FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE Preferred Securities Income Fund
To the Shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund (“FFC”):
Preferreds performed well in the third fiscal quarter1, bringing total return for the year just back into positive territory. While these returns have not kept pace with returns in recent years, preferreds continue to outperform certain areas of the fixed income market. Total return2 on net asset value (“NAV”) was 2.3% for the quarter, and 0.7% for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. Total return on market price over the same periods was 4.4% and -2.0%, respectively.
By most accounts, it has been a challenging year for corporate bond investments. As the current economic cycle has matured, interest rates rose modestly and credit spreads gradually widened. The yield curve flattened as the Federal Reserve methodically raised its benchmark rate while the long end of the Treasury yield curve moved up only modestly given a limited increase in broad-based inflation and subdued expectations for long-term economic growth. Over the first nine months of the Fund’s fiscal year, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index returned -0.5%, while the Bloomberg Barclays Long U.S. Credit Index returned -2.7%.
Preferreds outperformed these fixed-income benchmarks for a few key reasons. First, duration is moderate for many preferreds – and for the Fund’s portfolio specifically. We won’t repeat the merits of fixed-to-float preferreds here, but as previously discussed they offer attractive yields with intermediate duration. Owning both fixed-rate and fixed-to-float preferreds allows for management of portfolio duration despite the long-term nature of the Fund’s investments.
Second, an issuer’s preferreds generally yield more than its corporate bonds. The Fund’s strategy is to identify investment-grade issuers and invest down the capital structure (into preferreds) to earn extra yield for what is, in most cases, similar default risk. For issuers with solid credit quality, preferreds have consistently outperformed corporate bonds over a credit cycle. Over time, higher yields can make up for a lot of principal change and dampen effects of higher interest rates.
Outperformance of preferreds over other fixed income securities has been even better when considered after-tax. If shareholders missed our discussion on taxes in the semi-annual report dated May 31, 2018, we encourage a read. Most preferreds offer tax-advantaged income, which further enhances the extra yield earned for subordination (i.e. being lower in the capital structure than senior debt).
We believe the case for preferreds as an income investment remains largely intact, with a combination of higher relative yields, tax advantages, and benign credit conditions. Returns may be bumpy as markets navigate a late-cycle economy (albeit one that’s currently showing few signs of weakness) and an active Federal Reserve. For fixed-income investors, however, preferreds’ combination of credit quality, intermediate duration and yield should remain attractive.
Sincerely,
The Flaherty & Crumrine Portfolio Management Team
September 30, 2018
1 June 1, 2018 – August 31, 2018
2 Following the methodology required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, total return assumes dividend reinvestment.
2
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Fund Statistics |
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value |
|
$ |
19.42 |
|
Market Price |
|
$ |
19.13 |
|
Discount |
|
|
1.49 |
% |
Yield on Market Price |
|
|
7.15 |
% |
Common Stock Shares Outstanding |
|
|
44,252,635 |
|
Security Ratings** |
% of Net Assets† |
||
A |
|
0.6 |
% |
BBB |
|
56.8 |
% |
BB |
|
32.4 |
% |
Below “BB” |
|
1.1 |
% |
Not Rated*** |
|
7.7 |
% |
Portfolio Rating Guidelines |
% of Net Assets† |
||
Security Rated Below Investment Grade By All**** |
|
31.9 |
% |
Issuer or Senior Debt Rated Below Investment Grade by All***** |
2.1 |
% |
**Ratings are from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. “Not Rated” securities are those with no ratings available from Moody’s.
***Excludes common stock and money market fund investments and net other assets and liabilities of 1.4%.
****Security rating below investment grade by all of Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings.
*****Security rating and issuer’s senior unsecured debt or issuer rating are below investment grade by all of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. The Fund’s investment policy currently limits such securities to 10% of Net Assets.
Industry Categories* |
% of Net Assets† |
Top 10 Holdings by Issuer |
% of Net Assets† |
|||
JPMorgan Chase & Co |
|
|
4.7 |
% |
PNC Financial Services Group |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
Wells Fargo & Company |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
MetLife Inc |
|
|
4.2 |
% |
Citigroup Inc |
|
|
3.8 |
% |
Liberty Mutual Group |
|
|
3.6 |
% |
Morgan Stanley |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
BNP Paribas |
|
|
3.3 |
% |
Fifth Third Bancorp |
|
|
3.2 |
% |
Enbridge Energy Partners |
|
|
2.9 |
% |
|
% of Net Assets******† |
||||
Holdings Generating Qualified Dividend Income (QDI) for Individuals |
|
|
61 |
% |
|
Holdings Generating Income Eligible for the Corporate Dividends Received Deduction (DRD) |
44 |
% |
******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, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Shares/$ Par |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Securities§ — 93.8% |
|||||
Banking — 56.0% |
$ |
5,103,000 |
|
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., 6.75% to 06/15/26 then |
$ |
5,307,120 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
12,800,000 |
|
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA, 6.125% to 11/16/27 then SW5 + 3.87% |
|
11,322,496 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
2,970,000 |
|
Banco Mercantil del Norte SA, 7.625% to 01/06/28 then T10Y + 5.353%, 144A**** |
|
3,027,915 |
**(2) |
|
$ |
14,800,000 |
|
Bank of America Corporation, 5.875% to 03/15/28 then 3ML + 2.931%, Series FF |
|
14,818,500 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
|
Barclays Bank PLC: |
||||
|
300,036 |
|
8.125%, Series 5 |
|
7,932,952 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
5,615,000 |
|
7.75%, to 09/15/23 then SW5 + 4.842% |
|
5,678,450 |
**(2) |
|
$ |
18,863,000 |
|
7.875% to 03/15/22 then SW5 + 6.772%, 144A**** |
|
19,627,499 |
**(1)(2) |
|
|
|
|
BNP Paribas: |
||||
$ |
2,340,000 |
|
7.00%, to 08/16/28 then SW5 + 3.98%, 144A**** |
|
2,345,850 |
**(2) |
|
$ |
31,040,000 |
|
7.375% to 08/19/25 then SW5 + 5.15%, 144A**** |
|
32,723,920 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
8,000,000 |
|
7.625% to 03/30/21 then SW5 + 6.314%, 144A**** |
|
8,520,000 |
**(2) |
|
|
|
|
Capital One Financial Corporation: |
||||
|
13,893 |
|
6.00%, Series B |
|
356,425 |
* |
|
|
58,600 |
|
6.00%, Series H |
|
1,542,645 |
* |
|
|
34,000 |
|
6.20%, Series F |
|
891,480 |
* |
|
|
120,900 |
|
6.70%, Series D |
|
3,189,946 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
|
Citigroup, Inc.: |
||||
$ |
4,590,000 |
|
5.95% to 05/15/25 then 3ML + 3.905%, Series P |
|
4,680,423 |
* |
|
|
1,036,484 |
|
6.875% to 11/15/23 then 3ML + 4.13%, Series K |
|
28,871,262 |
*(1) |
|
|
572,357 |
|
7.125% to 09/30/23 then 3ML + 4.04%, Series J |
|
16,286,418 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
|
CoBank ACB: |
||||
|
38,420 |
|
6.125%, Series G, 144A**** |
|
3,861,210 |
* |
|
|
104,000 |
|
6.20% to 01/01/25 then 3ML + 3.744%, Series H, 144A**** |
|
11,128,000 |
* |
|
|
60,000 |
|
6.25% to 10/01/22 then 3ML + 4.557%, Series F, 144A**** |
|
6,270,000 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
2,498,000 |
|
6.25% to 10/01/26 then 3ML + 4.66%, Series I, 144A**** |
|
2,660,370 |
* |
|
$ |
35,100,000 |
|
Colonial BancGroup, 7.114%, 144A**** |
|
3,510 |
(3)(4)†† |
|
$ |
1,630,000 |
|
Credit Agricole SA, 7.875% to 01/23/24 then SW5 + 4.898%,144A**** |
|
1,733,823 |
**(2) |
|
|
1,483,814 |
|
Fifth Third Bancorp, 6.625% to 12/31/23 then 3ML + 3.71%, Series I |
|
41,465,182 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
|
First Horizon National Corporation: |
||||
|
3,730 |
|
First Tennessee Bank, 3ML + 0.85%, min 3.75%, 3.75%(5),144A**** |
|
2,909,788 |
* |
|
|
9 |
|
FT Real Estate Securities Company, 9.50% 03/31/31, 144A**** |
|
11,664,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs Group: |
||||
$ |
12,000,000 |
|
5.00% to 11/10/22 then 3ML + 2.874%, Series P |
|
11,381,902 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
390,000 |
|
5.70% to 05/10/19 then 3ML + 3.884%, Series L |
|
395,893 |
* |
|
|
140,000 |
|
6.375% to 05/10/24 then 3ML + 3.55%, Series K |
|
3,812,200 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
|
HSBC Holdings PLC: |
||||
$ |
2,100,000 |
|
6.00% to 05/22/27 then ISDA5 + 3.746% |
|
2,039,730 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
20,770,000 |
|
6.50% to 03/23/28 then ISDA5 + 3.606% |
|
20,354,600 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
5,243,000 |
|
6.875% to 06/01/21 then ISDA5 + 5.514% |
|
5,472,381 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
4,400,000 |
|
HSBC Capital Funding LP, 10.176% to 06/30/30 then 3ML + 4.98%, 144A**** |
|
6,567,000 |
(1)(2) |
4
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Shares/$ Par |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Securities — (Continued) |
|||||
Banking — (Continued) |
|
|
|
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.: |
||||
|
590,000 |
|
6.25%, Series D |
$ |
15,682,200 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
5,800,000 |
|
5.70% to 04/15/23 then 3ML + 2.88%, Series E |
|
5,796,375 |
*(1) |
|
|
300,000 |
|
ING Groep NV, 6.375% |
|
7,704,000 |
**(2) |
|
|
|
|
JPMorgan Chase & Company: |
||||
|
56,600 |
|
6.125%, Series Y |
|
1,497,353 |
* |
|
|
183,700 |
|
6.70%, Series T |
|
4,779,874 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
32,000,000 |
|
3ML + 3.47%, 5.8089%(5), Series I |
|
32,264,000 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
5,450,000 |
|
6.00% to 08/01/23 then 3ML + 3.30%, Series R |
|
5,693,996 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
15,155,000 |
|
6.75% to 02/01/24 then 3ML + 3.78%, Series S |
|
16,700,052 |
*(1) |
|
|
502,300 |
|
KeyCorp, 6.125% to 12/15/26 then 3ML + 3.892%, Series E |
|
14,081,980 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
9,340,000 |
|
Lloyds TSB Bank PLC, 12.00% to 12/16/24 then 3ML + 11.756%, 144A**** |
|
11,367,303 |
(1)(2) |
|
$ |
16,750,000 |
|
M&T Bank Corporation, 6.45% to 02/15/24 then 3ML + 3.61%, Series E |
|
17,964,375 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
3,000,000 |
|
Macquarie Bank Ltd., 6.125% to 03/08/27 then SW5 + 3.703%, 144A**** |
|
2,756,250 |
**(2) |
|
|
242,340 |
|
MB Financial, Inc., 6.00%, Series C |
|
6,325,074 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley: |
||||
|
879,089 |
|
5.85% to 04/15/27 then 3ML + 3.491%, Series K |
|
23,010,155 |
*(1) |
|
|
502,400 |
|
6.875% to 01/15/24 then 3ML + 3.94%, Series F |
|
14,145,072 |
*(1) |
|
|
298,300 |
|
7.125% to 10/15/23 then 3ML + 4.32%, Series E |
|
8,595,514 |
*(1) |
|
|
977,000 |
|
New York Community Bancorp, Inc., 6.375% to 03/17/27 then |
|
27,248,530 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
|
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.: |
||||
|
1,941,960 |
|
6.125% to 05/01/22 then 3ML + 4.067%, Series P |
|
54,073,876 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
3,043,000 |
|
6.75% to 08/01/21 then 3ML + 3.678%, Series O |
|
3,312,305 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
7,885,000 |
|
RaboBank Nederland, 11.00% to 06/30/19 then 3ML + 10.868%, 144A**** |
|
8,377,812 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
27,213 |
|
Regions Financial Corporation, 6.375% to 09/15/24 then 3ML + 3.536%, Series B |
|
744,137 |
* |
|
|
|
|
Societe Generale SA: |
||||
$ |
17,750,000 |
|
6.75% to 04/06/28 then SW5 + 3.929%, 144A**** |
|
16,818,125 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
7,000,000 |
|
7.375% to 09/13/21 then SW5 + 6.238%, 144A**** |
|
7,332,500 |
**(2) |
|
|
8,641 |
|
Sovereign Bancorp: |
|
10,174,777 |
|
|
|
|
|
Standard Chartered PLC: |
||||
$ |
11,370,000 |
|
7.50% to 04/02/22 then SW5 + 6.301%, 144A**** |
|
11,767,950 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
8,000,000 |
|
7.75% to 04/02/23 then SW5 + 5.723%, 144A**** |
|
8,310,000 |
**(1)(2) |
|
|
505,500 |
|
State Street Corporation, 5.90% to 03/15/24 then 3ML + 3.108%, Series D |
|
13,721,797 |
*(1) |
|
|
59,724 |
|
Sterling Bancorp, 6.50%, Series A |
|
1,590,773 |
* |
|
|
174,959 |
|
US Bancorp, 6.50% to 01/15/22 then 3ML + 4.468%, Series F |
|
4,938,218 |
*(1) |
|
|
165,000 |
|
Valley National Bancorp, 5.50% to 09/30/22 then 3ML + 3.578%, Series B |
|
4,323,000 |
*(1) |
5
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Shares/$ Par |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Securities — (Continued) |
|||||
Banking — (Continued) |
|
|
|
Wells Fargo & Company: |
||||
|
55,000 |
|
5.625%, Series Y |
$ |
1,401,119 |
* |
|
|
1,353 |
|
7.50%, Series L |
|
1,756,174 |
* |
|
|
550,500 |
|
8.00%, Series J |
|
13,825,807 |
*(1) |
|
|
339,095 |
|
5.85% to 09/15/23 then 3ML + 3.09%, Series Q |
|
8,780,865 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
3,000,000 |
|
5.875% to 06/15/25 then 3ML + 3.99%, Series U |
|
3,165,000 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
16,314,000 |
|
3ML + 3.77%, 6.1106%(5), Series K |
|
16,544,843 |
*(1) |
|
|
402,925 |
|
6.625% to 03/15/24 then 3ML + 3.69%, Series R |
|
11,084,467 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
6,700,000 |
|
Westpac Banking Corporation, 5.00% to 09/21/27 then ISDA5 + 2.888% |
|
6,018,682 |
**(1)(2) |
|
|
|
|
Zions Bancorporation: |
||||
|
20,000 |
|
6.30% to 03/15/23 then 3ML + 4.24%, Series G |
|
543,920 |
* |
|
$ |
9,000,000 |
|
7.20% to 09/15/23 then 3ML + 4.44%, Series J |
|
9,652,500 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
732,713,640 |
|
||||
Financial Services — 1.4% |
|||||||
$ |
2,540,000 |
|
AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 6.50% to 06/15/25 then |
|
2,628,900 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
Charles Schwab Corporation: |
||||
|
13,600 |
|
5.95%, Series D |
|
355,232 |
* |
|
|
176,400 |
|
6.00%, Series C |
|
4,629,618 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
4,700,000 |
|
Credit Suisse Group AG, 7.50% to 07/17/23 then SW5 + 4.60%, 144A**** |
|
4,871,550 |
**(2) |
|
$ |
2,600,000 |
|
E*TRADE Financial Corporation, 5.30% to 03/15/23 then 3ML + 3.16%, Series B |
|
2,592,200 |
* |
|
$ |
2,625,000 |
|
General Motors Financial Company, 5.75% to 09/30/27 then |
|
2,561,016 |
* |
|
|
|
17,638,516 |
|
||||
Insurance — 19.9% |
|||||||
|
612,382 |
|
Allstate Corporation, 6.625%, Series E |
|
15,929,954 |
*(1) |
|
$ |
718,000 |
|
Aon Corporation, 8.205% 01/01/27 |
|
881,345 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
Arch Capital Group, Ltd.: |
||||
|
67,000 |
|
5.25%, Series E |
|
1,624,562 |
**(2) |
|
|
56,500 |
|
5.45%, Series F |
|
1,400,635 |
**(2) |
|
|
|
|
Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.: |
||||
|
65,962 |
|
5.625% |
|
1,653,008 |
**(2) |
|
|
65,830 |
|
5.95% to 07/01/23 then 3ML + 4.06% |
|
1,708,288 |
**(2) |
|
$ |
3,315,000 |
|
AXA SA, 6.379% to 12/14/36 then 3ML + 2.256%, 144A**** |
|
3,547,050 |
**(1)(2) |
|
|
52,191 |
|
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd., 5.50%, Series E |
|
1,304,253 |
**(2) |
|
$ |
4,566,000 |
|
Chubb Ltd.: |
|
6,426,645 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
732,250 |
|
Delphi Financial Group, 3ML + 3.19%, 5.5038%(5) 05/15/37 |
|
16,567,156 |
(1) |
|
|
254,000 |
|
Enstar Group Ltd., 7.00% to 08/31/28 then 3ML + 4.015%, Series D |
|
6,676,390 |
**(1)(2) |
|
$ |
7,310,000 |
|
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, 3ML + 2.385%, 4.6988%(5) 05/15/37 |
|
7,236,900 |
(1) |
6
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Shares/$ Par |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Securities — (Continued) |
|||||
Insurance — (Continued) |
|
50,000 |
|
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., 7.875% to 04/15/22 then |
$ |
1,429,750 |
|
|
$ |
24,634,000 |
|
Liberty Mutual Group, 7.80% 03/15/37, 144A**** |
|
29,129,705 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
MetLife, Inc.: |
||||
$ |
18,250,000 |
|
9.25% 04/08/38, 144A**** |
|
24,911,250 |
(1) |
|
$ |
17,895,000 |
|
10.75% 08/01/39 |
|
27,603,038 |
(1) |
|
$ |
2,250,000 |
|
MetLife Capital Trust IV, 7.875% 12/15/37, 144A**** |
|
2,801,250 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
PartnerRe Ltd.: |
||||
|
140,000 |
|
5.875%, Series I |
|
3,521,000 |
**(1)(2) |
|
|
36,394 |
|
6.50%, Series G |
|
955,706 |
**(1)(2) |
|
|
475,799 |
|
7.25%, Series H |
|
13,324,751 |
**(1)(2) |
|
|
|
|
Prudential Financial, Inc.: |
||||
$ |
4,906,000 |
|
5.625% to 06/15/23 then 3ML + 3.92%, 06/15/43 |
|
5,136,484 |
(1) |
|
$ |
3,900,000 |
|
5.875% to 09/15/22 then 3ML + 4.175%, 09/15/42 |
|
4,158,375 |
(1) |
|
$ |
21,757,000 |
|
QBE Insurance Group Ltd., 7.50% to 11/24/23 then |
|
23,796,719 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
100,000 |
|
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., 5.75%, Series F |
|
2,539,500 |
**(2) |
|
$ |
21,105,000 |
|
Unum Group: |
|
23,226,053 |
(1) |
|
|
144,335 |
|
W.R. Berkley Corporation, 5.75% 06/01/56 |
|
3,593,220 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
XL Group Limited: |
||||
$ |
8,000,000 |
|
Catlin Insurance Company Ltd., 3ML + 2.975%, 5.3169%(5), 144A**** |
|
7,920,000 |
(1)(2) |
|
$ |
21,893,000 |
|
XL Capital Ltd., 3ML + 2.4575%, 4.7967%(5), Series E |
|
21,566,794 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
|
260,569,781 |
|
||||
Utilities — 6.8% |
|||||||
$ |
3,752,000 |
|
CenterPoint Energy, Inc., 6.125% to 09/01/23 then 3ML + 3.27%, Series A |
|
3,827,040 |
* |
|
$ |
16,798,000 |
|
Commonwealth Edison: |
|
17,821,166 |
(1) |
|
|
802,012 |
|
Dominion Energy, Inc., 5.25% 07/30/76, Series A |
|
19,773,606 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
DTE Energy Company: |
||||
|
164,000 |
|
5.375% 06/01/76, Series B |
|
4,056,868 |
(1) |
|
|
55,000 |
|
6.00% 12/15/76, Series F |
|
1,445,400 |
|
|
$ |
12,170,000 |
|
Emera, Inc., 6.75% to 06/15/26 then 3ML + 5.44%, 06/15/76, Series 2016A |
|
12,962,519 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
2,500 |
|
Georgia Power Company, 5.00% 10/01/77, Series 2017A |
|
61,413 |
|
|
|
98,800 |
|
Indianapolis Power & Light Company, 5.65% |
|
10,135,892 |
* |
|
|
463,700 |
|
Integrys Energy Group, Inc., 6.00% to 08/01/23 then 3ML + 3.22%, 08/01/73 |
|
12,021,423 |
(1) |
|
$ |
707,000 |
|
NextEra Energy: |
|
681,419 |
(1) |
|
$ |
1,900,000 |
|
NiSource, Inc., 5.65% to 06/15/23 then T5Y + 2.843%, 144A**** |
|
1,926,125 |
* |
7
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Shares/$ Par |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Securities — (Continued) |
|||||
Utilities — (Continued) |
$ |
2,386,000 |
|
PECO Energy: |
$ |
2,715,751 |
(1) |
|
|
70,000 |
|
Southern California Edison: |
|
1,823,850 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
89,252,472 |
|
||||
Energy — 6.9% |
|||||||
$ |
2,510,000 |
|
DCP Midstream LLC, 5.85% to 05/21/23 then 3ML + 3.85%, 05/21/43, 144A**** |
|
2,321,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
DCP Midstream LP: |
||||
$ |
6,450,000 |
|
7.375% to 12/15/22 then 3ML + 5.148%, Series A |
|
6,462,094 |
(1) |
|
|
21,500 |
|
7.875% to 06/15/23 then 3ML + 4.919%, Series B |
|
556,528 |
|
|
$ |
6,200,000 |
|
Enbridge, Inc., 6.00% to 01/15/27 then 3ML + 3.89%, 01/15/77 |
|
6,060,500 |
(1)(2) |
|
$ |
38,198,000 |
|
Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 3ML + 3.7975%, 6.1349%(5) 10/01/37 |
|
38,409,294 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
Energy Transfer Partners LP: |
||||
|
631,750 |
|
7.375% to 05/15/23 then 3ML + 4.53%, Series C |
|
16,212,537 |
(1) |
|
|
8,600 |
|
7.625% to 08/15/23 then 3ML + 4.738%, Series D |
|
225,750 |
|
|
$ |
3,700,000 |
|
Enterprise Products Operating L.P., 5.25% to 08/16/27 then |
|
3,505,750 |
|
|
|
11,900 |
|
Kinder Morgan, Inc., 9.75% 10/26/18, Series A |
|
395,385 |
* |
|
|
191,783 |
|
NuStar Logistics LP, 3ML + 6.734%, 9.0732%(5) 01/15/43 |
|
4,975,810 |
|
|
|
|
|
Transcanada Pipelines, Ltd.: |
||||
$ |
4,000,000 |
|
5.30% to 03/15/27 then 3ML + 3.208%, 03/15/77, Series 2017-A |
|
3,842,500 |
(1)(2) |
|
$ |
7,000,000 |
|
5.875% to 08/15/26 then 3ML + 4.64%, 08/15/76, Series 2016-A |
|
7,157,500 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
|
90,125,398 |
|
||||
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) — 0.1% |
|||||||
|
19,210 |
|
Annaly Capital Management, Inc., 6.95% to 09/30/22 then 3ML + 4.993%, Series F |
|
492,737 |
|
|
|
20,064 |
|
National Retail Properties, Inc., 5.20%, Series F |
|
477,924 |
|
|
|
37,673 |
|
PS Business Parks, Inc., 5.20%, Series W |
|
906,224 |
|
|
|
|
1,876,885 |
|
||||
Miscellaneous Industries — 2.7% |
|||||||
$ |
2,500,000 |
|
BHP Billiton Limited: BHP Billiton Finance U.S.A., Ltd., 6.75% to 10/19/25 then |
|
2,750,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
5,074,000 |
|
General Electric Company, 5.00% to 01/21/21 then 3ML + 3.33%, Series D |
|
5,001,061 |
*(1) |
|
|
|
|
Land O’ Lakes, Inc.: |
||||
$ |
7,900,000 |
|
7.25%, Series B, 144A**** |
|
8,551,750 |
* |
|
$ |
9,500,000 |
|
8.00%, Series A, 144A**** |
|
10,450,000 |
*(1) |
|
|
97,900 |
|
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 6.25%, 144A**** |
|
8,688,625 |
* |
|
|
|
35,441,436 |
|
||||
|
|
Total Preferred Securities |
1,227,618,128 |
|
|||
|
|
8
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Shares/$ Par |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Debt Securities§ — 4.8% |
|||||
Banking — 2.0% |
$ |
3,077,000 |
|
Regions Financial Corporation, 7.375% 12/10/37, Sub Notes |
$ |
4,026,589 |
(1) |
|
|
806,700 |
|
Texas Capital Bancshares Inc., 6.50% 09/21/42, Sub Notes |
|
20,776,559 |
(1) |
|
|
25,000 |
|
Zions Bancorporation, 6.95% to 09/15/23 then 3ML + 3.89%, 09/15/28, Sub Notes |
|
739,625 |
|
|
|
|
25,542,773 |
|
||||
Financial Services — 0.0% |
|||||||
|
15,000 |
|
B. Riley Financial, Inc., 7.50% 05/31/27 |
|
381,825 |
|
|
$ |
4,726,012 |
|
Lehman Brothers, Guaranteed Note, 5.843% 12/16/16,144A**** |
|
46,788 |
(3)(4)†† |
|
|
|
428,613 |
|
||||
Insurance — 1.4% |
|||||||
$ |
13,500,000 |
|
Liberty Mutual Insurance, 7.697% 10/15/97, 144A**** |
|
18,375,975 |
(1) |
|
|
|
18,375,975 |
|
||||
Energy — 0.6% |
|||||||
$ |
6,717,000 |
|
Energy Transfer Partners LP, 8.25% 11/15/29 |
|
8,199,332 |
(1) |
|
|
|
8,199,332 |
|
||||
Communication — 0.5% |
|||||||
|
|
|
Qwest Corporation: |
||||
|
127,729 |
|
6.50% 09/01/56 |
|
3,009,934 |
|
|
|
155,921 |
|
6.75% 06/15/57 |
|
3,813,048 |
|
|
|
2,300 |
|
7.00% 04/01/52 |
|
58,432 |
|
|
|
|
6,881,414 |
|
||||
Miscellaneous Industries — 0.3% |
|||||||
$ |
3,550,000 |
|
Pulte Group, Inc., 7.875% 06/15/32 |
|
3,984,875 |
(1) |
|
|
|
3,984,875 |
|
||||
|
|
Total Corporate Debt Securities |
|
63,412,982 |
|
||
|
|
||||||
Common Stock — 0.0% |
|||||||
Insurance — 0.0% |
|||||||
|
241,737 |
|
WMI Holdings Corporation, 144A**** |
|
365,023 |
*† |
|
|
|
365,023 |
|
||||
|
|
Total Common Stock |
|
365,023 |
|
||
|
|
||||||
|
9
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued) August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
Shares/$ Par |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money Market Fund — 0.4% |
|
4,787,457 |
|
BlackRock Liquidity Funds: |
$ |
4,787,457 |
|
|
|
|
Total Money Market Fund |
|
4,787,457 |
|
Total Investments (Cost $1,279,346,277***) |
99.0 |
% |
|
1,296,183,590 |
|
|
Other Assets And Liabilities (Net) |
1.0 |
% |
|
12,828,383 |
|
|
Total Managed Assets |
100.0 |
%‡ |
$ |
1,309,011,973 |
|
|
Loan Principal Balance |
|
|
(449,575,000 |
) |
||
Total Net Assets Available To Common Stock |
|
$ |
859,436,973 |
|
§Date shown is maturity date unless referencing the end of the fixed-rate period of a fixed-to-floating rate security.
*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, 2018, these securities amounted to $348,337,182 or 26.6% of total managed assets.
(1)All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for the Fund’s loan. The total value of such securities was $790,579,678 at August 31, 2018.
(2)Foreign Issuer.
(3)Level 3, illiquid security (designation is unaudited; see Note 2: Additional Accounting Standards).
(4)Valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors as of August 31, 2018.
(5)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.
ABBREVIATIONS:
3ML — 3-Month ICE LIBOR USD A/360
ISDA5 — 5-year USD ICE Swap Semiannual 30/360
SW5 — 5-year USD Swap Semiannual 30/360
SW10 — 10-year USD Swap Semiannual 30/360
T5Y — Federal Reserve H.15 5-Yr Constant Maturity Treasury Semiannual yield
T10Y — Federal Reserve H.15 10-Yr Constant Maturity Treasury Semiannual yield
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, 2017 through August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
|
|
Value |
|
||||
OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
|
|||
Net investment income |
|
$ |
43,238,022 |
|
|||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments sold during the period |
|
(7,452,465 |
) |
||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments |
|
(31,072,376 |
) |
||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
4,713,181 |
|
|||
DISTRIBUTIONS: |
|
|
|
|
|||
Dividends paid from net investment income to Common Stock Shareholders(2) |
|
(45,843,261 |
) |
||||
Total Distributions to Common Stock Shareholders |
|
(45,843,261 |
) |
||||
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: |
|
|
|
|
|||
Increase from shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan |
|
838,921 |
|
||||
Net increase in net assets available to Common Stock resulting from |
|
838,921 |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK FOR THE period |
|
$(40,291,159 |
) |
||||
|
|
||||||
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK: |
|
|
|
|
|||
Beginning of period |
|
$ |
899,728,132 |
|
|||
Net decrease in net assets during the period |
|
(40,291,159 |
) |
||||
End of period |
|
$ |
859,436,973 |
|
(1)These tables summarize the nine months ended August 31, 2018 and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s audited financial statements, including notes to the financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2017.
(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 December 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018 (Unaudited) |
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE: |
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
|
$ |
20.35 |
|
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
0.98 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments |
|
|
(0.87 |
) |
Total from investment operations |
|
|
0.11 |
|
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS: |
|
|
|
|
From net investment income |
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
Total distributions to Common Stock Shareholders |
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
Net asset value, end of period |
|
$ |
19.42 |
|
Market value, end of period |
|
$ |
19.13 |
|
Common Stock shares outstanding, end of period |
|
|
44,252,635 |
|
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS: |
|
|||
Net investment income† |
|
|
6.59 |
%* |
Operating expenses including interest expense |
|
|
2.20 |
%* |
Operating expenses excluding interest expense |
|
|
0.85 |
%* |
|
|
|||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: †† |
|
|
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
10 |
%** |
Total managed assets, end of period (in 000’s) |
|
$ |
1,309,012 |
|
Ratio of operating expenses including interest expense to average total managed assets |
|
|
1.46 |
%* |
Ratio of operating expenses excluding interest expense to average total managed assets |
|
|
0.56 |
%* |
(1)These tables summarize the nine months ended August 31, 2018 and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s audited financial statements, including notes to the financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2017.
*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 |
|
Net Asset |
|
NYSE |
|
Dividend |
December 29, 2017 |
|
$0.1190 |
|
$20.33 |
|
$20.46 |
|
$20.33 |
January 31, 2018 |
|
0.1190 |
|
20.11 |
|
18.71 |
|
18.94 |
February 28, 2018 |
|
0.1140 |
|
19.95 |
|
19.20 |
|
19.26 |
March 29, 2018 |
|
0.1140 |
|
19.83 |
|
19.00 |
|
18.89 |
April 30, 2018 |
|
0.1140 |
|
19.55 |
|
18.49 |
|
18.53 |
May 31, 2018 |
|
0.1140 |
|
19.33 |
|
18.66 |
|
18.72 |
June 29, 2018 |
|
0.1140 |
|
19.23 |
|
18.92 |
|
18.99 |
July 31, 2018 |
|
0.1140 |
|
19.33 |
|
19.15 |
|
19.17 |
August 31, 2018 |
|
0.1140 |
|
19.42 |
|
19.13 |
|
19.07 |
(1)Whenever the net asset value per share of the Fund’s 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, 2018, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $1,317,342,589, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost was $71,453,942 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value was $92,612,941.
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 Fund’s 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 investment’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s investments as of August 31, 2018 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
Level 1 |
|
Significant |
|
Significant |
|
|
Value at |
|
Quoted |
|
Observable |
|
Unobservable |
|
|
August 31, 2018 |
|
Price |
|
Inputs |
|
Inputs |
Preferred Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banking |
|
$732,713,640 |
|
$638,452,383 |
|
$94,257,747 |
|
$3,510 |
Financial Services |
|
17,638,516 |
|
15,009,616 |
|
2,628,900 |
|
— |
Insurance |
|
260,569,781 |
|
149,758,208 |
|
110,811,573 |
|
— |
Utilities |
|
89,252,472 |
|
46,558,240 |
|
42,694,232 |
|
— |
Energy |
|
90,125,398 |
|
49,394,354 |
|
40,731,044 |
|
— |
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) |
|
1,876,885 |
|
1,876,885 |
|
— |
|
— |
Miscellaneous Industries |
|
35,441,436 |
|
7,751,061 |
|
27,690,375 |
|
— |
Corporate Debt Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banking |
|
25,542,773 |
|
21,516,184 |
|
4,026,589 |
|
— |
Financial Services |
|
428,613 |
|
381,825 |
|
— |
|
46,788 |
Insurance |
|
18,375,975 |
|
— |
|
18,375,975 |
|
— |
Energy |
|
8,199,332 |
|
— |
|
8,199,332 |
|
— |
Communication |
|
6,881,414 |
|
6,881,414 |
|
— |
|
— |
Miscellaneous Industries |
|
3,984,875 |
|
— |
|
3,984,875 |
|
— |
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance |
|
365,023 |
|
365,023 |
|
— |
|
— |
Money Market Fund |
|
4,787,457 |
|
4,787,457 |
|
— |
|
— |
Total Investments |
|
$1,296,183,590 |
|
$942,732,650 |
|
$353,400,642 |
|
$50,298 |
During the reporting period, securities with an aggregate market value of $7,920,000 were transferred into Level 1 from Level 2. The securities were transferred due to an increase in the quantity and quality of the information related to trading activity or broker quotes for these securities. During the period, securities with an aggregate market value of $20,992,290 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 or out of Level 3.
The fair values of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 trades—or the same information for securities that are similar in many respects to those being valued—are classified as Level 2. If market information is not available for securities being valued, or materially-comparable
15
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued) |
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.
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
|
|
Total Investments |
|
Preferred Securities Banking |
|
Corporate Debt Securities Financial Services |
||||||
Balance as of 11/30/17 |
|
|
$97,085 |
|
|
|
$3,510 |
|
|
|
$93,575 |
|
Accrued discounts/premiums |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Realized gain/(loss) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) |
|
|
(46,787 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(46,787 |
) |
Purchases |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Sales |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Transfer in |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Transfer out |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Balance as of 08/31/18 |
|
|
$50,298 |
|
|
|
$3,510 |
|
|
|
$46,788 |
|
For the nine months ended August 31, 2018, total change in unrealized gain/(loss) on Level 3 securities still held at period-end and included in the change in net assets was $(46,787).
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques used and unobservable inputs developed to determine the fair value of Level 3 investments:
Category |
|
Fair Value |
|
Valuation Technique |
|
Unobservable Input |
|
Input Range (Wgt Avg) |
Preferred Securities (Banking) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Debt Securities (Financial Services) |
|
46,788 |
|
Bankruptcy recovery and market information |
|
Credit/Structure-specific recovery |
|
0.05% - 2.0% (1.0%) |
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.
Directors
R. Eric Chadwick, CFA
Chairman of the Board
Morgan Gust
David Gale
Karen H. Hogan
Officers
R. Eric Chadwick, CFA
Chief Executive Officer and
President
Chad C. Conwell
Chief Compliance Officer,
Vice President and Secretary
Bradford S. Stone
Chief Financial Officer,
Vice President and Treasurer
Roger W. Ko
Assistant Treasurer
Laurie C. Lodolo
Assistant Compliance Officer,
Assistant Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary
Linda M. Puchalski
Assistant Treasurer
Investment Adviser
Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated
e-mail: flaherty@pfdincome.com
Servicing Agent
Destra Capital Investments LLC
1-877-855-3434
Questions concerning your shares of Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund?
•If your shares are held in a Brokerage Account, contact your Broker.
•If you have physical possession of your shares in certificate form, contact the Fund’s Transfer Agent —
BNY Mellon c/o Computershare
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
1-866-351-7446
This report is sent to shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated for their information. It is not a Prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.
Quarterly
Report
August 31, 2018
www.preferredincome.com