FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE PREFERRED SECURITIES INCOME FUND
To the Shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund (FFC):
Increased volatility was a common theme in most markets during the first fiscal quarter1, and the preferred securities market was no exception. Total return2 on net asset value (NAV) was -2.5% for the quarter, while total return on market price was 0.3%.
As we mentioned in our last letter, markets entered a new phase with liftoff in December. The Federal Reserves 0.25% hike in short-term interest rates was its first step in slowly removing unprecedented levels of monetary accommodation. However, other parts of the world, notably Europe and Japan, are still easing monetary policy by increasing quantitative easing (QE) programs and pushing short-term interest rates into negative territory. With concerns over economic growth in China adding to the equation, investors are struggling to figure out how all the pieces fit together going forward. Understandably, markets are factoring in a possibility of policy mistakes along the way, as these are uncharted territories for everyone. The result has been increased volatility in most markets, including commodities (oil, natural gas, and metals), stocks, U.S. Treasuries, corporate bonds, and preferred securities.
Reduced probabilities for future rate increases in the U.S., and negative rates in some regions, triggered an absolute rout in bank common stockswith the average U.S. bank stock returning -20% during the fiscal period. Preferred securities fared much better but cheapened in sympathy (as did more-senior bank securities). Bank earnings should benefit from higher interest rates, but any upside to future earnings that investors had been hoping for (and pricing into stock prices) has been scaled back from earlier projections.
European bank common stocks were among the worst performers, and this had a related impact on the contingent capital securities market (these CoCos are the non-U.S. version of preferreds). Deutsche Bank was in the headlines yet againthis time with concerns about its ability to pay coupons on CoCos and preferred securities. The market reacted very negatively, and CoCo prices were dragged down substantially across the board. Once again, U.S. preferreds fared better but still cheapened in sympathy.
There is a lot for investors in all markets to consider, but as it relates to preferreds, we suggest taking a step back to reflect on a longer-term view of favorable fundamentals.
Bank earnings are certainly important to investors, since dividends are paid out of earnings and profits. However, growth in earnings, while critical to common stock valuation, is not a critical determinant of creditworthiness and preferred-stock valuation. We focus much more on a banks capitalon its ability to absorb losses while still being able to pay preferred dividendsthan on earnings growth. On this front, the news is positive as the common equity capital at banks in which we invest continues to build, which supports debt and preferred stock that are senior to common equity.
1 | December 1, 2015February 29, 2016 |
2 | Following the methodology required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, total return assumes dividend reinvestment. |
Low interest rates will have mixed implications for both issuers of and investors in preferred securities, but overall they should benefit prices of preferred securities as a global search for yield continues. We also believe recent concerns around CoCos (which represented 1.2% of the Fund as of period end) will turn out to be noise, as issuers and regulators consider CoCos a necessary market that they are loath to damage by not paying coupons.
Global economic recovery will be slow, and policy mistakes are likely to be made. As we have said before, income (coupons) can make up for quite a bit of principal change over timeand preferreds continue to offer higher yields than many other fixed-income securities. While volatility may be with us for some time, and the ride may be bumpy, we believe total returns will be competitive over time for preferred investors.
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
March 31, 2016
2
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW
February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
% of Net Assets**** | ||||
Holdings Generating Qualified Dividend Income (QDI) for Individuals | 60% | |||
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
February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value |
|||||||||
Preferred Securities 93.1% | ||||||||||
Banking 47.3% |
||||||||||
5,420 | Astoria Financial Corp., 6.50%, Series C |
$ | 141,259 | * | ||||||
Bank of America Corporation: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 6,310,000 | 8.00%, Series K |
6,317,887 | *(1) | ||||||
$ | 10,000,000 | 8.125%, Series M |
10,012,500 | * | ||||||
Barclays Bank PLC: |
|
|||||||||
390,600 | 7.10%, Series 3 |
9,765,000 | **(3) | |||||||
23,000 | 7.75%, Series 4 |
586,040 | **(3) | |||||||
481,036 | 8.125%, Series 5 |
12,343,384 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
$ | 16,170,000 | BNP Paribas, 7.375%, 144A**** |
15,139,163 | **(3) | ||||||
26,900 | Capital One Financial Corporation, 6.70%, Series D |
714,531 | * | |||||||
Citigroup, Inc.: |
|
|||||||||
981,500 | 6.875%, Series K |
26,132,437 | *(1) | |||||||
572,357 | 7.125%, Series J |
15,256,920 | *(1) | |||||||
CoBank ACB: |
|
|||||||||
53,520 | 6.125%, Series G, 144A**** |
5,072,695 | * | |||||||
104,000 | 6.20%, Series H, 144A**** |
10,432,500 | * | |||||||
60,000 | 6.25%, Series F, 144A**** |
6,187,500 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 35,100,000 | Colonial BancGroup, 7.114%, 144A**** |
52,650 | (4)(5) | ||||||
19,900 | Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., 5.375%, Series A |
491,904 | * | |||||||
1,648,046 | Fifth Third Bancorp, 6.625%, Series I |
46,711,886 | *(1) | |||||||
First Horizon National Corporation: |
|
|||||||||
3,730 | First Tennessee Bank, Adj. Rate, 3.75%(6), 144A**** |
2,485,929 | * | |||||||
8 | FT Real Estate Securities Company, 9.50%, 144A**** |
10,420,000 | ||||||||
642,800 | First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., 8.625%, Series B |
16,994,025 | *(1) | |||||||
First Republic Bank: |
|
|||||||||
50,000 | 5.625%, Series C |
1,267,190 | * | |||||||
99,000 | 6.70%, Series A |
2,617,312 | *(1) | |||||||
Goldman Sachs Group: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 390,000 | 5.70%, Series L |
373,913 | * | ||||||
140,000 | 6.375%, Series K |
3,721,200 | *(1) | |||||||
HSBC PLC: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 4,400,000 | HSBC Capital Funding LP, 10.176%, 144A**** |
6,386,380 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||
729,000 | HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.00%, Series 2 |
18,749,005 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
860,000 | HSBC USA, Inc., 6.50%, Series H |
21,580,668 | *(1) | |||||||
ING Groep NV: |
|
|||||||||
355,000 | 6.375% |
8,910,500 | **(3) | |||||||
125,000 | 7.05% |
3,238,287 | **(3) | |||||||
116,054 | 7.20% |
3,024,657 | **(3) |
4
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
February 29, 2016 (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 |
1,450,658 | * | |||||||
183,700 | 6.70%, Series T |
4,991,129 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 15,155,000 | 6.75%, Series S |
16,083,244 | *(1) | ||||||
$ | 32,000,000 | 7.90%, Series I |
31,960,000 | *(1) | ||||||
M&T Bank Corporation: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 16,750,000 | 6.450%, Series E |
17,671,250 | *(1) | ||||||
$ | 29,323,000 | 6.875%, Series D, 144A**** |
29,452,021 | *(1) | ||||||
Morgan Stanley: |
|
|||||||||
502,400 | 6.875%, Series F |
13,574,848 | *(1) | |||||||
298,300 | 7.125%, Series E |
8,399,024 | *(1) | |||||||
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.: |
|
|||||||||
1,465,360 | 6.125%, Series P |
41,579,590 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 4,443,000 | 6.75%, Series O |
4,758,453 | *(1) | ||||||
$ | 7,885,000 | RaboBank Nederland, 11.00%, 144A**** |
9,335,525 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||
27,213 | Regions Financial Corporation, 6.375%, Series B |
701,587 | * | |||||||
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC: |
|
|||||||||
25,000 | 6.60%, Series S |
606,750 | **(3) | |||||||
292,000 | 7.25%, Series T |
7,323,360 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
Sovereign Bancorp: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 1,000,000 | Sovereign Capital Trust VI, 7.908% 06/13/36 |
1,014,442 | |||||||
8,641 | Sovereign REIT, 12.00%, Series A, 144A**** |
10,833,654 | ||||||||
505,500 | State Street Corporation, 5.90%, Series D |
13,332,562 | *(1) | |||||||
107,166 | SunTrust Banks, Inc., 5.875%, Series E |
2,756,181 | * | |||||||
216,000 | US Bancorp, 6.50%, Series F |
6,257,261 | *(1) | |||||||
357,568 | Webster Financial Corporation, 6.40%, Series E |
9,296,768 | *(1) | |||||||
Wells Fargo & Company: |
|
|||||||||
339,095 | 5.85%, Series Q |
8,678,730 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 3,000,000 | 5.875%, Series U |
3,180,150 | *(1)(2) | ||||||
402,925 | 6.625%, Series R |
11,471,275 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 16,314,000 | 7.98%, Series K |
16,803,420 | *(1) | ||||||
550,500 | 8.00%, Series J |
15,379,594 | *(1) | |||||||
Zions Bancorporation: |
|
|||||||||
20,000 | 6.30%, Series G |
501,250 | * | |||||||
$ | 9,000,000 | 7.20%, Series J |
9,202,500 | *(1) | ||||||
514,666 | 7.90%, Series F |
13,628,356 | *(1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
580,760,029 | ||||||||||
|
|
5
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value |
|||||||||
Preferred Securities (Continued) | ||||||||||
Financial Services 1.1% |
||||||||||
190,000 | Charles Schwab Corporation, 6.00%, Series C |
$ | 4,904,375 | *(1) | ||||||
HSBC PLC: |
||||||||||
358,895 | HSBC Finance Corporation, 6.36%, Series B |
8,994,806 | *(1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
13,899,181 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Insurance 25.9% |
||||||||||
625,869 | Allstate Corp., 6.625%, Series E |
17,230,987 | *(1) | |||||||
$ | 1,053,000 | Aon Corporation, 8.205% 01/01/27 |
1,282,027 | (1)(2) | ||||||
615,000 | Arch Capital Group, Ltd., 6.75%, Series C |
16,547,374 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.: |
|
|||||||||
71,206 | 5.95% |
1,841,565 | **(3) | |||||||
16,729 | 7.25% |
442,273 | **(3) | |||||||
87,755 | 7.401% |
2,147,260 | **(3) | |||||||
AXA SA: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 3,315,000 | 6.379%, 144A**** |
3,452,406 | **(1)(2)(3) | ||||||
$ | 2,750,000 | 8.60% 12/15/30 |
3,581,875 | (3) | ||||||
1,358,586 | Axis Capital Holdings Ltd., 6.875%, Series C |
35,832,706 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
Chubb Ltd.: |
||||||||||
$ | 4,566,000 | Ace Capital Trust II, 9.70% 04/01/30 |
6,497,418 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||
732,250 | Delphi Financial Group, 7.376% 05/15/37 |
18,260,484 | (1)(2) | |||||||
Endurance Specialty Holdings: |
|
|||||||||
84,000 | 6.35%, Series C |
2,206,680 | **(3) | |||||||
185,902 | 7.50%, Series B |
4,723,082 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
$ | 13,308,000 | Everest Re Holdings, 6.60% 05/15/37 |
11,478,150 | (1)(2) | ||||||
50,000 | Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., 7.875% |
1,596,875 | ||||||||
$ | 36,918,000 | Liberty Mutual Group, 10.75% 06/15/58, 144A**** |
53,623,395 | (1)(2) | ||||||
MetLife: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 16,612,000 | MetLife, Inc., 10.75% 08/01/39 |
24,585,760 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 2,250,000 | MetLife Capital Trust IV, 7.875% 12/15/37, 144A**** |
2,576,250 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 18,250,000 | MetLife Capital Trust X, 9.25% 04/08/38, 144A**** |
23,770,625 | (1)(2) | ||||||
PartnerRe Ltd.: |
|
|||||||||
140,000 | 5.875%, Series F |
3,640,000 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
475,799 | 7.25%, Series E |
13,708,959 | **(1)(3) | |||||||
Prudential Financial, Inc.: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 4,906,000 | 5.625% 06/15/43 |
4,853,261 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 3,900,000 | 5.875% 09/15/42 |
3,963,453 | (1)(2) |
6
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value |
|||||||||
Preferred Securities (Continued) | ||||||||||
Insurance (Continued) |
||||||||||
QBE Insurance: |
||||||||||
$ | 17,752,000 | QBE Capital Funding III Ltd., 7.25% 05/24/41, 144A**** |
$ | 19,394,060 | (1)(2)(3) | |||||
Unum Group: |
||||||||||
$ | 15,240,000 | Provident Financing Trust I, 7.405% 03/15/38 |
17,585,573 | (1)(2) | ||||||
XL Group PLC: |
||||||||||
$ | 33,000,000 | XL Capital Ltd., 6.50%, Series E |
23,182,500 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
318,004,998 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Utilities 11.3% |
||||||||||
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company: |
|
|||||||||
10,000 | 6.70%, Series 1993 |
1,018,438 | *(1) | |||||||
15,000 | 7.125%, Series 1993 |
1,523,437 | * | |||||||
Commonwealth Edison: |
||||||||||
$ | 15,828,000 | COMED Financing III, 6.35% 03/15/33 |
16,606,374 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 11,662,000 | Dominion Resources, Inc., 7.50% 06/30/66 |
9,796,080 | (1)(2) | ||||||
164,400 | Georgia Power Company, 6.50%, Series 2007A |
17,246,596 | *(1) | |||||||
98,800 | Indianapolis Power & Light Company, 5.65% |
10,108,475 | * | |||||||
463,700 | Integrys Energy Group, Inc., 6.00% |
11,853,331 | (1) | |||||||
Nextera Energy: |
|
|||||||||
$ | 16,293,000 | FPL Group Capital, Inc., 6.65% 06/15/67, Series C |
12,301,215 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 5,100,000 | FPL Group Capital, Inc., 7.30% 09/01/67, Series D |
4,870,500 | (1)(2) | ||||||
PECO Energy: |
||||||||||
$ | 2,386,000 | PECO Energy Capital Trust III, 7.38% 04/06/28, Series D |
2,699,177 | (1)(2) | ||||||
PPL Corp: |
||||||||||
$ | 18,180,000 | PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 6.70% 03/30/67, Series A |
13,647,126 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 23,500,000 | Puget Sound Energy, Inc., 6.974% 06/01/67, Series A |
17,096,250 | (1)(2) | ||||||
197,500 | Southern California Edison Co., 6.50%, Series D |
20,305,469 | *(1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
139,072,468 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Energy 2.3% |
||||||||||
$ | 2,510,000 | DCP Midstream LLC, 5.85% 05/21/43, 144A**** |
1,342,850 | |||||||
$ | 38,198,000 | Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 8.05% 10/01/37 |
26,070,135 | (1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 1,471,000 | Enterprise Products Operating L.P., 8.375% 08/01/66, Series A |
1,106,928 | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
28,519,913 | ||||||||||
|
|
7
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value |
|||||||||
Preferred Securities (Continued) | ||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) 2.8% |
||||||||||
17,745 | Equity CommonWealth, 7.25%, Series E |
$ | 447,508 | |||||||
National Retail Properties, Inc.: |
|
|||||||||
263,818 | 5.70%, Series E |
6,743,848 | (1)(2) | |||||||
137,417 | 6.625%, Series D |
3,564,253 | (1) | |||||||
PS Business Parks, Inc.: |
|
|||||||||
22,000 | 5.70%, Series V |
566,500 | ||||||||
30,000 | 5.75%, Series U |
755,100 | ||||||||
55,000 | 6.00%, Series T |
1,398,100 | ||||||||
275,175 | 6.45%, Series S |
7,128,766 | (1) | |||||||
59,386 | Public Storage, 6.375%, Series Y |
1,660,955 | ||||||||
331,640 | Realty Income Corporation, 6.625%, Series F |
8,602,742 | (1) | |||||||
127,988 | Regency Centers Corporation, 6.625%, Series 6 |
3,359,685 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
34,227,457 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Miscellaneous Industries 2.4% |
||||||||||
BHP Billiton Limited: |
||||||||||
$ | 2,500,000 | BHP Billiton Finance U.S.A., Ltd., 6.75% 10/19/75, 144A**** |
2,418,750 | (3) | ||||||
$ | 6,974,000 | General Electric Company, 5.00%, Series D |
7,087,328 | *(1)(2) | ||||||
$ | 9,500,000 | Land O Lakes, Inc., 8.00%, 144A**** |
9,820,625 | *(1)(2) | ||||||
105,400 | Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 6.25%, 144A**** |
9,028,174 | * | |||||||
48,000 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., 5.75% 07/25/52 |
1,233,000 | (1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
29,587,877 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Preferred Securities |
1,144,071,923 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
|
Corporate Debt Securities 4.9% |
|||||||||
Banking 1.7% |
||||||||||
$ | 10,992,000 | Regions Financial Corporation, 7.375% 12/10/37, Sub Notes |
14,201,675 | (1)(2) | ||||||
274,000 | Texas Capital Bancshares Inc., 6.50% 09/21/42, Sub Notes |
6,635,951 | ||||||||
28,000 | Zions Bancorporation, 6.95% 09/15/28, Sub Notes |
780,500 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
21,618,126 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Financial Services 0.3% |
||||||||||
101,339 | Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., 6.375% 08/15/42 |
2,631,652 | (1)(2) | |||||||
$ | 4,726,012 | Lehman Brothers, Guaranteed Note, Variable Rate, 5.843% 12/16/16, 144A**** |
159,267 | (4)(5) |
8
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value |
|||||||||
|
Corporate Debt Securities (Continued) | |||||||||
Financial Services (Continued) |
||||||||||
30,586 | Raymond James Financial, 6.90% 03/15/42 |
$ | 826,779 | (1) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
3,617,698 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Insurance 1.4% |
||||||||||
$ | 13,500,000 | Liberty Mutual Insurance, 7.697% 10/15/97, 144A**** |
16,846,502 | (1)(2) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
16,846,502 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Energy 0.6% |
||||||||||
$ | 6,717,000 | Energy Transfer Partners LP, 8.25% 11/15/29 |
6,956,810 | (1)(2) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
6,956,810 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Communication 0.5% |
||||||||||
256,158 | Qwest Corporation, 7.375% 06/01/51 |
6,476,007 | (1) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
6,476,007 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Miscellaneous Industries 0.4% |
||||||||||
38,000 | eBay, Inc., 6.00% 02/01/56 |
944,300 | ||||||||
$ | 3,550,000 | Pulte Group, Inc., 7.875% 06/15/32 |
4,047,000 | (1)(2) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
4,991,300 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Corporate Debt Securities |
60,506,443 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
|
Common Stock 0.2% |
|||||||||
Banking 0.1% |
||||||||||
54,740 | CIT Group, Inc. |
1,631,799 | * | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
1,631,799 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Insurance 0.1% |
||||||||||
241,737 | WMI Holdings Corporation, 144A**** |
589,838 | * | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
589,838 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Common Stock |
2,221,637 | |||||||||
|
|
9
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
Shares/$ Par | Value |
|||||||||
|
Money Market Fund 0.6% | |||||||||
BlackRock Liquidity Funds: |
||||||||||
7,409,849 | T-Fund, Institutional Class |
$ | 7,409,849 | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Money Market Fund |
7,409,849 | |||||||||
|
|
Total Investments (Cost $1,246,662,390***) |
98.8% | 1,214,209,852 | ||||||||
Other Assets And Liabilities (Net) |
1.2% | 14,567,647 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total Managed Assets |
100.0% | | $ | 1,228,777,499 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Loan Principal Balance |
|
(434,375,000 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Total Net Assets Available To Common Stock |
|
$ | 794,402,499 | |||||||
|
|
* | 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 February 29, 2016, these securities amounted to $248,820,759 or 20.2% 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 $760,756,702 at February 29, 2016. |
(2) | All or a portion of this security has been rehypothecated. The total value of such securities was $282,105,324 at February 29, 2016. |
(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 February 29, 2016. |
(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
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK(1)
For the period from December 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
Value | ||||
OPERATIONS: |
||||
Net investment income |
$ | 16,868,008 | ||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments sold during the period |
395,925 | |||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments |
(37,905,239 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations |
(20,641,306 | ) | ||
DISTRIBUTIONS: |
||||
Dividends paid from net investment income to Common Stock Shareholders(2) |
(17,839,701 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total Distributions to Common Stock Shareholders |
(17,839,701 | ) | ||
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: |
||||
Increase from shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment and |
1,158,813 | |||
|
|
|||
Net increase in net assets available to Common Stock resulting from |
1,158,813 | |||
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK |
|
|
||
FOR THE PERIOD |
$ | (37,322,194 | ) | |
|
|
|||
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK: |
||||
Beginning of period |
$ | 831,724,693 | ||
Net decrease in net assets during the period |
(37,322,194 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
End of period |
$ | 794,402,499 | ||
|
|
(1) | These tables summarize the three months ended February 29, 2016 and should be read in conjunction with the Funds audited financial statements, including notes to financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2015. |
(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, 2015 through February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)
For a Common Stock share outstanding throughout the period
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE: |
||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 19.04 | ||
|
|
|||
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: |
||||
Net investment income |
0.39 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments |
(0.86 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total from investment operations |
(0.47 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS: |
||||
From net investment income |
(0.41 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total distributions to Common Stock Shareholders |
(0.41 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 18.16 | ||
|
|
|||
Market value, end of period |
$ | 19.78 | ||
|
|
|||
Common Stock shares outstanding, end of period |
43,744,828 | |||
|
|
|||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS: |
||||
Net investment income |
8.39 | %* | ||
Operating expenses including interest expense |
1.59 | %* | ||
Operating expenses excluding interest expense |
0.93 | %* | ||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
2 | %** | ||
Total managed assets, end of period (in 000s) |
$ | 1,228,777 | ||
Ratio of operating expenses including interest expense to total managed assets |
1.04 | %* | ||
Ratio of operating expenses excluding interest expense to total managed assets |
0.61 | %* |
(1) | These tables summarize the three months ended February 29, 2016 and should be read in conjunction with the Funds audited financial statements, including notes to financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2015. |
* | Annualized. |
** | Not annualized. |
| The net investment income ratio reflects 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) |
|||||||||||||
December 31, 2015 |
$ | 0.1360 | $ | 18.84 | $ | 20.05 | $ | 19.05 | ||||||||
January 29, 2016 |
0.1360 | 18.51 | 19.91 | 18.91 | ||||||||||||
February 29, 2016 |
0.1360 | 18.16 | 19.78 | 18.79 |
(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 February 29, 2016, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $1,281,674,221, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost was $68,146,620 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value was $135,610,989.
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 February 29, 2016 is as follows:
Total Value at February 29, 2016 |
Level 1 Quoted Price |
Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs |
Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs |
|||||||||||||
Preferred Securities |
||||||||||||||||
Banking |
$ | 580,760,029 | $ | 479,884,233 | $ | 100,823,146 | $ | 52,650 | ||||||||
Financial Services |
13,899,181 | 13,899,181 | | | ||||||||||||
Insurance |
318,004,998 | 182,849,610 | 135,155,388 | | ||||||||||||
Utilities |
139,072,468 | 42,672,172 | 96,400,296 | | ||||||||||||
Energy |
28,519,913 | 1,106,928 | 27,412,985 | | ||||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) |
34,227,457 | 34,227,457 | | | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous Industries |
29,587,877 | 10,739,078 | 18,848,799 | | ||||||||||||
Corporate Debt Securities |
||||||||||||||||
Banking |
21,618,126 | 7,416,451 | 14,201,675 | | ||||||||||||
Financial Services |
3,617,698 | 3,458,431 | | 159,267 | ||||||||||||
Insurance |
16,846,502 | | 16,846,502 | | ||||||||||||
Energy |
6,956,810 | | 6,956,810 | | ||||||||||||
Communication |
6,476,007 | 6,476,007 | | | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous Industries |
4,991,300 | 944,300 | 4,047,000 | | ||||||||||||
Common Stock |
||||||||||||||||
Banking |
1,631,799 | 1,631,799 | | | ||||||||||||
Insurance |
589,838 | 589,838 | | | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund |
7,409,849 | 7,409,849 | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Investments |
$ | 1,214,209,852 | $ | 793,305,334 | $ | 420,692,601 | $ | 211,917 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the reporting period, there were no transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 or into Level 2 from Level 1.
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 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.
15
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
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 11/30/15 |
$ | 201,992 | $ | 52,650 | $ | 149,342 | ||||||
Accrued discounts/premiums |
| | | |||||||||
Realized gain/(loss) |
| | | |||||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) |
9,925 | | 9,925 | |||||||||
Purchases |
| | | |||||||||
Sales |
| | | |||||||||
Transfers in |
| | | |||||||||
Transfers out |
| | | |||||||||
Balance as of 02/29/16 |
$ | 211,917 | $ | 52,650 | $ | 159,267 |
For the three months ended February 29, 2016, total change in unrealized gain/(loss) on Level 3 securities still held at period-end and included in the change in net assets was $9,925.
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 02/29/16 |
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 |
159,267 | Bankruptcy recovery | Credit/Structure-specific recovery | 2% - 5% (3.3%) | ||||||
Securities (Financial Services) |
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