FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE PREFERRED SECURITIES INCOME FUND
To the Shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund (FFC):
In many markets, investors experienced a bumpy, downhill ride during the third fiscal quarter1. However, the preferred securities market was better behaved, with only modest negative performance for the quarter. Total return2 on net asset value (NAV) for your Fund was -1.0% for the quarter and 2.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Market price of Fund shares didnt fare as well, as Fund shares went from trading at a premium over NAV to a discount. Total return on market price of Fund shares over the same periods were -10.1% and -6.7%, respectively.
The world is always an uncertain place, and a handful of those uncertainties attracted investor focus late in the quarter. Forecasts for slower economic growth in China and a policy decision in mid-August to devalue the Chinese currency were unwelcome surprises. The action sharpened market focus on what slower growth in China could mean for economies around the world. Simultaneously, European economic growth slipped, after improving in late 2014 and early 2015. Equity markets sold off sharply: better-performing markets merely gave up 2015 year-to-date gains and many markets, especially in Asia, traded materially lower. Credit markets (including preferred securities) outperformed equities, but they were still generally in negative territory.
Lower prices for oil and other commodities, a strong U.S. dollar, and an unpredictable (if entertaining) 2016 presidential campaign also contributed to higher volatility in equity markets and, to a lesser extent, credit markets.
U.S. monetary policy added to market uncertainty when the Federal Reserve indicated it was nearing lift-off for monetary policyand then demurred. Having just passed its September meeting, we now know the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) delayed an initial rate hike for at least another month or threepossibly even until 2016. Monetary policy in the U.S. moved into uncharted territory many years ago with multiple rounds of Quantitative Easing (QE). As we move into the next phase of removing monetary accommodation, markets are understandably worried about policy mistakesmoving too fast, or not moving fast enough. Meanwhile, monetary policy in many other areas of the world continues to be very accommodative, and all signs point to continued global easing over the near-term (mostly in the form of QE). Whenever it decides to raise U.S. rates, we expect the FOMC to move slowly in light of global headwinds to growth.
Despite this sea of uncertainty, the preferred securities market experienced comparatively smooth sailing. Prices drifted a bit lower in general, but high income offset much of that price weakness to keep total returns on preferred securities only slightly negative overall. A steady stream of high income, over time, can offset price weakness, which is why long-term creditworthiness is a focus of the Fund.
1 | June 1, 2015August 31, 2015 |
2 | Following the methodology required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, total return assumes dividend reinvestment. |
Credit quality remains healthy, with only modest impacts from many of the broader issues discussed above. The preferred securities market (absent some energy issuers) has limited direct exposure to oil or other commodity markets. Even banks that lend to the energy sector have limited exposure, which makes it unlikely that this would be an issue for creditworthiness of the broader banking system. The preferred securities market has no direct credit exposure to China, although the impact of an economic slowdown in China may be felt in the U.S. over time. Supply in the domestic preferred securities market trended lower during the quarter, which is supportive of spreads, and yields continue to be attractive when compared to fixed-income alternatives.
Many of the uncertainties we discussed will persist for the foreseeable future, but we believe their impact on the preferred securities market will remain muted. The market is always subject to weakening in sympathy with other markets, but we believe preferreds continue to be an attractive asset class that will hold their own as events unfold over coming months and years.
As always, we encourage you to visit the Funds website, www.preferredincome.com for timely and important information.
Sincerely,
The Flaherty & Crumrine Portfolio Management Team:
R. Eric Chadwick
Donald F. Crumrine
Bradford S. Stone
September 22, 2015
2
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW
August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
% of Net Assets**** | ||||
Holdings Generating Qualified Dividend Income (QDI) for Individuals | 59% | |||
Holdings Generating Income Eligible for the Corporate Dividends Received Deduction (DRD) | 47% |
**** | This does not reflect year-end results or actual tax categorization of Fund distributions. These percentages can, and do, change, perhaps significantly, depending on market conditions. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding their personal situation. |
| Net Assets includes assets attributable to the use of leverage. |
3
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value | |||||||||
|
Preferred Securities 94.0% |
|||||||||
Banking 46.5% |
||||||||||
5,420 | Astoria Financial Corp., 6.50%, Series C |
$ | 137,844 | * | ||||||
$ | 16,310,000 | Bank of America Corporation, 8.00%, Series K |
17,186,662 | *(1) | ||||||
Barclays Bank PLC: |
||||||||||
390,600 | 7.10%, Series 3 |
10,026,702 | **(3) | |||||||
23,000 | 7.75%, Series 4 |
594,320 | **(3) | |||||||
522,100 | 8.125%, Series 5 |
13,527,611 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
48,000 | BB&T Corporation, 5.625%, Series E |
1,196,280 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 12,670,000 | BNP Paribas, 7.375%, 144A**** |
12,989,917 | **(3) | ||||||
26,900 | Capital One Financial Corporation, 6.70%, Series D |
715,849 | * | |||||||
Citigroup, Inc.: |
||||||||||
981,500 | 6.875%, Series K |
26,257,579 | *(1) | |||||||
572,357 | 7.125%, Series J |
15,809,359 | *(1) | |||||||
89,412 | City National Corporation, 6.75%, Series D |
2,544,665 | * | |||||||
CoBank ACB: |
||||||||||
53,520 | 6.125%, Series G, 144A**** |
5,045,935 | * | |||||||
104,000 | 6.20%, Series H, 144A**** |
10,452,000 | * | |||||||
60,000 | 6.25%, Series F, 144A**** |
6,273,750 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 35,100,000 | Colonial BancGroup, 7.114%, 144A**** |
52,650 | (4)(5) | ||||||
38,100 | Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., 5.375%, Series A |
960,558 | * | |||||||
1,667,391 | Fifth Third Bancorp, 6.625%, Series I |
45,957,464 | *(1) | |||||||
First Horizon National Corporation: |
||||||||||
3,730 | First Tennessee Bank, Adj. Rate, 3.75%(6), 144A**** |
2,689,214 | * | |||||||
8 | FT Real Estate Securities Company, 9.50%, 144A**** |
10,420,000 | ||||||||
642,800 | First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., 8.625%, Series B |
16,958,028 | *(1) | |||||||
First Republic Bank: |
||||||||||
50,000 | 5.625%, Series C |
1,237,625 | * | |||||||
99,000 | 6.70%, Series A |
2,586,029 | *(1) | |||||||
Goldman Sachs Group: |
||||||||||
$ | 390,000 | 5.70%, Series L |
392,925 | * | ||||||
140,000 | 6.375%, Series K |
3,649,800 | *(1) | |||||||
HSBC PLC: |
||||||||||
$ | 4,400,000 | HSBC Capital Funding LP, 10.176%, 144A**** |
6,611,000 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||
776,000 | HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.00%, Series 2 |
19,844,260 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
860,000 | HSBC USA, Inc., 6.50%, Series H |
21,923,550 | *(1) | |||||||
ING Groep NV: |
||||||||||
355,000 | 6.375% |
8,960,200 | **(3) | |||||||
125,000 | 7.05% |
3,211,438 | **(3) | |||||||
116,054 | 7.20% |
2,987,520 | **(3) |
4
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value | |||||||||
|
Preferred Securities (Continued) |
|||||||||
Banking (Continued) |
||||||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Company: |
||||||||||
$ | 5,450,000 | 6.00%, Series R |
$ | 5,409,125 | *(1) | |||||
56,600 | 6.125%, Series Y |
1,414,434 | * | |||||||
183,700 | 6.70%, Series T |
4,846,006 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 15,155,000 | 6.75%, Series S |
16,007,469 | *(1) | ||||||
$ | 32,000,000 | 7.90%, Series I |
33,640,000 | *(1) | ||||||
M&T Bank Corporation: |
||||||||||
$ | 16,750,000 | 6.450%, Series E |
17,922,500 | *(1) | ||||||
$ | 29,323,000 | 6.875%, Series D, 144A**** |
29,689,537 | *(1) | ||||||
Morgan Stanley: |
||||||||||
502,400 | 6.875%, Series F |
13,610,016 | *(1) | |||||||
298,300 | 7.125%, Series E |
8,296,469 | *(1) | |||||||
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.: |
||||||||||
1,465,360 | 6.125%, Series P |
40,460,788 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 2,500,000 | 6.75%, Series O |
2,743,750 | * | ||||||
$ | 7,885,000 | RaboBank Nederland, 11.00%, 144A**** |
9,843,240 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||
27,213 | Regions Financial Corporation, 6.375%, Series B |
705,429 | * | |||||||
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC: |
||||||||||
12,500 | 6.40%, Series M |
315,750 | **(3) | |||||||
25,000 | 6.60%, Series S |
631,500 | **(3) | |||||||
309,500 | 7.25%, Series T |
7,895,345 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
Sovereign Bancorp: |
||||||||||
$ | 1,000,000 | Sovereign Capital Trust VI, 7.908%, 06/13/36 |
1,033,455 | |||||||
8,641 | Sovereign REIT, 12.00%, Series A, 144A**** |
11,438,524 | ||||||||
505,500 | State Street Corporation, 5.90%, Series D |
13,249,913 | *(1) | |||||||
107,166 | SunTrust Banks, Inc., 5.875%, Series E |
2,678,346 | * | |||||||
216,000 | US Bancorp, 6.50%, Series F |
6,210,540 | *(1) | |||||||
357,568 | Webster Financial Corporation, 6.40%, Series E |
8,943,670 | * | |||||||
Wells Fargo & Company: |
||||||||||
339,095 | 5.85%, Series Q |
8,725,762 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 3,000,000 | 5.875%, Series U |
3,075,000 | * | ||||||
402,925 | 6.625%, Series R |
11,112,672 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 16,314,000 | 7.98%, Series K |
17,435,588 | *(1) | ||||||
550,500 | 8.00%, Series J |
15,586,031 | *(1) | |||||||
Zions Bancorporation: |
||||||||||
20,000 | 6.30%, Series G |
536,250 | * | |||||||
$ | 9,000,000 | 7.20%, Series J |
9,427,500 | *(1) | ||||||
519,842 | 7.90%, Series F |
14,087,718 | *(1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
588,173,061 | ||||||||||
|
|
5
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value | |||||||||
|
Preferred Securities (Continued) |
|||||||||
Financial Services 1.6% |
||||||||||
190,000 | Charles Schwab Corporation, 6.00%, Series C |
$ | 4,782,775 | * | ||||||
$ | 5,650,000 | General Electric Capital Corp., 7.125%, Series A |
6,525,467 | *(1) | ||||||
HSBC PLC: |
||||||||||
358,895 | HSBC Finance Corporation, 6.36%, Series B |
8,998,395 | *(1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
20,306,637 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Insurance 24.7% |
||||||||||
Ace Ltd.: |
||||||||||
$ | 4,566,000 | Ace Capital Trust II, 9.70% 04/01/30 |
6,757,680 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||
736,000 | Allstate Corp., 6.625%, Series E |
19,513,200 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 1,053,000 | Aon Corporation, 8.205% 01/01/27 |
1,347,840 | (1)(2) | ||||||
615,000 | Arch Capital Group, Ltd., 6.75%, Series C |
16,458,937 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.: |
||||||||||
71,206 | 5.95% |
1,819,313 | **(3) | |||||||
16,729 | 7.25% |
442,189 | **(3) | |||||||
87,755 | 7.401% |
2,313,432 | **(3) | |||||||
AXA SA: |
||||||||||
$ | 3,315,000 | 6.379%, 144A**** |
3,534,619 | **(1)(2)(3) | ||||||
$ | 2,750,000 | 8.60% 12/15/30 |
3,698,750 | (3) | ||||||
1,375,718 | Axis Capital Holdings Ltd., 6.875%, Series C |
37,091,421 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
732,250 | Delphi Financial Group, 7.376%, 05/15/37 |
18,352,016 | (1)(2) | |||||||
185,902 | Endurance Specialty Holdings, 7.50%, Series B |
4,792,832 | **(3) | |||||||
$ | 13,308,000 | Everest Re Holdings, 6.60%, 05/15/37 |
12,908,760 | (1)(2) | ||||||
50,000 | Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., 7.875% |
1,561,075 | ||||||||
$ | 36,918,000 | Liberty Mutual Group, 10.75% 06/15/58, 144A**** |
55,561,590 | (1)(2) | ||||||
MetLife: |
||||||||||
$ | 16,612,000 | MetLife, Inc., 10.75% 08/01/39 |
26,338,326 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 2,250,000 | MetLife Capital Trust IV, 7.875% 12/15/37, 144A**** |
2,812,500 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 18,250,000 | MetLife Capital Trust X, 9.25% 04/08/38, 144A**** |
25,321,875 | (1)(2) | ||||||
150,299 | PartnerRe Ltd., 7.25%, Series E |
4,116,915 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
Prudential Financial, Inc.: |
||||||||||
$ | 4,906,000 | 5.625% 06/15/43 |
5,048,274 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 3,900,000 | 5.875% 09/15/42 |
4,134,000 | (1)(2) | ||||||
QBE Insurance: |
||||||||||
$ | 13,552,000 | QBE Capital Funding III Ltd., 7.25% 05/24/41, 144A**** |
14,971,572 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||
Unum Group: |
||||||||||
$ | 15,240,000 | Provident Financing Trust I, 7.405% 03/15/38 |
17,678,400 | (1)(2) |
6
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value | |||||||||
|
Preferred Securities (Continued) |
|||||||||
Insurance (Continued) |
||||||||||
XL Group PLC: |
||||||||||
$ | 33,000,000 | XL Capital Ltd., 6.50%, Series E |
$ | 26,070,000 | (1)(2)(3) | |||||
|
|
|||||||||
312,645,516 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Utilities 12.3% |
||||||||||
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company: |
||||||||||
10,000 | 6.70%, Series 1993 |
1,015,000 | *(1) | |||||||
15,000 | 7.125%, Series 1993 |
1,524,375 | * | |||||||
Commonwealth Edison: |
||||||||||
$ | 15,828,000 | COMED Financing III, 6.35% 03/15/33 |
16,567,310 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 13,662,000 | Dominion Resources, Inc., 7.50% 06/30/66 |
12,210,412 | (1)(2) | ||||||
110,000 | Entergy Louisiana, Inc., 6.95% |
11,013,750 | *(1) | |||||||
164,400 | Georgia Power Company, 6.50%, Series 2007A |
17,277,421 | *(1) | |||||||
98,800 | Indianapolis Power & Light Company, 5.65% |
10,216,542 | * | |||||||
288,500 | Integrys Energy Group, Inc., 6.00% |
7,735,406 | (1)(2) | |||||||
Nextera Energy: |
||||||||||
$ | 16,293,000 | FPL Group Capital, Inc., 6.65% 06/15/67, Series C |
13,563,923 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 5,100,000 | FPL Group Capital, Inc., 7.30% 09/01/67, Series D |
5,083,425 | (1)(2) | ||||||
PECO Energy: |
||||||||||
$ | 2,386,000 | PECO Energy Capital Trust III, 7.38% 04/06/28, Series D |
2,735,361 | (1)(2) | ||||||
PPL Corp: |
||||||||||
$ | 18,180,000 | PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 6.70% 03/30/67, Series A |
15,503,849 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 23,500,000 | Puget Sound Energy, Inc., 6.974% 06/01/67, Series A |
20,621,250 | (1)(2) | ||||||
197,500 | Southern California Edison, 6.50%, Series D |
20,663,438 | *(1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
155,731,462 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Energy 3.3% |
||||||||||
$ | 2,510,000 | DCP Midstream LLC, 5.85% 05/21/43, 144A**** |
1,932,700 | |||||||
$ | 38,198,000 | Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 8.05% 10/01/37 |
38,293,495 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 1,471,000 | Enterprise Products Operating L.P., 8.375% 08/01/66, Series A |
1,445,258 | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
41,671,453 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) 4.0% |
||||||||||
27,745 | Equity CommonWealth, 7.25%, Series E |
710,591 | ||||||||
261,000 | Kimco Realty Corporation, 6.90%, Series H |
6,621,570 | (1)(2) | |||||||
National Retail Properties, Inc.: |
||||||||||
263,818 | 5.70%, Series E |
6,506,411 | (1)(2) | |||||||
137,417 | 6.625%, Series D |
3,597,921 |
7
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value | |||||||||
|
Preferred Securities (Continued) |
|||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) (Continued) |
||||||||||
PS Business Parks, Inc.: |
||||||||||
22,000 | 5.70%, Series V |
$ | 532,433 | |||||||
30,000 | 5.75%, Series U |
727,800 | ||||||||
55,000 | 6.00%, Series T |
1,383,800 | ||||||||
238,391 | 6.45%, Series S |
6,222,601 | (1)(2) | |||||||
108,000 | 6.875%, Series R |
2,743,200 | (1)(2) | |||||||
75,000 | Public Storage, 6.375%, Series Y |
2,007,188 | ||||||||
562,621 | Realty Income Corporation, 6.625%, Series F |
14,954,466 | (1)(2) | |||||||
164,988 | Regency Centers Corporation, 6.625%, Series 6 |
4,290,100 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
50,298,081 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Miscellaneous Industries 1.6% |
||||||||||
$ | 9,500,000 | Land O Lakes, Inc., 8.00%, 144A**** |
9,735,125 | * | ||||||
105,400 | Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 6.25%, 144A**** |
9,522,237 | * | |||||||
48,000 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., 5.75%, 07/25/52 |
1,246,680 | (1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
20,504,042 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Preferred Securities |
1,189,330,252 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
|
Corporate Debt Securities 4.7% |
|||||||||
Banking 1.7% |
||||||||||
$ | 13,952,000 | Regions Financial Corporation, 7.375% 12/10/37, Sub Notes |
17,489,823 | (1)(2) | ||||||
131,000 | Texas Capital Bancshares Inc., 6.50% 09/21/42, Sub Notes |
3,287,288 | ||||||||
28,000 | Zions Bancorporation, 6.95% 09/15/28, Sub Notes |
785,442 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
21,562,553 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Financial Services 0.4% |
||||||||||
122,439 | Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., 6.375% 08/15/42 |
3,250,939 | (1)(2) | |||||||
$ | 4,726,012 | Lehman Brothers, Guaranteed Note, Variable Rate, 5.843% 12/16/16, 144A**** |
227,794 | (4)(5) | ||||||
30,586 | Raymond James Financial, 6.90% 03/15/42 |
813,358 | (1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
4,292,091 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Insurance 1.4% |
||||||||||
$ | 13,500,000 | Liberty Mutual Insurance, 7.697% 10/15/97, 144A**** |
16,985,308 | (1)(2) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
16,985,308 | ||||||||||
|
|
8
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value | |||||||||
|
Corporate Debt Securities (Continued) |
|||||||||
Energy 0.6% |
||||||||||
$ | 6,717,000 | Energy Transfer Partners LP, 8.25% 11/15/29 |
$ | 8,042,063 | (1)(2) | |||||
|
|
|||||||||
8,042,063 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Communication 0.3% |
||||||||||
161,060 | Qwest Corporation, 7.375% 06/01/51 |
4,175,078 | (1)(2) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
4,175,078 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Miscellaneous Industries 0.3% |
||||||||||
$ | 3,550,000 | Pulte Group, Inc., 7.875% 06/15/32 |
4,126,875 | (1)(2) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
4,126,875 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Corporate Debt Securities |
59,183,968 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
|
Common Stock 0.2% |
|||||||||
Banking 0.2% |
||||||||||
54,740 | CIT Group, Inc. |
2,377,906 | * | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
2,377,906 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Insurance 0.0% |
||||||||||
241,737 | WMI Holdings Corporation, 144A**** |
555,995 | * | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
555,995 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Common Stock |
2,933,901 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
|
Money Market Fund 0.0% |
|||||||||
BlackRock Liquidity Funds: |
||||||||||
459,359 | T-Fund, Institutional Class |
459,359 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Money Market Fund |
459,359 | |||||||||
|
|
Total Investments (Cost $1,244,040,754***) |
98.9% | 1,251,907,480 | ||||||
Other Assets And Liabilities (Net) |
1.1% | 13,687,896 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Managed Assets |
100.0% | | $ | 1,265,595,376 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Loan Principal Balance |
|
(434,375,000 | ) | |||||
|
|
|||||||
Total Net Assets Available To Common Stock |
|
$ | 831,220,376 | |||||
|
|
9
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
* | Securities eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction and distributing Qualified Dividend Income. |
** | Securities distributing Qualified Dividend Income only. |
*** | Aggregate cost of securities held. |
**** | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. At August 31, 2015, these securities amounted to $246,667,082 or 19.5% of total managed assets. |
(1) | All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for the Funds loan. The total value of such securities was $745,886,595 at August 31, 2015. |
(2) | All or a portion of this security has been rehypothecated. The total value of such securities was $315,843,928 at August 31, 2015. |
(3) | Foreign Issuer. |
(4) | Illiquid security (designation is unaudited). |
(5) | Valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors as of August 31, 2015. |
(6) | Represents the rate in effect as of the reporting date. |
| Non-income producing. |
| The issuer has filed for bankruptcy protection. As a result, the Fund may not be able to recover the principal invested and also does not expect to receive income on this security going forward. |
| The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of that category as a percentage of total managed assets. |
10
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK(1)
For the period from December 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Value | ||||
OPERATIONS: |
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Net investment income |
$ | 51,991,898 | ||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments sold during the period |
8,763,015 | |||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments |
(42,984,195 | ) | ||
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|
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Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
17,770,718 | |||
DISTRIBUTIONS: |
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Dividends paid from net investment income to Common Stock Shareholders(2) |
(53,392,131 | ) | ||
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|
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Total Distributions to Common Stock Shareholders |
(53,392,131 | ) | ||
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: |
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Increase from shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment and |
2,199,640 | |||
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|
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Net increase in net assets available to Common Stock resulting from |
2,199,640 | |||
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK |
|
|
||
FOR THE PERIOD |
$ | (33,421,773 | ) | |
|
|
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NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK: |
||||
Beginning of period |
$ | 864,642,149 | ||
Net decrease in net assets during the period |
(33,421,773 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
End of period |
$ | 831,220,376 | ||
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|
(1) | These tables summarize the nine months ended August 31, 2015 and should be read in conjunction with the Funds audited financial statements, including notes to financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2014. |
(2) | May include income earned, but not paid out, in prior fiscal year. |
11
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(1)
For the period from December 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
For a Common Stock share outstanding throughout the period
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE: |
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Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 19.85 | ||
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INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: |
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Net investment income |
1.19 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments |
(0.78 | ) | ||
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|
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Total from investment operations |
0.41 | |||
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|
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DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS: |
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From net investment income |
(1.22 | ) | ||
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|
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Total distributions to Common Stock Shareholders |
(1.22 | ) | ||
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|
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Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 19.04 | ||
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Market value, end of period |
$ | 18.05 | ||
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Common Stock shares outstanding, end of period |
43,662,982 | |||
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|
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RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS: |
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Net investment income |
8.08 | %* | ||
Operating expenses including interest expense |
1.39 | %* | ||
Operating expenses excluding interest expense |
0.87 | %* | ||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
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Portfolio turnover rate |
5 | %** | ||
Total managed assets, end of period (in 000s) |
$ | 1,265,595 | ||
Ratio of operating expenses including interest expense to total managed assets |
0.93 | %* | ||
Ratio of operating expenses excluding interest expense to total managed assets |
0.58 | %* |
(1) | These tables summarize the nine months ended August 31, 2015 and should be read in conjunction with the Funds audited financial statements, including notes to financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2014. |
* | Annualized. |
** | Not Annualized. |
| The net investment income ratios reflect income net of operating expenses, including interest expense. |
| Information presented under heading Supplemental Data includes loan principal balance. |
12
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)
Per Share of Common Stock (Unaudited)
Total Dividends Paid |
Net Asset Value |
NYSE Closing Price |
Dividend Reinvestment Price(1) |
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December 31, 2014 |
$ | 0.1360 | $ | 19.78 | $ | 19.05 | $ | 19.69 | ||||||||
January 30, 2015 |
0.1360 | 19.93 | 20.82 | 19.93 | ||||||||||||
February 27, 2015 |
0.1360 | 19.91 | 20.60 | 19.91 | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2015 |
0.1360 | 20.03 | 20.34 | 20.03 | ||||||||||||
April 30, 2015 |
0.1360 | 19.81 | 20.59 | 19.81 | ||||||||||||
May 29, 2015 |
0.1360 | 19.65 | 20.53 | 19.65 | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2015 |
0.1360 | 19.26 | 18.66 | 19.01 | ||||||||||||
July 31, 2015 |
0.1360 | 19.31 | 18.48 | 18.56 | ||||||||||||
August 31, 2015 |
0.1360 | 19.04 | 18.05 | 18.20 |
(1) | Whenever the net asset value per share of the Funds Common Stock is less than or equal to the market price per share on the reinvestment date, new shares issued will be valued at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the then current market price. Otherwise, the reinvestment shares of Common Stock will be purchased in the open market. |
13
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1. | Aggregate Information for Federal Income Tax Purposes |
At August 31, 2015, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $1,277,490,807, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost was $78,034,044 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value was $103,617,371.
2. | Additional Accounting Standards |
Fair Value Measurements: The Fund has analyzed all existing investments to determine the significance and character of all inputs to their fair value determination. The levels of fair value inputs used to measure the Funds investments are characterized into a fair value hierarchy. Where inputs for an asset or liability fall into more than one level in the fair value hierarchy, the investment is classified in its entirety based on the lowest level input that is significant to that investments valuation. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
| Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical securities |
| Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at market value at the end of the period.
14
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
A summary of the inputs used to value the Funds investments as of August 31, 2015 is as follows:
Total Value at August 31, 2015 |
Level 1 Quoted Price |
Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs |
Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs |
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Preferred Securities |
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Banking |
$ | 588,173,061 | $ | 485,196,256 | $ | 102,924,155 | $ | 52,650 | ||||||||
Financial Services |
20,306,637 | 20,306,637 | | | ||||||||||||
Insurance |
312,645,516 | 177,834,289 | 134,811,227 | | ||||||||||||
Utilities |
155,731,462 | 54,097,015 | 101,634,447 | | ||||||||||||
Energy |
41,671,453 | 39,738,753 | 1,932,700 | | ||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) |
50,298,081 | 50,298,081 | | | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous Industries |
20,504,042 | 1,246,680 | 19,257,362 | | ||||||||||||
Corporate Debt Securities |
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Banking |
21,562,553 | 4,072,730 | 17,489,823 | | ||||||||||||
Financial Services |
4,292,091 | 4,064,297 | | 227,794 | ||||||||||||
Insurance |
16,985,308 | | 16,985,308 | | ||||||||||||
Energy |
8,042,063 | | 8,042,063 | | ||||||||||||
Communication |
4,175,078 | 4,175,078 | | | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous Industries |
4,126,875 | | 4,126,875 | | ||||||||||||
Common Stock |
||||||||||||||||
Banking |
2,377,906 | 2,377,906 | | | ||||||||||||
Insurance |
555,995 | 555,995 | | | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund |
459,359 | 459,359 | | | ||||||||||||
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Total Investments |
$ | 1,251,907,480 | $ | 844,423,076 | $ | 407,203,960 | $ | 280,444 | ||||||||
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During the reporting period, securities with an aggregate market value of $10,452,000 were transferred into Level 2 from Level 1. The securities were transferred due to a decrease in the quantity and quality of the information related to trading activity or broker quotes for these securities. During the reporting period, there were no transfers into Level 1 from Level 2.
The fair values of the Funds investments are generally based on market information and quotes received from brokers or independent pricing services that are approved by the Board of Directors and are unaffiliated with the Adviser. To assess the continuing appropriateness of security valuations, management, in consultation with the Adviser, regularly compares current prices to prior prices, prices across comparable securities, actual sale prices for securities in the Funds portfolio, and market information obtained by the Adviser as a function of being an active market participant.
Securities with quotes that are based on actual trades or actionable bids and offers with a sufficient level of activity on or near the measurement date are classified as Level 1. Securities that are priced using quotes derived from implied values, indicative bids and offers, or a limited number of actual tradesor the same information for securities that are similar in many respects to those being valuedare classified as Level 2. If market information is not available for securities being valued, or materially-comparable securities, then those securities are classified as Level 3. In considering market information, management
15
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
evaluates changes in liquidity, willingness of a broker to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from pricing services, and the existence of observable trades in the market.
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
Preferred Securities |
Corporate Debt Securities |
|||||||||||
Total Investments | Banking | Financial Services | ||||||||||
Balance as of 11/30/14 |
$ | 358,187 | $ | 52,650 | $ | 305,537 | ||||||
Accrued discounts/premiums |
| | | |||||||||
Realized gain/(loss) |
| | | |||||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) |
(77,743 | ) | | (77,743 | ) | |||||||
Purchases |
| | | |||||||||
Sales |
| | | |||||||||
Transfers in |
| | | |||||||||
Transfers out |
| | | |||||||||
Balance as of 08/31/15 |
$ | 280,444 | $ | 52,650 | $ | 227,794 |
For the nine months ended August 31, 2015, total change in unrealized gain/(loss) on Level 3 securities still held at period-end and included in the change in net assets was $(77,743).
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques used and unobservable inputs developed to determine the fair value of Level 3 investments:
Category | Fair Value at 08/31/15 |
Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input | Input Range (Wgt Avg) | ||||||
Preferred Securities |
||||||||||
Banking |
$ | 52,650 | Bankruptcy recovery | Credit/Structure-specific recovery | 0.00% - 0.50% (0.15%) | |||||
Corporate Debt |
227,794 | Bankruptcy recovery | Credit/Structure-specific recovery | 3% - 8% (5%) | ||||||
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement technique for bankruptcy recovery are based on recovery analysis that is specific to the security being valued, including the level of subordination and structural features of the security, and the current status of any bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings. Observable market trades in bankruptcy claims are utilized by management, when available, to assess the appropriateness of valuations, although the frequency of trading depends on the specific credit and seniority of the claim. Expected recoveries in bankruptcy by security type and industry do not tend to deviate much from historical recovery rates, which are very low (sometimes zero) for preferred securities and more moderate for senior debt. Significant changes in these inputs would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
16