the current fiscal year due to recent market volatility or other factors could cause each Fund’s expense ratios for that Fund’s current fiscal year to be higher than the expense information presented.
(2) The Combined Fund Pro Forma figures assume the consummation of the Reorganizations on October 31, 2011, and reflect average net assets applicable to common shares for the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2011. Combined Fund Pro Forma expenses do not include the expenses to be borne by the Funds in connection with the Reorganizations, which are estimated to be $320,000 (0.10%) for the Acquiring Fund, $45,000 (0.02%) for Premier Opportunity and $540,000 (0.11%) for Premium Opportunity.
(3) “Interest and Related Expenses from Inverse Floaters and Preferred Shares” arises because accounting rules require the Funds to treat interest paid by trusts issuing certain inverse floating rate investments held by the Funds as having been paid (indirectly) by the Funds. Because the Funds also recognize corresponding amounts of interest income (also indirectly), each Fund’s common share 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 and Preferred Shares” incurred in the future may be higher or lower. Dividends paid on each Fund’s currently outstanding preferred shares are recognized as interest expense for financial reporting purposes.

Example:    The following examples illustrate the expenses that a common shareholder would pay on a $1,000 investment that is held for the time periods provided in the table. The examples assume that all dividends and other distributions are reinvested and that Total Annual Expenses remain the same. The examples also assume a 5% annual return. The examples should not be considered a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those shown.

 

     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

Acquiring Fund

   $ 22       $ 69       $ 118       $ 254   

Premier Opportunity

   $ 17       $ 52       $ 90       $ 195   

Premium Opportunity

   $ 18       $ 57       $ 97       $ 212   

Combined Fund Pro Forma

   $ 19       $ 58       $ 100       $ 217   

 

9


Comparative Performance Information

Comparative total return performance for the Funds for periods ended April 30, 2012:

 

    Average Annual Total Return
on Net Asset Value
    Average Annual Total Return
on Market Value
 

Fund (Inception Date)

  One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
    Since
Inception
    One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
    Since
Inception
 

Acquiring Fund (7/29/02)(1)

    14.40%        5.99%               6.26%        18.16%        6.06%               5.59%   

Premier Opportunity (10/31/91)(1)

    18.97%        6.09%        6.23%               10.51%        6.67%        6.24%          

Premium Opportunity (5/26/93)(1)

    21.11%        6.00%        6.18%               24.04%        6.84%        6.17%          

 

(1) Prior to January 2, 2012, each Fund had a policy of investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of principal and interest. Each Fund also had a policy of investing in securities rated at least investment grade. Performance may have differed had the current policies of each Fund been in place.

Average Annual Total Return on 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 reinvestment 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. Average Annual Total Return 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 it 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. Past performance information is not necessarily indicative of future results.

 

B. RISK FACTORS

Investment in the Acquiring Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. The Acquiring Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program and, due to the uncertainty inherent in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. Investors should consider their long-term investment goals and financial needs when making an investment decision with respect to the Acquiring Fund. An investment in the Acquiring Fund is intended to be a long-term investment, and you should not view the Fund as a trading vehicle. Your 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, if applicable.

Because the Funds have similar investment strategies, the principal risks of each Fund are similar. The principal risks of investing in the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds are described below. The risks and special considerations listed below should be considered by shareholders of each Fund in their evaluation of the Reorganizations.

Investment and Market Risk.    An investment in the Funds’ shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire amount that you invest. Your investment in common shares represents an indirect investment in the municipal securities owned by a Fund, which generally trade in

 

10


the over-the-counter markets. Your 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, if applicable. In addition, the ability of municipalities to collect revenue and service their obligations could be materially and adversely affected by an economic downturn or prolonged recession.

Current Economic Conditions—Credit Crisis Liquidity and Volatility Risk.    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. These conditions resulted, and in many cases continue to result, in greater 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 Funds’ municipal securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant valuation increases or declines in its holdings. A significant decline in the value of your Fund’s portfolio would likely result in a significant decline in the value of the Fund’s common shares. In addition, illiquidity and volatility in the credit markets may directly and adversely affect distributions on the common shares and preferred shares. This volatility may also impact the liquidity of inverse floating rate securities in your 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. 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 have and may 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 may fluctuate and during certain periods trade at prices lower than net asset value. The Funds cannot predict whether their common shares will trade at, above or below net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that a 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. The common shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not view a 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 a 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. If a downgrade occurs, the Adviser will consider what action, including the sale of the security, is in the best interests of a Fund. Municipal securities of below-investment-grade quality are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due, and they are more susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and business developments than investment-grade municipal securities. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a municipal security in a 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

 

11


securities are less liquid than investment-grade municipal securities. For these reasons, an investment in a Fund, compared with a portfolio consisting solely of investment-grade securities, may experience the following:

 

   

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

 

   

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.

Municipal Securities Market Risk.    Investing in the municipal securities market involves certain risks. The municipal securities 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 became severely constrained. As a result, some firms were unwilling to commit their capital to purchase and to serve as a dealer for municipal securities. The amount of public information available about the municipal securities in each Fund’s portfolio is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds, and the Funds’ investment performance may therefore be more dependent on the Adviser’s analytical abilities than if the Funds were to invest in stocks or taxable bonds. As noted above, the secondary market for municipal securities also tends to be less well developed or liquid than many other securities markets, which may adversely affect a Fund’s ability to sell its municipal securities at attractive prices or at prices approximating those at which each Fund currently values them. Municipal securities may contain redemption provisions, which may allow the securities to be called or redeemed prior to their stated maturity, potentially resulting in the distribution of principal and a reduction in subsequent interest distributions.

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. If the current national economic recession continues, the ability of municipalities to collect revenue and service their obligations could be materially and adversely affected. The taxing power of any government entity may be limited by provisions of state constitutions or laws, and an entity’s credit will depend on many factors, including the entity’s tax base, the extent to which the entity relies on federal or state aid, and other factors which are beyond the entity’s control. 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, a Fund could experience delays in collecting principal and interest and a 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, a Fund may take possession of and manage the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities, which may increase a Fund’s operating expenses. Any income derived from a Fund’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt and may not be of the type that would allow a Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company.

 

12


Revenue bonds issued by state or local agencies to finance the development of low-income, multi-family housing involve special risks in addition to those associated with municipal securities generally, including that the underlying properties may not generate sufficient income to pay expenses and interest costs. These bonds are generally non-recourse against the property owner, may be junior to the rights of others with an interest in the properties, may pay interest that changes based in part on the financial performance of the property, may be prepayable without penalty and may be used to finance the construction of housing developments which, until completed and rented, do not generate income to pay interest. Additionally, unusually high rates of default on the underlying mortgage loans may reduce revenues available for the payment of principal or interest on such mortgage revenue bonds.

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 a Fund’s portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. 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.

Inverse Floating Rate Securities Risk.    Each Fund can have substantial exposure to municipal inverse floating rate securities, which are securities whose interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security or the value of an index, and which represent a leveraged investment in underlying municipal bonds. Typically, an inverse floating rate security represents a residual beneficial interest in a special purpose trust into which a third-party sponsor has deposited municipal bonds, and which issues floating rate securities to short-term investors and inverse floating rate securities to long-term investors such as the Funds. Income on typical inverse floating rate securities will decrease when short-term interest rates increase and increase when short-term interest rates decrease, so investments in inverse floating rate securities offer the opportunity for higher income than the underlying bond, but will subject a Fund to the risk of lower or even no income if short-term interest rates rise sufficiently. Inverse floating rate securities represent a leveraged investment in the underlying municipal bond deposited. The value of an inverse floating rate security will increase or decrease in value by a multiple of the increase or decrease of the market value of its underlying bond due to changes in market interest rates or the bond’s creditworthiness. That multiple is dependent on the ratio of the special purpose trust’s floating rate securities to its inverse floating rate securities, and can exceed three times for more “highly leveraged” trusts. Thus, when investing in an inverse floating rate security rather than directly in the underlying bond, a Fund will experience a greater increase in its common net asset value if the underlying municipal bond increases in value, but will also experience a correspondingly larger decline in its common net asset value if the underlying bond declines in value, which will make a Fund’s net asset value more volatile.

Each Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts whose sponsors have recourse to the Fund pursuant to a separate shortfall and forbearance agreement. Such an agreement would require a Fund to reimburse the third-party sponsor of the trust, upon termination of the trust issuing the inverse floater, for the difference between the liquidation value of the bonds held in the trust and the principal amount due to the holders of floating rate securities issued by the trust. A Fund will enter into such a recourse agreement (i) when the liquidity provider with respect to the floating rate securities issued by the special purpose trust requires such a recourse agreement because the level of leverage in the special purpose 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 special purpose trust in the event that the municipal obligation held in the trust has declined in value. In an instance where a Fund has entered such a recourse agreement, the Fund may

 

13


suffer a loss that exceeds the amount of its original investment in the inverse floating rate securities; such loss could be as great as that original investment amount plus the face amount of the floating rate securities issued by the trust.

Inverse floating rate securities have varying degrees of liquidity or illiquidity (liquidity being the ability to raise cash by selling the investment in a timely manner at an attractive price) based in large part upon the liquidity of the underlying bonds deposited in a special purpose trust. 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. In such circumstances, a Fund may be required to sell securities at inopportune times or prices. Each Fund may be required to sell its inverse floating rate securities or its underlying municipal bonds at less than favorable prices, or liquidate other Fund portfolio holdings in certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

If a Fund has a need for cash and the bonds 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 trusts; and

 

   

If the value of an underlying bond 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.

Leverage Risk.    Leverage risk is the risk associated with borrowings, the issuance of preferred shares or the use of inverse floating rate securities to leverage the common shares. There can be no assurance that a Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. Through the use of financial leverage, the Funds seek to enhance potential common share earnings over time by borrowing or issuing preferred shares at short-term municipal rates and investing at long-term municipal rates which are typically, though not always, higher. The types of leverage used by the Funds may pay fixed rates of interest or dividends or may fluctuate with short-term yields. The benefits from leverage will be reduced (increased) to the extent that the difference narrows (widens) between the net earnings on a Fund’s portfolio securities and its cost of leverage. If short-term rates rise and a Fund’s leverage costs fluctuate, a Fund’s cost of leverage could exceed the 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. A Fund’s cost of leverage includes both the interest rate paid on its borrowings or dividends on preferred shares as well as any ongoing fees and expenses associated with those borrowings or preferred shares. The Funds also bear the costs of borrowing facilities, issuing its shares and refinancing such leverage. To the extent that the Funds issue preferred shares with relatively short terms to redemption (e.g., MTP Shares or VMTP Shares), refinancing risk will increase. To the extent that Funds issue preferred shares with a liquidity provider feature (e.g., VRDP Shares), the Fund is subject to refinancing risk if the liquidity provider acquires VRDP Shares pursuant to its purchase obligation and holds them for six months of unsuccessful remarketings, triggering a mandatory redemption. Refinancing risk is the risk that the Fund is unable to replace existing leverage at all or on favorable terms. If the Fund is unable to replace its leverage upon a term redemption date or other mandatory redemption of MTP Shares or VMTP Shares or upon a mandatory redemption of VRDP Shares, it may be forced to reduce leverage and sell portfolio securities when it otherwise would not do

 

14


so. If the Fund is unable to replace existing leverage on comparable terms, its costs of leverage will increase. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the use of leverage may result in a higher yield or return to common shareholders.

A Fund’s use of financial leverage also creates incremental common share net asset value risk because the full impact of price changes in the Fund’s investment portfolio, including assets attributable to leverage, is borne by common shareholders. This can lead to a greater increase in net asset values in rising markets than if a Fund were not leveraged, but it also can result in a greater decrease in net asset values in declining markets. A Fund’s use of financial leverage similarly can magnify the impact of changing market conditions on common share market prices. Each Fund is required to maintain certain regulatory and rating agency asset coverage requirements in connection with its outstanding preferred shares, in order to be able to maintain the ability to declare and pay common share distributions and to maintain the rating of its preferred shares. In order to maintain required asset coverage levels, a Fund may be required to alter the composition of its investment portfolio or take other actions, such as redeeming preferred shares 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.

Each 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 amount of fees paid to the Adviser for investment advisory services will be higher when a Fund uses financial leverage because the advisory fees are calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets.

Tax Risk.    To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to regulated investment companies, among other things, a Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources. If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and all distributions from the Fund (including underlying distributions attributable to tax exempt interest income) would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.

The value of a 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 held by a Fund is normally not subject to regular federal income tax, 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 a Fund’s net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Additionally, the Funds are not suitable investments 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.

The Acquiring Fund’s policy of generally investing in bonds that are exempt from the federal AMT applicable to individuals may prevent the Fund from investing in certain kinds of bonds and thereby limit the Fund’s ability to optimally diversify its portfolio.

On September 12, 2011, President Obama submitted to Congress the American Jobs Act of 2011. If enacted in its proposed form, this Act generally would limit the exclusion from gross income

 

15


of tax-exempt interest (which includes exempt-interest dividends received from a Fund) for individuals whose adjusted gross income for federal income tax purposes exceeds certain thresholds for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2013 in order to provide a tax benefit not greater than 28% of such interest. Such proposal could affect the value of the municipal bonds owned by a Fund. The likelihood of the Act being enacted in the form introduced or in some other form cannot be predicted. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the potential consequences of this Act on their investment in a Fund.

Taxability Risk.    Each 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 regular federal income tax purposes, and the Adviser will not independently verify that opinion. Subsequent to a 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 a Fund as “exempt-interest dividends” could be adversely affected, subjecting the Fund’s shareholders to increased federal income tax liabilities. In certain circumstances, a Fund will make payments to holders of preferred shares to offset the tax effects of a taxable distribution.

Under highly unusual circumstances, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) may determine that a municipal bond issued as tax-exempt should in fact be taxable. If a Fund held such a bond, it might have to distribute taxable ordinary income dividends or reclassify as taxable income amounts previously distributed as exempt-interest dividends. In addition, future legislation may change the tax treatment of municipal bond interest.

For federal income tax purposes, distributions of ordinary taxable income (including any net short-term capital gain) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income (and will not be eligible for favorable taxation as “qualified dividend income”), and capital gain dividends will be taxed at long-term capital gain rates.

Borrowing Risk.    Each Fund may borrow money for the repurchase of its shares or for temporary or emergency purposes, such as for the payment of dividends or the settlement of portfolio transactions. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of a Fund’s common shares and may affect a Fund’s net income. When a 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 the dividends paid to preferred shareholders may decline.

Special Risks Related to Certain Municipal Obligations.    Each 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

 

16


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 a 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 a Fund, although each Fund does not anticipate that such a remedy would normally be pursued. To the extent that a 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, a 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.    Each 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 a Fund’s use of derivatives is successful will depend on, among other things, if the Adviser correctly forecasts market values, interest rates and other applicable factors. If the Adviser incorrectly forecasts these and other factors, the investment performance of a 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 a Fund’s ability to successfully use derivative instruments.

Each Fund may enter into debt-related derivatives instruments including credit default swap contracts and interest rate swaps. Like most derivative instruments, the use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. In addition, the use of swaps requires an understanding by the Adviser of 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, a 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 a Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements. See “—Counterparty Risk” and “—Hedging Risk” and the Reorganization SAI.

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

 

17


Other Investment Companies Risk.    Each Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies. Such securities may be leveraged. As a result, a Fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. Utilization of leverage is a speculative investment technique and involves certain risks. An investment in securities of other investment companies that are leveraged may expose a Fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that a Fund’s long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.

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 a Fund’s portfolio.

Counterparty Risk.    Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as a 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, a Fund assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience similar financial hardships. In the event of insolvency of a counterparty, a Fund may sustain losses or be unable to liquidate a derivatives position.

Illiquid Securities Risk.    Each 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 restricted securities, which are securities that may not be resold unless they have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or can be sold in a private transaction 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 a 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 United States on September 11, 2001), war and other geopolitical events. A Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy.

Income Risk.    A Fund’s income is based primarily on the interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short-term and long-term. If interest rates drop, a Fund’s income available over time to make dividend payments could drop as well if the Fund purchases securities with lower interest coupons.

Call Risk or Prepayment Risk.    During periods of declining interest rates or for other purposes, issuers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing a Fund to reinvest in lower-yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk.

Reinvestment Risk.    Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from a 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 Fund’s portfolio’s current earnings rate.

 

18


Reliance on Investment Adviser.    Each Fund is dependent upon services and resources provided by the Adviser, and therefore the Adviser’s parent, Nuveen Investments. Nuveen Investments, through its own business or the financial support of its affiliates, may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or ensure that future borrowings will be available in an amount sufficient to enable it to pay its indebtedness or to fund its other liquidity needs. For additional information on the Adviser and Nuveen Investments, see “Proposal No. 1—Comparison of the Acquiring Fund and Each Acquired Fund—Investment Adviser” and “Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser” in the Reorganization SAI.

Certain Affiliations.    Certain broker-dealers may be considered to be affiliated persons of the Funds, the Adviser and/or Nuveen Investments. Absent an exemption from the Securities and Exchange Commission or other regulatory relief, a Fund generally is 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 a Fund’s ability to engage in securities transactions and take advantage of market opportunities.

Anti-Takeover Provisions.    Each Fund’s organizational documents include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to open-end status.

 

C. INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATIONS

General

The Board of Nuveen’s municipal closed-end funds has approved a series of mergers of municipal closed-end funds, including the Reorganizations with respect to the Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund. As noted above, the Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund have similar investment objectives and policies and substantially similar portfolio compositions. With respect to the proposed Reorganizations, it is intended that the combination of the Funds will enhance the secondary trading market for common shares of the Funds and will result in lower operating expenses per common share (excluding the cost of leverage) as a result of the increased size of the combined fund. The closing of each Reorganization is contingent upon the closing of both Reorganizations. Each Fund must obtain all requisite shareholder approvals as well as certain consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties, including liquidity providers and rating agencies with respect to preferred shares. Because the closing of the Reorganizations is contingent on both Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Fund obtaining the requisite shareholder approvals and satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) their other closing conditions, it is possible that your Fund’s Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of your Fund approve the Reorganization and your Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions. If the Reorganizations are not consummated, the Board of each Fund may take such actions as it deems in the best interests of its Fund, including conducting additional solicitations with respect to the proposals or continuing to operate the Fund as a stand-alone funds.

Terms of the Reorganizations

General.    With respect to the Reorganizations, the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and among each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund (the “Agreement”), in the form attached as Appendix A, provides for: (i) the Acquiring Fund’s acquisition of substantially all of the assets of each

 

19


Acquired Fund in exchange for newly issued common shares of the Acquiring Fund, par value $0.01 per share and newly issued VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund, with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, and the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of each Acquired Fund; and (ii) the distribution of the Acquiring Fund common shares and Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received by each Acquired Fund to its common and preferred shareholders, respectively, as part of the liquidation, dissolution and termination of each Acquired Fund in accordance with applicable law. No fractional Acquiring Fund common shares will be issued to an Acquired Fund’s shareholders in connection with the Reorganizations and, in lieu of such fractional shares, an Acquired Fund’s common shareholders will receive cash in an amount equal to the value received for such shares in the open market, which may be higher or lower than net asset value. Preferred shareholders of each Acquired Fund will receive the same number of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares having substantially similar terms as the outstanding preferred shares of the Acquired Fund held by such preferred shareholders immediately prior to the Reorganization. The aggregate liquidation preference of the Acquiring Fund preferred shares received in each Reorganization will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of the corresponding Acquired Fund preferred shares held immediately prior to the Reorganization. Preferred shares issued by the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganizations will have equal priority with each other and with the Acquiring Fund’s other outstanding preferred shares as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of the Acquiring Fund’s liquidation. In addition, the preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including the Acquiring Fund preferred shares to be issued in the Reorganizations, will be senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares, as to the payment of dividends and distribution of assets in the event of the Acquiring Fund’s liquidation.

As a result of the Reorganizations, the assets of the Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund would be combined, and the shareholders of each Acquired Fund would become shareholders of the Acquiring Fund. The closing date is expected to be the close of business on or about February 11, 2013 or such other date as the parties may agree (the “Closing Date”). Following the Reorganizations, each Acquired Fund would terminate its registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. The Acquiring Fund will continue to operate after the Reorganizations as a registered closed-end management investment company with the investment objectives and policies described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

The aggregate net asset value of Acquiring Fund common shares received by each Acquired Fund in a Reorganization will equal, as of the Valuation Time (as such term is defined on page 21), the aggregate net asset value of Acquired Fund common shares held by shareholders of such Acquired Fund. See “Proposal No. 1—Information About the Reorganizations—Description of Common Shares Issued by the Acquiring Fund” for a description of the rights of Acquiring Fund common shareholders. No fractional Acquiring Fund common shares, however, will be issued in connection with the Reorganizations. The Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent will aggregate all fractional Acquiring Fund common shares that may be due to Acquired Fund shareholders as of the Closing Date and will sell the resulting whole shares for the account of holders of all such fractional interests at a value that may be higher or lower than net asset value, and each such holder will be entitled to a pro rata share of the proceeds from such sale. With respect to the aggregation and sale of fractional common shares, the Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent will act directly on behalf of the shareholders entitled to receive fractional shares and will accumulate fractional shares, sell the shares and distribute the cash proceeds net of brokerage commissions, if any, directly to shareholders entitled to receive the fractional shares (without interest and subject to withholding taxes). For federal income tax purposes, shareholders will be treated as if they received fractional share interests and then sold such interests for cash. The holding period and the aggregate tax basis of fractional share interests deemed received by a

 

20


shareholder will be the same as the holding period and aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund common shares previously held by the shareholder and exchanged therefor, provided the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor were held as capital assets. As a result of the Reorganizations, common shareholders of the Funds will hold reduced percentages of ownership in the larger combined entity than they held in the Acquiring Fund or Acquired Funds individually.

Following the Reorganizations, each preferred shareholder of an Acquired Fund would own the same number of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares as the VRDP Shares of the Acquired Fund held by such shareholder immediately prior to the Closing Date, with substantially similar terms, as of the time of the closing of the Reorganizations, to the Acquired Fund preferred shares for which they were exchanged. As a result of the Reorganizations, preferred shareholders of the Funds would hold reduced voting percentages of preferred shares for matters to be voted on by all preferred shareholders as a single class or by common and preferred shareholders voting together than they held in the Acquiring Fund or Acquired Fund individually.

Valuation of Assets and Liabilities.    If the Reorganizations are approved and the other closing conditions are satisfied or waived, the value of the net assets of an Acquired Fund will be the value of its assets, less its liabilities, computed as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the business day immediately prior to the Closing Date (such time and date being hereinafter called the “Valuation Time”). The value of an Acquired Fund’s assets shall be determined by using the valuation procedures of the Nuveen closed-end funds adopted by the Board or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties. The value of an Acquired Fund’s net assets will be calculated net of the liquidation preference (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of all outstanding Acquired Fund preferred shares.

Distributions.    Undistributed net investment income represents net earnings from a Fund’s investment portfolio that over time have not been distributed to shareholders. Under the terms of the Agreement, each Acquired Fund that has undistributed net investment income on undistributed net capital gains is required to declare a distribution, which, together with all previous dividends have the effect of distributing to its shareholders all undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards) for all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund is not subject to a similar distribution requirement; however, it is anticipated that the Acquiring Fund will declare a distribution prior to the Closing Date which will result in the distribution of a portion of its undistributed net investment income. Consequently, Acquired Fund shareholders effectively will purchase a pro rata portion of the Acquiring Fund’s remaining undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains, if any, which may be more or less than the Acquired Fund’s undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains per share immediately preceding the distributions described above, if any. As a result, the Acquiring Fund’s existing shareholders will experience a corresponding reduction in their respective portion of undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains per share, if any, such that the Acquiring Fund’s undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains per share immediately following the Reorganizations is expected to be less than the Acquiring Fund’s undistributed net investment income and undistributed realized net capital gains per share immediately preceding the Reorganizations, if any.

Amendments.    Under the terms of the Agreement, the Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by each Fund as specifically authorized by each Fund’s Board; provided, however, that following the meeting of the

 

21


shareholders of the Funds called by each Fund, no such amendment, modification or supplement may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of Acquiring Fund shares to be issued to the Acquired Funds’ shareholders under the Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.

Conditions.    Under the terms of the Agreement, the closing of the Reorganizations is conditioned upon (a) the requisite approval by the shareholders of each Fund of the proposals in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, (b) the Funds’ receipt of an opinion substantially to the effect that each Reorganization will qualify as a reorganization under the Code (See “—Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganizations”), (c) the absence of legal proceedings challenging the Reorganizations and (d) the Funds’ receipt of certain customary certificates and legal opinions. Additionally, in order for the Reorganizations to occur, each Fund must obtain certain consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties, including liquidity providers and rating agencies with respect to outstanding preferred shares.

Termination.    The Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of the parties and such termination may be effected by each Fund’s Chief Administrative Officer or a Vice President without further action by the Board. In addition, any Fund may at its option terminate the Agreement at or before the Closing Date due to (a) a breach by any other party of any representation, warranty, or agreement contained herein to be performed at or before the Closing Date, if not cured within 30 days; (b) a condition precedent to the obligations of the terminating party that has not been met and it reasonably appears it will not or cannot be met; or (c) a determination by its Board that the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement is not in the best interests of the Fund.

Reasons for the Reorganizations

Based on the considerations below, the Board of each Fund, including the Board Members who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds (the “Independent Board Members”), has determined that its Reorganization would be in the best interests of the Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Fund would not be diluted with respect to net asset value as a result of the Reorganization. The Boards approved the Reorganizations and recommended that shareholders of the respective Funds approve the Reorganizations.

In preparation for a meeting of the Boards held on June 21, 2012 (the “Meeting”) at which the Reorganizations were considered, the Adviser provided the Boards, prior to the Meeting and in prior meetings, with information regarding the proposed Reorganizations, including the rationale therefor and alternatives considered to the Reorganizations. Prior to approving the Reorganizations, the Independent Board Members reviewed the foregoing information with their independent legal counsel and with management, reviewed with independent legal counsel applicable law and their duties in considering such matters, and met with independent legal counsel in a private session without management present. The Boards considered a number of principal factors presented at the time of the Meeting or prior meetings in reaching their determinations, including the following:

 

   

the compatibility of the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and related risks;

 

   

consistency of portfolio management;

 

   

improved economies of scale and the potential for lower operating expenses (excluding the costs of leverage);

 

22


   

the potential for improved secondary market trading with respect to the common shares;

 

   

the anticipated tax-free nature of the Reorganizations;

 

   

the expected costs of the Reorganizations;

 

   

the terms of the Reorganizations and whether the Reorganizations would dilute the interests of shareholders of the Funds;

 

   

the effect of the Reorganizations on shareholder rights; and

 

   

any potential benefits of the Reorganizations to the Adviser and its affiliates as a result of the Reorganizations.

In addition, at a meeting held on September 19, 2012, the Board of the Acquiring Fund approved the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares to be issued in connection with the Reorganizations with terms that differ in certain respects from those of the VRDP Shares of the corresponding Acquired Funds.

Compatibility of Investment Objectives, Policies and Related Risks.    Based on the information presented, the Boards noted that the investment objectives, policies and risks of the Funds are similar. The Boards noted that each Fund is a diversified fund that invests primarily in municipal securities and other related investments the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax and, with respect to the Acquiring Fund, from the federal AMT. Each Fund also emphasizes investments in investment grade municipal securities. The Boards considered that the portfolio composition of each Fund is substantially similar and considered the impact of the applicable Reorganization on each Fund’s portfolio, including any shifts in sector allocations, credit ratings, duration, yield and leverage costs. The Boards also recognized that each Fund utilizes leverage. Because the Funds have similar investment strategies, the principal risks of each Fund are also similar. However, the Acquiring Fund’s policy of generally investing in bonds that are exempt from the federal AMT applicable to individuals may prevent the Acquiring Fund from investing in certain kinds of bonds.

Consistency of Portfolio Management.    The Boards noted that each Fund has the same investment adviser and sub-adviser and that the portfolio manager for the Acquiring Fund and Premier Opportunity would continue to manage the Acquiring Fund upon completion of the Reorganizations. Through the Reorganizations, the Boards recognized that shareholders will remain invested in a closed-end management investment company that will have greater net assets and benefits from potential economies of scale; the same investment adviser and sub-adviser; and similar investment objectives and investment strategies.

Improved Economies of Scale and Potential for Lower Operating Expenses (Excluding the Costs of Leverage).    The Boards considered the fees and expense ratios of each of the Funds (including estimated expenses of the Acquiring Fund following the Reorganizations). As a result of the greater economies of scale from the larger asset size of the Acquiring Fund after the Reorganizations, the Boards noted that it was expected that the effective management fee rate (as a percentage of average daily Managed Assets) and net operating expenses per common share (excluding the costs of leverage) of the combined fund would be lower than that of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds prior to the Reorganizations. It is anticipated that the Funds will benefit from the larger asset size as fixed costs are shared over a larger asset base. In addition, as each Fund utilizes leverage, the Boards considered the differences in the costs of leverage among the Funds and the impact of the

 

23


Reorganizations on such costs. In this connection, the Boards noted the Adviser’s position that the greater asset size of the combined fund may provide greater flexibility in managing the structure and costs of leverage over time. Further, although the anticipated total annual operating expenses per common share of the combined fund (including the costs of leverage) are expected to be higher for each Acquired Fund due to the increased levels of leverage and higher proportion of fixed-rate leverage in the combined fund, such leverage may produce higher returns for common shares over time to the extent that the returns obtained from investing leverage proceeds exceed the costs of leverage.

Potential for Improved Secondary Market Trading with Respect to the Common Shares.    While it is not possible to predict trading levels at the time the Reorganizations close, the Boards noted that the Reorganizations are being proposed, in part, to seek to enhance the secondary trading market for the common shares of the Funds. The Boards considered that the potential for higher common share net earnings and enhanced total returns over time may increase investor interest in the combined fund which would result in increased market liquidity. The Acquiring Fund’s greater share volume may result in increased market liquidity after the Reorganizations, which may lead to narrower bid-ask spreads and smaller trade-to-trade price movements. In addition, Acquired Fund common shareholders may experience improved secondary market trading after the Reorganizations because the Acquiring Fund’s policy of investing primarily in municipal securities exempt from the federal AMT applicable to individuals, which is not currently in place with respect to the Acquired Funds, may appeal to a broader group of investors.

Anticipated Tax-Free Reorganizations.    The Reorganizations will be structured with the intention that they qualify as tax-free reorganizations for federal income tax purposes, and the Funds will obtain an opinion of counsel substantially to this effect (based on certain factual representations and certain customary assumptions).

Expected Costs of the Reorganizations.    The Boards considered the terms and conditions of the Agreement, including the estimated costs associated with the Reorganizations and the allocation of such costs among the Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund. The Boards noted, however, that, assuming the Reorganizations are consummated, the Adviser anticipated that the projected costs of each Reorganization may be recovered over time for the common shareholders and that preferred shareholders are not expected to bear any costs of the Reorganizations.

Terms of the Reorganizations and Impact on Shareholders.    The terms of the Reorganizations are intended to avoid dilution of the interests with respect to net asset value of the existing shareholders of the Funds. In this regard, the Boards considered that each holder of common shares of an Acquired Fund would own common shares of the Acquiring Fund (taking into account any fractional shares to which the shareholder would be entitled) equal to the aggregate per share net asset value of that shareholder’s Acquired Fund common shares as of the Valuation Time. No fractional common shares of the Acquiring Fund, however, will be issued to shareholders in connection with the Reorganizations and, in lieu of such fractional shares, an Acquired Fund’s common shareholders will receive cash.

With respect to preferred shareholders of the Acquired Funds, preferred shareholders of each Acquired Fund will receive the same number of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares having substantially similar terms as the outstanding preferred shares of the Acquired Fund held by such preferred shareholders immediately prior to the Reorganizations. The aggregate liquidation preference of the Acquiring Fund preferred shares received in each Reorganization will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of the corresponding Acquired Fund preferred shares held immediately prior to the Reorganization.

 

24


Effect on Shareholder Rights.    The Boards considered that Premier Opportunity is organized as a Minnesota corporation and that the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity are each organized as Massachusetts business trusts. In this regard, the Boards noted that, unlike a Massachusetts business trust, many aspects of the corporate governance of a Minnesota corporation are prescribed by state statutory law. In addition, the Boards are aware that the structure of the Boards of the Massachusetts Funds differs from that of the Minnesota Fund.

Potential Benefits to Nuveen Fund Advisors and Affiliates.    The Boards recognized that the Reorganizations may result in some benefits and economies for the Adviser and its affiliates. These may include, for example, a reduction in the level of operational expenses incurred for administrative, compliance and portfolio management services as a result of the elimination of the Acquired Funds as separate Funds in the Nuveen complex.

Conclusion.    Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, approved the Reorganization involving its Fund, concluding that such Reorganization is in the best interests of the Fund and that the interests of existing shareholders of the Fund will not be diluted with respect to net asset value as a result of the Reorganization.

Capitalization

The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of the Funds as of April 30, 2012, and the pro-forma combined capitalization of the combined fund as if the Reorganizations had occurred on that date. The table reflects a pro forma exchange ratio of approximately 1.0107 common shares of the Acquiring Fund issued for each common share of Premier Opportunity and a pro forma exchange ratio of approximately 0.9371 common shares of the Acquiring Fund issued for each common share of Premium Opportunity. If the Reorganizations are consummated, the actual exchange ratio may vary.

 

    Acquiring
Fund
    Premier
Opportunity
    Premium
Opportunity
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Combined
Fund Pro
Forma(1)
 

MuniFund Term Preferred (MTP) Shares, $10 stated value per share, at liquidation value; 8,300,000 shares outstanding for Acquiring Fund and Combined Fund Pro Forma

  $ 83,000,000      $      $      $      $ 83,000.000   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (VMTP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value; 676 shares outstanding for Acquiring Fund and Combined Fund Pro Forma

  $ 67,600,000      $      $      $      $ 67,600,000   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares, $100,000 stated value per share, at liquidation value; 1,309 shares outstanding for Premier Opportunity, 2,190 shares outstanding for Premium Opportunity and 3,499 shares outstanding for Combined Fund Pro Forma

  $      $ 130,900,000      $ 219,000,000      $        $ 349,900,000   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Shareholders’ Equity:

         

Common Shares, $.01 par value per share; 22,241,117 shares outstanding for Acquiring Fund; 19,517,334 shares outstanding for Premier Opportunity; 37,353,512 shares outstanding for Premium Opportunity; and 76,970,179 shares outstanding for Combined Fund Pro Forma

  $ 222,411      $ 195,173      $ 373,535      $ (21,417 )(2)    $ 769,702   

Paid-in surplus

    315,016,140        271,519,998        499,231,874        (883,583 )(3)      1,084,884,429   

 

25


    Acquiring
Fund
    Premier
Opportunity
    Premium
Opportunity
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Combined
Fund Pro
Forma(1)
 

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income

  $ 4,245,611      $ 3,973,757      $ 7,035,665      $ (9,605,068 )(4)    $ 5,649,965   

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from investments and derivative transactions

    (8,310,102     (2,039,176     (19,074,800            (29,424,078

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and derivative transactions

    27,107,829        29,804,592        50,797,513               107,709,934   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets attributable to common shares

  $ 338,281,889      $ 303,454,344      $ 538,363,787      $ (10,510,068   $ 1,169,589,952   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value per common share outstanding (net assets attributable to common shares, divided by common shares outstanding)

  $ 15.21      $ 15.55      $ 14.41        $ 15.20   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Authorized shares:

         

Common

    Unlimited        200,000,000        Unlimited          Unlimited   

Preferred

    Unlimited        1,000,000        Unlimited          Unlimited   

 

(1) The pro forma balances are presented as if the Reorganizations were effective as of April 30, 2012, and are presented for informational purposes only. The actual Closing Date of the Reorganizations is expected to be on or about February 11, 2013, or such later time agreed to by the parties at which time the results would be reflective of the actual composition of shareholders’ equity as of that date.
(2) Assumes the issuance of 19,726,276 Acquiring Fund common shares in exchange for the net assets of Premier Opportunity and 35,002,786 Acquiring Fund common shares in exchange for the net assets of Premium Opportunity. These numbers are based on the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund and Acquired Funds as of April 30, 2012, adjusted for estimated Reorganization costs, the effect of the required sale of securities and distributions, if any.
(3) Includes the impact of estimated total Reorganization costs of $905,000, which will be borne by the common shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity in the amounts of $320,000, $45,000 and $540,000, respectively.
(4) Figures assume Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity make net investment income distributions of $3,661,389 and $5,943,679, respectively.

Expenses Associated with the Reorganizations

In evaluating the Reorganizations, management of the Funds estimated the amount of expenses the Funds would incur to be approximately $905,000, which includes additional stock exchange listing fees, SEC registration fees, legal and accounting fees, proxy solicitation and distribution costs and other related administrative or operational costs. The expenses of the Reorganizations (whether or not consummated) will be allocated among the Funds ratably based on the relative expected benefits of the Reorganizations comprised of forecasted cost savings and distribution increases, if any, to each Fund during the first year following the Reorganizations. Reorganization expenses have been or will be accrued as expenses of each Fund prior to the Valuation Time. These estimated expenses will be borne by the Acquiring Fund, Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity in the amounts of $320,000, $45,000 and $540,000, respectively. Preferred shareholders of the Funds are not expected to bear any costs of the Reorganizations.

Additional solicitation may be made by letter or telephone by officers or employees of Nuveen Investments or the Adviser, or by dealers and their representatives. The Funds have engaged Computershare Fund Services to assist in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated aggregate cost of $1,500 per Fund plus reasonable expenses, which is included in the estimate above.

Dissenting Shareholders’ Rights of Appraisal

Under the charter documents of the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity, shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity do not have dissenters’ rights of appraisal with respect to each Fund’s Reorganization.

 

26


Under Minnesota law, shareholders of Premier Opportunity generally are entitled to assert dissenters’ rights in connection with a reorganization and obtain payment of the “fair value” of their shares, provided that they comply with the requirements of Minnesota law. However, because the common shares of Premier Opportunity are listed and trade on an exchange, under Minnesota law, only the holders of preferred shares of Premier Opportunity, and not the holders of common shares, will be entitled to assert dissenters’ rights.

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganizations

As a condition to each Fund’s obligation to consummate the Reorganizations, each Fund will receive a tax opinion from Vedder Price P.C. (which opinion will be based on certain factual representations and certain customary assumptions) with respect to its Reorganization substantially to the effect that, on the basis of the existing provisions of the Code, current administrative rules and court decisions, for federal income tax purposes:

 

  1. The transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, followed by the distribution to the Acquired Fund shareholders of all the Acquiring Fund shares received by the Acquired Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization,” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, with respect to such Reorganization.

 

  2. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund.

 

  3. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the transfer of substantially all of the Acquired Fund’s assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund or upon the distribution (whether actual or constructive) of all such Acquiring Fund shares to the Acquired Fund shareholders solely in exchange for such shareholders’ shares of the Acquired Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund.

 

  4. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund shareholders upon the exchange of their Acquired Fund shares solely for Acquiring Fund shares in the Reorganization, except with respect to any cash received in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund common share.

 

  5.

The aggregate basis of the Acquiring Fund shares received by each Acquired Fund shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization (including any fractional Acquiring Fund common share to which a shareholder would be entitled) will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor by such shareholder. The holding period of the Acquiring Fund shares received by each Acquired Fund shareholder (including any fractional Acquiring Fund common share to which a shareholder would be entitled) will include the period during which the Acquired Fund shares exchanged

 

27


  therefor were held by such shareholder, provided such Acquired Fund shares are held as capital assets at the time of the Reorganization.

 

  6. The basis of the Acquired Fund’s assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the basis of such assets to the Acquired Fund immediately before the Reorganization. The holding period of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the period during which those assets were held by the Acquired Fund.

In addition, Sidley Austin LLP, as special tax counsel to the Acquiring Fund, will deliver an opinion to the Acquiring Fund, subject to certain representations, assumptions and conditions, substantially to the effect that the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received in the Reorganizations by the holders of VRDP Shares of the Acquired Funds will qualify as equity in the Acquiring Fund for federal income tax purposes.

No opinion will be expressed as to (1) the federal income tax consequences of payments to preferred shareholders who elect dissenters’ rights, (2) the effect of a Reorganization on (A) an Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund or any Acquired Fund shareholder with respect to any asset as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized under federal income tax principles (i) at the end of a taxable year (or on the termination thereof) or (ii) upon the transfer of such asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-taxable transaction under the Code, or (B) an Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund or any Acquired Fund shareholder with respect to any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code or (3) any other federal tax issues (except those set forth above) and all state, local or foreign tax issues of any kind.

If an Acquired Fund shareholder receives cash in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund share, the shareholder will be treated as having received the fractional Acquiring Fund share pursuant to the Reorganization and then as having sold that fractional Acquiring Fund share for cash. As a result, each such Acquired Fund shareholder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the basis in the fractional Acquiring Fund share to which the shareholder is entitled. This gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss and generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of the effective time of the Reorganization, the holding period for the shares (including the holding period of Acquired Fund shares surrendered therefor if such Acquired Fund Shares were held as capital assets at the time of the Reorganization) is more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any cash received in lieu of a fractional share may be subject to backup withholding taxes.

Prior to the Valuation Time, each Acquired Fund will declare a distribution to its common shareholders, which together with all previous distributions to preferred and common shareholders, will have the effect of distributing to shareholders all its net investment income and realized net capital gains (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards), if any, through the date of its Reorganization. To the extent distributions are attributable to ordinary taxable income or capital gains, the distribution will be taxable to shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund designates distributions to common and preferred shareholders as consisting of particular types of income (such as exempt interest, ordinary income and capital gain) based on each class’ proportionate share of the total distributions paid by the Fund during the year. Additional distributions may be made if necessary. All dividends and distributions will be paid in cash unless a shareholder has made an election to reinvest dividends and distributions in additional shares under the Acquired Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Dividends and distributions are treated the same for federal income tax purposes whether received in cash or additional shares.

 

28


After the Reorganizations, the combined fund’s ability to use the Acquired Funds’ or the Acquiring Fund’s pre-Reorganization capital losses may be limited under certain federal income tax rules applicable to reorganizations of this type. Therefore, in certain circumstances, shareholders may pay federal income taxes sooner, or pay more federal income taxes, than they would have had the Reorganizations not occurred. The effect of these potential limitations, however, will depend on a number of factors including the amount of the losses, the amount of gains to be offset, the exact timing of the Reorganizations and the amount of unrealized capital gains in the Funds at the time of the Reorganizations. As of April 30, 2012, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards as follows:

 

     Acquiring
Fund
     Premier
Opportunity
     Premium
Opportunity
 

Capital loss carryforwards

   $ 5,915,863       $ 1,240,117       $ 3,731,586   

If not applied, the capital loss carryforwards will expire as follows:

 

     Acquiring
Fund
     Premier
Opportunity
     Premium
Opportunity
 

Expiration Date:

        

October 31, 2013

   $ 3,824,358       $       $   

October 31, 2015

   $ 174,026       $       $   

October 31, 2016

   $ 1,917,479       $ 1,240,117       $ 3,274,999   

October 31, 2017

   $       $       $ 456,587   

For net capital losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”), a Fund will generally be able to carryforward such capital losses indefinitely. A Fund’s net capital losses from taxable years beginning on or prior to December 22, 2010, however, will remain subject to their current expiration dates and can be used only after the post-enactment losses.

In addition, the shareholders of an Acquired Fund will receive a proportionate share of any taxable income and gains realized by the Acquiring Fund and not distributed to its shareholders prior to the Reorganizations when such income and gains are eventually distributed by the Acquiring Fund. As a result, shareholders of an Acquired Fund may receive a greater amount of taxable distributions than they would have had the Reorganizations not occurred.

This description of the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganizations is made without regard to the particular facts and circumstances of any shareholder. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers as to the specific consequences to them of the Reorganizations, including the applicability and effect of state, local, non-U.S. and other tax laws.

The foregoing is intended to be only a summary of the principal federal income tax consequences of the Reorganizations and should not be considered to be tax advice. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will concur on all or any of the issues discussed above. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the federal, state and local tax consequences with respect to the foregoing matters and any other considerations which may be applicable to them.

Votes Required

Each Reorganization is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund’s common shares and

 

29


preferred shares entitled to vote on the matter, voting as a single class, and by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the Acquired Fund’s outstanding preferred shares entitled to vote on the matter, voting as a separate class. Each Reorganization also is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (more than 50%) of the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding preferred shares entitled to vote on the matter, voting as a separate class. Preferred shareholders (other than holders of MTP Shares and VMTP Shares of the Acquiring Fund who are being solicited through this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus) are being solicited separately on the foregoing proposals through a separate proxy statement and not through this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In addition, the Acquiring Fund’s common shareholders entitled to vote on the matter, voting separately, and the Acquiring Fund’s common and preferred shareholders entitled to vote on the matter, voting together as a single class, are being asked to approve the issuance of additional common shares of the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganizations. See “Proposal No. 2—Approval of Issuance of Additional Common Shares of Acquiring Fund” for a description of the votes required for such share issuance.

Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the approval of the Reorganizations and the issuance of additional common shares of the Acquiring Fund. Broker non-votes are shares held by brokers or nominees for which the brokers or nominees have executed proxies as to which (i) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power and (ii) the broker or nominee has not received instructions from the beneficial owner or other person who is entitled to instruct how the shares will be voted.

Preferred shareholders of each Fund are separately being asked to approve the Agreement as a “plan of reorganization” under the 1940 Act. Section 18(a)(2)(D) of the 1940 Act provides that the terms of preferred shares issued by a registered closed-end management investment company must contain provisions requiring approval by the vote of a majority of such shares, voting as a class, of any plan of reorganization adversely affecting such shares. The 1940 Act makes no distinction between a plan of reorganization that has an adverse effect as opposed to a materially adverse effect. While the respective Boards do not believe that the Funds’ preferred shareholders would be materially adversely affected by the Reorganizations, it is possible that there may be insignificant adverse effects (such as where the asset coverage with respect to the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares issued pursuant to a Reorganization is slightly more or less than the asset coverage with respect to the shares of Acquired Fund VRDP Shares for which they are exchanged). Each Fund is seeking approval of the Agreement by the holders of that Fund’s preferred shares.

The closing of each Reorganization is contingent upon the closing of both Reorganizations. In order for the Reorganizations to occur, each Fund must obtain the requisite shareholder approvals as well as certain consents, confirmations and/or waivers from various third parties, including liquidity providers and rating agencies with respect to preferred shares. Because the closing of the Reorganizations is contingent on all of the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Fund satisfying (or obtaining the waiver of) their respective closing conditions, if one or more of the other Funds do not obtain their requisite shareholder approvals or satisfy their closing conditions, it is possible that your Fund’s Reorganization will not occur, even if shareholders of your Fund approve the Reorganization and your Fund satisfies all of its closing conditions. VMTP Shares and VRDP Shares are issued on a private placement basis to one or a small number of institutional holders. To the extent that one or more preferred shareholders of a Fund owns, holds or controls, individually or in the aggregate, all or a significant portion of a Fund’s outstanding preferred shares, one or more shareholder approvals required for a Reorganization may turn on the exercise of voting rights by such particular shareholder(s) and its or their determination as to the favorable view of such proposal(s) with respect to

 

30


its or their interests. The Funds exercise no influence or control over the determinations of such shareholders with respect to the proposals; there is no guarantee that such shareholders will approve the proposals over which they may exercise effective disposition power. If the requisite shareholder approvals are not obtained, each Fund’s Board may take such actions as it deems in the best interests of such Fund, including conducting additional solicitations with respect to the proposals or continuing to operate the Fund as a stand-alone fund.

Description of Common Shares to be Issued by the Acquiring Fund; Comparison to Acquired Funds

General

As a general matter, the common shares of the Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund have equal voting rights and equal rights with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation with respect to their respective Fund and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights or rights to cumulative voting. Furthermore, the provisions set forth in the Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust are substantially similar to the provisions of each Acquired Fund’s declaration of trust or articles of incorporation, as applicable, and each contain, among other things, similar super-majority voting provisions, as described under “Additional Information about the Funds—Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.” The full text of each Fund’s declaration of trust or articles of incorporation, as applicable, is on file with the SEC and may be obtained as described on page v.

The Acquiring Fund’s declaration of trust authorizes an unlimited number of common shares, par value $0.01 per share. If the Reorganizations are consummated, the Acquiring Fund will issue additional common shares on the Closing Date to the common shareholders of each Acquired Fund based on the relative per share net asset value of the Acquiring Fund and the net asset values of the assets of such Acquired Fund that are transferred in the Reorganization, in each case as of the Valuation Time. The value of a Fund’s net assets shall be calculated net of the liquidation preference (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of all the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares.

The terms of the Acquiring Fund common shares to be issued pursuant to the Reorganizations will be identical to the terms of the Acquiring Fund common shares that are then outstanding. Acquiring Fund common shares have equal rights with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Acquiring Fund common shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights or rights to cumulative voting. See also “Comparison of Massachusetts Business Trusts and Minnesota Corporations.”

Distributions

As a general matter, each Fund has a monthly distribution policy and each Fund seeks to maintain a stable level of distributions. Each Fund’s present policy, which may be changed by its Board, is to make regular monthly cash distributions to holders of its common shares 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.

The Acquiring 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 preferred shares. The net income of the Acquiring Fund generally consists of all interest income accrued on portfolio assets less all

 

31


expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Acquiring Fund are accrued each day. Over time, all the net investment income of the Acquiring Fund will be distributed. At least annually, the Acquiring Fund also intends to effectively distribute net capital gain and ordinary taxable income, if any, after paying any accrued dividends or making any liquidation payments to preferred shareholders. Although it does not now intend to do so, the Board may change the Acquiring 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 preferred shares.

As explained more fully below, at least annually, the Acquiring 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 capital loss) otherwise allocable to common shareholders and pay federal income tax on the retained gain. As provided under federal income tax law, common shareholders of record as of the end of the Acquiring Fund’s taxable year will include their 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), and will be entitled to an income tax credit or refund for the federal income tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Acquiring Fund. See “Federal Income Tax Matters Associated with Investment in the Funds” under “Additional Information About the Funds” below and “Tax Matters” in the Reorganization SAI.

So long as preferred shares are outstanding, the Acquiring Fund may not declare a dividend or distribution to common shareholders (other than a dividend in common shares of the Fund) or purchase its common shares unless all accumulated dividends on preferred shares have been paid, and unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to preferred shares at the time of the declaration of such dividend or distribution or at the time of such purchase would be at least 200% after giving effect to the dividend or distribution or purchase price.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Generally, the terms of the Acquiring Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”) are identical to the terms of each Acquired Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Under the Acquiring Fund’s Plan, you may elect to have all dividends, including any capital gain distributions, on your common shares automatically reinvested by State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Plan Agent”) in additional common shares under the Plan. You may elect to participate in the Plan by completing the Dividend Reinvestment Plan Application Form. If you do not participate, you will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to you by State Street Bank and Trust Company as dividend paying agent.

If you decide to participate in the Plan of the Acquiring Fund, 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 Acquiring Fund will issue new shares at the then current market price; or

(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 on which the common shares are listed, 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 Acquiring Fund. The Plan

 

32


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.

If the Plan Agent begins purchasing Acquiring 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 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. 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.

The Acquiring Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board of the Acquiring Fund the change is warranted. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Acquiring 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.

Common Share Price Data

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for each Fund’s common shares as reported on the consolidated transaction reporting system for the periods indicated.

 

     Acquiring Fund  
     Market Price      Net Asset Value      Premium/Discount  

Quarter Ended

   High      Low      High      Low          High             Low      

July 2012

   $ 15.59       $ 14.72       $ 15.55       $ 15.18         0.39     -3.22

April 2012

   $ 15.19       $ 14.13       $ 15.29       $ 15.06         -0.33     -6.36

January 2012

   $ 14.98       $ 13.95       $ 15.28       $ 14.76         -1.49     -6.02

October 2011

   $ 14.24       $ 13.00       $ 14.91       $ 14.55         -3.89     -11.86

July 2011

   $ 13.89       $ 13.28       $ 14.52       $ 14.07         -3.76     -7.28

April 2011

   $ 13.40       $ 12.84       $ 14.06       $ 13.48         -3.48     -7.36

January 2011

   $ 15.00       $ 12.49       $ 14.98       $ 13.28         0.20     -7.69

October 2010

   $ 15.62       $ 14.72       $ 15.22       $ 14.84         4.10     -2.32

July 2010

   $ 15.40       $ 14.35       $ 14.83       $ 14.58         3.84     -2.58

April 2010

   $ 14.86       $ 14.02       $ 14.68       $ 14.47         1.64     -3.58

January 2010

   $ 14.21       $ 13.20       $ 14.61       $ 14.30         -2.13     -7.95

 

33


     Premier Opportunity  
     Market Price      Net Asset Value      Premium/Discount  

Quarter Ended

   High      Low      High      Low          High             Low      

July 2012

   $ 16.15       $ 15.26       $ 16.05       $ 15.56         2.24     -2.86

April 2012

   $ 16.66       $ 14.64       $ 15.62       $ 15.30         6.66     -4.63

January 2012

   $ 16.55       $ 14.28       $ 15.62       $ 14.69         7.77     -3.58

October 2011

   $ 15.54       $ 13.25       $ 15.01       $ 14.48         4.73     -10.17

July 2011

   $ 14.99       $ 13.69       $ 14.43       $ 13.88         5.69     -5.13

April 2011

   $ 14.67       $ 12.99       $ 13.88       $ 13.36         6.36     -3.63

January 2011

   $ 15.54       $ 12.64       $ 15.01       $ 13.24         3.60     -7.63

October 2010

   $ 15.87       $ 15.13       $ 15.26       $ 14.81         5.25     0.20

July 2010

   $ 15.40       $ 14.30       $ 14.81       $ 14.52         3.98     -2.85

April 2010

   $ 14.80       $ 13.77       $ 14.71       $ 14.47         0.95     -5.27

January 2010

   $ 14.37       $ 13.03       $ 14.64       $ 14.30         -1.10     -9.01

 

     Premium Opportunity  
     Market Price      Net Asset Value      Premium/Discount  

Quarter Ended

   High      Low      High      Low          High             Low      

July 2012

   $ 14.77       $ 13.80       $ 14.93       $ 14.42         0.96     -5.48

April 2012

   $ 14.15       $ 13.09       $ 14.47       $ 14.15         -1.53     -7.69

January 2012

   $ 14.07       $ 12.84       $ 14.44       $ 13.48         -0.65     -5.80

October 2011

   $ 13.03       $ 11.91       $ 13.79       $ 13.21         -4.68     -11.66

July 2011

   $ 12.50       $ 11.78       $ 13.16       $ 12.56         -4.29     -7.60

April 2011

   $ 11.81       $ 11.44       $ 12.56       $ 12.00         -3.75     -7.24

January 2011

   $ 13.41       $ 11.06       $ 13.53       $ 11.87         -0.81     -8.95

October 2010

   $ 13.71       $ 13.04       $ 13.72       $ 13.34         0.44     -4.12

July 2010

   $ 13.11       $ 12.52       $ 13.35       $ 13.12         -1.65     -6.01

April 2010

   $ 12.83       $ 12.20       $ 13.23       $ 13.04         -1.92     -6.87

January 2010

   $ 12.67       $ 11.77       $ 13.15       $ 12.87         -3.21     -8.55

On October 26, 2012, the closing sale prices of the Acquiring Fund, Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity common shares were $15.89, $15.86 and $14.87, respectively. These prices represent a premium to net asset value of the Acquiring Fund of 2.58% and a discount to net asset value of Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity of 1.31% and 0.40%, respectively.

Common shares of each Fund have historically traded at both a premium and discount to net asset value. It is not possible to state whether Acquiring Fund common shares will trade at a premium or discount to net asset value following the Reorganizations, or what the extent of any such premium or discount might be.

Description of VRDP Shares to be Issued by the Acquiring Fund

The terms of the VRDP Shares of the Acquiring Fund to be issued pursuant to each Reorganization will be substantially similar, as of the time of the closing of the Reorganizations, to the outstanding VRDP Shares of the Acquired Fund for which they are exchanged. The aggregate liquidation preference of each series of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received in each Reorganization will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of the corresponding Acquired Fund VRDP Shares held immediately prior to the Reorganization.

 

34


The outstanding VRDP Shares of each Acquired Fund had a 30-year final mandatory redemption date as of their date of original issue, subject to earlier redemption or repurchase by the Fund, and pay an adjustable dividend rate set weekly by the remarketing agent. VRDP Shares to be issued by the Acquiring Fund will have the same final mandatory redemption dates as the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor. VRDP shareholders will have the right to give notice on any business day to tender the securities for remarketing in seven days. VRDP Shares will also be subject to a mandatory tender for remarketing upon the occurrence of certain events, such as non-payment of dividends by the Acquiring Fund, among others. Should a remarketing be unsuccessful, the dividend rate will reset to a maximum rate as defined in the governing documents of the VRDP Shares.

VRDP Shares of each series will have the benefit of an unconditional demand feature pursuant to a purchase agreement provided by a bank acting as liquidity provider to ensure full and timely repayment of the liquidation preference amount plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to holders upon the occurrence of certain events. The agreement requires the liquidity provider to purchase from holders all VRDP Shares of the applicable series tendered for sale that were not successfully remarketed. The liquidity provider also must purchase all outstanding VRDP Shares of the applicable series prior to termination of the purchase agreement, including by reason of the failure of the liquidity provider to maintain certain short-term ratings, if the Acquiring Fund has not obtained an alternate purchase agreement before the termination date.

The obligation of the liquidity provider to purchase VRDP Shares pursuant to the purchase agreement will run to the benefit of VRDP holders of the applicable series and will be unconditional and irrevocable, and as such the short-term ratings assigned to the VRDP Shares are directly linked to the short-term creditworthiness of the associated liquidity provider. Each liquidity provider entered into a purchase agreement with respect to the VRDP Shares of a Fund with an initial term of 364 days to approximately fourteen months, subject to periodic extension by agreement with the Fund. The applicable initial term of the purchase agreement with the liquidity provider for each new series of VRDP Shares to be issued by the Acquiring Fund is expected to be no less than the remaining term of the applicable purchase agreement with respect to the corresponding Acquired Fund VRDP Shares exchanged therefor.

Pursuant to the statement of preferences and a fee agreement with each liquidity provider for each series of VRDP Shares, the Acquiring Fund will have an obligation to redeem shares purchased by the liquidity provider pursuant to its obligations under the purchase agreement if the liquidity provider continues to be the beneficial owner for a period of six months and such shares cannot be successfully remarketed.

Premier Opportunity issued its VRDP Shares in a privately negotiated offering in December 2010. Premium Opportunity exchanged all of its 2,190 Series 1 VRDP Shares, issued in August 2008, for 2,190 Series 2 VRDP Shares in June 2010. Proceeds of each Fund’s initial offering were used to redeem all of each Fund’s then outstanding auction rate preferred shares. The VRDP Shares were offered to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to a private offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

Comparison of Massachusetts Business Trusts and Minnesota Corporations

The following description is based on relevant provisions of applicable Massachusetts law and the Minnesota Business Corporation Act (the “MBCA”) and each Fund’s operative documents. This summary does not purport to be complete and we refer you to applicable Massachusetts law, the MBCA and each Fund’s operative documents.

 

35


General

The Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity are each a Massachusetts business trust. A fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust is governed by the trust’s declaration of trust or similar instrument.

Massachusetts law allows the trustees of a business trust to set the terms of a fund’s governance in its declaration. All power and authority to manage the fund and its affairs generally reside with the trustees, and shareholder voting and other rights are limited to those provided to the shareholders in the declaration. Because Massachusetts law governing business trusts provides more flexibility compared to typical state corporate statutes, the Massachusetts business trust is a common form of organization for closed-end funds. However, some consider it less desirable than other entities because it relies on the terms of the applicable declaration and judicial interpretations rather than statutory provisions for substantive issues, such as the personal liability of shareholders and trustees, and does not provide the level of certitude that corporate laws like those of Minnesota, or newer statutory trust laws, such as those of Delaware, provide.

Premier Opportunity is a Minnesota corporation. A fund organized as a Minnesota corporation is governed both by the MBCA and the Minnesota corporation’s articles of incorporation and by-laws. For a Minnesota corporation, unlike a Massachusetts business trust, the MBCA prescribes many aspects of corporate governance.

Shareholders of a Minnesota corporation generally are shielded from personal liability for the corporation’s debts or obligations. Shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust, on the other hand, are not afforded the statutory limitation of personal liability generally afforded to shareholders of a corporation from the trust’s liabilities. Instead, the declaration of trust of a fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust typically provides that a shareholder will not be personally liable, and further provides for indemnification to the extent that a shareholder is found personally liable, for the fund’s acts or obligations. The declaration of trust for each of the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity contains such provisions.

Similarly, the trustees of a Massachusetts business trust are not afforded statutory protection from personal liability for the obligations of the trust. The directors of a Minnesota corporation, on the other hand, generally are shielded from personal liability for the corporation’s acts or obligations by the MBCA. Courts in Massachusetts have, however, recognized limitations of a trustee’s personal liability in contract actions for the obligations of a trust contained in the trust’s declaration, and declarations may also provide that trustees may be indemnified out of the assets of the trust to the extent held personally liable. The declaration of trust for each of the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity contains such provisions.

Massachusetts Business Trusts

The Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity are each governed by its declaration of trust and by-laws. Under each Fund’s declaration of trust, any determination as to what is in the interests of the Fund made by the trustees in good faith is conclusive, and in construing the provisions of the declaration of trust, there is a presumption in favor of a grant of power to the trustees. Further, each declaration of trust provides that certain determinations made in good faith by the trustees are binding upon the Fund and all shareholders, and shares are issued and sold on the condition and understanding, evidenced by the purchase of shares, that any and all such determinations shall be so binding. The

 

36


following is a summary of some of the key provisions of the governing documents of the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity (each a “Massachusetts Fund” and together the “Massachusetts Funds”).

Shareholder Voting.    The declaration of trust of each Massachusetts Fund requires a shareholder vote on a number of matters, including certain amendments to the declaration of trust, the election of trustees, the merger or reorganization of the Fund (under certain circumstances) or sales of assets in certain circumstances and matters required to be voted by the 1940 Act.

Meetings of shareholders may be called by the trustees and by the written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. The by-laws of each Massachusetts Fund provide that the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund entitled to vote at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The declaration of trust of each Massachusetts Fund provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present is required to approve a matter, except in the case of the election of trustees, which only requires a plurality vote, and for events to which other voting provisions apply under the 1940 Act or the declaration of trust and by-laws, such as the super-majority voting provisions with respect to a merger, consolidation or dissolution of, or sale of substantially all of the assets by, the Fund, or its conversion to an open-end investment company in certain circumstances under the terms of the declaration of trust.

Election and Removal of Trustees.    The declaration of trust of each Massachusetts Fund provides that the trustees determine the size of the Board, subject to a minimum of two and a maximum of twelve, and set and alter the terms of office of the trustees, and may make their terms of unlimited duration. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, the declaration of trust also provides that vacancies on the Board may be filled by the remaining trustees. A trustee may only be removed for cause by action of at least two-thirds of the remaining trustees or by action of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the class or classes that elected such trustee.

Issuance of Shares.    Under the declaration of trust of each Massachusetts Fund, the trustees are permitted to issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the trustees may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe to additional shares, except as the trustees may determine. Shares are subject to such other preferences, conversion, exchange or similar rights, as the trustees may determine.

Classes.    The declaration of trust of each Massachusetts Fund gives broad authority to the trustees to establish classes or series in addition to those currently established and to determine the rights and preferences, conversion rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemptions of the shares of the classes or series. The trustees are also authorized to terminate a class or series without a vote of shareholders under certain circumstances.

Amendments to Declaration of Trust.    Amendments to the declaration of trust generally require the consent of shareholders owning more than 50% of shares entitled to vote, voting in the aggregate. Certain amendments may be made by the trustees without a shareholder vote, and any amendment to the voting requirements contained in the declaration of trust requires the approval of two-thirds of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, voting in the aggregate and not by class except to the extent that applicable law or the declaration of trust may require voting by class.

 

37


Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability.    The declaration of trust of each Massachusetts Fund provides that shareholders have no personal liability for the acts or obligations of the Fund and require the Fund to indemnify a shareholder from any loss or expense arising solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reasons. In addition, the Fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder. Similarly, the declaration of trust provides that any person who is a trustee, officer or employee of the Fund is not personally liable to any person in connection with the affairs of the Fund, other than to the Fund and its shareholders arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for his or her duty. The declaration of trust further provides for indemnification of such persons and advancement of the expenses of defending any such actions for which indemnification might be sought. The declaration of trust also provides that the trustees may rely in good faith on expert advice.

Derivative Actions.    Massachusetts has what is commonly referred to as a “universal demand statute,” which requires that a shareholder make a written demand on the board, requesting the board members to bring an action, before the shareholder is entitled to bring or maintain a court action or claim on behalf of the entity.

Minnesota Corporations

A Minnesota corporation is governed by the MBCA, its articles of incorporation and by-laws. Some of the key provisions of the MBCA and the articles of incorporation and by-laws of Premier Opportunity (the “Minnesota Fund”) are summarized below.

Shareholder Voting.    Under the MBCA, a Minnesota corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its articles of incorporation, sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its property and assets outside the ordinary course of business, or engage in a statutory share exchange, merger or consolidation unless approved by a vote of shareholders. Depending on the circumstances and the articles of incorporation of the corporation, there may be various exceptions to these votes. Shareholders of Minnesota corporations are generally entitled to one vote per share and fractional votes for fractional shares held. The Minnesota Fund’s articles of incorporation contain such provisions regarding fractional shares.

Election and Removal of Directors.    Shareholders of a Minnesota corporation generally are entitled to elect and remove directors. Shareholders of the Minnesota Fund may elect directors at any meeting at which a quorum is present. The MBCA and by-laws provide that directors are elected by a plurality of votes validly cast at such election. The MBCA does not require a corporation to hold an annual meeting unless required by the articles of incorporation or by-laws. The Minnesota Fund’s by-laws state that annual meetings of shareholders are not required and that a special meeting of shareholders may be called by shareholders holding 10% or more of the shares entitled to vote on the matters to be presented at the meeting. The articles of incorporation provide that a director may be removed from office only for cause, and then by a vote of the shareholders holding 66 2/3% of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors.

Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation.    Under the MBCA, shareholders of corporations generally are entitled to vote on amendments to the articles of incorporation.

Issuance of Shares.    The board of directors of a Minnesota corporation has the power to authorize the issuance of shares. If so provided in the articles of incorporation (and the articles of incorporation of each Minnesota Fund do so provide), the board of directors may authorize the

 

38


issuance of shares in more than one class or series, and prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, the board of directors must set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series.

Shareholder, Director and Officer Liability.    Under Minnesota law, shareholders generally are not personally liable for debts or obligations of a corporation. Minnesota law provides that a director’s personal liability to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director may be eliminated or limited in the articles of incorporation, except for a director’s breach of the duty of loyalty, for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve an intentional or knowing violation of law, or for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The articles of incorporation of the Minnesota Fund provide such a limitation of director liability. Minnesota law provides that, unless prohibited by a corporation’s articles of incorporation or by-laws, a corporation must indemnify and advance expenses to its directors for acts and omissions in their official capacity, subject to certain exceptions, and the articles of incorporation of each Minnesota Fund do not prohibit such indemnification or advances. The indemnification provisions and the limitation on liability are both subject to any limitations of the 1940 Act, which generally provides that no director or officer shall be protected from liability to the corporation or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. The provisions governing the advance of expenses are subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act or rules thereunder.

Preemptive Rights.    Pursuant to the Minnesota Fund’s articles of incorporation, shareholders of Premier Opportunity have no preemptive rights.

Dissenters’ Right of Appraisal.    Under Minnesota Law, shareholders are generally are entitled to assert dissenters’ rights in connection with certain amendments to the articles of incorporation, asset sales and reorganizations and obtain payment of the “fair value” of their shares, provided that they comply with the requirements of Minnesota law. These rights, however, are subject to certain exceptions under the MBCA, including, in the case of asset sales and reorganizations, if the shares to which the dissenters’ rights relate and the shares, if any, that a shareholder is to receive are traded on an exchange.

Derivative Actions.    Under Minnesota law, applicable case law at the time of a particular derivative action will establish any requirements or limitations with respect to shareholder derivative actions.

The foregoing is only a summary of certain rights of shareholders under the governing documents of the Funds and under applicable state law, and is not a complete description of provisions contained in those sources. Shareholders should refer to the provisions of those documents and state law directly for a more thorough description.

 

D. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE INVESTMENT POLICIES

Comparison of the Investment Objectives and Policies of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds

General

The Funds have similar investment objectives and policies. The Acquiring Fund’s investment objectives are to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax and the federal AMT

 

39


and to enhance portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by investing in tax-exempt municipal bonds that the Fund’s Adviser believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity have identical investment objectives, which are to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax and to enhance portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by investing in tax-exempt municipal bonds that the Adviser believes are underrated or undervalued or that represent municipal market sectors that are undervalued. Underrated municipal securities are those municipal securities whose ratings do not, in the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’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 the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’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). The Adviser or Sub-Adviser 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 the Adviser or Sub-Adviser considers undervalued. The Adviser or Sub-Adviser believes that the prices of these municipal securities should ultimately reflect their true value.

Each Fund attempts to increase its portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market by prudent selection of municipal bonds regardless of the direction the market may move. There can be no assurance that a Fund’s attempt to increase its portfolio value relative to the municipal bond market will succeed. To the extent that it does succeed, however, such success would increase the amount of net capital gains or reduce the amount of net capital losses that a Fund would otherwise have realized. While this incremental increase in net realized gains due to successful value investing, if any, is expected to be modest over time, it would tend to result in the distribution, over time, of a modestly greater amount of taxable capital gains to common shareholders and preferred shareholders. See “Additional Information About the Funds—Federal Income Tax Matters Associated with Investment in the Funds.”

Each Fund’s investment objectives are fundamental policies of the Fund, and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares voting as a single class, and of holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares voting separately as a single class. For purposes of the Funds’ objectives, policies and investment strategies, municipal bonds and municipal obligations are treated as municipal securities.

Investment Policies

The Acquiring Fund and Acquired Funds have similar investment policies. Under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in portfolio securities that pay interest exempt from regular federal income tax and from the federal AMT. Under normal circumstances, each Acquired Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in a portfolio of securities that pay interest exempt from regular federal income tax. The Acquired Funds do not have any policy regarding investments in securities subject to the federal AMT, and may have substantial holdings of securities subject to such tax.

Under normal circumstances, each Fund invests 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

 

40


or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Each 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 the Adviser. No more than 10% of a 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 the Adviser.

The foregoing credit quality policy applies only at the time a security is purchased, and a Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a rating agency subsequently downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser 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. See “Proposal No. 1—Additional Information About the Investment Policies—Municipal Securities” below for a general description of the economic and credit characteristics of municipal securities.

Each Fund may enter into derivative instruments to achieve its investment objectives, enhance return, hedge certain risks of its investments in fixed income securities or as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset. Such instruments include financial futures contracts, swap contracts (including credit default swaps and interest rate swaps), options on financial futures, options on swap contracts, or other derivative instruments. A Fund may not enter into a futures contract 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 future contracts or related options.

Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities. Inverse floating rate securities represent a leveraged investment in the underlying municipal bond deposited. Inverse floating rate securities offer the opportunity for higher income than the underlying bond, but will subject a Fund to the risk of lower or even no income if short-term interest rates rise sufficiently. By investing in an inverse floating rate security rather than directly in the underlying bond, the Fund will experience a greater increase in its common share net asset value if the underlying municipal bond increases in value, but will also experience a correspondingly larger decline in its common share net asset value if the underlying bond declines in value.

As a fundamental policy, each Fund may borrow money for the repurchase of its shares or for temporary or emergency purposes. Such temporary or emergency purposes may include the payment of dividends or the settlement of portfolio transactions. As a fundamental policy of each Acquired Fund, while any such borrowings exceed 5% of total assets, no additional purchases of investment securities will be made. Similarly, as a non-fundamental policy, the Acquiring Fund may not purchase securities when borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets if and so long as preferred shares are outstanding. Each 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 “Proposal No. 1—Additional Information About the Investment Policies—Other Investment Companies.”

Each Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of its assets, a Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any single issuer, except that this limitation does not apply to securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities.

 

41


The Acquired Funds are subject to certain fundamental policies that do not apply to, or are different from, the fundamental policies of the Acquiring Fund. In particular, unlike the Acquiring Fund, each of Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity may not:

 

  1) pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except that, to secure borrowings permitted by the Fund’s fundamental investment policy relating to borrowing for temporary or emergency purposes or for the repurchase of its shares, 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;

 

  2) invest more than 10% of its total assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days; and

 

  3) purchase or retain the securities of any issuer other than the securities of the Fund if, to the Fund’s knowledge, those directors 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.

During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep a Fund’s cash fully invested, each 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. It is the intent of each Fund 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.

Portfolio Investments

As used in this Joint Proxy Statement/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. Each Fund, however, emphasizes investments in municipal securities with long- or intermediate-term maturities. Each 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. If the long-term municipal security market is unstable, a 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. A Fund will buy taxable temporary investments only if suitable tax-exempt temporary investments are not available at reasonable prices and yields. A 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 or floating rate of interest. Each Fund’s policies on securities ratings only apply when a Fund buys a security, and a Fund is not required to sell securities that have been downgraded. Each 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. Each Fund seeks to allocate taxable income on temporary investments, if any, proportionately between common shares and preferred shares, based on the percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for that year.

 

42


Municipal Securities

General.    The Funds may invest in various municipal securities, including municipal bonds and notes and other securities issued to finance and refinance public projects, and other related securities that provide for the payment of income that is exempt from regular federal income tax.

States, local governments and municipalities issue municipal securities to raise money for public purposes such as building public facilities, refinancing outstanding obligations, and financing internal operating expenses. Municipal securities are generally either general obligation bonds, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuer and may be repaid from any revenue source, or revenue bonds, which may be repaid only from the revenues of a specific facility or source. The Funds also may buy municipal securities that represent interests in lease obligations. These securities carry special risks because the issuer may not be required to appropriate money annually to make payments under the lease. To reduce this risk, the Funds will only buy these securities where the issuer has a strong incentive to continue making appropriations until the municipal security matures. The Funds do not have any limits on investing in lease obligations that do not contain a “non-appropriation” clause. Each Fund may invest no more than 10% of its net assets in municipal securities issued by U.S. possessions or territories, which pay interest exempt from regular federal income tax.

The Funds may buy municipal securities that pay a variable or floating rate of interest that changes with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as a bank prime rate or a tax-exempt money market index.

Yields on municipal securities depend on many factors, including the condition of the general money market and the municipal security market, the size of a particular offering, and the maturity and rating of a particular municipal security. Moody’s, S&P’s and Fitch’s ratings represent their opinions of the quality of a particular municipal security, but these ratings are general and are not absolute quality standards. Therefore, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon, and rating may have different yields, while municipal securities with the same maturity and coupon and different ratings may have the same yield. The market value of municipal securities will vary with changes in interest rates and in the ability of their issuers to make interest and principal payments.

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.

Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation.    Each Fund 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 that is issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Income from such obligations generally is 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

 

43


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, a Fund’s original investment. To the extent that the Funds invest 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 Funds purchase only municipal securities representing lease obligations where the Adviser believes the issuer has a strong incentive to continue making appropriations until maturity.

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 Funds with the right to a pro rata undivided interest in the underlying municipal securities. In addition, such participations generally provide the Funds with the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days’ notice, of all or any part of the Funds’ 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 financings 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

 

44


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.

Inverse Floating Rate Securities.    Inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as “inverse floaters”) 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: floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as short-term floaters or tender option bonds) and inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters or residual interest securities). Both classes of beneficial interests are represented by certificates. 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, the institution granting the tender option 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, each 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, a Fund as the holder of the inverse floater assumes the interest rate cash flow risk and the market value risk associated with the municipal bond 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 total face value of the short-term floaters in relation to the value of the inverse floaters that are issued by the special purpose trust, and can exceed three times for more “highly leveraged” trusts. 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 Funds, 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

 

45


issued by the trust, inverse floaters’ value is generally more volatile than that of fixed rate bonds. The market price of inverse floating rate securities is generally 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 higher than those available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity or illiquidity based upon the ability to sell the underlying bonds deposited in a special purpose trust at an attractive price.

Each Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts whose sponsors have recourse to the Fund pursuant to a separate shortfall and forbearance agreement. Such an agreement would require a Fund to reimburse the third-party sponsor of the trust, upon termination of the trust issuing the inverse floater, for the difference between the liquidation value of the bonds held in the trust and the principal amount due to the holders of floating rate securities issued by the trust. A Fund will enter into such a recourse agreement (i) when the liquidity provider with respect to the floating rate securities issued by the special purpose trust requires such a recourse agreement because the level of leverage in the special purpose 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 special purpose trust in the event that the municipal obligation held in the trust has declined in value. In an instance where a Fund has entered such a recourse agreement, the Fund may suffer a loss that exceeds the amount of its original investment in the inverse floating rate securities; such loss could be as great as that original investment amount plus the face amount of the floating rate securities issued by the trust.

Each 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.

Each Fund invests in both inverse floating rate securities and floating rate securities (as discussed below) issued by the same special purpose trust.

Floating Rate Securities.    Each 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, a 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.

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

 

46


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

Each 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. This type of transaction may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the bonds prior to settlement and, because bonds are subject to market fluctuations, the value of the bonds at time of delivery may be less (or more) than cost. A separate account of each Fund will be established with its custodian consisting of cash, cash equivalents, or liquid securities having a market value at all times at least equal to the amount of the commitment.

Zero Coupon Bonds

A zero coupon bond is a bond that 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, its return comes from 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. Zero coupon bonds allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and, as a result, may involve greater credit risk than bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. A Fund would be required to distribute the income on any 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, a Fund may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, to make income distributions to its shareholders.

Structured Notes

Each 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

 

47


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

Each 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. In particular, a Fund may 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 a 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, such 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, such Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If a 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, such 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 such Fund. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a 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. A 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.

The Adviser may use derivative instruments to seek to enhance return, to hedge some of the risk of each 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 the Adviser will determine to use them for a Fund or, if used, that the strategies will be successful.

Other Investment Companies

Each 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, each 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. Each 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 or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive, high-yielding municipal securities available in the

 

48


market. Each Fund may invest in investment companies that are advised by the Adviser or its affiliates to the extent permitted by applicable law and/or pursuant to exemptive relief from the SEC. As a shareholder in an investment company, a Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s 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 a Fund invests in other investment companies.

The Adviser 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. 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.

Investment Portfolio and Capital Structure Strategies to Manage Leverage Risk

Common shareholders of each Fund are subject to the risks of leverage primarily in the form of additional common share earnings and net asset value risk, associated with a Fund’s use of financial leverage in the form of preferred shares or inverse floating rate securities.

In an effort to mitigate these risks, each Fund and the 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. A Fund may rebalance leverage levels in one or more ways, including by increasing/reducing the amount of leverage outstanding and issuing/repurchasing common shares. Reducing leverage may require a Fund to raise cash through the sale of portfolio securities at times and/or at prices that would otherwise be unattractive for the Fund. Each Fund may also seek to diversify its capital structure and the risks associated with leverage by employing multiple forms of leverage. Each Fund and the 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 benefits outweigh the associated risks and costs.

Because the long-term municipal securities in which a 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.

Hedging Strategies

Each 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 or tax-exempt indices, forward start interest 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 the Adviser, correlate with the prices of a Fund’s investments. These hedging strategies may generate taxable income.

The Board of each Fund recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the Reorganization.

 

49


PROPOSAL NO. 2—APPROVAL OF ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL COMMON SHARES OF ACQUIRING FUND (ACQUIRING FUND SHAREHOLDERS ONLY)

In connection with the proposed Reorganizations, the Acquiring Fund will issue additional Acquiring Fund common shares and, subject to notice of issuance, list such shares on the NYSE MKT and will issue VRDP Shares. The Acquiring Fund will acquire substantially all of the assets of each Acquired Fund in exchange for newly issued Acquiring Fund common shares and Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares and the assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of each Acquired Fund. Each Acquired Fund will distribute Acquiring Fund common shares to its common shareholders and Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares to its preferred shareholders and will then terminate its registration under the 1940 Act and dissolve under applicable state law. The Acquiring Fund’s Board, based upon its evaluation of all relevant information, anticipates that the Reorganizations may benefit holders of the Acquiring Fund’s common shares and preferred shares due to the increased size of the combined Fund.

The aggregate net asset value of Acquiring Fund common shares received by an Acquired Fund in each Reorganization will equal the aggregate net asset value of the Acquired Fund’s common shares outstanding, in each case as of the Valuation Time. Prior to the Valuation Time, the net asset value of each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will be reduced by the costs of the Reorganization borne by such Fund. No fractional Acquiring Fund common shares will be issued to an Acquired Fund’s shareholders and, in lieu of such fractional shares, an Acquired Fund’s shareholders will receive cash in an amount equal to the value received for such shares in the open market, which may be higher or lower than net asset value. The aggregate liquidation preference of each series of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received in each Reorganization will equal the aggregate liquidation preference of the corresponding Acquired Fund’s VRDP Shares held immediately prior to the Reorganization. The Reorganizations will result in no reduction in net asset value of the Acquiring Fund’s common shares, other than to reflect the costs of the Reorganization. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund for federal income tax purposes as a direct result of the Reorganizations. As a result of the Reorganizations, common shareholders of the Acquiring Fund will hold a smaller percentage of the outstanding voting shares of the combined fund. The Acquiring Fund will continue to operate as a registered closed-end management investment company with the investment objectives and policies described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

While applicable state and federal law does not require the common shareholders of the Acquiring Fund to approve the issuance of additional Acquiring Fund common shares, applicable NYSE MKT rules require shareholder approval of additional Acquiring Fund common shares to be issued in connection with the Reorganizations, and the Acquiring Fund’s Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of the MTP Shares (the “MTP Statement”) and the Acquiring Fund’s Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of the VMTP Shares (the “VMTP Statement”) require the common shareholders and preferred shareholders of the Acquiring Fund to vote together on matters submitted to a vote of shareholders.

Shareholder approval of the issuance of additional common shares of the Acquiring Fund requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal, provided that the total votes cast on the proposal represent over 50% of the shares entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal. Broker non-votes represent shares held by brokers or nominees for which the brokers or nominees have executed proxies as to which (i) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power and (ii) the broker or nominee has not received instructions from the beneficial owner or other person who is entitled to instruct how the shares will be voted.

 

50


The consummation of the Reorganizations is contingent on the satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions including approval of the proposals relating to the Reorganizations by each Acquired Fund’s shareholders and the Acquiring Fund’s preferred shareholders.

The Board of the Acquiring Fund recommends that shareholders of the Acquiring Fund vote “FOR” the approval of the issuance of additional Acquiring Fund common shares in connection with the Reorganizations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUIRING FUND

Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund. However, the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust 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 Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust 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 Acquiring Fund would be unable to meet its obligations. The Acquiring Fund believes that the likelihood of such circumstances is remote.

The Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust 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 Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust requires a vote by holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, voting 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 or recapitalization 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, 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 Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust or the Acquiring Fund’s By-Laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund’s outstanding common shares and preferred shares, voting 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. The voting provisions of the Declaration of Trust are not to be construed as requiring shareholder approval for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise, whereby the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company, or in the case of any of the foregoing transactions constituting a plan of reorganization (as that term is used in the 1940 Act) which adversely affects the holders of preferred shares, the action in question will also require the affirmative vote of the holders

 

51


of at least two-thirds of the Acquiring Fund’s preferred 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 Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust or the Acquiring Fund’s By-Laws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Acquiring Fund’s preferred shares outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class. None of the foregoing voting provisions may be amended or repealed except by the vote of at least two-thirds of the common shares and preferred shares, voting as a single class. The votes required to approve the conversion of the Acquiring 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 are higher than those required by the 1940 Act. The Acquiring Fund’s Board believes that the provisions of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust relating to such higher votes are in the best interest of the Acquiring Fund.

The Declaration of Trust provides that the obligations of the Acquiring Fund are not binding upon the Fund’s trustees 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 Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, however, protects a trustee against any liability to which he or she 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 or her office.

In addition, the By-laws require the Board be divided into three classes with staggered terms. See the Reorganization SAI under “Management of the Funds.” This provision of the By-laws could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board. Holders of preferred shares, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect two of the Fund’s trustees.

The provisions of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-laws 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 Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund’s Board has considered the foregoing anti-takeover provisions and concluded that they are in the best interests of the Fund.

The Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides that common shareholders shall have no right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any shares or securities of the Fund, other than such right, if any, as the Fund’s Board in its discretion may determine.

Reference should be made to the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.

Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

The Acquiring Fund is a closed-end management investment company, and as such its shareholders do not have the right to cause the Acquiring Fund to redeem their common shares. Instead, the common shares of the Acquiring Fund trade in the open market at a price that is a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), net asset value,

 

52


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 common shares of closed-end management investment companies may frequently trade at prices lower than net asset value, the Acquiring Fund’s Board has 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 Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company. There is no assurance that the Acquiring Fund’s Board will decide to take any of these actions, or that share repurchases or tender offers will actually reduce market discount.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time when the Acquiring Fund’s preferred shares are outstanding, the Acquiring Fund may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its common shares unless (1) all accumulated but unpaid preferred shares dividends due to be paid have been paid and (2) at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition, the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the acquisition price of the common shares) is at least 200% of the liquidation value (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon) of the outstanding preferred shares, including MTP Shares, VMTP Shares and VRDP Shares.

If the Acquiring Fund converted to an open-end investment company, it would be required to redeem all its preferred shares, including MTP Shares, VMTP Shares and VRDP Shares, then outstanding (requiring in turn that it liquidate a portion of its investment portfolio), and the common shares would no longer be listed on an exchange. In contrast to a closed-end management investment company, shareholders of an open-end management 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 “Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws” above for a discussion of the voting requirements applicable to the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end management 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 Acquiring Fund’s portfolio, the impact of any action that might be taken on the Acquiring Fund or its shareholders, and market considerations. Based on these considerations, even if the Acquiring Fund’s common shares should trade at a discount, the Board may determine that, in the interest of the Acquiring Fund, no action should be taken. See the Reorganization SAI under “Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund” for a further discussion of possible action to reduce or eliminate such discount to net asset value.

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund MTP Shares

General

The Acquiring Fund currently has outstanding 8,300,000 MTP Shares, with a $10.00 liquidation preference per share, which will remain outstanding following the completion of the Reorganizations. Proceeds from the issuance of the MTP Shares, net of offering expenses, were used to redeem the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding auction rate preferred shares.

 

53


Dividends

The holders of the MTP Shares are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends and distributions on such shares when, as and if declared by, or under authority granted by, the Acquiring Fund’s Board. Dividends on the MTP Shares will be payable monthly based on the fixed dividend rate set forth in the MTP Statement.

Redemption

The MTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The Acquiring Fund is obligated to redeem the MTP Shares on February 1, 2015, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Acquiring Fund, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation preference per share ($10.00) plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon. The MTP Shares also may be redeemed in whole or in part at the option of the Acquiring Fund at a redemption price equal to the liquidation preference, plus an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and distributions accumulated to (but excluding) the optional redemption date (whether or not earned by the Acquiring Fund, but excluding interest thereon). In the event the Acquiring Fund fails to comply with its effective leverage ratio requirements and any such failure is not cured within the applicable cure period, the Acquiring Fund may become obligated to redeem a number of MTP Shares or other preferred shares necessary to regain compliance with such requirements.

Voting and Consent Rights

Except as otherwise provided in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the MTP Statement, or as otherwise required by applicable law, (i) each holder of MTP Shares is entitled to one vote for each MTP Share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, and (ii) the holders of the MTP Shares, along with holders of other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, vote with holders of common shares of the Acquiring Fund as a single class; provided, however, that holders of preferred shares, including MTP Shares, are entitled as a class to elect two trustees of the Acquiring Fund at all times. The holders of outstanding common shares and preferred shares, including MTP Shares, voting as a single class, elect the balance of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

The holders of the MTP Shares, as a separate class, have voting and consent rights with respect to certain actions that would materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of the MTP Shares or the holders of the MTP Shares. The holders of the MTP Shares also are entitled to vote as a class with holders of other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund on matters that relate to the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company, certain plans of reorganization adversely affecting holders of the preferred shares or any other action requiring a vote of security holders of the Acquiring Fund under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. In certain circumstances, holders of preferred shares, including the MTP Shares, are entitled to elect additional trustees in the event at least two full years’ dividends are due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited for their payment, or at any time holders of preferred shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

Priority of Payment

The MTP Shares are senior securities in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding

 

54


up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The MTP Shares have equal priority as to payments of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund with other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including outstanding VMTP Shares and the VRDP Shares to be issued in connection with the Reorganizations.

Description of Outstanding Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares

General

The Acquiring Fund currently has outstanding 676 VMTP Shares, par value $0.01 per share, with a total liquidation value of $67,600,000, which will remain outstanding following the completion of the Reorganizations. The VMTP Shares were offered and sold by the Acquiring Fund to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, with all proceeds, net of offering expenses, used to redeem the Acquiring Fund’s outstanding auction rate preferred securities.

Dividends

Holders of VMTP Shares are entitled to receive cash dividends when, as and if declared by the Acquiring Fund’s Board. The amount of dividends per VMTP Share payable on any dividend payment date will equal the sum of dividends accumulated but not yet paid for each rate period during the relevant monthly dividend period. The dividend rate applicable to any rate period (which typically consists of seven days) is an index rate based on the SIFMA Municipal Swap Index plus an applicable spread. The applicable spread is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including a change in the credit rating assigned to the VMTP Shares.

Redemption

VMTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The Acquiring Fund is obligated to redeem the VMTP Shares on August 1, 2014, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Acquiring Fund, at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation value per share ($100,000) plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. VMTP Shares also may be redeemed in whole or in part at the option of the Acquiring Fund at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. In the event the Acquiring Fund fails to comply with asset coverage and/or effective leverage ratio requirements and any such failure is not cured within the applicable cure period, the Acquiring Fund may become obligated to redeem such number of preferred shares as are necessary to achieve compliance with such requirements.

Voting and Consent Rights

Except as otherwise provided in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the VMTP Statement, or as otherwise required by applicable law, (i) each holder of VMTP Shares is entitled to one vote for each VMTP Share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Acquiring Fund, and (ii) the holders of VMTP Shares, along with holders of other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund vote with holders of common shares of the Acquiring Fund as a single class; provided, however, that holders of preferred shares, including VMTP Shares, are entitled as a class to elect two trustees of the Acquiring Fund at all times. The holders of outstanding common shares and preferred shares, including VMTP Shares, voting as a single class, elect the balance of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

 

55


Holders of VMTP Shares, as a separate class, have voting and consent rights with respect to certain actions that would materially and adversely affect any preference, right or power of the VMTP Shares or holders of VMTP Shares. In addition, holders of VMTP Shares have certain consent rights under the purchase agreement for the VMTP Shares with respect to certain actions that would affect their investment in the Acquiring Fund. Holders of VMTP Shares also are entitled to vote as a class with holders of other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund on matters that relate to the conversion of the Acquiring Fund to an open-end investment company, certain plans of reorganization adversely affecting holders of the preferred shares or any other action requiring a vote of security holders of the Acquiring Fund under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. In certain circumstances, holders of preferred shares, including VMTP Shares, are entitled to elect additional trustees in the event at least two full years’ dividends are due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited for their payment, or at any time holders of preferred shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the trustees of the Acquiring Fund.

Priority of Payment

The VMTP Shares are senior in priority to the Acquiring Fund’s common shares as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund. The VMTP Shares have equal priority as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund with other preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, including outstanding MTP Shares and the VRDP Shares to be issued in the Reorganizations.

Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Redemption Agent

The custodian of the assets of the Acquiring Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. The custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. The Acquiring Fund’s transfer, shareholder services and dividend disbursing agent and redemption and paying agent with respect to the common shares is also State Street, 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021. State Street has subcontracted the transfer agency servicing of the Acquiring Fund to Computershare, Inc.

Federal Income Tax Matters Associated with Investment in the Acquiring Fund

The following information is meant as a general summary of certain federal income tax matters for U.S. shareholders. Please see the Reorganization 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 Acquiring Fund.

The Acquiring Fund has elected to be treated and intends to qualify each year (including the taxable year in which the Reorganizations occur) as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In order to qualify as a RIC, the Acquiring Fund must satisfy certain requirements regarding the sources of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. As a RIC, the Acquiring Fund is not expected to be subject to federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes to its shareholders. The Acquiring Fund primarily invests in municipal securities the income from which is exempt from regular federal income tax. Thus, substantially all of the Acquiring Fund’s dividends paid to you should 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

 

56


imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to corporations, individuals, trusts and estates. Interest on certain municipal obligations, 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. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund receives income from such municipal obligations, a portion of the dividends paid by the Acquiring Fund, although exempt from regular federal income tax, will be taxable to shareholders to the extent that their tax liability is determined under the federal alternative minimum tax. The Acquiring Fund, however, attempts to limit income subject to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals. The Acquiring Fund will annually provide a report indicating the percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s income attributable to municipal obligations subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. Corporations are subject to special rules in calculating their federal alternative minimum taxable income with respect to interest from such municipal obligations.

On September 12, 2011, President Obama submitted to Congress the American Jobs Act of 2011. If enacted in its proposed form, this Act generally would limit the exclusion from gross income of tax-exempt interest (which includes exempt-interest dividends received from the Acquiring Fund) for individuals whose adjusted gross income for federal income tax purposes exceeds certain thresholds for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2013 in order to provide a tax benefit not greater than 28% of such interest. Such proposal could affect the value of the municipal bonds owned by the Acquiring Fund. The likelihood of the Act being enacted in the form introduced or in some other form cannot be predicted. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the potential consequences of this Act on their investment in the Acquiring Fund.

In addition to exempt-interest dividends, the Acquiring 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 may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending on a shareholder’s situation. If so, they are taxable whether or not such distributions are reinvested. Net capital gain distributions (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) 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 to noncorporate shareholders at a maximum federal income tax 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. In addition, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain individuals, estates and trusts will be subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax on net investment income, including net capital gains and other taxable dividends. The Acquiring 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” to noncorporate shareholders.

As a RIC, the Acquiring Fund will not be subject to federal income tax in any taxable year provided that it meets certain distribution requirements. The Acquiring Fund may retain for investment some (or all) of its net capital gain. If the Acquiring Fund retains any net capital gain or investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Acquiring 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 entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by the Acquiring Fund on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any; and (iii) may claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the

 

57


Acquiring 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 under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

The IRS currently requires that a RIC that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as exempt interest, ordinary income and capital gains). Accordingly, the Acquiring Fund designates dividends made with respect to common shares and preferred shares as consisting of particular types of income (e.g., exempt interest, net capital gain and ordinary income) in accordance with each class’ proportionate share of the total dividends paid by the Acquiring Fund during the year.

Dividends declared by the Acquiring Fund to shareholders of record in October, November or December 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 shares normally will result in capital gain or loss to shareholders 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 shares is attributable to tax-exempt interest income. The gain or loss on shares held for one year or less will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the same rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, however, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 15%, while short-term capital gains and other ordinary income are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. As noted above, absent further legislation, the maximum rates applicable to long-term capital gains will cease to apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012 and an additional 3.8% Medicare tax may apply to certain individual, estate or trust shareholders’ taxable distributions and to capital gain distributions for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. Any loss on the sale of shares that have been held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any distribution of exempt-interest dividends received with respect to such shares, unless the shares are of a RIC that declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. Any remaining loss on the sale or disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any net capital gain distributions received by the shareholder on such shares. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Acquiring Fund will be disallowed to the extent those shares of the Acquiring Fund are replaced by other substantially identical shares of the Acquiring Fund or other substantially identical stock or securities (including through reinvestment of dividends) 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 will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Any interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the Acquiring 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

 

58


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 Acquiring Fund.

If the Acquiring Fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Acquiring Fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the Acquiring Fund must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the Acquiring Fund must distribute to shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and its net tax-exempt income, including such accrued income, to qualify as a RIC and (with respect to its ordinary income and taxable gain) to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the Acquiring Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.

The Acquiring Fund may hold or acquire municipal obligations that are market discount bonds. A market discount bond is a security acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption value (or its adjusted issue price if it is also an original issue discount bond). If the Acquiring Fund invests in a market discount bond, it will be required to treat any gain recognized on the disposition of such market discount bond as ordinary taxable income to the extent of the accrued market discount.

The Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax from all distributions (including exempt-interest dividends) and redemption proceeds payable to a shareholder if the shareholder fails to provide the Acquiring Fund with his or her correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if the shareholder has been notified by the IRS (or the IRS notifies the Acquiring Fund) that he or she is subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding percentage is 28% for amounts paid through 2012, after which time the rate will increase to 31% absent legislative change. 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.

Net Asset Value

The Acquiring Fund’s net asset value per common share is determined as of the close of the regular session trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open for business. Net asset value is calculated by taking the market value of the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund’s Board or its delegate.

In determining net asset value per common share, 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 Acquiring Fund’s Board. 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 the Acquiring Fund, 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’s designee.

 

59


Legal Opinions

Certain legal matters in connection with the issuance of common shares pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization will be passed upon by Bingham McCutchen, LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.

Experts

The financial statements of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds appearing in each Fund’s Annual Report for the year ended October 31, 2011 are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in such reports thereon and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Ernst & Young LLP provides auditing services to the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds. The principal business address of Ernst & Young LLP is 155 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Outstanding Shares of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds

The following table sets forth the number of outstanding common shares and preferred shares and certain other share information, of each Fund as of October 31, 2012.

 

(1)
Title of Class

   (2)
Shares
Authorized
     (3)
Shares Held by Fund
for Its Own Account
     (4)
Shares Outstanding
Exclusive of Shares
Shown under (3)
 

Acquiring Fund:

        

Common shares

     Unlimited                 22,243,814   

Preferred shares

     Unlimited                 8,300,000  (MTP Shares) 
           676  (VMTP Shares) 

Premier Opportunity:

        

Common shares

     200,000,000                 19,526,645   

Preferred shares

     1,000,000                 1,309  (VRDP Shares) 

Premium Opportunity:

        

Common shares

     Unlimited                 37,359,200   

Preferred shares

     Unlimited                 2,190  (VRDP Shares) 

The common shares of the Acquiring Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE MKT under the ticker symbol NEA. The common shares of Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity are listed and trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbols NIF and NPX, respectively. The Acquiring Fund’s MTP Shares are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol NEA PrC. The other preferred shares are not listed on any exchange.

Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds

As of October 31, 2012, the members of the Board and officers of each Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the total outstanding common shares and less than 1% of the total outstanding preferred shares of that Fund.

 

60


Information regarding shareholders or groups of shareholders who beneficially own more than 5% of a class of shares of a Fund is provided below. Information in the table below is based on Schedule 13G filings and amendments made on or before October 19, 2012. The estimated pro forma information presented is calculated assuming that outstanding common and preferred shares were as of October 19, 2012.

 

                   Estimated Pro Forma  

Fund and Class

 

Shareholder Name and
Address

  Number of
Shares
Owned
  Percentage
Owned
    Corresponding
Class of
Combined
Fund
    All
Preferred
Shares of
Combined
Fund
 

Acquiring Fund—
Common Shares

 

First Trust Portfolios L.P.(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton,
Illinois 60187

 

First Trust Advisors L.P.(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton,
Illinois 60187

 

The Charger Corporation(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton,
Illinois 60187

  1,119,300     5.0%        8.1%        N/A   

Acquiring Fund—
VMTP Shares

 

Citibank, N.A.(b)
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

 

Citicorp(b)
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

 

Citigroup Inc.(b)
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

  676     100     100     0.0

Premier Opportunity—Common Shares

 

First Trust Portfolios L.P.(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton, Illinois 60187

 

First Trust Advisors L.P.(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton,
Illinois 60187

 

The Charger Corporation(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton,
Illinois 60187

  1,979,793     10.2     8.1     N/A   

 

61


                   Estimated Pro Forma  

Fund and Class

 

Shareholder Name and
Address

  Number of
Shares
Owned
  Percentage
Owned
    Corresponding
Class of
Combined
Fund
    All
Preferred
Shares of
Combined
Fund
 

Premium Opportunity—Common Shares

 

First Trust Portfolios L.P.(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton,
Illinois 60187

 

First Trust Advisors L.P.(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton,
Illinois 60187

 

The Charger Corporation(a) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton,
Illinois 60187

  3,275,291     8.8     8.1     N/A   

 

(a) First Trust Portfolios L.P., First Trust Advisors L.P. and The Charger Corporation filed their Schedule 13G jointly and did not differentiate holdings as to each entity.
(b) Citibank N.A., Citicorp and Citigroup Inc. filed their Schedule 13G jointly and did not differentiate holdings as to each entity.

VRDP Shares are designed to be eligible for purchase by money market funds. Based on information provided by remarketing agents for the VRDP Shares, money market funds within certain fund complexes may hold, in the aggregate, greater than 5% of the outstanding VRDP Shares of one or more Funds, and individual money market funds within such complexes may beneficially own an indeterminable amount of VRDP Shares exceeding 5% of the outstanding VRDP Shares of one or more Funds. Information with respect to aggregate holdings of VRDP Shares associated with fund complexes identified by the remarketing agents (number of VRDP Shares and percentage of total outstanding) is as follows: Premium Opportunity: Schwab (1,195 shares (54.57%)), Federated (919 shares (41.96%)), Morgan Stanley (76 shares (3.47%)); Premier Opportunity: Blackrock (69 shares (5.27%)), JP Morgan (220 shares (16.81%)), Federated (240 shares (18.33%)), Schwab (240 shares (18.33%)), Vanguard (240 shares (18.33%)), Bank of America Global (150 shares (11.46%)) and Morgan Stanley (150 shares (11.46%)). Based on the preferred shares outstanding as of October 19, 2012, the estimated pro forma percentage owned of all preferred shares of the combined fund would be less than approximately 0.02% for each holder of VRDP Shares listed above.

Expenses of Proxy Solicitation

The cost of preparing, printing and mailing the enclosed proxy, accompanying notice and proxy statement and all other costs in connection with the solicitation of proxies will be paid by the Funds pro rata based on the projected net benefit and cost savings to each Fund. Additional solicitation may be made by letter or telephone by officers or employees of Nuveen or the Adviser, or by dealers and their representatives. Any additional costs of solicitation will be paid by the Fund that requires additional solicitation.

 

62


Shareholder Proposals

To be considered for presentation at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders of the Funds, shareholder proposals submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act must have been received at the offices of the Fund, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, not later than March 5, 2013. A shareholder wishing to provide notice in the manner prescribed by Rule 14a-4(c)(1) of a proposal submitted outside of the process of Rule 14a-8 must, pursuant to each Fund’s by-laws, submit such written notice to the respective Fund no later than May 19, 2013 or prior to May 4, 2013. Timely submission of a proposal does not mean that such proposal will be included in a proxy statement.

If all proposals are approved and the Reorganizations are consummated, the Acquired Funds will cease to exist and will not hold their 2013 annual meeting. If the Reorganizations are not approved or are not consummated, the Acquired Funds will hold their 2013 annual meeting of shareholders, expected to be held in July 2013.

Shareholder Communications

Fund shareholders who want to communicate with the Board or any individual Board Member should write to the attention of Lorna Ferguson, Manager of Fund Board Relations, Nuveen Investments, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The letter should indicate that you are a Fund shareholder and note the Fund or Funds that you own. If the communication is intended for a specific Board Member and so indicates, it will be sent only to that Board Member. If a communication does not indicate a specific Board Member it will be sent to the Independent Chairman and the outside counsel to the Independent Board Members for further distribution as deemed appropriate by such persons.

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year end for each Fund is October 31.

Annual Report Delivery

Annual reports will be sent to shareholders of record of each Fund following each Fund’s fiscal year end. Each Fund will furnish, without charge, a copy of its annual report and/or semi-annual report as available upon request. Such written or oral requests should be directed to such Fund at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or by calling 1-800-257-8787.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on December 14, 2012

Each Fund’s Proxy Statement is available at http://www.nuveenproxy.com/ProxyInfo/CEF/Default.aspx. For more information, shareholders may also contact the applicable Fund at the address and phone number set forth above.

Please note that only one annual report or proxy statement may be delivered to two or more shareholders of a Fund who share an address, unless the Fund has received instructions to the contrary. To request a separate copy of an annual report or proxy statement, or for instructions as to how to request a separate copy of such documents or as to how to request a single copy if multiple copies of such documents are received, shareholders should contact the applicable Fund at the address and phone number set forth above.

 

63


Other Information

Management of the Funds does not intend to present and does not have reason to believe that others will present any items of business at the Special Meetings, except as described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. However, if other matters are properly presented at the meetings for a vote, the proxies will be voted upon such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons acting under the proxies.

A list of shareholders of each Fund entitled to be present and to vote at the Special Meetings will be available at the offices of the Funds, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, for inspection by any shareholder of the Funds during regular business hours for ten days prior to the date of the Special Meetings.

In the absence of a quorum for a particular matter, business may proceed on any other matter or matters which may properly come before the Special Meeting if there shall be present, in person or by proxy, a quorum of shareholders in respect of such other matters. The chairman of the meeting may, whether or not a quorum is present, propose one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting on behalf of a Fund without further notice to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Fund present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the session of the Special Meeting to be adjourned.

Broker-dealer firms holding shares in “street name” for the benefit of their customers and clients will request the instruction of such customers and clients on how to vote their shares on the proposals. A broker-dealer firm that has not received instructions from a customer prior to the date specified in its request for voting instructions may not vote such customer’s shares on the proposals. A signed proxy card or other authorization by a beneficial owner of shares of a Fund that does not specify how the beneficial owner’s shares are to be voted on a proposal may be deemed to be an instruction to vote such shares in favor of the proposal.

IF YOU CANNOT BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO FILL IN, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.

Kevin J. McCarthy

Vice President and Secretary

The Nuveen Funds

November 7, 2012

 

64


APPENDIX A

FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the “Agreement”) is made as of this             day of            , 2012 by and among Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Acquiring Fund”), and each of Nuveen Premier Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Premier Opportunity” or an “Acquired Fund”), and Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Opportunity Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (“Premium Opportunity” or an “Acquired Fund” and together with Premier Opportunity, the “Acquired Funds” ). The Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund may be referred to herein each as a “Fund” and collectively as the “Funds.”

For each Reorganization (as defined below), this Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. The reorganization of each Acquired Fund into the Acquiring Fund will consist of: (i) the transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for newly issued common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of the Acquiring Fund (“Acquiring Fund Common Shares”) and newly issued Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Shares”) of the Acquiring Fund, with a par value of $0.01 per share and liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, as set forth in this Agreement (“Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares” and together with the Acquiring Fund Common Shares, the “Acquiring Fund Shares”) and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund; and (ii) the distribution of all the Acquiring Fund Common Shares and Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares to the holders of common shares and VRDP Shares of the Acquired Fund, respectively, as part of the termination, dissolution and complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund as provided herein, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (each, a “Reorganization” and together, the “Reorganizations”).

WHEREAS, each Fund is a closed-end, management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and each Acquired Fund owns securities that generally are assets of the character in which the Acquiring Fund is permitted to invest;

WHEREAS, the Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue the Acquiring Fund Shares; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Fund (the “Acquiring Fund Board”) has determined that the Reorganizations are in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Acquiring Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganizations, and the Board of Trustees or Directors, as applicable, of each Acquired Fund (each, an “Acquired Fund Board”) has determined that the applicable Reorganization is in the best interests of the respective Acquired Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of such Acquired Fund will not be diluted as a result of its Reorganization.

 

A-1


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF EACH ACQUIRED FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR

ACQUIRING FUND SHARES AND THE ASSUMPTION OF THE LIABILITIES OF

EACH ACQUIRED FUND AND TERMINATION AND LIQUIDATION OF EACH

ACQUIRED FUND

1.1        THE EXCHANGE.    Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein and on the basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, each Acquired Fund agrees to transfer substantially all of its assets, as set forth in Section 1.2, to the Acquiring Fund. In consideration therefor, the Acquiring Fund agrees: (i) to issue and deliver to such Acquired Fund the number of Acquiring Fund Common Shares computed in the manner set forth in Section 2.3, and the same number of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares as the number of VRDP Shares of such Acquired Fund outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date (less any VRDP Shares with respect to which Dissenters’ Rights, as defined below, have been properly exercised) and having substantially similar terms to such Acquired Fund’s VRDP Shares as of the Closing Date, and (ii) to assume substantially all of the liabilities of such Acquired Fund, if any, as set forth in Section 1.3. The Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares to be issued to each Acquired Fund shall consist of a separate series, as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, and each such series shall: (i) have equal priority with each other and with other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation of the Acquiring Fund; and (ii) have, along with any other outstanding preferred shares of the Acquiring Fund, preference with respect to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation of the affairs of the Acquiring Fund over the Acquiring Fund Common Shares. Such transactions shall take place at the closing provided for in Section 3.1 (each a “Closing” and together, the “Closings”).

1.2        ASSETS TO BE TRANSFERRED.    Each Acquired Fund shall transfer substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund, including, without limitation, cash, securities, commodities, interests in futures, dividends or interest receivables owned by the Acquired Fund and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as an asset on the books of the Acquired Fund as of the Valuation Time, as such term is defined in Section 2.1, except that the Acquired Fund shall retain assets sufficient to pay the preferred share dividends as set forth in Section 1.4, the dividends set forth in Section 8.5, and with respect to Premier Opportunity (the “MN Acquired Fund”), all liabilities (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) as such Acquired Fund Board or its officers reasonably expect to exist against the MN Acquired Fund as a result of the exercise of dissenters’ rights under Minnesota law (“Dissenters’ Rights”).

Each Acquired Fund will, within a reasonable period of time before the Closing Date, furnish the Acquiring Fund with a list of the Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities and other investments. The Acquiring Fund will, within a reasonable period of time before the Closing Date, furnish each Acquired Fund with a list of the securities, if any, on the Acquired Fund’s list referred to above that do not conform to the Acquiring Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and restrictions. Each Acquired Fund, if requested by the Acquiring Fund, will dispose of securities on the Acquiring Fund’s list before the Closing Date. In addition, if it is determined that the portfolios of each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, when aggregated, would contain investments exceeding certain percentage limitations

 

A-2


imposed upon the Acquiring Fund with respect to such investments, each Acquired Fund, if requested by the Acquiring Fund, will dispose of a sufficient amount of such investments as may be necessary to avoid violating such limitations as of the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein will require any Acquired Fund to dispose of any investments or securities if, in the reasonable judgment of the Acquired Fund Board or Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc., the investment adviser to the Funds (the “Adviser”), such disposition would adversely affect the status of its Reorganization as a “reorganization” as such term is used in the Code or would otherwise not be in the best interests of such Acquired Fund.

1.3        LIABILITIES TO BE ASSUMED.    Each Acquired Fund will endeavor to discharge all of its known liabilities and obligations to the extent possible before the Closing Date, except for the dividends set forth in Section 1.4 and the dividends set forth in Section 8.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the liabilities not so discharged shall be assumed by the Acquiring Fund, which assumed liabilities shall include all of an Acquired Fund’s liabilities, debts, obligations, and duties of whatever kind or nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or otherwise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, whether or not determinable at the Closing Date, and whether or not specifically referred to in this Agreement, provided that the Acquiring Fund shall not assume any liabilities with respect to the dividends set forth in Section 1.4, the dividends set forth in Section 8.5, or any liabilities relating to the exercise of Dissenters’ Rights by shareholders of the MN Acquired Fund.

1.4        DECLARATION OF PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS.    Dividends shall accumulate on the preferred shares of each Acquired Fund up to and including the day before the Closing Date (as such term is defined in Section 3.1) and then cease to accumulate, and dividends on the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares shall accumulate from and including the Closing Date. Prior to the Valuation Time, each Acquired Fund shall declare all accumulated but unpaid dividends on its Acquired Fund VRDP Shares up to and including the day before the Closing Date, such dividends shall be paid on the Closing Date to holders thereof on the day immediately preceding the Closing Date. Each Acquired Fund shall retain assets in an amount sufficient to pay the dividends declared by it pursuant to this Section 1.4, and such assets shall not be transferred to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date.

1.5        LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION.    On or as soon after the Closing Date as is practicable but in no event later than 12 months after the Closing Date (the “Liquidation Date”): (a) each Acquired Fund will distribute in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund, pro rata to its common shareholders of record, determined as of the Valuation Time, (the “Acquired Fund Common Shareholders”), all of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by such Acquired Fund pursuant to Section 1.1 (together with any dividends declared with respect thereto to holders of record as of a time after the Valuation Time and prior to the Liquidation Date (“Interim Dividends”)) and to its preferred shareholders of record, determined as of the Valuation Time, other than such holders of VRDP Shares of the MN Acquired Fund who have properly exercised Dissenters’ Rights with respect to the Reorganization (“Acquired Fund Preferred Shareholders” and, collectively with each Acquired Fund Common Shareholders, the “Acquired Fund Shareholders”), one share of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received by such Acquired Fund (together with any Interim Dividends) in exchange for each Acquired Fund VRDP Share held by such preferred shareholders of such Acquired Fund immediately prior to its respective Reorganization; and (b) each Acquired Fund will thereupon proceed to dissolve and terminate as set forth in Section 1.8 below. Such distribution will be accomplished by the transfer of the Acquiring Fund Shares then credited to the account of each Acquired Fund on the books of the Acquiring Fund to open accounts on the share records of the Acquiring Fund in the names of Acquired Fund Shareholders and representing, in the case of an Acquired Fund Common Shareholder, such

 

A-3


shareholder’s pro rata share of the Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by such Acquired Fund and in the case of an Acquired Fund Preferred Shareholder, a number of Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares received by such Acquired Fund equal to the number of Acquired Fund VRDP Shares held by such shareholder immediately prior to the Closing Date (as set forth above), and by paying to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund any Interim Dividends on such transferred shares. All issued and outstanding common and preferred shares of each Acquired Fund, including, without limitation, any VRDP Shares with respect to which Dissenters’ Rights have been properly exercised, will simultaneously be canceled on the books of the Acquired Fund. The Acquiring Fund shall not issue certificates representing Acquiring Fund Shares in connection with such transfer.

1.6        OWNERSHIP OF SHARES.    Ownership of Acquiring Fund Shares will be shown on the books of the Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent. Acquiring Fund Shares will be issued simultaneously to each Acquired Fund, in an amount computed in the manner set forth in this Agreement, to be distributed to Acquired Fund Shareholders.

1.7        TRANSFER TAXES.    Any transfer taxes payable upon the issuance of Acquiring Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of an Acquired Fund’s common shares or preferred shares on the books of such Acquired Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred.

1.8        TERMINATION.    Each Acquired Fund shall completely liquidate and be dissolved, terminated and have its affairs wound up in accordance with Massachusetts or Minnesota state law, as applicable, promptly following the Closing Date and the making of all distributions pursuant to Section 1.5.

1.9        REPORTING.    Any reporting responsibility of each Acquired Fund including, without limitation, the responsibility for filing of regulatory reports, tax returns or other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), the exchange on which such Acquired Fund’s shares are listed or any state securities commission and any federal, state or local tax authorities or any other relevant regulatory authority, is and shall remain the responsibility of such Acquired Fund.

1.10        BOOKS AND RECORDS.    All books and records of each Acquired Fund, including all books and records required to be maintained under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, shall be available to the Acquiring Fund from and after the Closing Date and shall be turned over to the Acquiring Fund as soon as practicable following the Closing Date.

ARTICLE II

VALUATION

2.1        VALUATION OF ASSETS.    The value of the net assets of each Acquired Fund shall be the value of its assets, less its liabilities, computed as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the business day immediately prior to the Closing Date (such time and date being hereinafter called the “Valuation Time”), using the valuation procedures of the Nuveen closed-end funds adopted by the Acquired Fund Board or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the

 

A-4


parties. The value of each Acquired Fund’s net assets shall be calculated net of the liquidation preference (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of all outstanding preferred shares of such Acquired Fund.

2.2        VALUATION OF SHARES.    The net asset value per Acquiring Fund Common Share shall be computed as of the Valuation Time, using the valuation procedures of the Nuveen closed-end funds adopted by the Acquiring Fund Board or such other valuation procedures as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties. The value of the Acquiring Fund’s net assets shall be calculated net of the liquidation preference (including accumulated and unpaid dividends) of all outstanding Acquiring Fund preferred shares.

2.3        COMMON SHARES TO BE ISSUED.    The number of Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued in exchange for an Acquired Fund’s assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund shall be determined by dividing the value of such assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund (net of the liabilities of such Acquired Fund that are assumed by the Acquiring Fund) determined in accordance with Section 2.1, by the net asset value of an Acquiring Fund Common Share determined in accordance with Section 2.2. No fractional Acquiring Fund Common Shares will be issued to an Acquired Fund’s shareholders and, in lieu of such fractional shares, an Acquired Fund’s shareholders will receive cash. The aggregate net asset value of Acquiring Fund Common Shares received by each Acquired Fund in a Reorganization will equal, as of the Valuation Time, the aggregate net asset value of Acquired Fund common shares held by shareholders of such Acquired Fund as of such time. In the event there are fractional Acquiring Fund Common Shares due an Acquired Fund shareholder on the Closing Date after each Acquired Fund’s assets have been exchanged for Acquiring Fund Common Shares, the Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent will aggregate such fractional common shares and sell the resulting whole on the exchange on which such shares are listed for the account of holders of all such fractional interests, and each such holder will be entitled to a pro rata share of the proceeds from such sale. With respect to the aggregation and sale of fractional common shares, the Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent will act directly on behalf of the shareholders entitled to receive fractional shares and will accumulate such fractional shares, sell the shares and distribute the cash proceeds net of brokerage commissions, if any, directly to shareholders entitled to receive the fractional shares (without interest and subject to withholding taxes).

2.4        EFFECT OF SUSPENSION IN TRADING.    In the event that at the Valuation Time, either: (a) the exchange on which shares of a Fund are listed or another primary exchange on which the portfolio securities of the Acquiring Fund or an Acquired Fund are purchased or sold shall be closed to trading or trading on such exchange shall be restricted; or (b) trading or the reporting of trading on the exchange on which shares of a Fund are listed or elsewhere shall be disrupted so that accurate appraisal of the value of the net assets of the Acquiring Fund or an Acquired Fund is impracticable, the Valuation Time shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when trading is fully resumed and reporting is restored.

2.5        COMPUTATIONS OF NET ASSETS.    All computations of net asset value in this Article II shall be made by or under the direction of State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) in accordance with its regular practice as custodian of the Funds.

 

A-5


ARTICLE III

CLOSINGS AND CLOSING DATE

3.1        CLOSING DATE.    Each Closing shall occur on February 11, 2013 or such other date as the parties may agree (each a “Closing Date”). Unless otherwise provided, all acts taking place at a Closing shall be deemed to take place as of 8:00 a.m. Central time. Each Closing shall be held as of 8:00 a.m. Central time at the offices of Vedder Price P.C. in Chicago, Illinois or at such other time and/or place as the parties may agree.

3.2        CUSTODIAN’S CERTIFICATE.    Each Acquired Fund shall cause State Street, as custodian for such Acquired Fund (the “Custodian”), to deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that the Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities, cash, and any other assets shall have been delivered in proper form to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date.

3.3        CERTIFICATES OF TRANSFER AGENT.

(a)        With respect to its common shares, each Acquired Fund shall cause State Street, as transfer agent, to deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of all holders of common shares of such Acquired Fund, and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding common shares owned by each such Acquired Fund Shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. With respect to its VRDP Shares, each Acquired Fund shall cause The Bank of New York Mellon, as tender and paying agent, to deliver to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of all holders of VRDP Shares of such Acquired Fund, and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding VRDP Shares owned by each such Acquired Fund Shareholder immediately prior to the Closing.

(b)        The Acquiring Fund shall issue and deliver or cause State Street and The Bank of New York Mellon in their capacities as transfer agent with respect to common shares and tender and paying agent with respect to VRDP Shares, respectively, to issue and deliver to each Acquired Fund a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing Date to the Secretary of each Acquired Fund or provide evidence satisfactory to each Acquired Fund that such Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to each Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund.

3.4        DELIVERY OF ADDITIONAL ITEMS.    At the Closing, each party shall deliver to the other parties such bills of sale, checks, assignments, share certificates, receipts and other documents, if any, as such other parties or their counsel may reasonably request to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

4.1        REPRESENTATIONS OF EACH ACQUIRED FUND.    Each Acquired Fund represents and warrants solely on its own behalf with respect to its Reorganization as follows:

(a)        The Acquired Fund is a corporation or business trust, as applicable, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization.

 

A-6


(b)        The Acquired Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.

(c)        The Acquired Fund is not, and the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement (subject to shareholder approval) will not result in the violation of any provision of the Acquired Fund’s Declaration of Trust or Articles of Incorporation, as applicable, or By-Laws, Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Statement”) or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(d)        Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to and accepted by the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Fund has no material contracts or other commitments that will be terminated with liability to it before the Closing Date.

(e)        No litigation, administrative proceeding, or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or to its knowledge threatened against the Acquired Fund or any of its properties or assets, which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition, the conduct of its business, or the ability of the Acquired Fund to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Acquired Fund knows of no facts that might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings and is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree, or judgment of any court or governmental body that materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.

(f)        The financial statements of the Acquired Fund as of October 31, 2011, and for the year then ended have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Acquiring Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquired Fund as of October 31, 2011, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund as of such date that are not disclosed in such statements.

(g)        The unaudited semi-annual financial statements of the Acquired Fund as of April 30, 2012, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Acquiring Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquired Fund as of April 30, 2012, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund as of such date that are not disclosed in such statements.

(h)        Since the date of the financial statements referred to in subsection (g) above, there have been no material adverse changes in the Acquired Fund’s financial condition, assets, liabilities or business (other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business) and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund arising after such date. For the purposes of this subsection (h), a decline in the net asset value of the Acquired Fund shall not constitute a material adverse change.

(i)        All federal, state, local and other tax returns and reports of the Acquired Fund required by law to be filed by it (taking into account permitted extensions for filing) have been timely filed and are complete and correct in all material respects. All federal, state, local and other taxes of the Acquired Fund required to be paid (whether or not shown on any such return or report) have been paid, or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof and any such unpaid taxes are properly reflected on the financial statements referred to in subsections (f) and (g) above. To the best of the

 

A-7


Acquired Fund’s knowledge, no tax authority is currently auditing or preparing to audit the Acquired Fund, and no assessment for taxes, interest, additions to tax or penalties has been asserted against the Acquired Fund.

(j)        The authorized capital of the Acquired Fund consists of the shares set forth in Exhibit B. All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund are duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Acquired Fund (recognizing that, with respect to Premium Opportunity, under Massachusetts law, Acquired Fund shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquired Fund). All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will, at the time of the Closing, be held by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the records of the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent as provided in Section 3.3. The Acquired Fund has no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of the Acquired Fund, and has no outstanding securities convertible into shares of the Acquired Fund.

(k)        At the Closing, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to the Acquired Fund’s assets to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to Section 1.2, and full right, power, and authority to sell, assign, transfer, and deliver such assets, and the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such restrictions as might arise under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), except those restrictions as to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice and necessary documentation at or prior to the Closing.

(l)        The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Acquired Fund, including the determinations of the Acquired Fund Board required by Rule 17a-8(a) of the 1940 Act. Subject to approval by shareholders, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquired Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

(m)        The information to be furnished by the Acquired Fund for use in no-action letters, applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials and other documents that may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated herein shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations.

(n)        From the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 5.7) through the time of the meeting of shareholders and on the Closing Date, any written information furnished by the Acquired Fund with respect to the Acquired Fund for use in the Proxy Materials (as defined in Section 5.7), or any other materials provided in connection with its Reorganization, does not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading.

(o)        For each taxable year of its operations (including the taxable year ending on the Closing Date), the Acquired Fund (i) has elected to qualify, and has qualified or will qualify (in the case of the short taxable year ending with the Closing Date), as a “regulated investment company” under the Code (a “RIC”), (ii) has been eligible to compute and has computed its federal income tax

 

A-8


under Section 852 of the Code, and on or prior to the Closing Date will have declared a distribution with respect to all its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), the excess of its interest income excludible from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code over its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code and its net capital gain (as such terms are defined in the Code) that has accrued or will accrue on or prior to the Closing Date, and (iii) has been, and will be (in the case of the short taxable year ending with the Closing Date), treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes.

4.2        REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND.    The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants as follows:

(a)        The Acquiring Fund is a business trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

(b)        The Acquiring Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.

(c)        The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not result, in violation of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“MTP Statement”), Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of the Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (the “VMTP Statement”) or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(d)        No litigation, administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or to its knowledge threatened against the Acquiring Fund or any of its properties or assets, which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition, the conduct of its business or the ability of the Acquiring Fund to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Acquiring Fund knows of no facts that might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings and it is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree, or judgment of any court or governmental body that materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.

(e)        The financial statements of the Acquiring Fund as of October 31, 2011 and for the fiscal year then ended have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and have been audited by independent auditors, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to each Acquired Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquiring Fund as of October 31, 2011, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquiring Fund as of such date that are not disclosed in such statements.

(f)        The unaudited semi-annual financial statements of the Acquiring Fund as of April 30, 2012 have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to each Acquired Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquiring Fund as of April 30, 2012, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquiring Fund as of such date that are not disclosed in such statements.

(g)        Since the date of the financial statements referred to in subsection (f) above, there have been no material adverse changes in the Acquiring Fund’s financial condition, assets,

 

A-9


liabilities or business (other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business) and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquiring Fund arising after such date. For the purposes of this subsection (g), a decline in the net asset value of the Acquiring Fund shall not constitute a material adverse change.

(h)        All federal, state, local and other tax returns and reports of the Acquiring Fund required by law to be filed by it (taking into account permitted extensions for filing) have been timely filed and are complete and correct in all material respects. All federal, state, local and other taxes of the Acquiring Fund required to be paid (whether or not shown on any such return or report) have been paid or provision shall have been made for their payment and any such unpaid taxes are properly reflected on the financial statements referred to in subsections (e) and (f) above. To the best of the Acquiring Fund’s knowledge, no tax authority is currently auditing or preparing to audit the Acquiring Fund, and no assessment for taxes, interest, additions to tax or penalties has been asserted against the Acquiring Fund.

(i)        The authorized capital of the Acquiring Fund consists of an unlimited number of common and preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value 0.01 per share. All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquiring Fund are duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Acquiring Fund (recognizing that under Massachusetts law, Acquiring Fund shareholders, under certain circumstances, could be held personally liable for the obligations of the Acquiring Fund). The Acquiring Fund has no outstanding options, warrants, or other rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Acquiring Fund, and has no outstanding securities convertible into shares of the Acquiring Fund.

(j)        The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Acquiring Fund, including the determinations of the Acquiring Fund Board required pursuant to Rule 17a-8(a) of the 1940 Act. Subject to approval by shareholders, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

(k)        The Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to each Acquired Fund for the account of Acquired Fund Shareholders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will, at the Closing Date, have been duly authorized. When so issued and delivered, such shares will be duly and validly issued shares of the Acquiring Fund, and will be fully paid and non-assessable.

(l)        The information to be furnished by the Acquiring Fund for use in no-action letters, applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials, and other documents that may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated herein shall be accurate and complete in all material respects and shall comply in all material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations.

(m)        From the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 5.7) through the time of the meeting of shareholders and on the Closing Date, any written information furnished by the Acquiring Fund with respect to the Acquiring Fund for use in the Proxy Materials (as defined in Section 5.7), or any other materials provided in connection with the Reorganizations, does not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a

 

A-10


material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading.

(n)        For each taxable year of its operations, including the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund (i) has elected to qualify, has qualified or will qualify (in the case of the year that includes the Closing Date) and intends to continue to qualify as a RIC under the Code, (ii) has been eligible to and has computed its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and will do so for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, and (iii) has been, and will be (in the case of the taxable year that includes the Closing Date), treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes.

(o)        The Acquiring Fund agrees to use all reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state securities laws as it may deem appropriate in order to continue its operations after the Closing Date.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE FUNDS

5.1        OPERATION IN ORDINARY COURSE.    Subject to Sections 1.2, 1.4 and 8.5, the Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund will operate its respective business in the ordinary course between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, it being understood that such ordinary course of business will include customary dividends and distributions, and any other distribution necessary or desirable to avoid federal income or excise taxes.

5.2        APPROVAL OF SHAREHOLDERS.    The Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund will call a meeting of their respective shareholders to consider and act upon this Agreement (or transactions contemplated thereby) and to take all other appropriate action necessary to obtain approval of the transactions contemplated herein.

5.3        INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION.    Each Acquired Fund covenants that the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement are not being acquired for the purpose of making any distribution, other than in connection with the Reorganizations and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

5.4        ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.    Each Acquired Fund will assist the Acquiring Fund in obtaining such information as the Acquiring Fund reasonably requests concerning the beneficial ownership of the Acquired Fund’s shares.

5.5        FURTHER ACTION.    Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Fund will take or cause to be taken, all action, and do or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any actions required to be taken after the Closing Date.

5.6        STATEMENT OF EARNINGS AND PROFITS.    As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 60 days after the Closing Date, each Acquired Fund shall furnish the Acquiring Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and which shall be certified by such Acquired Fund’s Controller, a statement of the earnings and profits of the Acquired Fund for federal income tax purposes, as well as any net operating loss carryovers and capital loss carryovers, that will be carried over to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to Section 381 of the Code.

 

A-11


5.7        PREPARATION OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY MATERIALS.    The Funds will prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on Form N-14 relating to the Acquiring Fund Common Shares to be issued to holders of Acquired Fund common shares (the “Registration Statement”). The Registration Statement shall include a proxy statement of the Funds and a prospectus of the Acquiring Fund relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Registration Statement shall be in compliance with the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and the 1940 Act, as applicable. Each party will provide the other parties with the materials and information necessary to prepare the proxy statement and related materials (the “Proxy Materials”), for inclusion therein, in connection with the meetings of the Funds’ shareholders to consider the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

5.8        TAX STATUS OF REORGANIZATIONS.    The intention of the parties is that each Reorganization will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. None of the Acquired Funds or the Acquiring Fund shall take any action, or cause any action to be taken (including, without limitation, the filing of any tax return), that is inconsistent with such treatment or that results in the failure of the transactions to qualify as reorganizations within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. At or prior to the Closing Date, the parties to this Agreement will take such action, or cause such action to be taken, as is reasonably necessary to enable counsel to render the tax opinion contemplated in Section 8.8.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITION PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF EACH ACQUIRED FUND

The obligations of each Acquired Fund to consummate the transactions provided for herein shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the following condition:

6.1        All representations, covenants, and warranties of the Acquiring Fund contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund shall have delivered to each Acquired Fund a certificate executed in the Acquiring Fund’s name by the Acquiring Fund’s Controller and its Chief Administrative Officer or Vice President, in form and substance satisfactory to each Acquired Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to such effect and as to such other matters as each Acquired Fund shall reasonably request.

ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND

The obligations of the Acquiring Fund to consummate the transactions provided for herein shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the following conditions:

7.1        All representations, covenants, and warranties of each Acquired Fund contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date. Each Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date a certificate executed in the Acquired Fund’s name by the Acquired Fund’s Controller and its Chief Administrative Officer or Vice

 

A-12


President, in form and substance satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and dated as of the Closing Date, to such effect and as to such other matters as the Acquiring Fund shall reasonably request.

7.2        Each Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a statement of the Acquired Fund’s assets and liabilities, together with a list of the Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities showing the tax basis of such securities by lot and the holding periods of such securities, as of the Closing Date, certified by the Controller of the Fund.

7.3        Prior to the Valuation Time, each Acquired Fund shall have declared the dividends and/or distributions contemplated by Section 1.4 and Section 8.5.

ARTICLE VIII

FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

The obligations of each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund hereunder shall also be subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the following conditions:

8.1        This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of each Acquired Fund in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of each Acquired Fund’s Declaration of Trust or Articles of Incorporation, as applicable, VRDP Statement and By-Laws. In addition, this Agreement, the issuance of Acquiring Fund Shares and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been approved by the requisite votes of the holders of the outstanding shares of the Acquiring Fund in accordance with applicable law, the requirements of the applicable exchanges and the provisions of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, MTP Statement, VMTP Statement and By-Laws.

8.2        On the Closing Date, the Commission shall not have issued an unfavorable report under Section 25(b) of the 1940 Act, or instituted any proceeding seeking to enjoin the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under Section 25(c) of the 1940 Act. Furthermore, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be threatened or pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein.

8.3        All required consents of other parties and all other consents, orders, and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state securities authorities, including any necessary “no-action” positions and exemptive orders from such federal and state authorities) to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated herein shall have been obtained.

8.4        The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act, and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued. To the best knowledge of the parties to this Agreement, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the 1933 Act.

8.5        Each Acquired Fund shall have declared prior to the Valuation Time a dividend or dividends which, together with all previous such dividends, shall have the effect of distributing to its shareholders at least all of the Acquired Fund’s investment company taxable income for all taxable

 

A-13


periods ending on or before the Closing Date (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid), if any, plus the excess of its interest income excludible from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code, if any, over its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code for all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date and all of its net capital gains realized in all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date (after reduction for any available capital loss carry forward).

8.6        The Acquired Funds shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion from Vedder Price P.C. dated as of the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that:

(a)        The Acquiring Fund has been formed as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a “Massachusetts business trust,” and is existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and, to such counsel’s knowledge, has the power as a business trust to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted, in each case as described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

(b)        The Acquiring Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and, to such counsel’s knowledge, such registration under the 1940 Act is in full force and effect.

(c)        Assuming that the Acquiring Fund Shares will be issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to each Acquired Fund on behalf of its Acquired Fund Shareholders as provided by this Agreement are duly authorized and, upon such delivery, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable by the Acquiring Fund except that, as described in the Registration Statement, shareholders of the Acquiring Fund may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for its obligations, and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund has, as such holder, any preemptive rights to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any securities of the Acquiring Fund under the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws or Massachusetts law.

(d)        The Registration Statement is effective and, to such counsel’s knowledge, no stop order under the 1933 Act pertaining thereto has been issued.

(e)        To the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority of the United States or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is required for consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except as have been obtained.

(f)        The execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Fund, did not, and the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein will not, violate the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust, MTP Statement or By-Laws (assuming the requisite approval of the Fund’s shareholders has been obtained in accordance with its Declaration of Trust, MTP Statement and By-Laws).

Insofar as the opinions expressed above relate to or are dependent on matters governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Vedder Price P.C. may rely on the opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP.

8.7        The Acquiring Fund shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion from Vedder Price P.C. dated as of the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that:

(a)        Premium Opportunity has been formed as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a “Massachusetts business trust,” and

 

A-14


is existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and, to such counsel’s knowledge, has the power as a business trust to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted, in each case as described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

(b)        Premier Opportunity has been duly incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Minnesota and, to such counsel’s knowledge, has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted, in each case as described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

(c)        Each Acquired Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and, to such counsel’s knowledge, such registration under the 1940 Act is in full force and effect.

(d)        To the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority of the United States or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or State of Minnesota, as applicable, is required for consummation by the Acquired Funds of the transactions contemplated herein, except as have been obtained.

(e)        With respect to each Acquired Fund, the execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Acquired Fund, did not, and the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated herein will not, violate the Acquired Fund’s Declaration of Trust or Articles of Incorporation, as applicable, VRDP Statement or By-Laws (assuming the requisite approval of the Fund’s shareholders has been obtained in accordance with its Declaration of Trust or Articles of Incorporation, as applicable, VRDP Statement and By-Laws).

Insofar as the opinions expressed above relate to or are dependent upon matters governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Vedder Price P.C. may rely on the opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP. Insofar as the opinions expressed above relate to or are dependent upon matters governed by the laws of or the State of Minnesota, Vedder Price P.C. may rely on the opinion of Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

8.8        With respect to each Reorganization, the Funds participating in such Reorganization shall have received an opinion of Vedder Price P.C. addressed to the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes:

(a)        The transfer of substantially all of the Acquired Fund’s assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, followed by the distribution to Acquired Fund Shareholders of all the Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization,” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, with respect to such Reorganization.

(b)        No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund.

(c)        No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the transfer of substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund or

 

A-15


upon the distribution (whether actual or constructive) of such Acquiring Fund Shares to Acquired Fund Shareholders solely in exchange for such shareholders’ common and preferred shares of the Acquired Fund in complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund.

(d)        No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of their Acquired Fund shares solely for Acquiring Fund Shares in the Reorganization, except with respect to any cash received in lieu of a fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share.

(e)        The aggregate basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by each Acquired Fund Shareholder pursuant to the Reorganization (including any fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share to which a shareholder would be entitled) will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor by such shareholder. The holding period of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by each Acquired Fund Shareholder (including any fractional Acquiring Fund Common Share to which a shareholder would be entitled) will include the period during which the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor were held by such shareholder, provided such Acquired Fund shares are held as capital assets at the time of the Reorganization.

(f)        The basis of the Acquired Fund’s assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the basis of such assets to the Acquired Fund immediately before the Reorganization. The holding period of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the period during which those assets were held by the Acquired Fund.

No opinion will be expressed as to (1) the federal income tax consequences of payments, if any, to preferred shareholders of the MN Acquired Fund who elect Dissenters’ Rights, (2) the effect of the Reorganizations on (A) each Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund or any Acquired Fund Shareholder with respect to any asset as to which any unrealized gain or loss is required to be recognized under federal income tax principles (i) at the end of a taxable year (or on the termination thereof) or (ii) upon the transfer of such asset regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-taxable transaction under the Code, or (B) an Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund or any Acquired Fund Shareholder with respect to any stock held in a passive foreign investment company as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code or (2) any other federal tax issues (except those set forth above) and all state, local or foreign tax issues of any kind.

Such opinion shall be based on customary assumptions and such representations as Vedder Price P.C. may reasonably request of the Funds, and each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will cooperate to make and certify the accuracy of such representations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor any Acquired Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this Section 8.8. Insofar as the opinions expressed above relate to or are dependent upon the classification of the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares as equity securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Vedder Price P.C. may rely on the opinion of Sidley Austin LLP with respect to such issue.

8.9        The Acquiring Fund shall have obtained written confirmation from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Fitch, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, as applicable, that (a) consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not impair the then current rating assigned by such rating agencies to the existing Acquiring Fund MTP Shares and VMTP Shares and (b) the Acquiring Fund VRDP Shares to be issued pursuant to Section 1.1 will be rated by such rating agencies no less than the then current rating assigned by such rating agencies to the Acquired Fund VRDP Shares exchanged therefor.

 

A-16


ARTICLE IX

EXPENSES

9.1        The expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganizations (whether or not the Reorganizations are consummated) will be allocated among the Funds pro-rata based on the projected relative benefits to each Fund during the first year following the Reorganizations and each Fund shall have accrued such expenses and liabilities before the Valuation Time. Reorganization expenses include, without limitation: (a) expenses associated with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and other Proxy Materials; (b) postage; (c) printing; (d) accounting fees; (e) legal fees incurred by each Fund; (f) solicitation costs of the transactions; and (g) other related administrative or operational costs.

9.2        Each party represents and warrants to the other parties that there is no person or entity entitled to receive any broker’s fees or similar fees or commission payments in connection with the transactions provided for herein.

9.3        Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another party of such expenses would result in the disqualification of an Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, as the case may be, as a RIC.

ARTICLE X

ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES

10.1        The parties agree that no party has made to the other parties any representation, warranty and/or covenant not set forth herein, and that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between and among the parties.

10.2        The representations, warranties, and covenants contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement shall not survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.

ARTICLE XI

TERMINATION

11.1        This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of the parties and such termination may be effected by each Fund’s Chief Administrative Officer or any Vice President without further action by the Acquiring Fund Board or an Acquired Fund Board. In addition, this Agreement may be terminated at or before the Closing Date due to:

(a)        a breach by any other party of any representation, warranty, or agreement contained herein to be performed at or before the Closing Date, if not cured within 30 days;

(b)        a condition precedent to the obligations of the terminating party that has not been met or waived and it reasonably appears that it will not or cannot be met; or

 

A-17


(c)        a determination by the Acquiring Fund Board or an Acquired Fund Board that the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein is not in the best interests of its respective Fund involved in the Reorganizations.

11.2        In the event of any such termination, in the absence of willful default, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of the Acquiring Fund Board, any Acquired Fund Board, any Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund, the Adviser, or any Fund’s or Adviser’s officers.

ARTICLE XII

AMENDMENTS

12.1        This Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the officers of each Fund as specifically authorized by each Fund’s Board of Trustees or Board of Directors, as applicable; provided, however, that following the meeting of the shareholders of the Funds called by each Fund pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement, no such amendment, modification or supplement may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued to the Acquired Fund Shareholders under this Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.

ARTICLE XIII

HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT;

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

13.1        The article and section headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

13.2        This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

13.3        This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

13.4        This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other parties. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm, or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

13.5        With respect to the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity, it is expressly agreed that the obligations of such Fund hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Board members, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents, or employees of such Fund personally, but shall bind only the fund property of such Fund, as provided in such Fund’s Declaration of Trust, which is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The execution and delivery of this

 

A-18


Agreement have been authorized by the Boards, and signed by authorized officers of the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity acting as such. Neither the authorization by such Board members nor the execution and delivery by such officers shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the fund property of such Fund as provided in its Declaration of Trust.

13.6        It is understood and agreed that the use of a single Agreement is for administrative convenience only and shall constitute a separate agreement between each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, as if each party had executed a separate document. No Fund shall have any liability for the obligations of any other Fund, and the liabilities of each Fund shall be several and not joint.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

A-19


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement, all as of the date first written above.

 

NUVEEN AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL
INCOME FUND

By:

 

 

Name: 

  Kevin J. McCarthy

Title: 

  Vice President and Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGED:

 

By:

 

 

Name: 

 

 

 

NUVEEN PREMIER MUNICIPAL
OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.

By:

 

 

Name: 

  Kevin J. McCarthy

Title: 

  Vice President and Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGED:

 

By:

 

 

Name: 

 

 

 

NUVEEN PREMIUM INCOME
MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND

By:

 

 

Name: 

  Kevin J. McCarthy

Title: 

  Vice President and Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGED:

 

By:

 

 

Name: 

 

 

 

A-20


EXHIBIT A

 

Acquired Fund

  

Acquired Fund Preferred Shares Outstanding

  

Acquiring Fund Preferred Shares to be Issued
in the Reorganizations

Premium Opportunity

  

VRDP Shares, Series 2

$100,000 liquidation value per share

Final Mandatory Redemption Date: June 1, 2040

  

VRDP Shares, Series 1

$100,000 liquidation value per share

Final Mandatory Redemption Date: June 1, 2040

Premier Opportunity

  

VRDP Shares, Series 1

$100,000 liquidation value per share

Final Mandatory Redemption Date: December 1, 2040

  

VRDP Shares, Series 2

$100,000 liquidation value per share

Final Mandatory Redemption Date: December 1, 2040

 

A-21


EXHIBIT B

CAPITALIZATION OF ACQUIRED FUNDS

 

Acquired Fund

  

Authorized Common Shares

  

Authorized Preferred Shares

Premier Opportunity

   200,000,000    1,000,000

Premium Opportunity

   Unlimited    Unlimited

 

A-22


APPENDIX B

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Information contained in the tables below under the headings “Per Share Operating Performance” and “Ratios/Supplemental Data” shows the operating performance for the life of the Fund.

Acquiring Fund

The following financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance. Certain information reflects financial results from a single Fund common share outstanding throughout each period. The information in the financial highlights is derived from the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s annual financial statements as of October 31, 2011, including the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Also included is selected data for the six months ended April 30, 2012, which is unaudited and appears in the Fund’s 2012 Semi-Annual Report. The Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787.

 

    Year Ended October 31,  

Per Share Operating
Performance

  2012(f)     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003(g)  

Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value

  $ 14.70      $ 14.98      $ 14.42      $ 12.37      $ 14.71      $ 14.93      $ 14.56      $ 14.75      $ 14.54      $ 14.33   

Investment Operations:

                   

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    0.40        0.84        0.87        0.98        0.95        0.97        0.97        0.97        0.99        0.82   

Net Realized/Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    0.53        (0.29     0.52        1.86        (2.31     (0.21     0.38        (0.19     0.21        0.42   

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

    0.00        (0.01     (0.02     (0.06     (0.27     (0.27     (0.24     (0.15     (0.07     (0.05

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

    0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    0.93        0.54        1.37        2.78        (1.63     0.49        1.11        0.63        1.13        1.19   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions:

                   

Net Investment Income to Common Shareholders

    (0.42     (0.82     (0.81     (0.73     (0.71     (0.71     (0.74     (0.81     (0.92     (0.78

Capital Gains to Common Shareholders

    0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.01     (0.01     0.00   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (0.42     (0.82     (0.81     (0.73     (0.71     (0.71     (0.74     (0.82     (0.93     (0.78
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and Retired

    0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00 **      0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.01        (0.20

Ending Common Share Net Asset Value

  $ 15.21      $ 14.70      $ 14.98      $ 14.42      $ 12.37      $ 14.71      $ 14.93      $ 14.56      $ 14.75      $ 14.54   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Market Value

  $ 14.75      $ 13.85      $ 14.95      $ 13.48      $ 11.40      $ 14.30      $ 14.35      $ 13.41      $ 14.91      $ 14.79   

Total Returns:

                   

Based on Market Value(b)

    9.58     (1.60 )%      17.27     25.41     (15.97 )%      4.59     12.82     (4.68 )%      7.41     3.87

Based on Common Share Net Asset Value(b)

    6.38     3.92     9.76     23.05     (11.56 )%      3.35     7.82     4.33     8.07     6.98

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                   

Ending Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares (000)

  $ 338,282      $ 326,909      $ 333,074      $ 320,587      $ 229,075      $ 272,391      $ 276,506      $ 269,614      $ 273,112      $ 269,112   

 

B-1


    Year Ended October 31,  
    2012(f)     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003(g)  

Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares

                   

Before Reimbursement(c):

                   

Expenses(e)

    2.18 %*      2.02     1.76     1.24     1.26     1.19     1.19     1.19     1.20     1.12 %* 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    5.35 %*      5.86     5.80     7.14     6.27     6.04     6.12     6.06     6.24     5.52 %* 

Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares

                   

After Reimbursement(c)(d):

                   

Expenses(e)

    N/A        2.01     1.63     0.99     0.87     0.70     0.69     0.70     0.71     0.65 %* 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    N/A        5.87     5.93     7.39     6.66     6.53     6.61     6.55     6.73     6.00 %* 

Portfolio Turnover Rate

    8     2     2     6     8     6     —       1     13     72

Auction Rate Preferred (ARPS) Shares at End of Period:

                   

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ —        $ —        $ 67,375      $ 148,750      $ 132,800      $ 144,000      $ 144,000      $ 144,000      $ 144,000      $ 144,000   

Liquidation Value Per Share

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

Asset Coverage Per Share

  $ —        $ —        $ 80,374      $ 78,880      $ 68,124      $ 72,290      $ 73,005      $ 71,808      $ 72,415      $ 71,721   

MuniFund Term Preferred (MTP) Shares at End of Period:

                   

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 83,000      $ 83,000      $ 83,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Liquidation Value Per Share

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

Asset Coverage Per Share

  $ 32.46      $ 31.71      $ 32.15      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Ending Market Value Per Share

  $ 10.15      $ 10.14      $ 10.14      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Average Market Value Per Share

  $ 10.14      $ 10.08      $ 10.15 (h)    $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (VMTP) Shares at End of Period:

                   

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 67,600      $ 67,600      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Liquidation Value Per Share

  $ 100,000      $ 100,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Asset Coverage Per Share

  $ 324,623      $ 317,071      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

ARPS, MTP and/or VMTP Shares at End of Period

                   

Asset Coverage Per $1 Liquidation Preference

  $ 3.25      $ 3.17      $ 3.21      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

 

(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

 

B-2


  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 ARPS, MTP Shares and/or VMTP Shares, where applicable.
(d) After expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. Ratios do not reflect the effect of custodian fee credits earned on the Fund’s net cash on deposit with the custodian bank or legal fee refund, where applicable. As of November 30, 2010, the Adviser is no longer reimbursing the Fund for any fees or expenses.
(e) The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to MTP Shares, VMTP Shares 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, each as described in Footnote 1—General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, Variable Rate MuniFund Preferred Shares and Inverse Floating Rate Securities, respectively, in the most recent shareholder report, as follows:

 

2012(f)

     1.09 %* 

2011

     0.94   

2010

     0.67   

2009

     0.05   

2008

     0.07   

2007

     0.02   

2006

     —     

2005

     —     

2004

     —     

2003(g)

     —     
(f) For the six months ended April 30, 2012. (unaudited)
(g) For the period November 21, 2002 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2003.
(h) For the period January 19, 2010 (first issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2010.
* Annualized.
** Rounds to less than $.01 per share.
N/A Fund no longer has a reimbursement agreement with the Adviser.

Acquired Funds

The following financial highlights table is intended to help you understand each Acquired Fund’s financial performance. Certain information reflects financial results from a single Fund common share outstanding throughout each period. Except where noted, the information in the financial highlights is derived from the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s annual financial statements as of October 31, 2011, including the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Also included is selected data for the six months ended April 30, 2012, which is unaudited and appears in the Fund’s 2012 Semi-Annual Report. The Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787.

Premier Opportunity

 

    Year Ended October 31,  

Per Share Operating
Performance

  2012(f)     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value

  $ 14.72      $ 15.01      $ 14.38      $ 12.54      $ 14.90      $ 15.40      $ 15.33      $ 16.00      $ 15.69      $ 15.59      $ 15.55   

Investment Operations:

                     

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    0.43        0.88        0.96        0.99        0.96        0.97        0.98        1.01        1.03        1.05        1.14   

Net Realized/ Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    0.85        (0.27     0.57        1.64        (2.37     (0.47     0.25        (0.49     0.36        0.13        (0.05

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

    0.00        (0.01     (0.03     (0.06     (0.31     (0.29     (0.25     (0.16     (0.08     (0.07     (0.11

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

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    1.28        0.60        1.50        2.57        (1.72     0.21        0.96        0.35        1.31        1.11        0.98   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

B-3


    Year Ended October 31,  
    2012(f)     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

Less Distributions:

                     

Net Investment Income to Common Shareholders

    (0.45     (0.89     (0.87     (0.73     (0.64     (0.71     (0.79     (0.93     (0.98     (0.98     (0.94

Capital Gains to Common Shareholders

    0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.10     (0.09     (0.02     (0.03     0.00   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (0.45     (0.89     (0.87     (0.73     (0.64     (0.71     (0.89     (1.02     (1.00     (1.01     (0.94
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Common Share Net Asset Value

  $ 15.55      $ 14.72      $ 15.01      $ 14.38      $ 12.54      $ 14.90      $ 15.40      $ 15.33      $ 16.00      $ 15.69      $ 15.59   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Market Value

  $ 15.26      $ 14.26      $ 15.50      $ 13.10      $ 11.19      $ 13.25      $ 14.60      $ 14.40      $ 15.64      $ 15.51      $ 15.33   

Total Returns:

                     

Based on Market Value(b)

    10.22     (1.98 )%      25.60     24.07     (11.12 )%      (4.66 )%      7.68     (1.66 )%      7.55     7.84     6.84

Based on Common Share Net Asset Value(b)

    8.80     4.40     10.74     20.90     (11.92 )%      1.40     6.46     2.16     8.62     7.28     6.57

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                     

Ending Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares (000)

  $ 303,454      $ 287,068      $ 292,018      $ 279,312      $ 243,589      $ 289,400      $ 299,001      $ 297,624      $ 310,666      $ 303,912      $ 301,121   

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

                     

Expenses(e)

    1.59 %*      1.65     1.20     1.30     1.42     1.38     1.22     1.20     1.21     1.22     1.25

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    5.71 %*      6.19     6.56     7.25     6.72     6.41     6.44     6.39     6.53     6.66     7.40

Portfolio Turnover Rate

    10     8     12     2     6     9     8     20     13     25     43

Auction Rate Preferred (ARPS) Shares at End of Period:

                     

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ —        $ —        $ 130,125      $ 130,125      $ 154,950      $ 161,000      $ 161,000      $ 161,000      $ 161,000      $ 161,000      $ 161,000   

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

  $ —        $ —        $ 81,103      $ 78,662      $ 64,301      $ 69,938      $ 71,429      $ 71,215      $ 73,240      $ 72,191      $ 71,158   

Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares at End of Period:

                     

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 130,900      $ 130,900      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Liquidation Value Per Share

  $ 100,000      $ 100,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Asset Coverage Per Share

  $ 331,822      $ 319,303      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

 

B-4


 

(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 ARPS and/or VRDP 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 or legal fee refund, where applicable.
(e) The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to VRDP Shares 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, Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares and Inverse Floating Rate Securities, respectively, in the most recent shareholder report, as follows:

 

2012(f)

     0.55 %* 

2011

     0.59   

2010

     0.06   

2009

     0.07   

2008

     0.17   

2007

     0.17   

2006

     —     

2005

     —     

2004

     —     

2003

     —     

2002

     —     
(f) For the six months ended April 30, 2012. (unaudited)
* Annualized.

 

B-5


Premium Opportunity

 

    Year Ended October 31,  

Per Share Operating
Performance

  2012(f)     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value

  $ 13.54      $ 13.53      $ 12.96      $ 11.39      $ 13.73      $ 14.16      $ 13.93      $ 14.45      $ 14.24      $ 14.17      $ 13.94   

Investment Operations:

                     

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    0.39        0.77        0.78        0.80        0.80        0.86        0.86        0.89        0.93        0.96        0.99   

Net Realized/ Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    0.85        (0.02     0.53        1.44        (2.32     (0.39     0.28        (0.44     0.23        0.03        0.16   

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

    0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.20     (0.26     (0.23     (0.14     (0.07     (0.06     (0.10

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

    0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    1.24        0.75        1.31        2.24        (1.72     0.21        0.91        0.31        1.09        0.93        1.05   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions:

                     

Net Investment Income to Common Shareholders

    (0.37     (0.74     (0.74     (0.67     (0.62     (0.64     (0.68     (0.83     (0.88     (0.86     (0.82

Capital Gains to Common Shareholders

    0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (0.37     (0.74     (0.74     (0.67     (0.62     (0.64     (0.68     (0.83     (0.88     (0.86     (0.82
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Common Share Net Asset Value

  $ 14.41      $ 13.54      $ 13.53      $ 12.96      $ 11.39      $ 13.73      $ 14.16      $ 13.93      $ 14.45      $ 14.24      $ 14.17   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Market Value

  $ 13.76      $ 12.83      $ 13.40      $ 11.86      $ 9.56      $ 12.18      $ 13.03      $ 12.83      $ 14.11      $ 14.12      $ 13.77   

Total Returns:

                     

Based on Market Value(b)

    10.19     1.75     19.70     31.78     (17.17 )%      (1.77 )%      7.11     (3.32 )%      6.42     8.84     6.32

Based on Common Share Net Asset Value(b)

    9.26     6.01     10.39     20.15     (12.98 )%      1.55     6.75     2.14     7.89     6.70     7.83

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                     

Ending Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares (000)

  $ 538,364      $ 505,766      $ 505,332      $ 484,069      $ 425,557      $ 513,021      $ 528,984      $ 520,508      $ 539,697      $ 530,975      $ 527,800   

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

                     

Expenses(e)

    1.66 %*      1.80     1.82     1.98     2.13     1.76     1.16     1.16     1.16     1.17     1.20

Net Investment Income (Loss)

    5.58 %*      5.99     5.87     6.56     6.12     6.19     6.14     6.20     6.52     6.68     7.13

Portfolio Turnover Rate

    9     20     10     7     8     5     15     23     14     31     26

 

B-6


    Year Ended October 31,  
    2012(f)     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

Auction Rate Preferred (ARPS) Shares at End of Period:

                     

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 268,900      $ 268,900      $ 268,900      $ 268,900      $ 268,900      $ 268,900   

Liquidation Value Per Share

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

Asset Coverage Per Share

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 72,696      $ 74,180      $ 73,392      $ 75,176      $ 74,365      $ 74,070   

Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares at End of Period:

                     

Aggregate Amount Outstanding (000)

  $ 219,000      $ 219,000      $ 219,000      $ 219,000      $ 219,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Liquidation Value Per Share

  $ 100,000      $ 100,000      $ 100,000      $ 100,000      $ 100,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Asset Coverage Per Share

  $ 345,828      $ 330,943      $ 330,745      $ 321,036      $ 294,318      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

 

(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 ARPS and/or VRDP 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 or legal fee refund, where applicable.
(e) The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to VRDP Shares 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, both as described in Footnote 1—General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares and Inverse Floating Rate Securities, respectively, in the most recent shareholder report, as follows:

 

2012(f)

     0.65 %* 

2011

     0.77   

2010

     0.59   

2009

     0.89   

2008

     0.88   

2007

     0.60   

2006

     —     

2005

     —     

2004

     —     

2003

     —     

2002

     —     
(f) For the six months ended April 30, 2012. (unaudited)
* Annualized.

 

B-7


 

 

LOGO

 

 

Nuveen Investments

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606-1286

(800) 257-8787

www.nuveen.com                                                                                                                       NEA-1212


STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

RELATING TO THE REORGANIZATIONS OF

NUVEEN PREMIER MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. (NIF) AND

NUVEEN PREMIUM INCOME MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (NPX)

(each, an “Acquired Fund” and collectively, the “Acquired Funds”)

AND

NUVEEN AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (NEA, NEA PRC)

(the “Acquiring Fund” and, together with the Acquired Funds, the “Funds” and each, a “Fund”)

This Statement of Additional Information is available to shareholders of the Acquired Funds in connection with the proposed reorganizations whereby, with respect to each reorganization, (i) the Acquiring Fund would acquire substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange solely for common shares and Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares (“VRDP Shares”) of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquiring Fund’s assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, and (ii) the Acquired Fund would be liquidated, dissolved and terminated in accordance with applicable law (each, a “Reorganization”).

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated November 7, 2012 relating to the proposed Reorganizations of the Acquired Funds into the Acquiring Fund (the “Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). A copy of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other information may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787, by writing to the Funds or from the Funds’ website (http://www.nuveen.com). The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Funds’ website is not part of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information. You may also obtain a copy of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Statement of Additional Information have the meanings ascribed to them in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

This Statement of Additional Information is dated November 7, 2012.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

General

     S-1   

Investment Objectives and Policies

     S-1   

Portfolio Composition

     S-2   

Investment Restrictions

     S-16   

Management of the Funds

     S-20   

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

     S-32   

Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser

     S-44   

Portfolio Managers

     S-46   

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

     S-49   

Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund

     S-50   

Federal Income Tax Matters

     S-52   

Experts

     S-58   

Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Redemption and Paying Agent

     S-58   

Additional Information

     S-58   

Pro Forma Financial Information

     S-59   

Appendix A—Ratings of Investments

     A-1   

Appendix B—Taxable Equivalent Yield Table

     B-1   

 

i


GENERAL

Effective January 2, 2012, the Acquiring Fund changed its name from “Nuveen Insured Tax-Free Advantage Municipal Fund” to “Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund.”

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The following supplements the information contained in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus concerning the investment objectives and policies of the Funds. The investment policies described below, except as set forth under “Investment Restrictions,” are not fundamental policies and may be changed by a Fund’s Board of Trustees or Board of Directors, as applicable, without the approval of shareholders.

Under normal circumstances, the Acquiring Fund will invest at least 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 portfolio securities that pay interest exempt from regular federal income tax and from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals (the “AMT”). Under normal circumstances, each Acquired Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in a portfolio of securities that pay interest exempt from regular federal income taxes.

Under normal circumstances, each Fund invests 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 ratings organization (“NRSRO”) or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Each 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 the Adviser. No more than 10% of each 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 the Adviser.

If a municipal security satisfies the rating requirements described above at the time of purchase, a Fund will not be required to dispose of the security upon downgrade.

Each Fund also may invest up to 15% of its Managed Assets in inverse floating rate securities.

During temporary defensive periods and in order to keep each Fund’s cash fully invested, a 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. Each 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 tax.

A general description of NRSRO (i.e., Moody’s, S&P and Fitch) ratings of municipal securities is set forth in Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information.

 

S-1


PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

In addition to and supplementing the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, each Fund’s portfolio will be composed principally of the investments described below.

General.    Each 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 taxes (and, in the case of the Acquiring Fund, the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals). Municipal securities are generally debt obligations issued by state and local governmental entities and may be issued by U.S. territories to finance or refinance public projects such as roads, schools, and water supply systems. Municipal securities may also be issued 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 on long term debt. Municipal securities may be issued and purchased 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 may increase the effective leverage of the Fund.

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 bonds 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.

Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation.    The Funds 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 that is issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Income from such obligations generally is 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

 

S-2


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, a Fund’s original investment. To the extent that a 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 Funds will only purchase municipal securities representing lease obligations where the Adviser believes the issuer has a strong incentive to continue making appropriations until maturity.

A certificate of participation represents an undivided interest in an unmanaged pool of municipal leases, an installment purchase agreement or other instruments. The certificates typically are 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 Funds with the right to a pro rata undivided interest in the underlying municipal securities. In addition, such participations generally provide the Funds with the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days’ notice, of all or any part of a 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

 

S-3


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 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. A Fund’s distributions of its interest income from private activity bonds may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum tax.

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, generally are 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 generally are 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.

The foregoing information constitutes only a brief summary of some of the general factors which 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 Funds 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 Funds are unable to predict whether or to what extent such factors or other factors may affect the issuers of the municipal bonds, the market value or marketability of the municipal bonds or the ability of the respective issuers of the municipal bonds acquired by the Funds to pay interest on or principal of the municipal bonds. This information has not been independently verified.

Derivatives and Hedging Strategies

The Funds 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. In addition to inverse floating rate securities and structured notes, the Funds may invest in certain other 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 whose prices, in the Adviser’s opinion, correlate with the prices of the Funds’ investments. The Adviser uses derivatives to shorten or lengthen the effective

 

S-4


duration of its portfolio securities, and therefore the interest rate risk, of the Funds’ portfolios, and to adjust other aspects of the portfolio’s risk/return profile. The Funds may use these instruments if the Funds deem it more efficient from a transaction cost, total return or income standpoint than investing in cash securities.

“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 Barclays Capital 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 hedge by the Funds may be greater than gains in the value of the securities in the Funds’ portfolios. In addition, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances. As a result, in volatile markets, the Funds may not be able to close out the transaction without incurring losses substantially greater than the initial deposit. Losses due to hedging transactions will reduce the Funds’ net asset value which in turn could reduce yield. The Funds will not make any investment (whether an initial premium or deposit or a subsequent deposit) other than as necessary to close a prior investment if, immediately after such investment, the sum of the amount of its premiums and deposits would exceed 15% of a Fund’s Managed Assets. The Funds will invest in these instruments only in markets believed by the Adviser to be active and sufficiently liquid. Successful implementation of most hedging strategies would 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 Funds receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Funds will only sell covered futures contracts, which means that the Funds segregate assets equal to the amount of the obligations.

Interest Rate and Total Return Swaps.    The Funds may invest in interest rate swaps, total return swaps and other debt-related derivative instruments. The Funds will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. In an interest rate swap, the Funds and another party exchange their respective commitments to pay each other floating for fixed rates of interest at a floating rate referenced to local short-term interest rates and a fixed rate referenced

 

S-5


to the interest rate in the international (non-U.S.) local government securities market denominated in that non-U.S. market currency. In a total return swap, the Funds exchanges with another party their respective commitments to pay or receive the total return of an underlying asset and a floating local short-term interest rate.

The Funds usually will enter into interest rate swaps and total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Funds receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Funds’ obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of cash or liquid securities having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated by the Funds. If the interest rate swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of the Funds’ obligations will be accrued on a daily basis, and the full amount of the Funds’ obligations will be segregated by the Funds.

The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions, including the risk that the counterparty may be unable to fulfill the transaction. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Funds will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Funds would be unfavorably affected.

Credit Default Swaps.    A credit default swap is an agreement between two counterparties, in which one party makes a periodic payment to the other party in exchange for a potential payoff if a third party (the “reference credit”) defaults in the payment of its debt obligations. The Funds may enter into a credit default swap as the first party (or “buyer”) seeking to receive credit protection to hedge a specific portfolio holding. In this example, a counterparty is the provider (or “seller”) of credit protection. Generally, credit default swaps may reference a specific entity or a pool of entities. The settlement of a credit default swap, upon the occurrence of a trigger event, may be accomplished by means of physical delivery of the securities of the reference entity, or a cash payment. Entering into credit default swap agreements involves counterparty risks.

Bond Futures and Forward Contracts.    Bond futures contracts are agreements in which one party agrees to deliver to the other an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific bond at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of securities is made. Forward contracts are agreements to purchase or sell a specified security or currency at a specified future date (or within a specified time period) and price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are usually entered into with banks, foreign exchange dealers or broker-dealers and are usually for less than one year, but may be renewed. Forward contracts are generally purchased or sold in over-the-counter transactions.

Under regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) currently in effect, which may change from time to time, with respect to futures contracts purchased by the Funds, the Funds will set aside in a segregated account liquid securities with a value at least equal to the value of instruments underlying such futures contracts less the amount of initial margin on deposit for such contracts. The current view of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission is that the Funds’ long and short positions in futures contracts must be collateralized with cash or certain liquid assets held in a segregated account or “covered” in order to counter the impact of any potential leveraging.

 

S-6


Parties to a futures contract must make “initial margin” deposits to secure performance of the contract. There are also requirements to make “variation margin” deposits from time to time as the value of the futures contract fluctuates.

Options on Currency Futures Contracts.    Currency futures contracts are standardized agreements between two parties to buy and sell a specific amount of a currency at a set price on a future date. While similar to currency forward contracts, currency futures contracts are traded on commodities exchanges and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. An option on a currency futures contract gives the holder of the option the right to buy or sell a position in a currency futures contract, at a set price and on or before a specified expiration date. Trading options on international (non-U.S.) currency futures contracts is relatively new. The ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market.

The Funds and the Adviser have claimed, respectively, an exclusion from registration as a commodity pool operator and as a commodity trading advisor under the Commodity Exchange Act (the “CEA”) and, therefore, neither the Funds, the Adviser, nor their officers and trustees, are subject to the registration requirements of the CEA or regulation as a commodity pool operator or a commodity trading advisor under the CEA. On February 9, 2012, the CFTC adopted amendments to its rules that, once effective, may affect the ability of the Funds to continue to claim the 4.5 exclusion. A Fund that seeks to claim the exclusion after the effectiveness of the amended rules would be limited in its ability to use futures and options on futures or commodities or engage in swap transactions. If the Funds were no longer able to claim the exclusion, the Adviser would be required to register as a “commodity pool operator,” and the Funds and the Adviser would be subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act. The Funds reserve the right to engage in transactions involving futures and options thereon to the extent allowed by CFTC regulations in effect from time to time and in accordance with the Funds’ policies. In addition, certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), may limit the extent to which the Funds may enter into futures contracts or engage in options transactions. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”

Index Futures.    A tax-exempt bond index which assigns relative values to the tax-exempt bonds included in the index is traded on the Chicago Board of Trade. The index fluctuates with changes in the market values of all tax-exempt bonds included rather than a single bond. An index future is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash—rather than any security—equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index future was originally written. Thus, an index future is similar to traditional financial futures except that settlement is made in cash.

Index Options.    The Funds may also purchase put or call options on U.S. government or tax-exempt bond index futures and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position. Options on index futures are similar to options on debt instruments except that an option on an index future gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in an index contract rather than an underlying security at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance of the writer’s futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the index futures contract, at exercise, is less than the exercise price of the option on the index future.

 

S-7


Bond index futures and options transactions would be subject to risks similar to transactions in financial futures and options thereon as described above.

Interest Rate Transactions.    In order to seek to hedge the value of a Fund’s portfolio or to seek to increase the Fund’s return, the Fund may enter into various interest rate transactions such as interest rate swaps and the purchase or sale of interest rate caps and floors. Each Fund may enter into these transactions to seek to increase its return, to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or to seek to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date.

Interest rate swaps involve a Fund’s agreement with the swap counterparty to pay a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay the Fund a payment at a variable rate that is expected to approximate the rate on the Fund’s variable rate payment obligations. The payment obligations would be based on the notional amount of the swap. The Funds may use an interest rate cap, which would require it to pay a premium to the cap counterparty and would entitle it, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, to receive from the counterparty payment of the difference based on the notional amount. The Funds would use interest rate swaps or caps only with the intent to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on common share net earnings as a result of leverage.

The Funds will usually enter into swaps or caps 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 Funds receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Funds intend to maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to a Fund’s net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked-to-market daily.

The use of interest rate transactions, such as interest rate swaps and caps, is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the Funds’ use of interest rate swaps or caps could enhance or harm the overall performance of a Fund’s common shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate swap or cap could decline, and could result in a decline in the net asset value of the common shares. In addition, if short-term interest rates are lower than a Fund’s fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will reduce common share net earnings. If, on the other hand, short-term interest rates are higher than the fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will enhance common share net earnings. Buying interest rate caps could enhance the performance of the common shares by providing a maximum leverage expense. Buying interest rate caps could also decrease the net earnings of the common shares in the event that the premium paid by a Fund to the counterparty exceeds the additional amount the Fund would have been required to pay had it not entered into the cap agreement.

Interest rate swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that a Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset interest payments. Depending on whether the Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which in turn would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates at that point in time, such a default could negatively impact the performance of the common shares.

Although this will not guarantee that the counterparty does not default, a Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction with any counterparty that the Adviser believes does not

 

S-8


have the financial resources to honor its obligation under the interest rate swap or cap transaction. Further, the Adviser will continually monitor the financial stability of a counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap transaction in an effort to proactively protect the Funds’ investments.

In addition, at the time the interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Funds would not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement would not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the performance of a Fund’s common shares.

Segregation of Assets

As closed-end investment companies registered with the SEC, each Fund is subject to the federal securities laws, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the rules thereunder, and various interpretive provisions of the SEC and its staff. In accordance with these laws, rules and positions, each Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC 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, each 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, a Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to such 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. Each 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 SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation.

Each Fund generally will use its assets to cover its obligations as required by the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, and applicable positions of the SEC and its staff. As a result of such segregation, such assets may not be used for other operational purposes.

Each Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts. With respect to such investments, each Fund will segregate or earmark assets in an amount equal to at least 100% of the face amount of the floating rate securities issued by such trust.

Short-Term Investments

Short-Term Taxable Fixed Income Securities.    For temporary defensive purposes or to keep cash on hand fully invested, the Funds may invest up to 100% of its net assets in cash equivalents and short-term taxable fixed-income securities, although the Funds intend 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 dividends paid being subject to regular federal income tax and the federal alternative minimum tax. Short-term taxable fixed income investments are defined to include, without limitation, the following:

(a) 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

 

S-9


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.

(b) 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 Funds may not be fully insured.

(c) Repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities. At the time a 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 a 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 Funds to invest temporarily available cash. The Funds 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 Funds may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Funds 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 Funds are entitled to sell the underlying collateral. If the value of the collateral declines after the agreement is entered into, and if the seller defaults under a repurchase agreement when the value of the underlying collateral is less than the repurchase price, the Funds could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The investment adviser 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. The Funds’ investment adviser 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 Funds. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Funds to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.

(d) 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 Funds and a corporation. There is no secondary market for such notes. However, they are redeemable by the Funds at any time. The Adviser will consider the financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow, and other liquidity ratios) and will continuously monitor the corporation’s ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because a 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

 

S-10


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 Fixed Income Securities.    Short-term tax-exempt fixed-income 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 fixed income securities are defined to include, without limitation, the following:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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.

 

S-11


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 Funds 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.

Inverse Floating Rate Securities and Floating Rate Securities

Inverse Floating Rate Securities.    Inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as “inverse floaters”) 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: floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as short-term floaters or tender option bonds) and inverse floating rate securities (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters or residual interest securities). Both classes of beneficial interests are represented by certificates. 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, the institution granting the tender option 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, each 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, each Fund as the holder of the inverse floater assumes the interest rate cash flow risk and the market value risk associated with the municipal bond 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 inverse floaters that are issued by the special purpose trust. Each Fund expects to make limited investments in inverse floaters, with leverage ratios that may vary between one and three times. However, each Fund is permitted to invest in highly leveraged inverse floating rate securities. 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 a Fund, as the holder of the residual inverse floating rate securities.

Because increases in either the interest rate on the securities or the value of indexes (with which inverse floaters maintain their inverse relationship) reduce the residual interest paid on inverse floaters, inverse floaters’ value is generally more volatile than that of fixed rate bonds. The market price of inverse floating rate securities is more volatile than the underlying securities due to leverage. These securities generally will underperform the market of fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment but tend to outperform the market of fixed rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable. Although volatile, inverse floaters typically offer the potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity.

Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity or illiquidity based upon, among other things, the liquidity of the underlying bonds deposited in a special purpose trust. Each Fund may invest in inverse floating rate securities issued by special purpose trusts that have recourse to the Fund. In the Adviser’s discretion, each Fund may enter into a separate shortfall and forbearance agreement with the

 

S-12


third party sponsor of a special purpose trust. Each 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 a 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 a Fund to a risk of loss that exceeds its investment in the inverse floating rate securities. Absent a shortfall and forbearance agreement, each Fund would not be required to make such a reimbursement. If a Fund chooses not to enter into such an agreement, the special purpose trust could be liquidated, and such Fund could incur a loss. Each 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 Statement of Additional Information.

Floating Rate Securities.    Each 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, each 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.

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions

Each 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 purchaser enters into the commitment. Beginning on the date a Fund enters into a commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, such Fund is required under the rules of the SEC 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 such Fund and, to the extent distributed, will be taxable distributions to shareholders. Each Fund may enter into contracts to purchase 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 60 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 their cost.

 

S-13


Structured Notes

The Funds 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.

Other Investment Companies

The Funds may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (including exchange-traded funds (often referred to as “ETFs”)) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Funds may invest directly. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Funds will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Funds’ advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Common shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Funds invest in other investment companies. The Adviser will take expenses into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in the investment company relative to available municipal bond investments. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to leverage risks. 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.

Other Investment Policies and Techniques

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 only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days.

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 Funds 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 Funds may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Funds might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid securities will be priced at a fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees or Board of Directors, as applicable, or its delegate.

 

S-14


Portfolio Trading and Turnover Rate.    Portfolio trading may be undertaken to accomplish the investment objectives of the Funds in relation to actual and anticipated movements in interest rates. In addition, a security may be sold and another of comparable quality purchased at approximately the same time to take advantage of what the Adviser believes to be a temporary price disparity between the two securities. Temporary price disparities between two comparable securities may result from supply and demand imbalances where, for example, a temporary oversupply of certain bonds may cause a temporarily low price for such bonds, as compared with other bonds of like quality and characteristics. The Funds may also engage to a limited extent in short-term trading consistent with their investment objectives. Securities may be sold in anticipation of a market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchased in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sold, but the Funds will not engage in trading solely to recognize a gain.

Subject to the foregoing, the Funds will attempt to achieve their investment objectives by prudent selection of municipal securities with a view to holding them for investment. While there can be no assurance thereof, the Funds anticipate that their annual portfolio turnover rates will generally not exceed 100%. However, the rate of turnover will not be a limiting factor when the Funds deem it desirable to sell or purchase securities. Therefore, depending upon market conditions, the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Funds may exceed 100% in particular years. 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 for federal income tax purposes.

Repurchase Agreements.    As temporary investments, the Funds may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a contractual agreement whereby the seller of securities (U.S. government securities or municipal bonds) 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 a 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 is taxable for federal income tax purposes and, therefore, is required to be allocated proportionately by the Funds between common shares and preferred shares. The Funds will enter into repurchase agreements with registered securities dealers or domestic banks that, in the opinion of the Adviser, present minimal credit risk. The risk to the Funds is limited to the ability of the issuer to pay the agreed upon repurchase price on the delivery dates; 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 Funds 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 Funds may be delayed or limited. The Adviser 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, the Adviser will demand additional collateral from the issuer to increase the value of the collateral to at least that of the repurchase price, including interest.

Zero Coupon Bonds.    The Funds may invest in zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon bond is a bond that does not pay interest for its entire life. The market prices of zero coupon bonds are affected to a greater extent by changes in prevailing levels of interest rates and thereby tend to be more volatile in price than securities that pay interest periodically. In addition, because the Funds accrue income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of such interest, it may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to obtain cash needed to pay income dividends in amounts necessary to avoid unfavorable tax consequences.

 

S-15


INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

In addition to each Fund’s investment objectives, the following investment restrictions are fundamental policies for the Funds and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares and preferred shares, of such Fund, voting together, and of the 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 voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities, whichever is less.

Except as described below, each Fund may not:

 

Acquiring Fund

 

Acquired Funds

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 preferred shares outstanding (“Managed Assets”), in a portfolio of securities that pay interest exempt from federal income taxes (“municipal securities”) and from the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals;

 

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 preferred shares outstanding (“Managed Assets”), in a portfolio of securities that pay interest exempt from federal income taxes (“municipal securities”);

2) Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than [preferred] shares, except to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and except as otherwise described in the [Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus];

 

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 [in paragraph #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”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) less the Fund’s liabilities (other than borrowings);

 

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;

 

 

1 

Certain fundamental investment restrictions relating to each Acquired Fund’s investment in derivatives and use of short sales were eliminated in 2009 pursuant to a shareholder vote. Accordingly, the sections and subsections of the prospectus referenced in this fundamental investment restriction have been replaced. See “Comparison of the Investment Objectives and Policies of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds—Derivatives” in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for a description of the Fund’s current policy relating to derivatives.

 

S-16


Acquiring Fund

 

Acquired Funds

4) Act as an underwriter of another issuer’s securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities;

 

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;

5) Invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry; provided, however, that such limitation shall not apply to municipal bonds other than those municipal bonds backed only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental users;

 

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 user, 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 bonds secured by real estate or interests therein or foreclosing upon and selling such security;

 

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 the result of ownership of securities or other 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);

 

7) Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as the result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts or 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 and exemptive orders granted under the Investment Company Act of 1940; and

 

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

9) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer, except that this limitation shall not apply to bonds issued by the United States Government, its agencies and instrumentalities or to the investment of 25% of its total assets.

 

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 United States Government, its agencies and instrumentalities or to the investment of 25% of its total assets;

 

S-17


Acquiring Fund

 

Acquired Funds

 

10) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except that, to secure borrowings permitted by [paragraph #3] above, it may pledge securities having a market value at the time of pledging 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 (9) above, an issuer shall be deemed the separate issuer 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 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 a Fund’s assets that may be invested in municipal securities insured by any given insurer.

Each Fund is diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act. Consequently, as to 75% of each Fund’s total assets, a Fund may not (i) purchase the securities of any one issuer (other than cash, securities of other investment companies and securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if immediately after such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of such issuer or (ii) purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.

Subject to certain exemptions, under the 1940 Act, each Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the aggregate in shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, provided the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock

 

S-18


of the acquired investment company at the time such shares are purchased. As a stockholder in any investment company, each Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses and will remain subject to payment of each Fund’s management, advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Holders of common shares of each Fund would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent a Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may be leveraged and therefore will be subject to the same leverage risks described herein.

In addition to the foregoing fundamental investment policies, each Fund is also subject to the following non-fundamental restrictions and policies, which may be changed by the Board of Trustees or Board of Directors, as applicable. Each 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.

(2a)        (Acquiring Fund) Purchase securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

(2b)        (Acquired Funds) Invest more than 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies (including ETFs) that invest primarily in municipal securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly.

(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 (including assets attributable to preferred shares, if any) 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.

Each Fund may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by either guidelines of one or more NRSROs that may issue ratings for Preferred Shares, or, if issued, commercial paper or notes, or, if a 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 a Fund by the 1940 Act. If these restrictions were to apply, it is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines would impede

 

S-19


Nuveen Asset Management from managing a Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. A copy of the current Rating Agency Guidelines will be provided to any holder of Preferred Shares promptly upon request therefor made by such holder to the Fund by writing the Fund at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Portfolio Turnover

Each Fund may buy and sell municipal securities to accomplish its investment objective(s) in relation to actual and anticipated changes in interest rates. Each Fund also may sell one municipal bond 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. Each Fund also may engage in a limited amount of short-term trading, consistent with its investment objectives. Each 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 a Fund will not engage in trading solely to recognize a gain. Each Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objectives by prudently selecting municipal securities with a view to holding them for investment. Although a Fund cannot accurately predict its annual portfolio turnover rate, each Fund expects, though it cannot guarantee, that its annual portfolio turnover rate generally will not exceed 100% under normal circumstances.

The portfolio turnover rates of the Funds for the last two fiscal years ended October 31 for which financial statements are available were as follows:

 

Fund

   2011     2010  

Acquiring Fund

     2     2

Premier Opportunity

     8     12

Premium Opportunity

     20     10

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 each Fund. In addition, high portfolio turnover may result in the realization of net short-term capital gains by a Fund which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

Trustees and Officers

The management of the Funds, including general supervision of the duties performed for each Fund under its investment management agreement with Nuveen Fund Advisors (“the management agreement”), is the responsibility of the Funds’ Board. (The same Board and officers oversee each Fund.) The number of Board Members 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 Board Members has ever been a trustee, director or employee of, or consultant to, Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen Investments”), Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management or their affiliates.

 

S-20


With respect to the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity, the Board is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, with the Class I Board Members serving until the 2013 annual meeting, the Class II Board Members serving until the 2014 annual meeting and the Class III Board Members serving until the 2015 annual meeting, in each case until their respective successors are elected and qualified. Currently, 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 and Jack B. Evans are slated in Class III. In addition, two Board Members are elected by holders of preferred shares annually. Currently, Messrs. William C. Hunter and William J. Schneider serve as the Board Members elected by holders of Preferred Shares for a term of one year. With respect to Premier Opportunity, Board Members serve annual terms until the next annual meeting or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Board Members Amboian, Bremner, Evans, Kundert, Stockdale, Stone, Stringer and Toth currently serve as the Board Members elected by holders of common shares and preferred shares, voting together as a single class, and Board Members Hunter and Schneider serve as the Board Members elected by holders of the preferred shares. The officers of the Funds serve annual terms and are elected on an annual basis. The names, business addresses and birthdates of the Board Members and officers of the Funds, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each oversees and other directorships they hold are set forth below. As of October 15, 2012, Board Members of the Funds are directors or trustees, as the case may be, of 99 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, Address
and Birth Date

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
 

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past  Five
Years

Board Members who are not interested persons of the Funds

Robert P. Bremner

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(8/22/40)

  Chairman
of Board
and
Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class III
Board Member
until 2015

 

Length of
Service: Since
1996,
Chairman of
the Board
since 2008;
Lead
Independent
Director
(2005-2008)

  Private Investor and Management Consultant; Treasurer and Director, Humanities Council Washington, D.C.; Board Member, Independent Directors Council affiliated with the Investment Company Institute.   216   None

 

S-21


Name, Address
and Birth Date

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
 

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past  Five
Years

Jack B. Evans

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(10/22/48)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class III
Board Member
until 2015

 

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).   216   Director
and
Chairman,
United Fire
Group, a
publicly
held
company;
formerly,
Director,
Alliant
Energy

William C. Hunter

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(3/6/48)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class I
Board Member
until 2013

 

Length of
Service: Since
2004

  Dean Emeritus (since June 30, 2012), formerly Dean (2006-2012), Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa; Director (since 2005) and President (since July 2012), Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; Director of Wellmark, Inc. (since 2009); formerly, Director (1997-2007), Credit Research Center at Georgetown University; formerly, Dean and Distinguished Professor of Finance, School of Business at the University of Connecticut (2003-2006); previously, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (1995-2003).   216   Director
(since
2004) of
Xerox
Corporation
 

 

S-22


Name, Address
and Birth Date

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
 

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past  Five
Years

David J. Kundert

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(10/28/42)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class II
Board Member
until 2014

 

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, 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.   216   None

 

S-23


Name, Address
and Birth Date

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
 

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past  Five
Years

William J. Schneider(2)

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(9/24/44)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class III
Board Member
until 2015

 

Length of
Service: Since
1996

  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, 2004) of Miller-Valentine Group; formerly, Member, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Association; formerly, Director, Dayton Development Coalition; formerly, Member, Business Advisory Council, Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank.   216   None

Judith M. Stockdale

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(12/29/47)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class I
Board Member
until 2013

 

Length of
Service: Since
1997

  Executive Director, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (since 1994); prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (1990-1994).   216   None

Carole E. Stone

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(6/28/47)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class I
Board Member
until 2013

 

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).   216   Director,

Chicago
Board
Options
Exchange
(since
2006).

 

S-24


Name, Address
and Birth Date

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
 

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past  Five
Years

Virginia L. Stringer

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(8/16/44)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class I
Board Member
until 2013

 

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; governance consultant and non-profit board member; 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.   216   Previously,
Independent
Director
(1987-2010)
and Chair
(1997-2010),
First
American
Fund
Complex.

 

S-25


Name, Address
and Birth Date

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
 

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past  Five
Years

Terence J. Toth(3)

c/o Nuveen Investments, Inc.

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(9/29/59)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class II
Board Member
until 2014

 

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).   216   None

 

S-26


Name, Address
and Birth Date

  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
 

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Board
Member
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Board
Member
During the
Past  Five
Years

Board Member who is an interested person of the Funds

John P. Amboian(4)

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(6/14/61)

  Board
Member
  Term: Annual
or Class II
Board Member
until 2014

 

Length of
Service: Since
2008

  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman (since 2007) and Director (since 1999) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Chief Executive Officer (since 2007) of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc.; Director (since 1998) formerly, Chief Executive Officer (2007-2010) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.   216   None

 

(1) 

Length of Time Served indicates the year in which the individual became a Board Member of a fund in the Nuveen Fund complex.

(2) 

Mr. Schneider is one of several owners and managing members in two limited liability companies and a general partner and one member of the governing body of a general partnership, each engaged in real estate ownership activities. In connection with their ordinary course of investment activities, court appointed receivers have been named for certain individual properties owned by such entities. The individual properties for which a receiver has been appointed represent an immaterial portion of the portfolio assets owned by these entities.

(3) 

Mr. Toth serves as a director on the Board of Directors of the Mather Foundation (the “Foundation”) and is a member of its investment committee. The Foundation is the parent of the Mather LifeWays organization, a non-profit charitable organization. Prior to Mr. Toth joining the Board of the Foundation, the Foundation selected Gresham Investment Management (“Gresham”), an affiliate of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc., to manage a portion of the Foundation’s investment portfolio, and pursuant to this selection, the Foundation has invested that portion of its investment portfolio in a private commodity pool managed by Gresham.

(4) 

“Interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of his positions with Nuveen Investments, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries.

 

S-27


The following table sets forth information with respect to each officer of the Funds. Officers receive no compensation from the Funds. The officers are elected by the Board on an annual basis to serve until successors are elected and qualified. Unless otherwise noted, the following information is as of October 15, 2012.

 

Name, Address
and Birth Date

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
  

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Served
by Officer

Gifford R. Zimmerman

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(9/9/56)

   Chief
Administrative
Officer
   Term/Annual
Length of Service:
Since 1988
   Managing Director (since 2002), Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel 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 of Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010); Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2010) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst.    216

 

S-28


Name, Address
and Birth Date

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
  

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Served
by Officer

William Adams IV

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(6/9/55)

   Vice President    Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
2007
   Senior Executive Vice President, Global Structured Products, formerly, Executive Vice President (1999-2010) of Nuveen Securities, 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

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(1/11/62)

   Vice President    Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
2007
   Managing Director (since 2004) of Nuveen Securities LLC.    117

Margo L. Cook

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(4/11/64)

   Vice President    Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
2009
   Executive Vice President (since 2008) of Nuveen Investments, Inc. and of Nuveen Fund Advisors (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.    216

Lorna C. Ferguson

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(10/24/45)

   Vice President    Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
1998
   Managing Director (since 2004) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2005) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.    216

 

S-29


Name, Address
and Birth Date

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
  

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Served
by Officer

Stephen D. Foy

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(5/31/54)

   Vice President
and Controller
   Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
1993
   Senior Vice President (since 2010); formerly, Vice President (1993-2010) and Funds Controller (since 1998) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Vice President (2005) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer (since 2010) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Certified Public Accountant.    216

Scott S. Grace

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(8/20/70)

   Vice President
and Treasurer
   Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
2009
   Managing Director, Corporate Finance & Development, Treasurer (since 2009) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director and Treasurer of Nuveen Investments Advisers, Inc., Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc., Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. and of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); 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 Designation.    216

 

S-30


Name, Address
and Birth Date

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
  

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Served
by Officer

Walter M. Kelly

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(2/24/70)

   Chief
Compliance
Officer and
Vice President
   Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
2003
   Senior Vice President (since 2008) of Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc.; Senior Vice President (since 2008) and Assistant Secretary (since 2003), of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.; formerly, Vice President, of Nuveen Securities, LLC.    216

Tina M. Lazar

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(8/27/61)

   Vice President    Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
2002
   Senior Vice President (since 2010), formerly, Vice President (2005-2010) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.    216

Kevin J. McCarthy

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

(3/26/66)

   Vice President
and Secretary
   Term/Annual
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), 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 Investment Advisers Inc., NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, NWQ Holdings, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC and of 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).    216

 

S-31


Name, Address
and Birth Date

   Position(s)
Held with
Fund
   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served(1)
  

Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Served
by Officer

Kathleen L. Prudhomme

901 Marquette Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55402

(3/30/53)

   Vice President
and Assistant
Secretary
   Term/Annual
Length of
Service: Since
2011
   Managing Director and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2011); Managing Director, Assistant Secretary 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; formerly, Deputy General Counsel, FAF Advisors, Inc. (2004-2010).    216

 

(1) Length of Time Served indicates the year the individual became an officer of a fund in the Nuveen fund complex.

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND RISK OVERSIGHT

The Board of each Fund oversees the operations and management of the Fund, including the duties performed for the Funds by the Adviser. The Board has adopted a unitary board structure. A unitary board consists of one group of directors who serve on the board of every fund in the complex. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Board Members seeks 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 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 Board Members 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 Board Members. The Nominating and Governance Committee believes that the Board generally benefits from diversity of background, experience and views among its members, and considers this a factor in evaluating the composition of the Board, but has not adopted any specific policy on diversity or any particular definition of diversity.

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 Board Members 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 Adviser and other service providers.

 

S-32


In an effort to enhance the independence of the Board, the Board also has a Chairman that is an Independent Board Member. 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 management. Accordingly, the Board Members 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 Board Members are carried into effect; and (iii) maintaining records of and, whenever necessary, certifying all proceedings of the Board 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 Board Members to focus on particular operations or issues affecting the 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 Board Members among the different committees allows the Board Members to gain additional and different perspectives on a Fund’s operations. During 2011, the Board had 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. The members of the Executive Committee are Robert P. Bremner, Chair, Judith M. Stockdale and John P. Amboian. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, the Executive Committee met one time.

The Dividend Committee is authorized to declare distributions on each Fund’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 October 31, 2011, the Dividend Committee met four times.

The Board has an Audit Committee, in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), that is composed of Independent Board Members who are also “independent” as that term is defined in the listing standards pertaining to closed-end funds of the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Amex, as applicable. The Audit Committee assists the Board in the oversight and monitoring of the accounting and reporting policies, processes and practices of the Funds, and the audits of the financial statements of the Funds; the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Funds; the Funds’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the Funds’ financial statements; the independent auditors’ qualifications, performance and independence; and the pricing procedures of the 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.

 

S-33


The Audit Committee is also responsible for, among other things, overseeing the valuation of securities comprising the Funds’ portfolios. Subject to the Board’s general supervision of such actions, the Audit Committee addresses any valuation issues, oversees the 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 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 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 Funds and the internal audit group at Nuveen. 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 Funds’ financial statements. The Audit Committee operates under a written Audit Committee Charter adopted and approved by the Board, which Charter conforms to the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Amex, as applicable. Members of the Audit Committee are independent (as set forth in the Charter) and free of any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board Members, 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 Funds. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, the Audit Committee met four 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 Funds that are not otherwise within the jurisdiction of the other committees. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the 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 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 Compliance Committee’s attention or in reviewing a particular policy, procedure, investment technique or strategy, the Compliance Committee evaluates the risks to the Funds in adopting a particular approach or resolution compared to the anticipated benefits to the 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 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 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 foregoing, the full Board also participates in

 

S-34


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 Compliance Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board. The members of the Compliance Committee are Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter, William J. Schneider, Judith M. Stockdale, Chair, and Virginia L. Stringer. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, the Compliance Committee met five 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 Funds’ business.

In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee, among other things, makes recommendations concerning the continuing education of Board Members; 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 Board Members; and periodically reviews and makes recommendations about any appropriate changes to Board Member 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 Board Members, and each nominee is evaluated under the same standards. However, the Nominating and Governance Committee reserves the right to interview any and all candidates and to make the final selection of any new Board Members. 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 Board Member 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 Board Member at the time of consideration of the nominees. All candidates, however, must meet high expectations of personal integrity, independence, governance

 

S-35


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 Nominating and Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted and approved by the Board, a copy of which is available on the Funds’ website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Info/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx, and is composed entirely of Independent Board Members who are also “independent” as defined by NYSE or NYSE MKT listing standards, as applicable. 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, Virginia L. Stringer and Terence J. Toth. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, the Nominating and Governance Committee met six times.

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.

Board Diversification and Trustee Qualifications

In determining that a particular Board Member was qualified to serve on the Board, 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. 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 trustee or 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 SEC, do not constitute holding out 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 Board Member of the Funds, joined Nuveen Investments, Inc. 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 Investments as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Nuveen Investments, 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

 

S-36


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 Directors of Nuveen Investments, Inc. 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 Board’s 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 President Pro Tem of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System, is a Life Trustee of Coe College and is a member of the Advisory Council of the Department of Finance in the Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Coe College and an MBA from the University of Iowa.

William C. Hunter

Mr. Hunter was appointed Dean of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa effective 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 and past President of the Financial Management Association International, he has consulted with numerous foreign

 

S-37


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 President-Elect 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, 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 was formerly 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.

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

 

S-38


Exchange, Incorporated. She has also served as the Chair of the New York Racing Association Oversight Board, as Chair of the Public Authorities Control Board, as a Commissioner on the New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform and as a member of the Boards of Directors of several New York State public authorities. 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 Funds from 1997 to 2010, having joined that Board in 1987. Ms. Stringer serves on the Governing Board of the Investment Company Institute’s Independent Directors Council and 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 immediate past board chair of the Oak Leaf Trust, is a director and immediate past board chair of the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation and is immediate past 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 chair of the Voyageur Outward Bound School. She also served as a trustee of Outward Bound USA. She was appointed by the Governor of Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards and recently 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 has served as a Director of Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. since 2008 and as a Managing Partner at 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, 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 he received his MBA from New York University. In 2005, he graduated from the CEO Perspectives Program at Northwestern University.

Independent Chairman

Robert P. Bremner serves as the independent Chairman of the Board. Specific responsibilities of the Chairman include (a) presiding at all meetings of the Board and of the shareholders; (b) seeing that all orders and resolutions of the trustees are carried into effect; and (c) maintaining records of and, whenever necessary, certifying all proceedings of the trustees and the shareholders.

 

S-39


Board Member Terms

For Premier Opportunity, all Board Members are elected annually for one-year terms. For each of the Acquiring Fund and Premium Opportunity, Class I trustees serve until the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders; Class II trustees serve until the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders; and Class III trustees will serve until the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders. As each trustee’s term expires, common shareholders are asked to elect trustees unless any Preferred Shares are outstanding at that time, in which event holders of Preferred Shares (including holders of VRDP Shares, VMTP Shares or MTP Shares), voting as a separate class, elect two trustees and the remaining trustees are elected by holders of the Fund’s common stock and holders of Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class. Holders of Preferred Shares will be entitled to elect a majority of the Fund’s trustees under certain circumstances. Trustees are elected for a term expiring at the time of the third succeeding annual meeting subsequent to their election or thereafter in each case when their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. These provisions could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board of Trustees. See the Fund’s Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus under “Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.”

Share Ownership

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

 

Name of Trustee

   Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
in the Acquiring
Fund
   Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the
Premier Opportunity

John P. Amboian

   over $100,000    $0.00

Robert P. Bremner

   $0.00    $0.00

Jack B. Evans

   $0.00    $0.00

William C. Hunter

   $0.00    $0.00

David J. Kundert

   $0.00    $0.00

William J. Schneider

   $0.00    $0.00

Judith M. Stockdale

   $0.00    $0.00

Carole E. Stone

   $0.00    $0.00

Virginia L. Stringer

   $0.00    $0.00

Terence J. Toth

   $0.00    $0.00

 

Name of Trustee

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

John P. Amboian

   $50,001-$100,000    over $100,000

Robert P. Bremner

   $0.00    over $100,000

Jack B. Evans

   $0.00    over $100,000

William C. Hunter

   $0.00    over $100,000

David J. Kundert

   $0.00    over $100,000

William J. Schneider

   $0.00    over $100,000

Judith M. Stockdale

   $0.00    over $100,000

Carole E. Stone

   $0.00    over $100,000

Virginia L. Stringer

   $0.00    over $100,000

Terence J. Toth

   $0.00    over $100,000

 

S-40


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

As of October 31, 2012 the executive officers and Board Members of the Funds, in the aggregate, own less than 1% of the Acquiring Fund’s equity securities.

Information regarding shareholders or groups of shareholders who beneficially own more than 5% of a class of shares of a Fund is provided below. Information in the table below is based on Schedule 13G filings and amendments made on or before October 19, 2012.

 

Fund and Class

  

Shareholder Name and Address

   Number of Shares Owned      Percentage Owned  

Acquiring Fund—Common Shares

   First Trust Portfolios L.P.(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     1,119,300         5.0
   First Trust Advisors L.P.(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     
   The Charger Corporation(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     

Acquiring Fund—VMTP Shares

   Citibank, N.A.(b)
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
     676         100
   Citicorp(b)
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
     
   Citigroup Inc.(b)
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
     

Premier Opportunity—Common Shares

   First Trust Portfolios L.P.(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     1,979,793         10.2
   First Trust Advisors L.P.(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     
   The Charger Corporation(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     

Premium Opportunity—Common Shares

   First Trust Portfolios L.P.(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     3,275,291         8.8

 

S-41


Fund and Class

  

Shareholder Name and Address

   Number of Shares Owned    Percentage Owned
   First Trust Advisors L.P.(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     
   The Charger Corporation(a)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton, Illinois 60187
     

 

(a) 

First Trust Portfolios L.P., First Trust Advisors L.P. and The Charger Corporation filed their Schedule 13G jointly and did not differentiate holdings as to each entity.

(b) 

Citibank N.A., Citicorp and Citigroup Inc. filed their Schedule 13G jointly and did not differentiate holdings as to each entity.

VRDP Shares are designed to be eligible for purchase by money market funds. Based on information provided by remarketing agents for the VRDP Shares, money market funds within certain fund complexes may hold, in the aggregate, greater than 5% of the outstanding VRDP Shares of one or more Funds, and individual money market funds within such complexes may beneficially own an indeterminable amount of VRDP Shares exceeding 5% of the outstanding VRDP Shares of one or more Funds. Information with respect to aggregate holdings of VRDP Shares associated with fund complexes identified by the remarketing agents (number of VRDP Shares and percentage of total outstanding) is as follows: Premium Opportunity: Schwab (1,195 shares (54.57%)), Federated (919 shares (41.96%)), Morgan Stanley (76 shares (3.47%)); Premier Opportunity: Blackrock (69 shares (5.27%)), JP Morgan (220 shares (16.81%)), Federated (240 shares (18.33%)), Schwab (240 shares (18.33%)), Vanguard (240 shares (18.33%)), Bank of America Global (150 shares (11.46%)) and Morgan Stanley (150 shares (11.46%)).

Compensation

Prior to January 1, 2012, Independent Board Members 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 meetings of the Board 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 Independent Chairman of the Board received $75,000, the chairpersons of the Audit Committee, the Dividend Committee and the Compliance, Risk Management and Regulatory Oversight Committee

 

S-42


received $10,000 each and the chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee received $5,000 as additional retainers. Independent Board Members 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 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 Board Members 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, non-regularly scheduled meetings of the Board 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 Closed-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 Closed-End Funds Committee receive $12,500 each and the chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives $5,000 as additional retainers. Independent Board Members 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.

 

S-43


The Funds do not have retirement or pension plans. Certain Nuveen funds (the “Participating Funds”) participate in a deferred compensation plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) that permits an Independent Board Member to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of his or her compensation as an Independent Board Member. The deferred compensation of a participating Independent Board Member is credited to a book reserve account of the Participating Fund when the compensation would otherwise have been paid to the Board Member. The value of the Board Member’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 Board Member’s deferral account, the Independent Board Member may elect to receive distributions in a lump sum or over a period of five years. The Participating Fund will not be liable for any other fund’s obligations to make distributions under the Deferred Compensation Plan.

The Funds have no employees. The officers of the Funds and the Board Member of each Fund who is not an Independent Board Member serve without any compensation from the Funds.

The table below shows, for each Independent Board Member, the aggregate compensation paid by each Fund to each Board Member for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011:

 

     Aggregate Compensation from the Funds(1)  
     Robert P.
Bremner
     Jack B.
Evans
     William C.
Hunter
     David J.
Kundert
     William J.
Schneider
     Judith M.
Stockdale
     Carole E.
Stone
     Virginia L.
Stringer
     Terence J.
Toth
 

Acquiring Fund

   $ 1,830       $ 1,431       $ 1,278       $ 1,441       $ 1,444       $ 1,385       $ 1,412       $ 916       $ 1,429   

Premier Opportunity

     1,619         1,246         1,113         1,255         1,257         1,230         1,230         797         1,244   

Premium Opportunity

     2,674         2,092         1,912         2,094         2,112         2,024         2,047         1,371         2,073   

Total Compensation from Nuveen Funds Paid to Trustees(2)

   $ 329,731       $ 260,124       $ 218,576       $ 244,966       $ 259,415       $ 248,033       $ 245,650       $ 175,000       $ 263,891   

 

(1) Includes deferred fees. Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, 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 Funds (including the return from the assumed investment in the eligible Nuveen funds) payable are:

 

      Robert P.
Bremner
     Jack B.
Evans
     William C.
Hunter
     David J.
Kundert
     William J.
Schneider
     Judith M.
Stockdale
     Carole E.
Stone
     Virginia L.
Stringer
     Terence J.
Toth
 

Acquiring Fund

   $ 272       $ 353       $ 1,278       $ 1,441       $ 433       $ 735       $       $       $ 78   

Premier Opportunity

     241         308         1,113         1,255         378         652                         68   

Premium Opportunity

     398         517         1,912         2,094         599         1,077                         104   

 

(2) Based on total compensation paid, including deferred fees (including the return from the assumed investment in the eligible Nuveen funds), to the Board Members for the calendar year ended December 31, 2011 for services to the Nuveen open-end and closed-end funds advised by the Adviser.

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER

Investment Adviser

Nuveen Fund Advisors, the Funds’ investment adviser, is responsible for determining the Funds’ overall investment strategy and its implementation. Nuveen Fund Advisors also is responsible for managing operations and each Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services to each Fund. For additional information regarding the management services performed by Nuveen Fund Advisors, including the biography of the Funds’ portfolio

 

S-44


manager and further information about the investment management agreement between the Fund and Nuveen Fund Advisors, see “Management of the Fund” in the Fund’s Prospectus.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, a registered investment adviser, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments. Founded in 1898, Nuveen Investments and its affiliates had approximately $212 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2012.

Nuveen Investments provides high-quality investment services designed to help secure the long-term goals of institutions and high net-worth investors as well as the consultants and financial advisers who serve them. Nuveen Investments markets its specialized investment solutions under the high-quality brands of NWQ, Nuveen, Santa Barbara, Symphony, Tradewinds, Gresham and Winslow Capital.

The total dollar amounts paid to Nuveen Fund Advisors by each Fund under each Fund’s management agreement for the last three fiscal years for which financial statements are available are as follows:

 

Acquiring Fund

   10/31/2011     10/31/2010     10/31/2009  

Gross Advisory Fees

   $ 3,019,102      $ 3,116,833      $ 2,459,768   

Waiver

   $ (32,818   $ (432,427   $ (644,019
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Advisory Fees

   $ 2,986,284      $ 2,684,406      $ 1,815,749   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premier Opportunity

   10/31/2011      10/31/2010      10/31/2009  

Gross Advisory Fees

   $ 2,650,687       $ 2,732,977       $ 2,634,726   

Waiver

   $       $       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Advisory Fees

   $ 2,650,687       $ 2,732,977       $ 2,634,726   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Premium Opportunity

   10/31/2011      10/31/2010      10/31/2009  

Gross Advisory Fees

   $ 4,527,848       $ 4,662,949       $ 4,334,948   

Waiver

   $       $       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Advisory Fees

   $ 4,527,848       $ 4,662,949       $ 4,334,948   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-Adviser

Effective as of January 1, 2011, Nuveen Fund Advisors has selected Nuveen Asset Management to serve as sub-adviser to each Fund. Nuveen Fund Advisors compensates Nuveen Asset Management for the portfolio management services it provides to the Funds from the management fees paid by the Funds. Nuveen Fund Advisors and Nuveen Asset Management retain the right to reallocate investment advisory responsibilities and fees between themselves in the future.

Nuveen Fund Advisors pays Nuveen Asset Management a portfolio management fee equal to 38.462% of net advisory fees. The total dollar amounts paid to Nuveen Asset Management by Nuveen Fund Advisors for the period from January 1, 2011 through October 31, 2011 were $965,729 for the Acquiring Fund, $847,657 for Premier Opportunity and $1,448,993 for Premium Opportunity.

 

S-45


PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

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

Portfolio Management.     Paul L. Brennan, CFA, CPA, is the portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund and Premier Opportunity. Douglas J. White, CFA, is the portfolio manager for Premium Opportunity.

In addition to managing the Acquiring Fund and Premier Opportunity, Paul L. Brennan is also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts. Information is provided as of May 31, 2012.

 

Type of Account Managed

   Number of Accounts      Assets*  

Registered Investment Company

     19       $ 9.7 billion   

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

     0       $ 0   

Other Accounts

     3       $ 307.9 million   

 

* None of the assets in these accounts is subject to an advisory fee based on performance.

In addition to managing the Premium Opportunity, Douglas J. White is also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts. Information is provided as of May 31, 2012.

 

Type of Account Managed

   Number of Accounts      Assets*  

Registered Investment Company

     7       $ 3.6 billion   

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

     0       $ 0   

Other Accounts

     4       $ 32.7 million   

 

* None of the assets in these accounts is subject to an advisory fee based on performance.

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 Funds’ portfolio managers are 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

 

S-46


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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

S-47


Beneficial Ownership of Securities.     As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, Mr. Brennan does not beneficially own any securities issued by the Acquiring Fund or Premier Opportunity, and Mr. White does not beneficially own any securities issued by Premium Opportunity.

Unless earlier terminated as described below, each Fund’s management agreement with Nuveen Fund Advisors will remain in effect until August 1, 2013. Each Fund’s management agreement continues in effect from year to year so long as such continuation is approved at least annually by (1) the Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund and (2) a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of any party to the management agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The management agreements may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either the Funds or Nuveen Asset Management upon 60 days’ written notice, and they are automatically terminated in the event of their assignment as defined in the 1940 Act.

The Funds, Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management, Nuveen Investments and other related entities have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, that essentially prohibit certain of their personnel, including the Funds’ portfolio managers, from engaging in personal investments that compete or interfere with, or attempt to take advantage of a client’s, including the Funds’, 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. The codes of ethics of the Funds, Nuveen Fund Advisors, Nuveen Asset Management and Nuveen Investments 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, D.C. 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, D.C. 20549 or by e-mail request at publicinfo@sec.gov.

Each Fund invests its assets generally in municipal securities. On rare occasions the Funds may acquire, directly or through a special-purpose vehicle, equity securities of certain issuers whose securities the Funds already own when such securities 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 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 issuer, Nuveen Asset Management may pursue the Funds’ 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 (the “Advisers Act”), but nevertheless provides reports to the Fund’s Board on its control activities on a quarterly basis.

In the rare event that an issuer were to issue a proxy or that the Funds 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 Funds’ Board or its representative. A member of Nuveen Asset Management’s legal department would oversee the administration of the voting and ensure that records

 

S-48


maintained in accordance with Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act were filed with the SEC on Form N-PX, provided to the Funds’ Board and made available to shareholders as required by applicable rules.

In the event of a conflict of interest that might arise when voting proxies for the Funds, Nuveen Asset Management will defer to the recommendation of an independent third party engaged to determine how the proxy should be voted, or, alternatively, members of Nuveen Asset Management’s legal and compliance departments, in consultation with the Board, will examine the conflict of interest and seek to resolve such conflict in the best interest of each Fund. If a member of Nuveen Asset Management’s legal or compliance department or the Board has a personal conflict of interest, that member will refrain from participating in the consultation.

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge by calling (800) 257-8787 or by accessing the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Subject to the supervision of the Board, Nuveen Asset Management is responsible for decisions to purchase and sell securities for the Funds, 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 Funds of brokerage commissions. There generally is no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the OTC market, but the prices paid by the Funds usually include 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. Each 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 Funds 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 Nuveen Asset Management 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 Funds, 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 the Funds.

 

S-49


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 Funds and that may have investment objectives similar to those of the Funds. Nuveen Asset Management seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell assets or securities by each 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 a 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 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.

The following table sets forth the aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds for the last three fiscal years for which financial statements are available:

Fiscal Years Ended October 31

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Acquiring Fund

   $       $       $   

Premier Opportunity

   $       $       $   

Premium Opportunity

   $       $       $   

Substantially all of the Funds’ trades are effected on a principal basis.

REPURCHASE OF FUND SHARES; CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND

The Acquiring 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, 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 Acquiring 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.

Subject to its investment limitations, the Acquiring Fund may borrow to finance the repurchase of shares or to make a tender offer. Interest on any borrowings to finance share repurchase transactions

 

S-50


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 Trustees 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 and MTP Shares from the NYSE, the NYSE MKT or elsewhere, or (b) impair the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under the Code (which would make the Fund a taxable entity, causing the Fund’s income to be taxed at the corporate level in addition to the taxation of shareholders who receive dividends from the Fund) or 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, the NYSE MKT or elsewhere, (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 non-U.S. 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 that would have a material adverse effect (including any adverse tax effect) on the Acquiring 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.

The repurchase by the Acquiring Fund of its shares at prices below net asset value will 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 will 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 investment company, may reduce any spread between market price and net asset value that might otherwise exist.

In addition, a purchase by the Acquiring Fund of its common shares will decrease the Fund’s total assets, which would likely have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio.

Conversion to an open-end company would require the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Acquiring Fund’s common and preferred shares, voting as a single class, and, if conversion would adversely affect the holders of the preferred shares, approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund’s preferred shares, voting together as a single class, unless the conversion has been approved by the requisite vote of the trustees, in which case a majority vote of the requisite holders would be required. See the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus under “Certain Provisions in the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws” for a discussion of voting requirements applicable to conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. If the Fund converted to an open-end investment company, the Fund’s common shares would no longer be listed on the NYSE, the NYSE MKT or elsewhere, and the Fund’s Preferred Shares would no longer be outstanding. In contrast

 

S-51


to a closed-end investment company, 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 or rules thereunder) 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 investment companies typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Open-end investment 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 investment company depending upon its judgment as to the advisability of such action in light of circumstances then prevailing.

Before deciding whether to take any action if the Acquiring Fund’s common shares trade below net asset value, the Board of Trustees 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.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS

The following is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a shareholder that acquires, holds and/or disposes of shares of the Acquiring Fund. This discussion only addresses U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders who hold their shares as capital assets and does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular shareholders in light of their individual circumstances. This discussion also does not address the tax consequences to shareholders who are subject to special rules, including, without limitation, shareholders with large positions in the Acquiring Fund, financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers in securities or foreign currencies, foreign holders, persons who hold their shares as or in a hedge against currency risk, a constructive sale, or conversion transaction, holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax (except as discussed below), or tax-exempt or tax-deferred plans, accounts, or entities. In addition, the discussion does not address any state, local, or foreign tax consequences. The discussion reflects applicable tax laws of the United States as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) retroactively or prospectively. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Acquiring Fund and its shareholders, and the discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF INVESTING IN THE ACQUIRING FUND, INCLUDING THE APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM AND THE EFFECT OF POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAWS.

The Acquiring Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to continue to qualify each year, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”), and to satisfy conditions which enable its dividends that are attributable to interest on municipal securities to be exempt from federal income tax in the hands of owners of such stock, subject to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax.

 

S-52


To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to regulated investment companies, the Acquiring Fund must, among other things, (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or non-U.S. currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” as defined in the Code; (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Acquiring Fund’s assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Acquiring Fund’s total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of a single issuer, or two or more issuers that the Acquiring Fund controls and are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships; and (c) distribute each year an amount equal to or greater than the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code, but without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest.

If the Acquiring Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company in any taxable year, the Acquiring Fund would be taxed in the same manner as a regular corporation on its taxable income (even if such income were distributed to its shareholders) and distributions to shareholders would not be deductible by the Acquiring Fund in computing its taxable income. Additionally, all distributions out of earnings and profits (including distributions from net capital gain and net tax-exempt interest) would be taxed to shareholders as ordinary dividend income. Such distributions generally would be eligible (i) to be treated as “qualified dividend income,” as discussed below in the case of noncorporate shareholders and (ii) for the dividends received deduction under Section 243 of the Code (the “Dividends Received Deduction”) in the case of corporate shareholders.

The Acquiring Fund intends to continue to qualify to pay “exempt-interest” dividends, as defined in the Code, 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 consist of tax-exempt state and local bonds. Exempt-interest dividends are dividends or any part thereof (other than a capital gain dividend) paid by the Acquiring Fund which are attributable to interest on state and local bonds that pay interest exempt from regular federal income tax and are so designated by the Acquiring Fund. Exempt-interest dividends will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, subject to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax.

As a regulated investment company, the Acquiring Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, that it distributes to shareholders. The Acquiring Fund may retain for investment its net capital gain. However, if the Acquiring Fund retains any net capital gain or any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Acquiring 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 U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their share of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by

 

S-53


the Acquiring Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Acquiring 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 federal income tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence. The Acquiring Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and the net capital gain not otherwise retained by the Acquiring Fund.

Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax. To prevent imposition of the excise tax, the Acquiring Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary taxable income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending October 31 of the calendar year, and (3) any ordinary taxable income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed during those years and on which the Acquiring Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax. To prevent application of the excise tax, the Acquiring Fund intends to make its distributions in accordance with the calendar year distribution requirement.

The Acquiring Fund may acquire municipal obligations and other debt securities that are market discount bonds. A market discount bond is a security acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption value (or its adjusted issue price if it is also an original issue discount bond). If the Acquiring Fund invests in a market discount bond, it will be required to treat any gain recognized on the disposition of such market discount bond as ordinary taxable income to the extent of the accrued market discount unless the Acquiring Fund elects to include the market discount in taxable income as it accrues.

If the Acquiring Fund invests in certain taxable pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Acquiring Fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the Acquiring Fund must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the Acquiring Fund must distribute to shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net tax-exempt interest, including such accrued income, to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the Acquiring Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.

A portion of the Acquiring Fund’s expenditures that would otherwise be deductible may not be allowed as deductions by reason of the Acquiring Fund’s investment in municipal securities (with such disallowed portion, in general, being the same percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s aggregate expenses as the percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s aggregate income (other than capital gain income) that constitutes exempt-interest income). A similar disallowance rule also applies to interest expense paid or incurred by the Acquiring Fund, if any. Such disallowed deductions, if any, will reduce the amount that the Acquiring Fund can designate as exempt-interest dividends by the disallowed amount. Income distributions by the Acquiring Fund in excess of the amount of the Acquiring Fund’s exempt-interest dividends may be taxable as ordinary income.

 

S-54


Distributions to shareholders of net investment income received by the Acquiring Fund from taxable temporary investments, if any, and of net short-term capital gains realized by the Acquiring Fund, if any, will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions by the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund’s shares will depend upon the amount of such income realized by the Acquiring Fund, but is not generally expected to be significant.

Distributions, if any, in excess of the Acquiring 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). For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, “qualified dividend income” received by noncorporate shareholders is taxed for federal income tax purpose at rates equivalent to long-term capital gain tax rates, which reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from non-U.S. corporations that meet certain specified criteria. For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, qualified dividend income will no longer be taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains, and the maximum individual federal income tax rate on long-term capital gains will increase to 20%, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise. As long as the Acquiring Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company 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 in the case of noncorporate shareholders.

Distributions are treated the same for federal income tax purposes whether reinvested in additional shares of the Acquiring Fund or paid in cash.

The IRS currently requires that the Acquiring Fund designate distributions paid with respect to its common shares and its preferred shares as consisting of a portion of each type of income distributed by the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund dividends received by such class. Thus, the Acquiring Fund will designate dividends paid as exempt-interest dividends in a manner that allocates such dividends between the holders of the common shares and the preferred 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. Net capital gain dividends and ordinary income dividends will similarly be allocated between the two classes.

Earnings and profits are generally treated, for federal income tax purposes, as first being used to pay distributions on preferred shares, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to pay distributions on the common shares.

If the Acquiring Fund utilizes leverage through borrowings, or otherwise, asset coverage limitations imposed by the 1940 Act as well as additional restrictions that may be imposed by certain lenders on the payment of dividends or distributions potentially could limit or eliminate the Acquiring Fund’s ability to make distributions on its common shares and/or preferred shares until the asset coverage is restored. These limitations could prevent the Acquiring Fund from distributing at least 90% of its investment company taxable income and tax-exempt interest as is required under the Code and therefore might jeopardize the Acquiring Fund’s qualification as a regulated investment company and/or might subject the Acquiring Fund to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax. Upon any failure to

 

S-55


meet the asset coverage requirements imposed by the 1940 Act, the Acquiring Fund may, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, purchase or redeem preferred shares in order to maintain or restore the requisite asset coverage and avoid the adverse consequences to the Acquiring Fund and its shareholders of failing to meet the distribution requirements. There can be no assurance, however, that any such action would achieve these objectives. The Acquiring Fund endeavors to avoid restrictions on its ability to distribute dividends.

The Code provides that interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the Acquiring Fund’s shares to which exempt-interest dividends are allocated is not deductible. 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.

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 Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund (and received by the shareholders) on December 31 of the year declared.

Certain of the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund, affect the holding period of securities held by the Acquiring Fund and alter the character of the gains or losses realized by the Acquiring Fund. These provisions may also require the Acquiring 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 federal income and excise taxes. The Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund as a regulated investment company.

The sale or exchange of shares of the Acquiring Fund normally will result in capital gain or loss to shareholders 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 shares is attributable to tax-exempt interest income. The gain or loss on shares held for one year or less will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the same rates applicable to ordinary

 

S-56


income. For non-corporate taxpayers, however, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 15%, while short-term capital gains and other ordinary income are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. Absent further legislation, the 15% maximum rate applicable to long-term capital gains will increase to 20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. Any loss on the sale of shares that have been held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any distribution of exempt-interest dividends received with respect to such shares, unless the shares are of a regulated investment company that declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. If a shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of shares before holding them for more than six months, any loss on the sale or disposition will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any net capital gain dividends received by the shareholder with respect to such shares. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Acquiring Fund will be disallowed to the extent those shares of the Acquiring Fund are replaced by other substantially identical shares of the Acquiring Fund or other substantially identical stock or securities (including through reinvestment of dividends) 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 stock or securities will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Federal income tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to corporations, individuals, trusts and estates. Interest on certain “private activity” bonds is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income. To the extent that the Acquiring Fund received income from municipal securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, a portion of the dividends paid by the Acquiring Fund, although otherwise exempt from U.S. federal income tax, would be taxable to its shareholders to the extent that their tax liability is determined under the federal alternative minimum tax. The Acquiring Fund will annually provide a report indicating the percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s income attributable to municipal securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. 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 a distribution by the Acquiring 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.

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain non-corporate shareholders will be subject to an increased rate of tax on some or all of their “net investment income,” which will include items of gross income that are attributable to interest, original issue discount and market discount, as well as net gain from the disposition of other property. This tax will generally apply to the extent net investment income, when added to other modified adjusted gross income, exceeds $200,000 for an unmarried individual, $250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a surviving spouse), or $125,000 for a married individual filing a separate return. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the applicability of this tax in respect of their shares.

Tax-exempt income, including exempt-interest dividends paid by the Acquiring 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 Acquiring Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax from all distributions (including exempt-interest dividends) and redemption proceeds payable to shareholders who fail to

 

S-57


provide the Acquiring Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding percentage is 28% for amounts paid through 2012, after which time the rate will increase to 31% absent legislative change. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding. This withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s federal income tax liability, provided the required information is 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 Acquiring Fund.

EXPERTS

The financial statements of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds appearing in each Fund’s Annual Report for the year ended October 31, 2011 are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in such reports thereon and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Ernst & Young LLP provides auditing services to the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Funds. The principal business address of Ernst & Young LLP is 155 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND REDEMPTION AND PAYING AGENT

The custodian of the assets of each Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. The custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. Each Fund’s transfer, shareholder services and dividend paying agent with respect to the common shares is also State Street Bank and Trust Company, 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A Registration Statement on Form N-14, including amendments thereto, relating to the common shares of the Acquiring Fund offered hereby, has been filed by the Acquiring Fund with the SEC. The Joint Proxy Statement/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 Acquiring Fund and the common shares offered hereby, reference is made to the Acquiring Fund’s Registration Statement. Statements contained in the Joint Proxy Statement/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.

 

S-58


PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is for informational purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of the financial condition that actually would have resulted if the Reorganizations had been consummated. The closing of the Reorganizations is contingent upon certain conditions being satisfied or waived, including that shareholders of each Fund, voting separately, must approve the Reorganization for their Fund and that shareholders of the Acquiring Fund must approve the issuance of additional common shares of the Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganizations. If one Fund does not obtain the requisite approvals, the closing will not occur for any Fund. These pro forma numbers have been estimated in good faith based on information regarding the Acquired Funds and Acquiring Fund as of April 30, 2012. The unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements of the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Fund, which are available in their respective annual and semi-annual shareholder reports.

Narrative Description of the Pro Forma Effects of the Reorganizations

Note 1 — Reorganization

The unaudited pro forma information has been prepared to give effect to the proposed reorganizations of the Acquired Funds into the Acquiring Fund pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) as of the beginning of the period indicated below in the table.

 

Acquired Funds

   Acquiring Fund   12 Month
Period Ended

Nuveen Premier Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (“Premier Opportunity”)

   Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal
Income Fund (“Acquiring
Fund”)
  April 30, 2012

Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Opportunity Fund (“Premium Income”)

    

Note 2 — Basis of Pro Forma

Each Reorganization will be accounted for as a tax-free reorganization of investment companies; therefore, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund or its shareholders as a result of a Reorganization. The Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Fund are registered closed-end management investment companies. The Reorganizations would be accomplished by the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and the assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the Acquired Funds by the Acquiring Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the distribution of such shares to Acquired Funds’ shareholders in complete liquidation of the Acquired Funds. The pro forma financial information has been adjusted to reflect the Reorganization costs discussed in Note 4 and the assumption that Premier Opportunity and Premium Opportunity make undistributed net investment income distributions of $3,661,389 and $5,943,679, respectively, to their shareholders prior to the Reorganizations. The table below shows the common shares that Acquired Funds shareholders would have received if the Reorganizations were to have taken place on the period ended date in Note 1.

 

Acquired Fund

   Shares Exchanged  

Premier Opportunity

     19,726,276   

Premium Opportunity

     35,002,786   

 

S-59


In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, each Reorganization will be accounted for as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. For financial reporting purposes, the historical cost basis of the investments received from each Acquired Fund will be carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the realized and unrealized gains and losses of the surviving fund (which will be the Acquiring Fund) with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

 

Fund

   Net Assets
Applicable to
Common Shares
     As-of Date  

Acquiring Fund

   $ 338,281,889         April 30, 2012   

Premier Opportunity

   $ 303,454,344         April 30, 2012   

Premium Opportunity

   $ 538,363,787         April 30, 2012   

Combined Fund Pro Forma

   $ 1,169,589,952         April 30, 2012   

Note 3 — Pro Forma Expense Adjustments

The table below reflects adjustments to annual expenses made to the Combined Fund Pro Forma financial information as if the Reorganizations had taken place on the first day of the period as disclosed in Note 1. The pro forma information has been derived from the books and records used in calculating daily net asset values of the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Fund and has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect this information. Pro forma expenses do not include the expenses to be charged to the Funds in connection with the Reorganizations. Percentages presented below are the increase (decrease) in expenses divided by the Combined Fund Pro Forma Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares presented in Note 2. Actual results could differ from those estimates. No other significant pro forma effects are expected to result from the Reorganizations.

 

      Increase (Decrease)  

Net Expense Category

   Dollar Amount     Percentage  

Management fees1

   $ (309,539     (0.03 )% 

Shareholders’ reports – printing and mailing expenses2

   $ (62,476     (0.01 )% 

Professional fees2

   $ (37,951     (0.00 )%3 

Custodian’s fees and expenses2

   $ (19,584     (0.00 )%3 
  

 

 

   

Total Pro Forma Net Expense Adjustment

   $ (429,495     (0.04 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

(1) 

Reflects the impact of applying the Acquiring Fund’s fund-level management fee rates following the Reorganizations to the combined fund’s average managed assets.

(2) 

Reflects the anticipated reduction of certain duplicative expenses eliminated as a result of the Reorganizations.

(3) 

Rounds to less than (0.01)%.

No significant accounting policies will change as a result of the Reorganizations, specifically policies regarding security valuation or compliance with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. No significant changes to any existing contracts of the Acquiring Fund are expected as a result of the Reorganizations.

 

S-60


Note 4 — Reorganization Costs

The Reorganization costs (whether or not the Reorganizations are consummated) will be allocated among the Funds. The Reorganization costs are estimated to be $45,000 for Premier Opportunity and $540,000 for Premium Opportunity. These costs represent the estimated nonrecurring expenses of the Acquired Funds in carrying out their obligations under the Plan and consist of management’s estimate of professional services fees, printing costs and mailing charges related to the proposed Reorganizations to be borne by the Acquired Funds. The Acquiring Fund is expected to be charged approximately $320,000 of expenses in connection with the Reorganizations. The pro forma financial information included in Note 2 has been adjusted for any costs related to the Reorganizations to be borne by the Funds. Reorganization costs do not include any commissions that would be incurred due to portfolio realignment.

As of April 30, 2012, neither Acquired Fund held portfolio securities subject to the federal AMT. If the Reorganizations had occurred as of April 30, 2012, the Acquiring Fund would not have been required to dispose of securities of the Acquired Funds in order to comply with its investment policies and restrictions, and would have not sold any material portion (i.e., more than 5% of an Acquired Fund’s assets) of the securities in the Acquired Funds’ portfolios solely as a result of the Reorganizations.

Note 5 — Accounting Survivor

The Acquiring Fund will be the accounting survivor. The surviving fund will have the portfolio management team, portfolio composition, strategies, investment objective, expense structure and policies/restrictions of the Acquiring Fund.

Note 6 — Capital Loss Carryforward

As of April 30, 2012, the Funds had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any. If not applied, the capital loss carryforwards will expire as follows:

 

     Acquiring
Fund
     Premier
Opportunity
     Premium
Opportunity
 

Expiration Date:

        

October 31, 2013

   $ 3,824,358       $       $   

October 31, 2015

   $ 174,026       $       $   

October 31, 2016

   $ 1,917,479       $ 1,240,117       $ 3,274,999   

October 31, 2017

   $       $       $ 456,587   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,915,863       $ 1,240,117       $ 3,731,586   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

S-61


APPENDIX A —

RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services—A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services LLC, a subsidiary 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 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:

1. 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;

2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation; and

3. 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.

The issue ratings definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

 

A-1


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.

AA

An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only in 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.

 

A-2


CC

An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C

A Subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated ‘C’ is CURRENTLY HIGHLY VULNERABLE to nonpayment. The ‘C’ rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A ‘C’ also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

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.

r

This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating.

N.R.

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-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. 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.

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.

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 that 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 that make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in ‘Aaa’ securities.

 

A-4


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 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

 

A-5


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 that 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 superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2/VMIG 2

This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3/VMIG 3

This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

SG

This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient 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.

 

A-6


   

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, Inc.—A brief description of the applicable Fitch, Inc. (“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.

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.

 

A-7


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

A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 12 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

F1

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.

 

A-8


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.

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 ‘F1’.

‘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-9


APPENDIX B —

TAXABLE EQUIVALENT YIELD TABLE

The taxable equivalent yield is the current yield you would need to earn on a taxable investment in order to equal a stated tax-free yield on a municipal investment. To assist you to more easily compare municipal investments like the Fund with taxable alternative investments, the table below presents the approximate taxable equivalent yields for individuals for a range of hypothetical tax-free yields assuming the stated marginal federal income tax rates for 2012 listed below. This table should not be considered a representation or guarantee of future results.

TAXABLE EQUIVALENT OF TAX-FREE YIELDS*

 

Single-Return
Bracket

   Joint-Return
Bracket
   Federal
Tax
Rate
  4.00%   4.50%   5.00%   5.50%

0-$8,700

   0-$17,400    10.0%   4.44%   5.00%   5.56%   6.11%

$8,700-$35,350

   $17,400-$70,700    15.0%   4.71%   5.29%   5.88%   6.47%

$35,350-$85,650

   $70,700-142,700    25.0%   5.33%   6.00%   6.67%   7.33%

$85,650-$178,650

   $142,700-$217,450    28.0%   5.56%   6.25%   6.94%   7.64%

$178,650-$388,350

   $217,450-$388,350    33.0%   5.97%   6.72%   7.46%   8.21%

Over $388,350

   Over $388,350    35.0%   6.15%   6.92%   7.69%   8.46%

6.00%

        6.50%       7.00%       7.50%

6.67%

      7.22%     7.78%     8.33%

7.06%

      7.65%     8.24%     8.82%

8.00%

      8.67%     9.33%     10.00%

8.33%

      9.03%     9.72%     10.42%

8.96%

      9.70%     10.45%     11.19%

9.23%

      10.00%     10.77%     11.54%

 

* Please note that the table does not reflect (i) any federal limitations on the amounts of allowable itemized deductions, phase-outs of personal or dependent exemption credits or other allowable credits, (ii) any state or local taxes imposed, or (iii) any alternative minimum taxes or any taxes other than federal personal income taxes.

 

B-1