nbb.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-22391

Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Nuveen Investments
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Kevin J. McCarthy
Nuveen Investments
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 917-7700

Date of fiscal year end: March 31

Date of reporting period: March 31, 2015

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.


 
 

 


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


 
 

 
 
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Table of Contents
 
Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders
4
   
Portfolio Manager’s Comments
5
   
Fund Leverage
9
   
Common Share Information
10
   
Risk Considerations
12
   
Performance Overview and Holding Summaries
14
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
18
   
Portfolios of Investments
19
   
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
31
   
Statement of Operations
32
   
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
33
   
Statement of Cash Flows
34
   
Financial Highlights
36
   
Notes to Financial Statements
38
   
Additional Fund Information
49
   
Glossary of Terms Used in this Report
50
   
Reinvest Automatically, Easily and Conveniently
52
   
Board Members & Officers
53
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
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Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders
 
 
Dear Shareholders,
 
A pattern of divergence has emerged in the past year. Steady and moderate growth in the U.S. economy helped sustain the stock market’s bull run another year. U.S. bonds also performed well, amid subdued inflation, interest rates that remained unexpectedly low and concerns about the economic well-being of the rest of the world. The stronger domestic economy enabled the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) to gradually reduce its large scale bond purchases, known as quantitative easing (QE), without disruption to the markets, as well as begin to set expectations for a transition into tightening mode.
 
The economic story outside the U.S. continues to improve. Despite the drama over Greece’s debt negotiations, the European economy appears to be stabilizing. Japan is on a moderate recovery path as it emerged from recession late last quarter. China’s economy decelerated and, despite running well above the rate of other major global economies, investors feared it looked slow by China’s standards. Some areas of concern were a surprisingly steep decline in oil prices, the U.S. dollar’s rally and an increase in geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine crisis and terrorist attacks across the Middle East and Africa, as well as more recently in Europe.
 
While a backdrop of healthy economic growth in the U.S. and the continuation of accommodative monetary policy (with the central banks of Japan and Europe stepping in where the Fed has left off) bodes well for the markets, the global outlook has become more uncertain. Indeed, volatility is likely to feature more prominently in the investment landscape going forward. Such conditions underscore the importance of professional investment management. Experienced investment teams have weathered the market’s ups and downs in the past and emerged with a better understanding of the sensitivities of their asset class and investment style, particularly in times of turbulence. We recognize the importance of maximizing gains, while striving to minimize volatility.
 
And, the same is true for investors like you. Maintaining an appropriate time horizon, diversification and relying on practiced investment teams are among your best strategies for achieving your long-term investment objectives. Additionally, I encourage you to communicate with your financial consultant if you have questions about your investment in a Nuveen Fund. On behalf of the other members of the Nuveen Fund Board, we look forward to continuing to earn your trust in the months and years ahead.
 
 
William J. Schneider
Chairman of the Board
May 22, 2015
 
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Portfolio Manager’s Comments
 
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund (NBB)
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund (NBD)
 
These Funds feature portfolio management by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, an affiliate of Nuveen Investments, Inc. Portfolio manager Daniel J. Close, CFA, discusses key investment strategies and the twelve-month performance of the Nuveen Build America Bond Fund (NBB) and the Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund (NBD). Dan has managed NBB and NBD since their inceptions in April 2010 and November 2010, respectively.
 
What factors affected the U.S. economy and the national municipal bond market during the twelve-month reporting period ended March 31, 2015?
 
During this reporting period, the U.S. economy continued to expand at a moderate pace. The Federal Reserve (Fed) maintained efforts to bolster growth and promote progress toward its mandates of maximum employment and price stability by holding the benchmark fed funds rate at the record low level of zero to 0.25% that it established in December 2008. At its October 2014 meeting, the Fed announced that it would end its bond-buying stimulus program as of November 1, 2014, after tapering its monthly asset purchases of mortgage-backed and longer-term Treasury securities from the original $85 billion per month to $15 billion per month over the course of seven consecutive meetings (December 2013 through September 2014). In making the announcement, the Fed cited substantial improvement in the outlook for the labor market since the inception of the current asset purchase program as well as sufficient underlying strength in the broader economy to support ongoing progress toward maximum employment in a context of price stability. The Fed also reiterated that it would continue to look at a wide range of factors, including labor market conditions, indicators of inflationary pressures and readings on financial developments, in determining future actions. Additionally, the Fed stated that it would likely maintain the current target range for the fed funds rate for a considerable time after the end of the asset purchase program, especially if projected inflation continues to run below the Fed’s 2% longer run goal. However, if economic data shows faster progress, the Fed indicated that it could raise the fed funds rate sooner than expected.
 
The Fed changed its language slightly in December, indicating it would be “patient” in normalizing monetary policy. This shift helped ease investors’ worries that the Fed might raise rates too soon. However, as employment data released early in the year continued to look strong, anticipation began building that the Fed could raise its main policy rate as soon as June. As widely expected, after its March meeting, the Fed eliminated “patient” from its statement but also highlighted the policy markers’ less optimistic view of the economy’s overall health as well as downgraded their inflation projections. Many market watchers now believed that a June rate hike was likely off the table. Some analysts also began to lower their forecasts for first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth, particularly after the March jobs report revealed a surprising slowdown in hiring. No rate hike was expected at the Fed’s April meeting (subsequent to the close of this reporting period), as the Fed said in March it would be “unlikely.”
 
Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Discussions of specific investments are for illustration only and are not intended as recommendations of individual investments. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are those of the portfolio manager as of the date of this report. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and the views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. The Funds disclaim any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein.
 
Ratings shown are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or Fitch, Inc. (Fitch) Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A, and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Certain bonds backed by U.S. government or agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.
 
Bond insurance guarantees only the payment of principal and interest on the bond when due, and not the value of the bonds themselves, which will fluctuate with the bond market and the financial success of the issuer and the insurer. Insurance relates specifically to the bonds in the portfolio and not to the share prices of a Fund. No representation is made as to the insurers’ ability to meet their commitments.
 
Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.
 
Nuveen Investments
 
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Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)
 
According to the government’s advance estimate, the U.S. economy grew at a 0.2% annualized rate in the first quarter of 2015, as measured by GDP, compared with 4.6% in the second quarter of 2014, 5.0% in the third quarter and 2.2% in the fourth quarter. The decline in real GDP growth rate from the fourth quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2015 primarily reflects a downturn in both state and local government spending, a decline in exports and consumer spending. These were partly offset by an upturn in federal government spending. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.1% year-over-year as of March 2015. The core CPI (which excludes food and energy) increased 1.8% during the same period, below the Fed’s unofficial longer term inflation objective of 2.0%. As of March 31, 2015, the national unemployment rate was 5.5%, the lowest level since May 2008 and the level considered “full employment” by some Fed officials, down from the 6.6% reported in March 2014. The housing market continued to post gains, although price growth has shown signs of deceleration in recent months. The average home price in the S&P/Case-Shiller Index of 20 major metropolitan areas rose 5.0% for the twelve months ended February 2015 (most recent data available at the time this report was prepared).
 
Municipal bonds enjoyed strong performance during the twelve-month reporting period, buoyed by a backdrop of low interest rates, improving investor sentiment and favorable supply-demand dynamics. Interest rates were widely expected to rise in 2014, as the economy improved and the Fed wound down its asset purchases. However, the 10-year Treasury yield ended the year even lower than where it began. As a result, fixed income asset classes performed surprisingly well (as yields fall, prices rise and vice versa).
 
At the same time, investors grew more confident that the Fed’s tapering would proceed at a measured pace and that the credit woes of Detroit and Puerto Rico would be contained. In addition, credit fundamentals for state and local governments were generally stabilizing, although pockets of trouble remained. California and New York showed marked improvements during 2014, whereas Illinois, New Jersey and Puerto Rico, for example, still face considerable challenges.
 
What key strategies were used to manage these Funds during the twelve-month reporting period ended March 31, 2015?
 
A backdrop of supportive technical and fundamental factors helped the municipal market rally for most of the reporting period. Overall, the performance of the Build America Bonds (BABs) market was positive for the reporting period, reflecting the decline in interest rates and the rally in longer dated Treasuries.
 
NBB and NBD are designed to invest primarily in BABs and other taxable municipal bonds. The primary investment objective of these two Funds is to provide current income through investments in taxable municipal securities. Their secondary objective is to seek enhanced portfolio value and total return. The Funds offer strategic portfolio diversification opportunities for traditional municipal bond investors, while providing investment options to investors that have not traditionally purchased municipal bonds, including public and corporate retirement plans, endowments, life insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds. For these investors, the Funds can offer investment grade municipal credit, current income and some security issuers typically offer call protection.
 
With the end of the BAB new issuance program in 2010, our focus continued to be on taking advantage of opportunities to add value and improve the liquidity profiles of both NBB and NBD by purchasing additional benchmark BAB issues in the secondary market. Benchmark BAB issues, which typically offer more liquidity than their non-benchmark counterparts, are defined as BABs over $250 million in size and therefore eligible for inclusion in the Barclays Aggregate-Eligible Build America Bond Index. Their greater liquidity makes them potentially easier to sell at Fund termination. In contrast, non-benchmark BABs generally are smaller issues that may offer the same credit quality as benchmark BABs, but sometimes require more detailed credit reviews before purchase and consequently may be less liquid.
 
Overall, our strategy during this reporting period was to continue to add value by pursuing active management. Trading activity during this reporting period was more robust than usual, largely focused on implementing one-to-one trades that sold the highest duration bonds and bought shorter duration bonds. Among these purchases of shorter duration bonds, NBB emphasized callable bonds and NBD bought non-callable structures.
 
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Cash for purchases was generated by the sales of longer duration bonds previously described, as well as the sale of Wayne County general obligation (GO) and Detroit public schools credits, which we eliminated based on credit concerns.
 
Shareholders should note that, because there was no new issuance of BABs or similar U.S. Treasury-subsidized taxable municipal bonds for the 24-month period ended December 31, 2012, the Funds’ contingent term provisions went into effect on January 1, 2013. During the reporting period ended March 31, 2015, NBB and NBD were managed in line with termination dates on or around June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2020, respectively, with the distribution of the Funds’ assets to shareholders planned for those times. We continued our efforts to maximize the Funds’ liquidity and better position NBB and NBD for termination. Even though the Funds are scheduled to terminate, we believe the opportunity still exists to add value for the shareholders of these Funds through active management and strong credit research.
 
How did these Funds perform during the twelve-month reporting period ended March 31, 2015?
 
The tables in each Fund’s Performance Overview and Holding Summaries section of this report provide the Funds’ total returns for the one-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2015. Each Fund’s total returns are compared with the performance of a corresponding market index. For the twelve-month reporting period ended March 31, 2015, the total returns on common share net asset value (NAV) for NBB and NBD trailed the return for the Barclays Aggregate-Eligible Build America Bond Index.
 
Key management factors that influenced the returns of NBB and NBD during this reporting period included duration and yield curve positioning, the use of derivatives, credit exposure and sector allocation.
 
During this reporting period, duration and yield curve positioning relative to the Barclays Aggregate-Eligible Build America Bond Index was a positive contributor to the performance of NBB and NBD. Both Funds’ allocations to tender option bonds (TOBs) were beneficial to results, although gains were somewhat tempered by overweights in the shorter and intermediate segments, which underperformed during this reporting period.
 
As part of their approach to investing, NBB and NBD use an integrated leverage and hedging strategy in their efforts to enhance current income and total return, while working to maintain a level of interest rate risk similar to that of the Barclays Aggregate-Eligible Build America Bond Index. As part of this integrated strategy, both NBB and NBD used inverse floating rate securities and bank borrowings as leverage to potentially magnify performance. At the same time, the Funds used interest rate swaps to reduce their leverage-adjusted durations to a level close to that of the Barclays Aggregate-Eligible Build America Bond Index. In addition, the Funds entered into staggered interest rate swaps to partially fix the interest cost of leverage. During this reporting period, the inverse floaters and interest rate swaps performed as expected. As rates declined and bonds with longer maturities outperformed, the use of inverse floaters was positive for the Funds’ performance. However, because NBB and NBD also were using swaps to shorten long term interest rates at a time when rates were falling, the use of swaps had a negative impact on the Funds’ total return performance for the reporting period. This impact was greater in NBD, which made greater use of derivatives. Leverage is discussed in more detail later in this report.
 
In addition, because of changes in the regulatory environment that now, because of interest rate swaps, require the posting of cash to meet daily margin calls, the Funds had to make small sales in order to meet margin calls as necessary. Previously, if interest rates rose on a daily basis, the Funds had been able to pledge municipal bonds as collateral and avoid selling to generate cash. However, the decline in interest rates over the second half of this reporting period triggered some of these margin call sales.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
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Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)
 
Credit rating exposure also was a positive factor in the Funds’ performance, with positive contributions from their exposure to AA- and A-rated credits. Overall, credit exposure boosted performance in both Fund, with notable strength in longer term, lower quality bonds. The Funds’ sector allocations were well diversified and added modest gains to both Funds.
 
Given the continued news about economic problems in Puerto Rico and Detroit’s bankruptcy filing, we should note that neither NBB nor NBD has any exposure to Puerto Rico BABs. During this reporting period, as mentioned earlier in the strategies discussion, both Funds sold BABs issued for the Detroit City School District and high coupon taxable GO bonds issued by Wayne County, Michigan. Neither the Detroit City School District nor Wayne County bonds were part of the Detroit bankruptcy filing. In regard to the bankruptcy, as of October 2014, all of the major creditors had reached agreement on Detroit’s plan to restructure its $18.5 billion of debt and emerge from bankruptcy and a ruling by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on the fairness, legality and feasibility of the city’s bankruptcy exit plan was confirmed on November 7, 2014.
 
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Fund Leverage
 
IMPACT OF THE FUNDS’ LEVERAGE STRATEGIES ON PERFORMANCE
 
One important factor impacting the returns of the Funds relative to their comparative benchmark was the Funds’ use of leverage through bank borrowings and investments in inverse floating rate securities, which represent leveraged investments in underlying bonds. The Funds use leverage because our research has shown that, over time, leveraging provides opportunities for additional income, particularly in the recent market environment where short-term market rates are at or near historical lows, meaning that the short-term rates the Fund has been paying on its leveraging instruments have been much lower than the interest the Fund has been earning on its portfolio of long-term bonds that it has bought with the proceeds of that leverage. However, use of leverage also can expose the Fund to additional price volatility. When a Fund uses leverage, the Fund will experience a greater increase in its net asset value if the municipal bonds acquired through the use of leverage increase in value, but it will also experience a correspondingly larger decline in its net asset value if the bonds acquired through leverage decline in value, which will make the Fund’s net asset value more volatile, and its total return performance more variable over time. In addition, income in levered funds will typically decrease in comparison to unlevered funds when short-term interest rates increase and increase when short-term interest rates decrease. Leverage had a positive impact on the performance of the Funds over this reporting period.
 
As of March 31, 2015, the Funds’ percentages of leverage are as shown in the accompanying table.
 
   
NBB
 
NBD
 
Effective Leverage*
 
27.64%
 
28.24%
 
Regulatory Leverage*
 
12.76%
 
6.41%
 
 
*
Effective leverage is a Fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage and the leverage effects of certain derivative and other investments in a Fund’s portfolio that increase the Fund’s investment exposure. Currently, the leverage effects of Tender Option Bond (TOB) inverse floater holdings are included in effective leverage values, in addition to any regulatory leverage. Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued or borrowings of a Fund. Both of these are part of a Fund’s capital structure. Regulatory leverage is subject to asset coverage limits set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
THE FUNDS’ REGULATORY LEVERAGE
 
Bank Borrowings
The Funds employ regulatory leverage through the use of bank borrowings. As of March 31, 2015, the Funds’ outstanding bank borrowings as shown in the accompanying table.
 
     
NBB
   
NBD
 
Bank Borrowings
 
$
89,500,000
 
$
11,800,000
 
 
Refer to Notes to Financial Statements, Note 8 - Borrowing Arrangements for further details.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
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Common Share Information
 
DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
 
The following information regarding the Funds’ distributions is current as of March 31, 2015. Each Fund’s distribution levels may vary over time based on each Fund’s investment activity and portfolio investment value changes.
 
During the current reporting period, each Fund’s monthly distributions to common shareholders were as shown in the accompanying table.
 
   
Per Common
 
   
Share Amounts
 
Ex-Dividend Date
   
NBB
   
NBD
 
April 2014
 
$
0.1160
 
$
0.1140
 
May
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
June
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
July
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
August
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
September
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
October
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
November
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
December
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
January
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
February
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
March 2015
   
0.1160
   
0.1140
 
               
Market Yield*
   
6.55
%
 
6.30
%
 
*
Market Yield is based on the Fund’s current annualized monthly distribution divided by the Fund’s current market price as of the end of the reporting period.
 
Each Fund in this report seeks to pay regular monthly dividends out of its net investment income at a rate that reflects its past and projected net income performance. To permit each Fund to maintain a more stable monthly dividend, the Fund may pay dividends at a rate that may be more or less than the amount of net income actually earned by the Fund during the period. If a Fund has cumulatively earned more than it has paid in dividends, it will hold the excess in reserve as undistributed net investment income (UNII) as part of the Fund’s net asset value. Conversely, if a Fund has cumulatively paid in dividends more than it has earned, the excess will constitute a negative UNII that will likewise be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. Each Fund will, over time, pay all its net investment income as dividends to shareholders.
 
As of March 31, 2015, the Funds had positive UNII balances for tax purposes and positive UNII balances for financial reporting purposes.
 
All monthly dividends paid by each Fund during the current reporting period were paid from net investment income. If a portion of the Fund’s monthly distributions was sourced from or comprised of elements other than net investment income, including capital gains and/or a return of capital, shareholders would have received a notice to that effect. For financial reporting purposes, the composition and per share amounts of each Fund’s dividends for the reporting period are presented in this report’s Statement of Changes in Net Assets and Financial Highlights, respectively. For income tax purposes, distribution information for each Fund as of its most recent tax year end is presented in Note 6 — Income Tax Information within the Notes to Financial Statements of this report.
 
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COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES
 
During August 2014, the Funds’ Board of Trustees reauthorized an open-market share repurchase program, allowing each Fund to repurchase an aggregate of up to approximately 10% of its outstanding shares.
 
As of March 31, 2015, and since the inception of the Funds’ repurchase programs, the Funds have cumulatively repurchased and retired their outstanding shares as shown in the accompanying table.
 
     
NBB
   
NBD
 
Common Shares Cumulatively Repurchased and Retired
   
0
   
0
 
Common Shares Authorized for Repurchase
   
2,645,000
   
720,000
 
 
OTHER COMMON SHARE INFORMATION
 
As of March 31, 2015, and during the current reporting period, the Funds’ common share prices were trading at a premium/(discount) to their NAVs as shown in the accompanying table.
               
     
NBB
   
NBD
 
Common Share NAV
 
$
23.13
 
$
23.92
 
Common Share Price
 
$
21.24
 
$
21.72
 
Premium/(Discount) to NAV
   
(8.17
)%
 
(9.20
)%
12-Month Average Premium/(Discount) to NAV
   
(9.16
)%
 
(9.50
)%

Nuveen Investments
 
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Risk Considerations
 
Fund shares are not guaranteed or endorsed by any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Fund shares are subject to a variety of risks, including:
 
Investment, Price and Market Risk. An investment in common shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. Your investment in common shares represents an indirect investment in the municipal securities owned by the Fund, which generally trade in the over-the-counter markets. Shares of closed-end investment companies like these Funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value (NAV). Your common shares at any point in time may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
 
Build America Bonds Risk. BABs are a form of municipal financing, and the market is smaller, less diverse and potentially less liquid than other types of municipal securities. In addition, bonds issued after December 31, 2010, will not qualify as BABs unless the relevant section of the program is extended. Consequently, if the program is not extended, BABs may be less actively traded which may negatively affect the value of BABs held by the Fund.
 
Leverage Risk. Each Fund’s use of leverage creates the possibility of higher volatility for the Fund’s per share NAV, market price, distributions and returns. There is no assurance that a Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. Certain aspects of the recently adopted Volcker Rule may limit the availability of tender option bonds, which are used by the Funds for leveraging and duration management purposes. The effects of this new Rule, expected to take effect in mid-2015, may make it more difficult for a Fund to maintain current or desired levels of leverage and may cause the Fund to incur additional expenses to maintain its leverage.
 
Tax Risk. The tax treatment of Fund distributions may be affected by new IRS interpretations of the Internal Revenue Code and future changes in tax laws and regulations.
 
Issuer Credit Risk. This is the risk that a security in a Fund’s portfolio will fail to make dividend or interest payments when due.
 
Interest Rate Risk. Fixed-income securities such as bonds, preferred, convertible and other debt securities will decline in value if market interest rates rise.
 
Reinvestment Risk. If market interest rates decline, income earned from a Fund’s portfolio may be reinvested at rates below that of the original bond that generated the income.
 
Call Risk or Prepayment Risk. Issuers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing a Fund to reinvest in lower-yielding securities.
 
Inverse Floater Risk. The Funds invest in inverse floaters. Due to their leveraged nature, these investments can greatly increase a Fund’s exposure to interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, investments in inverse floaters involve the risk that the Fund could lose more than its original principal investment.
 
Derivatives Strategy Risk. Derivative securities, such as calls, puts, warrants, swaps and forwards, carry risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with the underlying investments.
 
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Nuveen Investments
 
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NBB
 
 
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
 
Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of March 31, 2015
 
Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.
 
Average Annual Total Returns as of March 31, 2015
 
   
Average Annual
 
       
Since
 
   
1-Year
 
Inception
 
NBB at Common Share NAV
 
14.61%
 
10.80%
 
NBB at Common Share Price
 
15.75%
 
8.32%
 
Barclays Aggregate – Eligible Build America Bond Index
 
15.29%
 
10.80%
 
 
Since inception returns are from 4/27/10. Past performance is not predictive of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.
 
 
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This data relates to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of the reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change.
 
Ratings shown are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below-investment grade ratings. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.
 
Fund Allocation
 
(% of net assets)
 
Long-Term Municipal Bonds
120.2%
Other Assets Less Liabilities
3.1%
Net Assets Plus Borrowings & Floating Rate Obligations
123.3%
Borrowings
(14.6)%
Floating Rate Obligations
(8.7)%
Net Assets
100%

Credit Quality
 
(% of total investment exposure)1
 
AAA/U.S. Guaranteed
11.0%
AA
60.6%
A
21.4%
BBB
4.5%
BB or Lower
1.3%
N/R (not rated)
1.2%
Total
100%
 
Portfolio Composition
 
(% of total investments)1
 
Tax Obligation/Limited
27.8%
Transportation
19.4%
Tax Obligation/General
18.9%
Utilities
14.7%
Water and Sewer
14.1%
Other
5.1%
Total
100%
 
States and Territories
 
(% of total investments)1
 
California
24.7%
Illinois
12.5%
New York
11.5%
Texas
8.8%
Ohio
4.6%
Georgia
4.0%
Nevada
3.7%
New Jersey
3.5%
Virginia
3.3%
Washington
3.2%
Louisiana
3.1%
Other
17.1%
Total
100%
 
1   Excluding investments in derivatives.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
15

 
 

 

NBD
 
 
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund
 
Performance Overview and Holding Summaries as of March 31, 2015
 
Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.
 
Average Annual Total Returns as of March 31, 2015
 
   
Average Annual
 
       
Since
 
   
1-Year
 
Inception
 
NBD at Common Share NAV
 
11.70%
 
11.80%
 
NBD at Common Share Price
 
12.86%
 
8.73%
 
Barclays Aggregate – Eligible Build America Bond Index
 
15.29%
 
12.29%
 
 
Since inception returns are from 11/23/10. Past performance is not predictive of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares. Returns at NAV are net of Fund expenses, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Comparative index return information is provided for the Fund’s shares at NAV only. Indexes are not available for direct investment.
 
 
16
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
This data relates to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of the reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change.
 
Ratings shown are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below-investment grade ratings. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.
 
Fund Allocation
 
(% of net assets)
 
Long-Term Municipal Bonds
107.1%
Repurchase Agreements
0.2%
Other Assets Less Liabilities
3.7%
Net Assets Plus Borrowings & Floating Rate Obligations
111.0%
Borrowings
(6.8)%
Floating Rate Obligations
(4.2)%
Net Assets
100%

Credit Quality
 
(% of total investment exposure)1
 
AAA/U.S. Guaranteed
12.5%
AA
66.8%
A
14.9%
BBB
3.3%
BB or Lower
1.9%
N/R (not rated)
0.5%
N/A (not applicable)
0.1%
Total
100%
 
Portfolio Composition
 
(% of total investments)1
 
Tax Obligation/Limited
35.8%
Transportation
20.1%
Water and Sewer
16.8%
Utilities
11.6%
Tax Obligation/General
8.2%
Repurchase Agreements
0.1%
Other
7.4%
Total
100%
 
States and Territories
 
(% of total long-term investments)1
 
California
21.9%
New York
12.8%
Illinois
12.8%
South Carolina
6.9%
New Jersey
6.4%
Texas
5.3%
Colorado
4.4%
Ohio
4.1%
Virginia
3.9%
Tennessee
3.0%
Other
18.5%
Total
100%
 
1      Excluding investments in derivatives.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
17

 
 

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund:
 
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Nuveen Build America Bond Fund and Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund (the “Funds”) as of March 31, 2015, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows and the financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the periods presented through March 31, 2014, were audited by other auditors whose report dated May 27, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements and those financial highlights.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of March 31, 2015, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets, their cash flows and the financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
May 28, 2015
 
18
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

NBB
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
 
 
Portfolio of Investments
March 31, 2015

 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 120.2% (100.0% of Total Investments)
             
     
MUNICIPAL BONDS – 120.2% (100.0% of Total Investments)
             
     
Alabama – 0.3% (0.3% of Total Investments)
             
$
2,000
 
Baptist Health Care Authority, Alabama, An Affiliate of UAB Health System, Taxable Bond Series 2013A, 5.500%, 11/15/43
 
No Opt. Call
A3
 
$
2,073,500
 
     
Arizona – 1.6% (1.4% of Total Investments)
             
 
4,070
 
Downtown Phoenix Hotel Corporation, Arizona, Revenue Bonds, Subordinate Lien Series 2005C, 5.290%, 7/01/18 – FGIC Insured
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
4,154,697
 
 
5,000
 
Mesa, Arizona, Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2010, 6.100%, 7/01/34
 
7/20 at 100.00
Aa2
   
5,762,650
 
 
9,070
 
Total Arizona
         
9,917,347
 
     
California – 29.7% (24.7% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,520
 
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, California, User Fee Revenue Bonds, Subordinate Lien Series 2004B, 0.000%, 10/01/31 – AMBAC Insured
 
No Opt. Call
BBB+
   
964,530
 
 
1,995
 
Bay Area Toll Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco Bay Area Toll Bridge, Build America Federally Taxable Bond Series 2009F-2, 6.263%, 4/01/49
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
2,879,623
 
 
75
 
Bay Area Toll Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco Bay Area Toll Bridge, Subordinate Lien, Build America Federally Taxable Bond Series 2010S-1, 6.793%, 4/01/30
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
96,596
 
 
500
 
California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, Revenue Bonds, University of California San Francisco Neurosciences Building, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 6.486%, 5/15/49
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
641,410
 
 
465
 
California Municipal Finance Authority Charter School Revenue Bonds, Albert Einstein Academies Project, Taxable Series 2013B, 7.000%, 8/01/18
 
No Opt. Call
BB
   
468,939
 
 
3,005
 
California State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue Bonds, Various Capital Projects, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2009G-2, 8.361%, 10/01/34
 
No Opt. Call
A1
   
4,520,301
 
 
2,050
 
California State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue Bonds, Various Capital Projects, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010A-2, 8.000%, 3/01/35
 
3/20 at 100.00
A1
   
2,471,500
 
 
7,000
 
California State University, Systemwide Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 6.484%, 11/01/41
 
No Opt. Call
Aa2
   
9,555,140
 
 
7,115
 
California State, General Obligation Bonds, Various Purpose Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010, 7.950%, 3/01/36
 
3/20 at 100.00
Aa3
   
8,799,476
 
 
16,610
 
California State, General Obligation Bonds, Various Purpose, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010, 7.600%, 11/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
Aa3
   
26,726,819
 
 
1,000
 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Series 2014B, 6.000%, 12/01/24
 
No Opt. Call
BBB
   
1,073,060
 
 
15,000
 
Los Angeles Community College District, California, General Obligation Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010, 6.600%, 8/01/42
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
21,754,800
 
 
10,000
 
Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles County, California, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010, 6.600%, 8/01/42 (UB) (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
14,503,200
 
 
3,000
 
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, California, Measure R Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010A, 5.735%, 6/01/39
 
No Opt. Call
AAA
   
3,885,090
 
     
Los Angeles County Public Works Financing Authority, California, Lease Revenue Bonds, Multiple Capital Projects I, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B:
             
 
5,500
 
7.488%, 8/01/33
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
7,512,890
 
 
18,085
 
7.618%, 8/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
26,406,089
 
 
9,390
 
Los Angeles Department of Airports, California, Revenue Bonds, Los Angeles International Airport, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009C, 6.582%, 5/15/39
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
12,606,732
 
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
19

 
 

 
 
NBB
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
 
 
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2015

 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
California (continued)
             
     
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California, Power System Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable – Direct Payment – Build America Bonds, Series 2010A:
             
$
50
 
5.716%, 7/01/39
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
 
$
64,204
 
 
2,115
 
6.166%, 7/01/40
 
7/20 at 100.00
AA–
   
2,440,118
 
 
1,685
 
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California, Power System Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable – Direct Payment – Build America Bonds, Series 2010D, 6.574%, 7/01/45
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
2,475,535
 
 
2,000
 
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California, Water System Revenue Bonds, Tender Option Bond Trust T0003, 30.410%, 7/01/42 (IF) (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
7,043,600
 
 
3,000
 
Oakland Redevelopment Agency, California, Subordinated Housing Set Aside Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Series 2011A-T, 7.500%, 9/01/19
 
No Opt. Call
A
   
3,334,320
 
 
1,365
 
San Francisco City and County Public Utilities Commission, California, Water Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010B, 6.000%, 11/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
1,782,103
 
 
3,000
 
San Francisco City and County Public Utilities Commission, California, Water Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010G, 6.950%, 11/01/50
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
4,507,050
 
 
4,000
 
San Francisco City and County, California, Certificates of Participation, 525 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Office Project, Tender Option Bond Trust B001, 29.523%, 11/01/30 (IF)
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
10,113,200
 
 
860
 
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, California, Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010A, 5.876%, 4/01/32
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
1,077,064
 
     
Stanton Redevelopment Agency, California, Consolidated Project Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 2011A:
             
 
275
 
6.500%, 12/01/17
 
No Opt. Call
A–
   
300,459
 
 
295
 
6.750%, 12/01/18
 
No Opt. Call
A–
   
331,070
 
 
2,505
 
University of California, General Revenue Bonds, Limited Project, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010F, 5.946%, 5/15/45
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
3,233,529
 
 
124,460
 
Total California
         
181,568,447
 
     
Colorado – 0.6% (0.5% of Total Investments)
             
 
3,100
 
Denver School District 1, Colorado, General Obligation Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009C, 5.664%, 12/01/33
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
3,874,845
 
     
Connecticut – 1.2% (1.0% of Total Investments)
             
 
6,000
 
Harbor Point Infrastructure Improvement District, Connecticut, Special Obligation Revenue Bonds, Harbor Point Project, Federally Taxable – Issuer Subsidy – Recovery Zone Economic Development Bond Series 2010B, 12.500%, 4/01/39
 
4/20 at 100.00
N/R
   
7,367,100
 
     
Florida – 1.4% (1.2% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,850
 
Academic Charter Schools Finance LLC, Florida, Mortgage Loan Revenue Bonds, Series 2004A, 8.000%, 8/15/24
 
5/15 at 103.00
N/R
   
2,872,629
 
 
5,000
 
Florida State Board of Education, Public Education Capital Outlay Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010G, 5.750%, 6/01/35
 
6/19 at 100.00
AAA
   
5,569,800
 
 
7,850
 
Total Florida
         
8,442,429
 
     
Georgia – 4.9% (4.0% of Total Investments)
             
 
9,000
 
Georgia Municipal Electric Authority, Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 Project J Bonds, Taxable Build America Bonds Series 2010A, 6.637%, 4/01/57
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
11,805,840
 
 
15,000
 
Georgia Municipal Electric Authority, Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 Project P Bonds, Refunding Taxable Build America Bonds Series 2010A, 7.055%, 4/01/57
 
No Opt. Call
A–
   
17,875,950
 
 
24,000
 
Total Georgia
         
29,681,790
 
     
Illinois – 15.0% (12.5% of Total Investments)
             
 
4,320
 
Chicago Transit Authority, Illinois, Sales Tax Receipts Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Build America Bonds, Series 2010B, 6.200%, 12/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
5,202,490
 
 
10,925
 
Chicago, Illinois, General Airport Revenue Bonds, O’Hare International Airport, Third Lien, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 6.845%, 1/01/38
 
1/20 at 100.00
A2
   
12,519,067
 
 
20
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
Illinois (continued)
             
$
11,085
 
Chicago, Illinois, Wastewater Transmission Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 6.900%, 1/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
 
$
14,462,489
 
 
11,795
 
Chicago, Illinois, Water Revenue Bonds, Taxable Second Lien Series 2010B, 6.742%, 11/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
15,420,075
 
 
15,480
 
Cook County, Illinois, General Obligation Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010D, 6.229%, 11/15/34
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
17,311,594
 
 
260
 
Illinois Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Illinois Institute of Technology, Refunding Series 2006A, 6.100%, 4/01/15
 
3/15 at 100.00
Baa3
   
260,000
 
 
14,000
 
Illinois State, General Obligation Bonds, Taxable Build America Bonds, Series 2010-3, 6.725%, 4/01/35
 
No Opt. Call
A–
   
16,007,880
 
 
5,900
 
Illinois Toll Highway Authority, Toll Highway Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Senior Lien Series 2009A, 6.184%, 1/01/34
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
7,840,628
 
 
1,555
 
Illinois Toll Highway Authority, Toll Highway Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Senior Lien Series 2009B, 5.851%, 12/01/34
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
2,047,811
 
 
685
 
Northern Illinois Municipal Power Agency, Power Project Revenue Bonds, Prairie State Project, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010A, 7.820%, 1/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
A2
   
862,634
 
 
76,005
 
Total Illinois
         
91,934,668
 
     
Indiana – 0.9% (0.8% of Total Investments)
             
 
5,000
 
Indiana University, Consolidated Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010B, 5.636%, 6/01/35
 
6/20 at 100.00
Aaa
   
5,568,000
 
     
Kentucky – 1.8% (1.5% of Total Investments)
             
 
5,000
 
Kentucky Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply System Revenue Bonds, Prairie State Project, Tender Option Bond Trust B002, 27.968%, 9/01/37 – AGC Insured (IF)
 
9/20 at 100.00
AA
   
8,618,500
 
 
1,950
 
Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District, Kentucky, Sewer and Drainage System Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds Series 2010A, 6.250%, 5/15/43
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
2,693,847
 
 
6,950
 
Total Kentucky
         
11,312,347
 
     
Louisiana – 3.8% (3.1% of Total Investments)
             
 
20,350
 
East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission, Louisiana, Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010B, 6.087%, 2/01/45 (UB) (4)
 
2/20 at 100.00
AA
   
23,099,082
 
     
Massachusetts – 0.8% (0.7% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,000
 
Massachusetts, Transportation Fund Revenue Bonds, Accelerated Bridge Program, Tender Option Bond Trust T0004, 25.876%, 6/01/40 (IF) (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AAA
   
5,185,400
 
     
Michigan – 0.5% (0.4% of Total Investments)
             
 
3,145
 
Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed Revenue Bonds, Taxable Turbo Series 2006A, 7.309%, 6/01/34
 
No Opt. Call
B2
   
2,759,958
 
     
Missouri – 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments)
             
 
1,290
 
Curators of the University of Missouri, System Facilities Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009A, 5.960%, 11/01/39
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
1,708,295
 
     
Nevada – 4.5% (3.7% of Total Investments)
             
 
8,810
 
Clark County, Nevada, Airport Revenue Bonds, Senior Lien Series 2009B, 6.881%, 7/01/42
 
7/19 at 100.00
AA–
   
10,223,476
 
 
6,800
 
Clark County, Nevada, Airport Revenue Bonds, Taxable Direct Payment Build America Bond Series 2010C, 6.820%, 7/01/45
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
10,027,960
 
 
1,315
 
Las Vegas, Nevada, Certificates of Participation, City Hall Project, Build America Federally Taxable Bonds, Series 2009B, 7.800%, 9/01/39
 
9/19 at 100.00
AA–
   
1,580,025
 
 
5,250
 
North Las Vegas, Nevada, General Obligation Water and Wastewater Improvement Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010A, 6.572%, 6/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
BB–
   
4,679,902
 
 
1,035
 
Reno, Nevada, 1999 Special Assessment District 2 Local Improvement Bonds, ReTRAC Project, Taxable Series 2006, 6.890%, 6/01/16
 
No Opt. Call
BBB
   
1,056,580
 
 
23,210
 
Total Nevada
         
27,567,943
 
 
Nuveen Investments
 
21

 
 

 
 
NBB
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
 
 
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2015

 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
New Jersey – 4.2% (3.5% of Total Investments)
             
$
130
 
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Transportation System Bonds, Build America Bonds Issuer Subsidy Program, Series 2010C, 6.104%, 12/15/28
 
12/20 at 100.00
A2
 
$
144,732
 
 
4,755
 
New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009F, 7.414%, 1/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
7,171,491
 
 
12,535
 
New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010A, 7.102%, 1/01/41
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
18,444,626
 
 
17,420
 
Total New Jersey
         
25,760,849
 
     
New York – 13.8% (11.5% of Total Investments)
             
 
25,000
 
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State Personal Income Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010D, 5.600%, 3/15/40 (UB)
 
No Opt. Call
AAA
   
32,331,250
 
 
5,100
 
Long Island Power Authority, New York, Electric System Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 5.850%, 5/01/41
 
No Opt. Call
A–
   
6,048,498
 
 
7,530
 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Dedicated Tax Fund Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010C, 7.336%, 11/15/39
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
11,746,800
 
 
100
 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Transportation Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010B-1, 6.648%, 11/15/39
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
139,125
 
 
2,120
 
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Second Generation Resolution, Build America Taxable Bonds, Fiscal 2011 Series AA, 5.790%, 6/15/41
 
6/20 at 100.00
AA+
   
2,413,959
 
 
2,595
 
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Second Generation Resolution, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010DD, 5.952%, 6/15/42
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
3,522,972
 
 
2,025
 
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Second Generation Resolution, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010DD, 5.952%, 6/15/42 (UB)
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
2,749,140
 
 
1,595
 
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Second Generation Resolution, Taxable Tender Option Bonds Trust T30001-2, 26.919%, 6/15/44 (IF)
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
4,464,325
 
 
6,340
 
New York City Transitional Finance Authority, New York, Building Aid Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Fiscal 2011 Series 2010S-1B, 6.828%, 7/15/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
8,762,894
 
 
10,000
 
New York City Transitional Finance Authority, New York, Future Tax Secured Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010G-1, 5.467%, 5/01/40 (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AAA
   
12,501,500
 
 
62,405
 
Total New York
         
84,680,463
 
     
North Carolina – 1.9% (1.6% of Total Investments)
             
 
10,000
 
North Carolina Turnpike Authority, Triangle Expressway System State Annual Appropriation Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Issuer Subsidy Build America Bonds, Series 2009B, 6.700%, 1/01/39
 
1/19 at 100.00
AA
   
11,424,600
 
     
Ohio – 5.5% (4.6% of Total Investments)
             
 
10,700
 
American Municipal Power Inc., Ohio, Combined Hydroelectric Projects Revenue Bonds, Build America Bond Series 2010B, 7.834%, 2/15/41
 
No Opt. Call
A
   
16,259,399
 
 
25
 
JobsOhio Beverage System, Ohio, Statewide Liquor Profits Revenue Bonds, Senior Lien Taxable Series 2013B, 4.532%, 1/01/35
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
28,236
 
 
15,000
 
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Wastewater Improvement Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010, 6.038%, 11/15/40
 
11/20 at 100.00
AA+
   
17,391,450
 
 
25,725
 
Total Ohio
         
33,679,085
 
     
Oregon – 2.7% (2.2% of Total Investments)
             
 
4,000
 
Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Certificates of Participation, Federally Taxable Build America Bonds, Tender Option Bond Trust TN-011, 27.114%, 5/01/35 (IF) (4)
 
5/20 at 100.00
AA
   
6,860,200
 
 
22
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
Oregon (continued)
             
$
8,790
 
Warm Springs Reservation Confederated Tribes, Oregon, Tribal Economic Development Bonds, Hydroelectric Revenue Bonds, Pelton Round Butte Project, Refunding Series 2009A, 8.250%, 11/01/19
 
No Opt. Call
A3
 
$
9,645,706
 
 
12,790
 
Total Oregon
         
16,505,906
 
     
Pennsylvania – 1.1% (0.9% of Total Investments)
             
 
1,915
 
Commonwealth Financing Authority, Pennsylvania, State Appropriation Lease Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009D, 6.218%, 6/01/39
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
2,393,405
 
 
2,000
 
Pennsylvania State, General Obligation Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Third Series 2010B, 5.850%, 7/15/30
 
7/20 at 100.00
Aa3
   
2,295,720
 
 
1,420
 
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Turnpike Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009A, 6.105%, 12/01/39
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
1,864,673
 
 
5,335
 
Total Pennsylvania
         
6,553,798
 
     
South Carolina – 2.8% (2.3% of Total Investments)
             
 
3,220
 
South Carolina Public Service Authority, Electric System Revenue Bonds, Santee Cooper, Federally Taxable Build America Series 2010C, 6.454%, 1/01/50
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
4,384,964
 
 
205
 
South Carolina Public Service Authority, Electric System Revenue Bonds, Santee Cooper, Federally Taxable Build America, Tender Option Bond Trust T30002, 28.990%, 1/01/50 (IF)
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
575,835
 
 
8,985
 
South Carolina Public Service Authority, Electric System Revenue Bonds, Santee Cooper, Federally Taxable Build America, Series 2010C, 6.454%, 1/01/50 (UB)
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
12,235,683
 
 
12,410
 
Total South Carolina
         
17,196,482
 
     
Tennessee – 1.6% (1.3% of Total Investments)
             
 
5,000
 
Metropolitan Government Nashville & Davidson County Convention Center Authority, Tennessee, Tourism Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010A-2, 7.431%, 7/01/43
 
No Opt. Call
A1
   
6,921,050
 
 
2,030
 
Metropolitan Government Nashville & Davidson County Convention Center Authority, Tennessee, Tourism Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Subordinate Lien Series 2010B, 6.731%, 7/01/43
 
No Opt. Call
Aa3
   
2,736,237
 
 
7,030
 
Total Tennessee
         
9,657,287
 
     
Texas – 10.6% (8.8% of Total Investments)
             
 
9,280
 
Dallas Convention Center Hotel Development Corporation, Texas, Hotel Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 09B, 7.088%, 1/01/42
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
12,349,824
 
 
2,200
 
Dallas Independent School District, Dallas County, Texas, General Obligation Bonds, School Building, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010C, 6.450%, 2/15/35
 
2/21 at 100.00
AAA
   
2,642,508
 
 
15,000
 
North Texas Tollway Authority, System Revenue Bonds, Taxable Build America Bond Series 2009B, 6.718%, 1/01/49
 
No Opt. Call
A2
   
22,400,100
 
 
10,000
 
North Texas Tollway Authority, System Revenue Bonds, Taxable Build America Bonds, Series 2010-B2, 8.910%, 2/01/30
 
2/20 at 100.00
Baa3
   
12,147,400
 
 
5,000
 
San Antonio, Texas, General Obligation Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010B, 6.038%, 8/01/40
 
8/20 at 100.00
AAA
   
5,759,250
 
 
7,015
 
Texas State, General Obligation Bonds, Transportation Commission, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009A, 5.517%, 4/01/39
 
No Opt. Call
AAA
   
9,404,028
 
 
48,495
 
Total Texas
         
64,703,110
 
     
Utah – 0.9% (0.8% of Total Investments)
             
 
4,000
 
Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Utah, Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Build America Bonds, Series 2010A, 5.700%, 10/01/40
 
4/20 at 100.00
AA+
   
4,423,240
 
 
1,000
 
Tooele County Municipal Building Authority, Utah, Lease Revenue Bonds, Build America Bond Series 2010A-2, 8.000%, 12/15/32
 
12/20 at 100.00
A+
   
1,148,010
 
 
5,000
 
Total Utah
         
5,571,250
 
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
23

 
 

 

NBB
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
 
 
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2015
 
 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
Virginia – 3.9% (3.3% of Total Investments)
             
$
14,800
 
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Virginia, Dulles Toll Road Second Senior Lien Revenue Bonds, Build America Bonds, Series 2009D, 7.462%, 10/01/46 – AGC Insured
 
No Opt. Call
BBB+
 
$
21,295,424
 
 
3,625
 
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation of Virginia, Tobacco Settlement Asset Backed Bonds, Refunding Senior Lien Series 2007A, 6.706%, 6/01/46
 
6/17 at 100.00
B–
   
2,770,044
 
 
18,425
 
Total Virginia
         
24,065,468
 
     
Washington – 3.9% (3.2% of Total Investments)
             
 
4,000
 
Seattle, Washington, Municipal Light and Power Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Build America Bonds, Tender Option Bond Trust T0001, 25.004%, 2/01/40 (IF) (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
9,170,400
 
 
10,990
 
Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District, Lodging Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 6.790%, 7/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
Aa3
   
14,503,833
 
 
14,990
 
Total Washington
         
23,674,233
 
$
554,455
 
Total Long-Term Investments (cost $605,348,668)
         
735,533,682
 
     
Borrowings – (14.6)% (5), (6)
         
(89,500,000
)
     
Floating Rate Obligations – (8.7)%
         
(53,090,000
)
     
Other Assets Less Liabilities – 3.1% (7)
         
19,131,427
 
     
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%
       
$
612,075,109
 
 
24
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
Investments in Derivatives as of March 31, 2015
 
Interest Rate Swaps outstanding:
 
       
Fund
         
Fixed Rate
             
Unrealized
 
   
Notional
 
Pay/Receive
 
Floating Rate
 
Fixed Rate
 
Payment
 
Effective
 
Termination
     
Appreciation
 
Counterparty
 
Amount
 
Floating Rate
 
Index
 
(Annualized
)
Frequency
 
Date (8
)
Date
 
Value
 
(Depreciation
)
Barclays Bank PLC*
 
$
46,500,000
   
Receive
 
3-Month
   
3.502
%
 
Semi-Annually
   
6/15/15
   
6/15/44
 
$
(11,013,113
)
$
(11,014,327
)
               
USD-LIBOR-BBA
                                     
Barclays Bank PLC*
   
47,600,000
   
Receive
 
3-Month
   
3.219
   
Semi-Annually
   
1/15/16
   
1/15/44
   
(7,505,252
)
 
(7,506,469
)
               
USD-LIBOR-BBA
                                     
Morgan Stanley
   
121,000,000
   
Receive
 
1-Month
   
1.500
   
Monthly
   
12/01/15
   
12/01/19
   
(1,787,914
)
 
(1,787,914
)
               
USD-LIBOR-BBA
                                     
   
$
215,100,000
                                   
$
(20,306,279
)
$
(20,308,710
)

* Citigroup is the clearing broker for this transaction.
 
(1)
All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to common shares unless otherwise noted.
(2)
Optional Call Provisions (not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm): Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be subject to periodic principal paydowns.
(3)
Ratings (not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm): Using the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.
(4)
Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives and/or inverse floating rate transactions.
(5)
Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 12.2%.
(6)
The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) as collateral for borrowings.
(7)
Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or the receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.
(8)
Effective date represents the date on which both the Fund and counterparty commence interest payment accruals on each contract.
(IF)
Inverse floating rate investment.
(UB)
Underlying bond of an inverse floating rate trust reflected as a financing transaction. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Inverse Floating Rate Securities for more information.
USD-LIBOR-BBA
United States Dollar – London Inter-Bank Offered Rate – British Bankers’ Association
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
25

 
 

 

NBD
   
 
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund
 
 
Portfolio of Investments
March 31, 2015
 
 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 107.1% (99.9% of Total Investments)
             
     
MUNICIPAL BONDS – 107.1% (99.9% of Total Investments)
             
     
Alabama – 0.6% (0.6% of Total Investments)
             
$
1,000
 
Baptist Health Care Authority, Alabama, An Affiliate of UAB Health System, Taxable Bond Series 2013A, 5.500%, 11/15/43
 
No Opt. Call
A3
 
$
1,036,750
 
     
California – 23.5% (21.9% of Total Investments)
             
 
1,500
 
California State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue Bonds, Various Capital Projects, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2009G-2, 8.361%, 10/01/34
 
No Opt. Call
A1
   
2,256,390
 
 
1,000
 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Series 2014B, 6.000%, 12/01/24
 
No Opt. Call
BBB
   
1,073,060
 
 
2,000
 
Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles County, California, General Obligation Bonds, Tender Option Bond Trust TN027, 30.381%, 8/01/49 (IF) (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
7,196,600
 
 
3,185
 
Los Angeles County Public Works Financing Authority, California, Lease Revenue Bonds, Multiple Capital Projects I, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 7.618%, 8/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
4,650,450
 
 
2,650
 
Los Angeles Department of Airports, California, Revenue Bonds, Los Angeles International Airport, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009C, 6.582%, 5/15/39
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
3,557,811
 
 
2,000
 
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California, Water System Revenue Bonds, Tender Option Bond Trust T0003, 30.410%, 7/01/42 (IF) (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
7,043,600
 
 
1,000
 
Oakland Redevelopment Agency, California, Subordinated Housing Set Aside Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Series 2011A-T, 7.500%, 9/01/19
 
No Opt. Call
A
   
1,111,440
 
 
2,200
 
San Diego County Regional Transportation Commission, California, Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds Series 2010A, 5.911%, 4/01/48
 
No Opt. Call
AAA
   
3,124,176
 
 
675
 
San Francisco City and County Redevelopment Financing Authority, California, Taxable Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds, San Francisco Redevelopment Projects, Series 2009F, 8.406%, 8/01/39
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
885,998
 
 
2,000
 
San Francisco City and County, California, Certificates of Participation, 525 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Office Project, Tender Option Bond Trust B001, 29.523%, 11/01/41 (IF)
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
5,056,600
 
 
315
 
Stanton Redevelopment Agency, California, Consolidated Project Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 2011A, 7.000%, 12/01/19
 
No Opt. Call
A–
   
363,485
 
 
3,000
 
The Regents of the University of California, Medical Center Pooled Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010H, 6.548%, 5/15/48
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
4,098,330
 
 
21,525
 
Total California
         
40,417,940
 
     
Colorado – 4.7% (4.4% of Total Investments)
             
 
4,000
 
Colorado State Bridge Enterprise Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Build America Series 2010A, 6.078%, 12/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
5,304,200
 
 
2,000
 
Regional Transportation District, Colorado, Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Fastracks Project, Build America Series 2010B, 5.844%, 11/01/50
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
2,819,040
 
 
6,000
 
Total Colorado
         
8,123,240
 
     
Connecticut – 0.7% (0.7% of Total Investments)
             
 
1,000
 
Harbor Point Infrastructure Improvement District, Connecticut, Special Obligation Revenue Bonds, Harbor Point Project, Federally Taxable – Issuer Subsidy – Recovery Zone Economic Development Bond Series 2010B, 12.500%, 4/01/39
 
4/20 at 100.00
N/R
   
1,227,850
 
     
Georgia – 2.1% (1.9% of Total Investments)
             
 
3,000
 
Georgia Municipal Electric Authority, Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 Project P Bonds, Refunding Taxable Build America Bonds Series 2010A, 7.055%, 4/01/57
 
No Opt. Call
A–
   
3,575,190
 
 
26
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
Illinois – 13.7% (12.8% of Total Investments)
             
$
3,715
 
Chicago Transit Authority, Illinois, Sales Tax Receipts Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Build America Bonds, Series 2010B, 6.200%, 12/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
 
$
4,473,900
 
 
1,255
 
Chicago, Illinois, General Airport Revenue Bonds, O’Hare International Airport, Third Lien, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 6.845%, 1/01/38
 
1/20 at 100.00
A2
   
1,438,117
 
 
4,000
 
Chicago, Illinois, Wastewater Transmission Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 6.900%, 1/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
5,218,760
 
 
3,065
 
Chicago, Illinois, Water Revenue Bonds, Taxable Second Lien Series 2010B, 6.742%, 11/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
4,006,997
 
 
255
 
Illinois Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Illinois Institute of Technology, Refunding Series 2006A, 6.100%, 4/01/15
 
3/15 at 100.00
Baa3
   
255,000
 
 
2,000
 
Illinois State, General Obligation Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010-5, 7.350%, 7/01/35
 
No Opt. Call
A–
   
2,404,180
 
 
4,010
 
Illinois Toll Highway Authority, Toll Highway Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Senior Lien Series 2009A, 6.184%, 1/01/34
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
5,328,969
 
 
240
 
Northern Illinois Municipal Power Agency, Power Project Revenue Bonds, Prairie State Project, Build America Bond Series 2009C, 6.859%, 1/01/39
 
No Opt. Call
A2
   
277,524
 
 
205
 
Northern Illinois Municipal Power Agency, Power Project Revenue Bonds, Prairie State Project, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010A, 7.820%, 1/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
A2
   
258,161
 
 
18,745
 
Total Illinois
         
23,661,608
 
     
Indiana – 0.8% (0.7% of Total Investments)
             
 
1,000
 
Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank, Indiana, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010B-2, 6.116%, 1/15/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
1,336,520
 
     
Kentucky – 2.4% (2.2% of Total Investments)
             
 
3,000
 
Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District, Kentucky, Sewer and Drainage System Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds Series 2010A, 6.250%, 5/15/43
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
4,144,380
 
     
Massachusetts – 3.0% (2.8% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,000
 
Massachusetts, Transportation Fund Revenue Bonds, Accelerated Bridge Program, Tender Option Bond Trust T0004, 25.876%, 6/01/40 (IF) (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AAA
   
5,185,400
 
     
Michigan – 1.0% (1.0% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,060
 
Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed Revenue Bonds, Taxable Turbo Series 2006A, 7.309%, 6/01/34
 
No Opt. Call
B2
   
1,807,794
 
     
Mississippi – 1.4% (1.3% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,085
 
Mississippi State, General Obligation Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010F, 5.245%, 11/01/34
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
2,490,282
 
     
Nevada – 2.6% (2.4% of Total Investments)
             
 
1,950
 
Clark County, Nevada, Airport Revenue Bonds, Senior Lien Series 2009B, 6.881%, 7/01/42
 
7/19 at 100.00
AA–
   
2,262,858
 
 
1,500
 
Clark County, Nevada, Airport Revenue Bonds, Taxable Direct Payment Build America Bond Series 2010C, 6.820%, 7/01/45
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
2,212,050
 
 
3,450
 
Total Nevada
         
4,474,908
 
     
New Jersey – 6.9% (6.4% of Total Investments)
             
 
3,055
 
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Transportation System Bonds, Build America Bonds Issuer Subsidy Program, Series 2010C, 5.754%, 12/15/28
 
No Opt. Call
A2
   
3,455,999
 
 
4,000
 
New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010A, 7.102%, 1/01/41
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
5,885,800
 
 
2,000
 
Rutgers State University, New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010H, 5.665%, 5/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
2,577,340
 
 
9,055
 
Total New Jersey
         
11,919,139
 
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
27

 
 

 
 
NBD
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund
 
 
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2015

 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
New York – 13.8% (12.8% of Total Investments)
             
$
2,000
 
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State Personal Income Tax Revenue Bonds, Tender Option Bond Trust B004, 24.803%, 3/15/40 (IF)
 
No Opt. Call
AAA
 
$
4,932,500
 
 
3,270
 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Transportation Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Issuer Subsidy Build America Bonds, Series 2010A, 6.668%, 11/15/39
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
4,601,806
 
 
1,500
 
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Second Generation Resolution, Build America Taxable Bonds, Fiscal 2011 Series AA, 5.440%, 6/15/43 (4)
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
1,941,225
 
 
2,000
 
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Second Generation Resolution, Taxable Tender Option Bonds Trust T30001-2, 26.919%, 6/15/44 (IF)
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
5,597,900
 
 
3,500
 
New York City Transitional Finance Authority, New York, Building Aid Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Fiscal 2011 Series 2010S-1B, 6.828%, 7/15/40
 
No Opt. Call
AA
   
4,837,560
 
 
1,500
 
New York City, New York, General Obligation Bonds, Federally Taxable Build America Bonds, Series 2010-F1, 6.646%, 12/01/31
 
12/20 at 100.00
AA
   
1,797,750
 
 
13,770
 
Total New York
         
23,708,741
 
     
North Carolina – 1.2% (1.2% of Total Investments)
             
 
1,870
 
North Carolina Turnpike Authority, Triangle Expressway System State Annual Appropriation Revenue Bonds, Federally Taxable Issuer Subsidy Build America Bonds, Series 2009B, 6.700%, 1/01/39
 
1/19 at 100.00
AA
   
2,136,400
 
     
Ohio – 4.4% (4.1% of Total Investments)
             
 
3,000
 
American Municipal Power Inc., Ohio, Meldahl Hydroelectric Projects Revenue Bonds, Build America Bond Series 2010B, 7.499%, 2/15/50
 
No Opt. Call
A
   
4,452,090
 
 
2,650
 
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Wastewater Improvement Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010, 6.038%, 11/15/40
 
11/20 at 100.00
AA+
   
3,072,489
 
 
5,650
 
Total Ohio
         
7,524,579
 
     
Pennsylvania – 1.8% (1.7% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,500
 
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Turnpike Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2010B, 5.511%, 12/01/45
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
3,144,750
 
     
South Carolina – 7.4% (6.9% of Total Investments)
             
 
8,985
 
South Carolina Public Service Authority, Electric System Revenue Bonds, Santee Cooper, Federally Taxable Build America, Series 2010C, 6.454%, 1/01/50 (UB)
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
12,235,683
 
 
205
 
South Carolina Public Service Authority, Electric System Revenue Bonds, Santee Cooper, Federally Taxable Build America, Tender Option Bond Trust T30002, 28.990%, 1/01/50 (IF)
 
No Opt. Call
AA–
   
575,835
 
 
9,190
 
Total South Carolina
         
12,811,518
 
     
Tennessee – 3.2% (3.0% of Total Investments)
             
 
4,060
 
Metropolitan Government Nashville & Davidson County Convention Center Authority, Tennessee, Tourism Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Subordinate Lien Series 2010B, 6.731%, 7/01/43
 
No Opt. Call
Aa3
   
5,472,474
 
     
Texas – 5.7% (5.3% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,000
 
Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Texas, Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 2009B, 5.999%, 12/01/44
 
No Opt. Call
AA+
   
2,769,780
 
 
2,000
 
Dallas Convention Center Hotel Development Corporation, Texas, Hotel Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bonds, Series 09B, 7.088%, 1/01/42
 
No Opt. Call
A+
   
2,661,600
 
 
1,685
 
North Texas Tollway Authority, System Revenue Bonds, Taxable Build America Bond Series 2009B, 6.718%, 1/01/49
 
No Opt. Call
A2
   
2,516,278
 
 
1,500
 
North Texas Tollway Authority, System Revenue Bonds, Taxable Build America Bonds, Series 2010-B2, 8.910%, 2/01/30
 
2/20 at 100.00
Baa3
   
1,822,110
 
 
7,185
 
Total Texas
         
9,769,768
 
 
28
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
 
Principal
     
Optional Call
         
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
 
Provisions (2)
Ratings (3)
   
Value
 
     
Virginia – 4.2% (3.9% of Total Investments)
             
$
3,110
 
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Virginia, Dulles Toll Road Second Senior Lien Revenue Bonds, Build America Bonds, Series 2009D, 7.462%, 10/01/46 – AGC Insured
 
No Opt. Call
BBB+
 
$
4,474,917
 
 
3,560
 
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation of Virginia, Tobacco Settlement Asset Backed Bonds, Refunding Senior Lien Series 2007A, 6.706%, 6/01/46
 
6/17 at 100.00
B–
   
2,720,374
 
 
6,670
 
Total Virginia
         
7,195,291
 
     
Washington – 2.0% (1.9% of Total Investments)
             
 
2,635
 
Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District, Lodging Tax Revenue Bonds, Build America Taxable Bond Series 2010B, 6.790%, 7/01/40
 
No Opt. Call
Aa3
   
3,477,489
 
$
127,450
 
Total Long-Term Investments (cost $132,170,381)
         
184,642,011
 

 
Principal
               
 
Amount (000)
 
Description (1)
Coupon
Maturity
   
Value
 
     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.2% (0.1% of Total Investments)
           
     
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 0.2% (0.1% of Total Investments)
           
$
263
 
Repurchase Agreement with State Street Bank, dated 3/31/15, repurchase price $263,033, collateralized by $260,000 U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.250%, due 11/15/24, value $269,100
0.000%
4/01/15
 
$
263,033
 
     
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $263,033)
       
263,033
 
     
Total Investments (cost $132,433,414) – 107.3%
       
184,905,044
 
     
Borrowings – (6.8)% (5), (6)
       
(11,800,000
)
     
Floating Rate Obligations – (4.2)%
       
(7,190,000
)
     
Other Assets Less Liabilities – 3.7% (7)
       
6,403,165
 
     
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%
     
$
172,318,209
 
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
29

 
 

 
 
NBD
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund
 
 
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2015
 
Investments in Derivatives as of March 31, 2015
 
Interest Rate Swaps outstanding:
 
       
Fund
         
Fixed Rate
             
Unrealized
 
   
Notional
 
Pay/Receive
 
Floating Rate
 
Fixed Rate
 
Payment
 
Effective
 
Termination
     
Appreciation
 
Counterparty
 
Amount
 
Floating Rate
 
Index
 
(Annualized
)
Frequency
 
Date (8
)
Date
 
Value
 
(Depreciation
)
Barclays Bank PLC
 
$
29,500,000
   
Receive
 
1-Month
   
1.655
%
 
Monthly
   
12/01/15
   
6/01/20
 
$
(553,591
)
$
(553,591
)
               
USD-LIBOR-BBA
                                     
Barclays Bank PLC*
   
8,100,000
   
Receive
 
3-Month
   
3.219
   
Semi-Annually
   
1/15/16
   
1/15/44
   
(1,277,154
)
 
(1,277,689
)
               
USD-LIBOR-BBA
                                     
Barclays Bank PLC*
   
21,000,000
   
Receive
 
3-Month
   
3.502
   
Semi-Annually
   
6/15/15
   
6/15/44
   
(4,973,664
)
 
(4,974,431
)
               
USD-LIBOR-BBA
                                     
Morgan Stanley*
   
32,300,000
   
Receive
 
3-Month
   
2.558
   
Semi-Annually
   
3/17/16
   
3/17/28
   
(812,985
)
 
(812,985
)
               
USD-LIBOR-BBA
                                     
   
$
90,900,000
                                   
$
(7,617,394
)
$
(7,618,696
)
 
* Citigroup is the clearing broker for this transaction.
 
(1)
All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to common shares unless otherwise noted.
(2)
Optional Call Provisions (not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm): Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be subject to periodic principal paydowns.
(3)
Ratings (not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm): Using the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.
(4)
Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives and/or inverse floating rate transactions.
(5)
Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 6.4%.
(6)
The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives, when applicable) as collateral for borrowings.
(7)
Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or the receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.
(8)
Effective date represents the date on which both the Fund and counterparty commence interest payment accruals on each contract.
(IF)
Inverse floating rate investment.
(UB)
Underlying bond of an inverse floating rate trust reflected as a financing transaction. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Inverse Floating Rate Securities for more information.
USD-LIBOR-BBA
United States Dollar – London Inter-Bank Offered Rate – British Bankers’ Association
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
30
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
Statement of
   
 
Assets and Liabilities
March 31, 2015

   
Build America
 
Build America
 
   
Bond
 
Bond Opportunity
 
   
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Assets
             
Long-term investments, at value (cost $605,348,668 and $132,170,381, respectively)
 
$
735,533,682
 
$
184,642,011
 
Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value)
   
   
263,033
 
Cash
   
   
113,307
 
Cash collateral at brokers(1)
   
10,684,527
   
4,745,532
 
Interest rate swaps premiums paid
   
2,431
   
1,302
 
Receivable for:
             
Interest
   
12,235,364
   
3,227,849
 
Investments sold
   
6,461,673
   
 
Other assets
   
28,236
   
1,849
 
Total assets
   
764,945,913
   
192,994,883
 
Liabilities
             
Borrowings
   
89,500,000
   
11,800,000
 
Cash overdraft
   
3,732,622
   
 
Floating rate obligations
   
53,090,000
   
7,190,000
 
Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps
   
1,787,914
   
553,591
 
Payable for:
             
Common share dividends
   
2,920,627
   
735,817
 
Investments purchased
   
1,074,123
   
92,382
 
Variation margin on swap contracts
   
126,881
   
113,306
 
Accrued expenses:
             
Management fees
   
421,364
   
123,505
 
Interest on borrowings
   
67,747
   
8,932
 
Trustees fees
   
22,983
   
1,081
 
Other
   
126,543
   
58,060
 
Total liabilities
   
152,870,804
   
20,676,674
 
Net assets applicable to common shares
 
$
612,075,109
 
$
172,318,209
 
Common shares outstanding
   
26,461,985
   
7,205,250
 
Net asset value (“NAV”) per common share outstanding
 
$
23.13
 
$
23.92
 
Net assets applicable to common shares consist of:
             
Common shares, $0.01 par value per share
 
$
264,620
 
$
72,053
 
Paid-in surplus
   
504,137,904
   
137,235,389
 
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income
   
(2,695,334
)
 
(471,756
)
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)
   
491,615
   
(9,370,411
)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
   
109,876,304
   
44,852,934
 
Net assets applicable to common shares
 
$
612,075,109
 
$
172,318,209
 
Authorized common shares
   
Unlimited
   
Unlimited
 
 
(1) Cash pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives in addition to the Fund’s securities pledged as collateral as noted in the Fund’s portfolio of investments.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
31

 
 

 
 
Statement of
   
 
Operations
Year Ended March 31, 2015

   
Build America
 
Build America
 
   
Bond
 
Bond Opportunity
 
   
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Investment Income
 
$
42,620,881
 
$
11,591,064
 
Expenses
             
Management fees
   
4,914,187
   
1,449,341
 
Interest expense and amortization of offering costs
   
1,119,630
   
152,011
 
Custodian fees
   
112,800
   
43,949
 
Trustees fees
   
21,510
   
5,877
 
Professional fees
   
49,634
   
36,575
 
Shareholder reporting expenses
   
97,334
   
26,678
 
Shareholder servicing agent fees
   
179
   
179
 
Stock exchange listing fees
   
8,784
   
8,885
 
Investor relations expenses
   
73,224
   
13,569
 
Other
   
19,582
   
10,157
 
Total expenses
   
6,416,864
   
1,747,221
 
Net investment income (loss)
   
36,204,017
   
9,843,843
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
             
Net realized gain (loss) from:
             
Investments
   
7,830,497
   
1,861,943
 
Swaps
   
4,487,052
   
(2,292,094
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:
             
Investments
   
65,847,883
   
21,172,067
 
Swaps
   
(33,148,769
)
 
(11,801,417
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
   
45,016,663
   
8,940,499
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations
 
$
81,220,680
 
$
18,784,342
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

32
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

Statement of
 
 
Changes in Net Assets
 
   
Build America
 
Build America
 
   
Bond (NBB)
 
Bond Opportunity (NBD)
 
     
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
     
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
     
3/31/15
   
3/31/14
   
3/31/15
   
3/31/14
 
Operations
                         
Net investment income (loss)
 
$
36,204,017
 
$
36,889,533
 
$
9,843,843
 
$
10,119,412
 
Net realized gain (loss) from:
                         
Investments
   
7,830,497
   
2,655,764
   
1,861,943
   
759,391
 
Swaps
   
4,487,052
   
(555,048
)
 
(2,292,094
)
 
(322,055
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:
                         
Investments
   
65,847,883
   
(45,752,110
)
 
21,172,067
   
(14,880,533
)
Swaps
   
(33,148,769
)
 
13,393,057
   
(11,801,417
)
 
5,114,608
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations
   
81,220,680
   
6,631,196
   
18,784,342
   
790,823
 
Distributions to Shareholders
                         
From net investment income
   
(36,835,083
)
 
(37,054,718
)
 
(9,856,782
)
 
(9,730,690
)
Decrease in net assets applicable to common shares from distributions to common shareholders
   
(36,835,083
)
 
(37,054,718
)
 
(9,856,782
)
 
(9,730,690
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares
   
44,385,597
   
(30,423,522
)
 
8,927,560
   
(8,939,867
)
Net assets applicable to common shares at the beginning of period
   
567,689,512
   
598,113,034
   
163,390,649
   
172,330,516
 
Net assets applicable to common shares at the end of period
 
$
612,075,109
 
$
567,689,512
 
$
172,318,209
 
$
163,390,649
 
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period
 
$
(2,695,334
)
$
(954,458
)
$
(471,756
)
$
11,680
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
33

 
 

 

Statement of
   
 
Cash Flows
Year Ended March 31, 2015

   
Build America
 
Build America
 
   
Bond
 
Bond Opportunity
 
   
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
             
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets to Common Shares from Operations
 
$
81,220,680
 
$
18,784,342
 
Adjustments to reconcile the net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shares from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
             
Purchases of investments
   
(94,565,324
)
 
(10,683,604
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
   
118,129,123
   
23,236,851
 
Proceeds from (Purchases of) short-term investments, net
   
1,107,542
   
64,413
 
Proceeds from (Payments for) swap contracts, net
   
4,487,052
   
(2,292,094
)
Investment transaction adjustments, net
   
(1,488
)
 
(1,489
)
Amortization (Accretion) of premiums and discounts, net
   
881,954
   
69,776
 
(Increase) Decrease in:
             
Cash collateral at brokers
   
(10,684,527
)
 
(4,745,532
)
Interest rate swaps premiums paid
   
(2,431
)
 
(1,302
)
Receivable for interest
   
721,576
   
280,503
 
Receivable for investments sold
   
(6,221,673
)
 
811,085
 
Other assets
   
5,407
   
7,487
 
Increase (Decrease) in:
             
Payable for investments purchased
   
985,719
   
92,382
 
Payable for variation margin on swap contracts
   
126,881
   
113,306
 
Accrued management fees
   
20,445
   
4,375
 
Accrued interest on borrowings
   
(484
)
 
115
 
Accrued Trustees fees
   
(3,939
)
 
(1,126
)
Accrued other expenses
   
(867
)
 
(12,756
)
Net realized (gain) loss from:
             
Investments
   
(7,830,497
)
 
(1,861,943
)
Swaps
   
(4,487,052
)
 
2,292,094
 
Change in net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of:
             
Investments
   
(65,847,883
)
 
(21,172,067
)
Swaps(1)
   
14,627,973
   
4,736,312
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
32,668,187
   
9,721,128
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
             
Proceeds from borrowings
   
500,000
   
300,000
 
Increase (Decrease) in cash overdraft
   
3,723,796
   
(8,825
)
Cash distributions paid to common shareholders
   
(36,891,983
)
 
(9,898,996
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(32,668,187
)
 
(9,607,821
)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash
   
   
113,307
 
Cash at the beginning of period
   
   
 
Cash at the end of period
 
$
 
$
113,307
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
 
   
Build America
 
Build America
 
   
Bond
 
Bond Opportunity
 
   
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Cash paid for interest (excluding borrowing costs)
 
$
1,065,584
 
$
138,722
 

(1)
Excluding exchange-cleared swaps.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
34
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
35

 
 

 

Financial
 
 
Highlights
 
Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period:
 
       
Investment Operations
 
Less Distributions
to Common Shareholders
     
Common Share
 
   
Beginning
Common
Share
NAV
 
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(a)
Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
Total
 
From
Net
Investment
Income
 
From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
 
Total
 
Offering
Costs
 
Ending
NAV
 
Ending
Share
Price
 
Build America Bond (NBB)
                                                       
Year Ended 3/31:
                                                             
2015
 
$
21.45
 
$
1.37
 
$
1.70
 
$
3.07
 
$
(1.39
)
$
 
$
(1.39
)
$
 
$
23.13
 
$
21.24
 
2014
   
22.60
   
1.39
   
(1.14
)
 
0.25
   
(1.40
)
 
   
(1.40
)
 
   
21.45
   
19.62
 
2013
   
21.39
   
1.35
   
1.17
   
2.52
   
(1.31
)
 
   
(1.31
)
 
   
22.60
   
20.97
 
2012
   
18.86
   
1.36
   
2.57
   
3.93
   
(1.40
)
 
   
(1.40
)
 
   
21.39
   
20.18
 
2011(f)
   
19.10
   
1.19
   
(0.22
)
 
0.97
   
(1.17
)
 
   
(1.17
)
 
(0.04
)
 
18.86
   
18.06
 
                                                               
Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)
                                                     
Year Ended 3/31:
                                                             
2015
   
22.68
   
1.37
   
1.24
   
2.61
   
(1.37
)
 
   
(1.37
)
 
   
23.92
   
21.72
 
2014
   
23.92
   
1.40
   
(1.29
)
 
0.11
   
(1.35
)
 
   
(1.35
)
 
   
22.68
   
20.50
 
2013
   
22.56
   
1.34
   
1.31
   
2.65
   
(1.29
)
 
   
(1.29
)
 
   
23.92
   
22.12
 
2012
   
19.43
   
1.45
   
3.17
   
4.62
   
(1.49
)
 
   
(1.49
)
 
   
22.56
   
20.97
 
2011(g)
   
19.10
   
0.47
   
0.28
   
0.75
   
(0.38
)
 
   
(0.38
)
 
(0.04
)
 
19.43
   
18.63
 

   
Borrowings at the End of Period
 
   
Aggregate
     
   
Amount
 
Asset
 
   
Outstanding
 
Coverage
 
   
(000
)
Per $1,000
 
Build America Bond (NBB)
             
Year Ended 3/31:
             
2015
 
$
89,500
 
$
7,839
 
2014
   
89,000
   
7,379
 
2013
   
89,000
   
7,720
 
2012
   
44,000
   
13,863
 
2011(f)
   
44,000
   
12,341
 
               
Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)
             
Year Ended 3/31:
             
2015
   
11,800
   
15,603
 
2014
   
11,500
   
15,208
 
2013
   
11,500
   
15,985
 
2012
   
   
 
2011(g)
   
   
 
 
36
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

     
Common Share Supplemental Data/
Ratios/Applicable to Common Shares
 
Common Share
Total Returns
     
Ratios to Average
Net Assets (c)
     
                         
 
Based on
NAV
(b)
Based on
Share
Price
(b)
Ending
Net Assets
(000)
 
Expenses
(d)
Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
 
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
(e)
                                     
                                     
   
14.61
%
 
15.75
%
$
612,075
   
1.07
%
 
6.04
%
 
13
%
   
1.44
   
0.63
   
567,690
   
1.12
   
6.63
   
6
 
   
12.05
   
10.57
   
598,113
   
1.10
   
6.10
   
7
 
   
21.29
   
19.92
   
565,952
   
1.05
   
6.63
   
18
 
   
4.90
   
(3.99
)
 
499,020
   
1.11
 
6.70
 
100
 
                                     
                                     
   
11.70
   
12.86
   
172,318
   
1.02
   
5.77
   
6
 
   
0.76
   
(0.85
)
 
163,391
   
1.08
   
6.34
   
4
 
   
11.97
   
11.88
   
172,331
   
1.07
   
5.74
   
4
 
   
24.34
   
21.00
   
162,578
   
0.97
   
6.74
   
7
 
   
3.73
   
(4.96
)
 
139,972
   
0.87
*
 
6.90
 
77
 
 
(a)
Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.
(b)
Total Return Based on Common Share NAV is the combination of changes in common share NAV, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending NAV. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not its NAV), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.
   
 
Total Return Based on Common Share Price is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized.
(c)
Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to borrowings, where applicable.
(d)
The expense ratios reflect, among other things, the interest expense deemed to have been paid by the Fund on the floating rate certificates issued by the special purpose trusts for the self-deposited inverse floaters held by the Fund, and/or all interest expense paid and other costs related to borrowings, where applicable, as described in Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Inverse Floating Rate Securities and in Note 8 – Borrowing Arrangements, respectively, as follows:
 
Build America Bond (NBB)
   
Year Ended 3/31:
   
2015
0.19
%
2014
0.22
 
2013
0.22
 
2012
0.18
 
2011(f)
0.24
*
 
Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)
   
Year Ended 3/31:
   
2015
0.09
%
2014
0.11
 
2013
0.10
 
2012
0.03
 
2011(g)
0.03
*
 
(e)
Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.
(f)
For the period April 27, 2010 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2011.
(g)
For the period November 23, 2010 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2011.
*
Annualized.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
37

 
 

 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
1. General Information and Significant Accounting Policies
 
General Information
 
Fund Information
The funds covered in this report and their corresponding New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) symbols are as follows (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):
 
 
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund (NBB) (“Build America Bond (NBB)”)
 
Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund (NBD) (“Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)”)
 
The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as diversified closed-end management investment companies. Build America Bond (NBB) and Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD) were organized as Massachusetts business trusts on December 4, 2009 and June 4, 2010, respectively.
 
The end of the reporting period for the Funds is March 31, 2015, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 (“the current fiscal period”).
 
Investment Adviser
The Funds’ investment adviser is Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen”). The Adviser is responsible for each Fund’s overall investment strategy and asset allocation decisions. The Adviser has entered into sub-advisory agreements with Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), a subsidiary of the Adviser, under which the Sub-Adviser manages the investment portfolios of the Funds.
 
Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies
Each Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income through investments in taxable municipal securities. Each Fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek enhanced portfolio value and total return. The Funds seek to achieve their investment objectives by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of taxable municipal securities known as Build America Bonds (“BABs”), which make up approximately 80% of their managed assets (as defined in Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates). BABs are taxable municipal securities that include bonds issued by state and local governments to finance capital projects such as public schools, roads, transportation infrastructure, bridges, ports and public buildings, among others, pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which offer municipal issuers a federal subsidy equal to 35% of a bond’s interest payments. Under normal circumstances, the Funds may invest 20% of their managed assets in securities other than BABs, including taxable and tax-exempt municipal securities, U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agency securities. At least 80% of each Fund’s managed assets will be invested in securities that are investment grade quality at the time of purchase, as rated by at least one independent rating agency or judged to be of comparable quality by the Sub-Adviser. In addition, each Fund will use an integrated leverage and hedging strategy so that the Fund has the potential to enhance income and risk-adjusted total return over time. Each Fund may employ leverage instruments such as bank borrowings, including loans from certain financial institutions, and portfolio investments that have the economic effect of leverage, including investments in inverse floating rate securities. Each Fund’s overall goal is to outperform over time the Barclays Build America Bond Index, an unleveraged index representing the BABs market, while maintaining a comparable overall level of interest rate risk.
 
The BAB program expired on December 31, 2010, and was not renewed. Build America Bond (NBB) and Build American Bond Opportunity (NBD) each have contingent term provisions stating that if there are no new issuances of BABs or similar U.S. Treasury-subsidized taxable municipal bonds for any twenty-four month period ending on or before December 31, 2014, Build America Bond (NBB) and Build American Bond Opportunity (NBD) will terminate on or around June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2020, respectively. Since there has been no new issuance of BABs for a twenty-four month period, the Funds are currently being managed in line with these termination dates and the distribution of each Fund’s assets to shareholders is planned for those times.
 
Significant Accounting Policies
Each Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.” The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
 
38
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
Investment Transactions
Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are determined on the specific identification method, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Investments purchased on a when-issued/delayed delivery basis may have extended settlement periods. Any investments so purchased are subject to market fluctuation during this period. The Funds have instructed the custodian to earmark securities in the Funds’ portfolios with a current value at least equal to the amount of the when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments.
 
As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds’ outstanding when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments were as follows:
 
   
Build
 
Build America
 
   
America
 
Bond
 
   
Bond
 
Opportunity
 
   
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Outstanding when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments
 
$
 
$
 
 
Investment Income
Investment income, which reflects the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts for financial reporting purposes, is recorded on an accrual basis. Investment income also reflects paydown gains and losses, if any.
 
Professional Fees
Professional fees presented on the Statement of Operations consist of legal fees incurred in the normal course of operations, audit fees, tax consulting fees and, in some cases, workout expenditures. Workout expenditures are incurred in an attempt to protect or enhance an investment or to pursue other claims or legal actions on behalf of Fund shareholders. If a refund is received for workout expenditures paid in a prior reporting period, such amounts will be recognized as “Legal fee refund” on the Statement of Operations.
 
Dividends and Distributions to Common Shareholders
Dividends to shareholders are declared monthly. Net realized capital gains from investment transactions, if any, are distributed to shareholders at least annually. Furthermore, capital gains are distributed only to the extent they exceed available capital loss carryforwards.
 
Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal corporate income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.
 
Indemnifications
Under the Funds’ organizational documents, their officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expect the risk of loss to be remote.
 
Netting Agreements
In the ordinary course of business, the Funds have entered into transactions subject to enforceable master repurchase agreements, International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) master agreements or other similar arrangements (“netting agreements”). Generally, the right to offset in netting agreements allows each Fund to offset any exposure to a specific counterparty with any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. Generally, each Fund manages its cash collateral and securities collateral on a counterparty basis.
 
The Funds’ investments subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, if any, are further described in Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives.
 
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets applicable to common shares from operations during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
 
2. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements
The fair valuation input levels as described below are for fair value measurement purposes.
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be receive upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Observable inputs
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
39

 
 

 
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
 
reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The following is a summary of the three-tiered hierarchy of valuation input levels.
 
Level 1 –  
Inputs are unadjusted and prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 –  
Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 –  
Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
 
Prices of fixed income securities are provided by a pricing service approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The pricing service establishes a security’s fair value using methods that may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2. In pricing certain securities, particularly less liquid and lower quality securities, the pricing service may consider information about a security, its issuer or market activity provided by the Adviser. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the priority of the significant inputs.
 
Prices of swap contracts are also provided by a pricing service approved by the Board using the same methods as described above and are generally classified as Level 2.
 
Repurchase agreements are valued at contract amount plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. These securities are generally classified as Level 2.
 
Certain securities may not be able to be priced by the pre-established pricing methods as described above. Such securities may be valued by the Board and/or its appointee at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; debt securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) (as may be the case in non-U.S. markets on which the security is primarily traded) or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, is not deemed to reflect the security’s fair value. As a general principle, the fair value of a security would appear to be the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it in a current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, which may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from securities dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the priority of the significant inputs. Regardless of the method employed to value a particular security, all valuations are subject to review by the Board and/or its appointee.
 
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of each Fund’s fair value measurements as of the end of the reporting period:
 
Build America Bond (NBB)
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Long-Term Investments*:
                         
Municipal Bonds
 
$
 
$
735,533,682
 
$
 
$
735,533,682
 
Investments in Derivatives:
                         
Interest Rate Swaps**
   
   
(20,308,710
)
 
   
(20,308,710
)
Total
 
$
 
$
715,224,972
 
$
 
$
715,224,972
 
                           
Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)
                         
Long-Term Investments*:
                         
Municipal Bonds
 
$
 
$
184,642,011
 
$
 
$
184,642,011
 
Short-Term Investments:
                         
Repurchase Agreements
   
   
263,033
   
   
263,033
 
Investments in Derivatives:
                         
Interest Rate Swaps**
   
   
(7,618,696
)
 
   
(7,618,696
)
Total
 
$
 
$
177,286,348
 
$
 
$
177,286,348
 
 
*
Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for state classifications.
**
Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
 
40
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
The Board is responsible for the valuation process and has appointed the oversight of the daily valuation process to the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Board, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Funds’ pricing policies and reporting to the Board. The Valuation Committee is aided in its efforts by the Adviser’s dedicated Securities Valuation Team, which is responsible for administering the daily valuation process and applying fair value methodologies as approved by the Valuation Committee. When determining the reliability of independent pricing services for investments owned by the Funds, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of the pricing services and monitors the quality of security prices received through various testing reports conducted by the Securities Valuation Team.
 
The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making a fair value determination, based on the facts and circumstances specific to the portfolio instrument. Fair value determinations generally will be derived as follows, using public or private market information:
 
 
(i)
If available, fair value determinations shall be derived by extrapolating from recent transactions or quoted prices for identical or comparable securities.
     
 
(ii)
If such information is not available, an analytical valuation methodology may be used based on other available information including, but not limited to: analyst appraisals, research reports, corporate action information, issuer financial statements and shelf registration statements. Such analytical valuation methodologies may include, but are not limited to: multiple of earnings, discount from market value of a similar freely-traded security, discounted cash flow analysis, book value or a multiple thereof, risk premium/yield analysis, yield to maturity and/or fundamental investment analysis.
 
The purchase price of a portfolio instrument will be used to fair value the instrument only if no other valuation methodology is available or deemed appropriate, and it is determined that the purchase price fairly reflects the instrument’s current value.
 
For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such testing and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board.
 
3. Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives
 
Portfolio Securities
 
Inverse Floating Rate Securities
Each Fund is authorized to invest in inverse floating rate securities. An inverse floating rate security is created by depositing a municipal bond (referred to as an “Underlying Bond”), typically with a fixed interest rate, into a special purpose trust (referred to as the “Trust”) created by or at the direction of one or more Funds. In turn, the Trust issues (a) floating rate certificates (referred to as “Floaters”), in face amounts equal to some fraction of the Underlying Bond’s par amount or market value, and (b) an inverse floating rate certificate (referred to as an “Inverse Floater”) that represents all remaining or residual interest in the Trust. Floaters typically pay short-term tax-exempt interest rates to third parties who are also provided a right to tender their certificate and receive its par value, which may be paid from the proceeds of a remarketing of the Floaters, by a loan to the Trust from a third party liquidity provider, or by the sale of assets from the Trust. The Inverse Floater is issued to a long term investor, such as one or more of the Funds. The income received by the Inverse Floater holder varies inversely with the short-term rate paid to holders of the Floaters, and in most circumstances the Inverse Floater holder bears substantially all of the Underlying Bond’s downside investment risk and also benefits disproportionately from any potential appreciation of the Underlying Bond’s value. The value of an Inverse Floater will be more volatile than that of the Underlying Bond because the interest rate is dependent on not only the fixed coupon rate of the Underlying Bond but also on the short-term interest paid on the Floaters, and because the Inverse Floater essentially bears the risk of loss of the greater face value of the Underlying Bond.
 
The Inverse Floater held by a Fund gives the Fund the right to (a) cause the holders of the Floaters to tender their certificates at par, and (b) have the trustee of the Trust transfer the Underlying Bond held by the Trust to the Fund, thereby collapsing the Trust.
 
The Fund may acquire an Inverse Floater in a transaction where it (a) transfers an Underlying Bond that it owns to a Trust created by a third party or (b) transfers an Underlying Bond that it owns, or that it has purchased in a secondary market transaction for the purpose of creating an Inverse Floater, to a Trust created at its direction, and in return receives the Inverse Floater of the Trust (referred to as a “self-deposited Inverse Floater”). A Fund may also purchase an Inverse Floater in a secondary market transaction from a third party creator of the Trust without first owning the Underlying Bond (referred to as an “externally-deposited Inverse Floater”).
 
An investment in a self-deposited Inverse Floater is accounted for as a “financing” transaction (i.e., a secured borrowing). For a self-deposited Inverse Floater, the Underlying Bond deposited into the Trust is identified in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments as “(UB) – Underlying bond of an inverse floating rate trust reflected as a financing transaction,” with the Fund recognizing the Floaters issued by the Trust as liabilities, at their liquidation value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as “Floating rate obligations.” In addition, the Fund recognizes in “Investment Income” the entire earnings of
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
41

 
 

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
 
the Underlying Bond and recognizes the related interest paid to the holders of the Floaters as a component of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.
 
In contrast, an investment in an externally-deposited Inverse Floater is accounted for as a purchase of the inverse floater and is identified in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments as “(IF) – Inverse floating rate investment.” For an externally-deposited Inverse Floater, a Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities recognizes the Inverse Floater and not the Underlying Bond as an asset, and the Fund does not recognize the Floaters as a liability. Additionally, the Fund reflects in “Investment Income” only the net amount of earnings on the Inverse Floater (net of the interest paid to the holders of the Floaters and the expenses of the Trust), and does not show the amount of that interest paid as an interest expense on the Statement of Operations.
 
The average floating rate obligations outstanding and average annual interest rate and fees related to self-deposited Inverse Floaters during the current fiscal period were as follows:
 
   
Build
 
Build America
 
   
America
 
Bond
 
   
Bond
 
Opportunity
 
Self-Deposited Inverse Floaters
 
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Average floating rate obligations outstanding
 
$
53,090,000
 
$
7,190,000
 
Average annual interest rate and fees
   
0.53
%
 
0.52
%
 
As of the end of the reporting period, the total amount of floating rate obligations associated with each Fund’s self-deposited Inverse Floaters and externally-deposited Inverse Floaters was as follows:
 
   
Build
 
Build America
 
   
America
 
Bond
 
   
Bond
 
Opportunity
 
Floating Rate Obligations Outstanding
 
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Floating rate obligations: self-deposited Inverse Floaters
 
$
53,090,000
 
$
7,190,000
 
Floating rate obligations: externally-deposited Inverse Floaters
   
91,190,000
   
48,810,000
 
Total
 
$
144,280,000
 
$
56,000,000
 
 
Each Fund may also enter into shortfall and forbearance agreements (sometimes referred to as a “recourse arrangement” or “credit recovery swap”) (Trusts involving such agreements are referred to herein as “Recourse Trusts”), under which a Fund agrees to reimburse the liquidity provider for the Trust’s Floaters, in certain circumstances, for the amount (if any) by which the liquidation value of the Underlying Bond held by the Trust may fall short of the liquidation value of the Floaters issued by the Trust, plus any shortfalls in interest cash flows. Under these agreements, a Fund’s potential exposure to losses related to or on an Inverse Floater may increase beyond the value of the Inverse Floater as a Fund may potentially be liable to fulfill all amounts owed to holders of the Floaters. At period end, any such shortfall amount in the aggregate is recognized as “Unrealized depreciation on Recourse Trusts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
 
As of the end of the reporting period, each Fund’s maximum exposure to the floating rate obligations issued by externally-deposited Recourse Trusts was as follows:
 
   
Build
 
Build America
 
   
America
 
Bond
 
Floating Rate Obligations -
 
Bond
 
Opportunity
 
Externally-Deposited Recourse Trusts
 
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Maximum exposure to Recourse Trusts
 
$
91,190,000
 
$
40,810,000
 
 
Repurchase Agreements
In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is each Fund’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the counterparty defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the collateral may be delayed or limited.
 
The following table presents the repurchase agreements for the Funds that are subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, and the collateral delivered related to those repurchase agreements.
 
           
Collateral
     
       
Short-Term
 
Pledged (From
)
Net
 
Fund
 
Counterparty
 
Investments, at Value
 
Counterparty*
 
Exposure
 
Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)
   
State Street Bank
 
$
263,033
 
$
(263,033
)
$
 
 
*
As of the end of the reporting period, the value of the collateral pledged from the counterparty exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements. Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for details on the repurchase agreements.
 
42
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
Zero Coupon Securities
A zero coupon security does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the security. Income to the holder of the security comes from accretion of the difference between the original purchase price of the security at issuance and the par value of the security at maturity and is effectively paid at maturity. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically.
 
Investments in Derivatives
In addition to the inverse floating rate securities in which each Fund invests, which are considered portfolio securities for financial reporting purposes, each Fund is authorized to invest in certain other derivative instruments such as futures, options and swap contracts. Each Fund limits its investments in futures, options on futures and swap contracts to the extent necessary for the Adviser to claim the exclusion from registration by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund. The Funds record derivative instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. Even though the Funds’ investments in derivatives may represent economic hedges, they are not considered to be hedge transactions for financial reporting purposes.
 
Swap Contracts
Interest rate swap contracts involve a Fund’s agreement with the counterparty to pay or receive a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty receiving or paying a variable rate payment. Forward interest rate swap contracts involve a Fund’s agreement with a counterparty to pay, in the future, a fixed or variable rate payment in exchange for the counterparty paying the Fund a variable or fixed rate payment, the accruals for which would begin at a specified date in the future (the “effective date”). The amount of the payment obligation is based on the notional amount of the swap contract. Swap contracts do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to the swap counterparty on such transactions is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is to receive.
 
Interest rate swap contracts are valued daily. Upon entering into an interest rate swap contract (and beginning on the effective date for a forward interest rate swap contract), a Fund accrues the fixed rate payment expected to be paid or received and the variable rate payment expected to be received or paid on the interest rate swap contracts on a daily basis, and recognizes the daily change in the fair value of the Fund’s contractual rights and obligations under the contracts. For over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, the net amount recorded on these transactions, for each counterparty, is recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps (, net).”
 
Upon the execution of an exchanged-cleared swap contract, in certain instances a Fund is obligated to deposit cash or eligible securities, also known as “initial margin,” into an account at its clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the contract amount. Cash held by the broker to cover initial margin requirements on open swap contracts, if any, is recognized as a component of “Cash collateral at brokers” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Investments in exchange-cleared interest rate swap contracts obligate a Fund and the clearing broker to settle monies on a daily basis representing changes in the prior day’s “mark-to-market” of the swap contract. If a Fund has unrealized appreciation, the clearing broker will credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the appreciation. Conversely, if the Fund has unrealized depreciation, the clearing broker will debit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as “variation margin.” Variation margin is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for “Variation margin on swap contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
 
The net amount of periodic payments settled in cash are recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from swaps” on the Statement of Operations, in addition to the net realized gain or loss recorded upon the termination of the swap contract. For tax purposes, payments expected to be received or paid on the swap contacts are treated as ordinary income or expense, respectively.
 
Changes in the value of the swap contracts during the fiscal period are recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps.” In certain instances, payments are made or received upon entering into the swap contract to compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreements and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). Payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period, if any, are recognized as “Interest rate swaps premiums paid and/or received” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
 
During the current fiscal period, each Fund continued to use swap contracts to reduce the duration of its bond portfolio as well as to fix its interest cost of leverage.
 
The average notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:
 
   
Build
 
Build America
 
   
America
 
Bond
 
   
Bond
 
Opportunity
 
   
(NBB
)
(NBD
)
Average notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding*
 
$
215,760,000
 
$
85,320,000
 
 
*
The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the fiscal year and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal year.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
43

 
 

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
 
The following table presents the fair value of all swap contracts held by the Funds as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.
 
       
Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
 
Underlying
 
Derivative
 
Asset Derivatives
 
(Liability) Derivatives
 
Risk Exposure
 
Instrument
 
Location
   
Value
 
Location
   
Value
 
Build America Bond (NBB)
                         
                 
Unrealized depreciation on interest
       
Interest rate
 
Swaps (OTC)
 
 
$
 
rate swaps
 
$
(1,787,914
)
                 
Payable for variation margin on
       
Interest rate
 
Swaps (Exchange-Cleared)
 
   
 
swap contracts*
   
(18,520,796
)
Total
         
$
     
$
 (20,308,710
)
Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)
                         
                 
Unrealized depreciation on interest
       
Interest rate
 
Swaps (OTC)
 
 
$
 
rate swaps
 
$
(553,591
)
                 
Payable for variation margin on
       
Interest rate
 
Swaps (Exchange-Cleared)
 
   
 
swap contracts*
   
(7,065,105
)
Total
         
$
     
$
 (7,618,696
)
 
*
Value represents the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments and not the asset and/or liability amount reported on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
 
The following tables present the swap contracts subject to netting agreements, and collateral delivered related to those swap contracts as of end of the reporting period.
 
       
Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation on
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation) on
 
Amounts
Netted on
Statement of
 
Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) on
 
Collateral
Pledged
     
       
Interest
 
Interest
 
Assets and
 
Interest
 
to (from)
 
Net
 
Fund
 
Counterparty
 
Rate Swaps
**
Rate Swaps
**
Liabilities
 
Rate Swaps
 
Counterparty
 
Exposure
 
Build America Bond (NBB)
                                         
   
Morgan Stanley
 
$
 
$
(1,787,914
)
$
 
$
(1,787,914
)
$
1,512,181
 
$
(275,733
)
Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)
                                         
   
Barclays Bank PLC
 
$
 
$
(553,591
)
$
 
$
(553,591
)
$
309,108
 
$
(244,483
)
 
**
Represents gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the counterparty as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
 
The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (deprecation) recognized on swap contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.
 
           
Net Realized
 
Change in Net Unrealized
 
   
Underlying
 
Derivative
 
Gain (Loss) from
 
Appreciation (Depreciation) of
 
Fund
 
Risk Exposure
 
Instrument
 
Swaps
 
Swaps
 
Build America Bond (NBB)
   
Interest rate
   
Swaps
 
$
4,487,052
 
$
(33,148,769
)
Build America Bond Opportunity (NBD)
   
Interest rate
   
Swaps
   
(2,292,094
)
 
(11,801,417
)
 
Market and Counterparty Credit Risk
In the normal course of business each Fund may invest in financial instruments and enter into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the other party to the transaction to perform (counterparty credit risk). The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded on the financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose each Fund to counterparty credit risk, consist principally of cash due from counterparties on forward, option and swap transactions, when applicable. The extent of each Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk in respect to these financial assets approximates their carrying value as recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
 
Each Fund helps manage counterparty credit risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties the Adviser believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by having the Adviser monitor the financial stability of the counterparties. Additionally, counterparties may be required to pledge collateral daily (based on the daily valuation of the financial asset) on behalf of each Fund with a value approximately equal to the amount of any unrealized gain above a pre-determined threshold. Reciprocally, when each Fund has an unrealized loss, the Funds have instructed the custodian to pledge assets of the Funds as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss above a pre-determined threshold. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the valuations fluctuate, either up or down, by at least the pre-determined threshold amount.
 
44
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

 
4. Fund Shares
The Funds have not repurchased any of their outstanding shares since the inception of the Funds’ repurchase programs.
 
Transactions in common shares during the Funds’ current and prior fiscal period were as follows:
 
   
Build America
 
Build America
 
   
Bond (NBB)
 
Bond Opportunity (NBD)
 
     
Year
   
Year
   
Year
   
Year
 
     
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
     
3/31/15
   
3/31/14
   
3/31/15
   
3/31/14
 
Common shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions
   
   
   
   
 
 
5. Investment Transactions
Long-term purchases and sales (including maturities but excluding derivative transactions) during the current fiscal period were as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Purchases
 
$
94,565,324
 
$
10,683,604
 
Sales and maturities
   
118,129,123
   
23,236,851
 
 
6. Income Tax Information
Each Fund is a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders and to otherwise comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
 
For all open tax years and all major taxing jurisdictions, management of the Funds has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Open tax years are those that are open for examination by taxing authorities (i.e., generally the last four tax year ends and the interim tax period since then). Furthermore, management of the Funds is also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
 
The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions and the treatment of investments in inverse floating rate securities reflected as financing transactions, if any. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts as detailed below. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the NAVs of the Funds.
 
As of March 31, 2015, the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments (excluding investments in derivatives), as determined on a federal income tax basis, were as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Cost of investments
 
$
553,823,367
 
$
125,511,016
 
Gross unrealized:
             
Appreciation
 
$
128,893,998
 
$
52,205,021
 
Depreciation
   
(277,301
)
 
(4,611
)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
 
$
128,616,697
 
$
52,200,410
 
 
Permanent differences, primarily due to bond premium amortization and treatment of notional principal contracts, resulted in reclassifications among the Funds’ components of common share net assets as of March 31, 2015, the Funds’ tax year end, as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Paid-in surplus
 
$
 
$
 
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income
   
(1,109,810
)
 
(470,497
)
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)
   
1,109,810
   
470,497
 
 
Nuveen Investments
 
45

 
 

 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
 
The tax components of undistributed net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains as of March 31, 2015, the Funds’ tax year end, were as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Undistributed net ordinary income1
 
$
2,690,295
 
$
620,862
 
Undistributed net long-term capital gains
   
   
 
 
1
Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains, if any. Undistributed net ordinary income (on a tax basis) has not been reduced for the dividend declared on March 2, 2015, and paid on April 1, 2015.
 
The tax character of distributions paid during the Funds’ tax years ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
2015
   
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Distributions from net ordinary income2
 
$
36,835,083
 
$
9,856,781
 
Distributions from net long-term capital gains
   
   
 

     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
2014
   
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Distributions from net ordinary income2
 
$
36,988,563
 
$
9,705,472
 
Distributions from net long-term capital gains
   
   
 
 
2
Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest, and net short-term capital gains, if any.
 
As of March 31, 2015, the Funds’ tax year end, the Funds had unused capital losses carrying forward available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any. The capital losses are not subject to expiration.
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Capital losses to be carried forward – not subject to expiration
 
$
256,108
 
$
7,539,644
 
 
During the Funds’ tax year ended March 31, 2015, the Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Utilized capital loss carryforwards
 
$
13,427,359
 
$
1,871,113
 
 
The Funds have elected to defer late-year losses in accordance with federal income tax rules. These losses are treated as having arisen on the first day of the current fiscal year. The following Fund has elected to defer losses as follows:
 
     
Build America
 
     
Bond
 
     
Opportunity
 
     
(NBD
)
Post-October capital losses3
 
$
1,830,767
 
Later-year ordinary losses4
   
 
 
3
Capital losses incurred from November 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015, the Funds’ tax year end.
4
Ordinary losses incurred from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015, and specified losses incurred from November 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015.
 
7. Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Each Fund’s management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Sub-Adviser is compensated for its services to the Funds from the management fees paid to the Adviser.
 
Each Fund’s management fee consists of two components – a fund-level fee, based only on the amount of assets within each individual Fund, and a complex-level fee, based on the aggregate amount of all eligible fund assets managed by the Adviser. This pricing structure enables Fund shareholders to benefit from growth in the assets within their respective Fund as well as from growth in the amount of complex-wide assets managed by the Adviser.
 
46
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 
 
The annual Fund-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund is calculated according to the following schedule:
 
Average Daily Managed Assets*
Fund-Level Fee
For the first $125 million
0.4500
%
For the next $125 million
0.4375
 
For the next $250 million
0.4250
 
For the next $500 million
0.4125
 
For the next $1 billion
0.4000
 
For managed assets over $2 billion
0.3875
 
 
The annual complex-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund is calculated according to the following schedule:
 
Complex-Level Managed Asset Breakpoint Level*
Effective Rate at Breakpoint Level
$55 billion
0.2000
%
$56 billion
0.1996
 
$57 billion
0.1989
 
$60 billion
0.1961
 
$63 billion
0.1931
 
$66 billion
0.1900
 
$71 billion
0.1851
 
$76 billion
0.1806
 
$80 billion
0.1773
 
$91 billion
0.1691
 
$125 billion
0.1599
 
$200 billion
0.1505
 
$250 billion
0.1469
 
$300 billion
0.1445
 
 
*
For the fund-level and complex-level fees, managed assets include closed-end fund assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable to certain types of leverage. For these purposes, leverage includes the funds’ use of preferred stock and borrowings and certain investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB) trusts, including the portion of assets held by a TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining managed assets in certain circumstances. The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily managed assets of all Nuveen Funds that constitute “eligible assets.” Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen Funds or assets in excess of $2 billion added to the Nuveen Fund complex in connection with the Adviser’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011. As of March 31, 2015, the complex-level fee for each Fund was 0.1635%.
 
The Funds pay no compensation directly to those of its trustees who are affiliated with the Adviser or to its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Funds from the Adviser or its affiliates. The Board has adopted a deferred compensation plan for independent trustees that enables trustees to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual compensation they are entitled to receive from certain Nuveen-advised funds. Under the plan, deferred amounts are treated as though equal dollar amounts had been invested in shares of select Nuveen-advised funds.
 
8. Borrowing Arrangements
As part of their investment strategies the Funds have each entered into a committed secured 364-day line of credit (“Borrowings”) with their custodian bank as a means of leverage. Each Fund’s maximum commitment amount under these Borrowings is as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Maximum commitment amount
 
$
95,000,000
 
$
15,000,000
 
 
As of the end of the reporting period, each Fund’s outstanding balance on its Borrowings was as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Outstanding Borrowings
 
$
89,500,000
 
$
11,800,000
 
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
47

 
 

 
 
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
 
During the current fiscal period, the average daily balance outstanding and average annual interest rate on each Fund’s Borrowings were as follows:
 
     
Build
   
Build America
 
     
America
   
Bond
 
     
Bond
   
Opportunity
 
     
(NBB
)
 
(NBD
)
Average daily balance outstanding
 
$
89,163,014
 
$
11,597,808
 
Average annual interest rate
   
0.87
%
 
0.87
%
 
In order to maintain these Borrowings, the Funds must meet certain collateral, asset coverage and other requirements. Borrowings outstanding are fully secured by securities held in each Fund’s portfolio of investments. Interest expense incurred on each Fund’s Borrowings was calculated at a rate per annum equal to the higher of (i) the overnight Federal Funds rate plus 0.75% or (ii) the overnight London Inter-bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.75% for the period May 21, 2014 through May 20, 2015.
 
In addition to the interest expense, the Funds each pay a 0.10% per annum facility fee, based on the unused portion of the commitment amount of the Borrowings through the renewal date.
 
On May 20, 2015, each Fund renewed its Borrowings, at which time the termination date was extended through May 18, 2016. The interest charged on each Fund’s Borrowings was changed from the higher of (i) the overnight Federal Funds rate plus 0.75% or (ii) the overnight LIBOR plus 0.75% to the higher of (i) the overnight Federal Funds rate plus 0.80% or (ii) the overnight LIBOR plus 0.80%. Each Fund also paid a one-time closing fee of 0.10% on the maximum commitment amount of the Borrowings, which will be fully expensed through the termination date of May 18, 2016. All other terms of the Borrowings remained unchanged.
 
Borrowings outstanding are recognized as “Borrowings” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Interest expense, facility fees and one-time closing fees are recognized as components of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.
 
48
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

 
Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

Board of Trustees
                   
William Adams IV*
 
Jack B. Evans
 
William C. Hunter
 
David J. Kundert
 
John K. Nelson
 
William J. Schneider
Thomas S. Schreier, Jr.*
 
Judith M. Stockdale
 
Carole E. Stone
 
Virginia L. Stringer
 
Terence J. Toth
   
 
* Interested Board Member. 

 
Fund Manager
 
Custodian
 
Legal Counsel
 
Independent Registered
 
Transfer Agent and
Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC
 
State Street Bank
 
Chapman and Cutler LLP
 
Public Accounting Firm
 
Shareholder Services
333 West Wacker Drive
 
& Trust Company
 
Chicago, IL 60603
 
KPMG LLP
 
State Street Bank
Chicago, IL 60606
 
Boston, MA 02111
     
Chicago, IL 60601
 
& Trust Company
               
Nuveen Funds
               
P.O. Box 43071
               
Providence, RI 02940-3071
               
(800) 257-8787
 

Quarterly Form N-Q Portfolio of Investments Information
Each Fund is required to file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. You may obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov or in person at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call the SEC toll-free at (800) SEC -0330 for room hours and operation.
 
Nuveen Funds’ Proxy Voting Information
You may obtain (i) information regarding how each fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen Investments toll-free at (800) 257-8787 or on Nuveen’s website at www.nuveen.com and (ii) a description of the policies and procedures that each fund used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen Investments toll free at (800) 257-8787. You may also obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov.
 

CEO Certification Disclosure
Each Fund’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has submitted to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) the annual CEO certification as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Each Fund has filed with the SEC the certification of its CEO and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 

Common Share Repurchases
Each Fund intends to repurchase, through its open-market share repurchase program, shares of its own common stock at such times and in such amounts as is deemed advisable. During the period covered by this report, each Fund repurchased shares of its common stock as shown in the accompanying table. Any future repurchases will be reported to shareholders in the next annual or semi-annual report.
 
   
NBB
 
NBD
 
Common Shares repurchased
 
 
 
 
FINRA BrokerCheck
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides information regarding the disciplinary history of FINRA member firms and associated investment professionals. This information as well as an investor brochure describing FINRA BrokerCheck is available to the public by calling the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline number at (800) 289-9999 or by visiting www.FINRA.org.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
49

 
 

 
 
Glossary of Terms Used in this Report (Unaudited)
 
Auction Rate Bond: An auction rate bond is a security whose interest payments are adjusted periodically through an auction process, which process typically also serves as a means for buying and selling the bond. Auctions that fail to attract enough buyers for all the shares offered for sale are deemed to have “failed,” with current holders receiving a formula-based interest rate until the next scheduled auction.
   
Average Annual Total Return: This is a commonly used method to express an investment’s performance over a particular, usually multi-year time period. It expresses the return that would have been necessary each year to equal the investment’s actual cumulative performance (including change in NAV or market price and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, if any) over the time period being considered.
   
Barclays Aggregate-Eligible Build America Bond Index: An unleveraged index that comprises all direct pay Build America Bonds that are SEC-regulated, taxable, dollar-denominated and have at least one year to final maturity, at least $250 million par amount outstanding, and are determined to be investment grade by Barclays. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.
   
Duration: Duration is a measure of the expected period over which a bond’s principal and interest will be paid, and consequently is a measure of the sensitivity of a bond’s or bond fund’s value to changes when market interest rates change. Generally, the longer a bond’s or fund’s duration, the more the price of the bond or fund will change as interest rates change.
   
Effective Leverage: Effective leverage is a fund’s effective economic leverage, and includes both regulatory leverage (see leverage) and the leverage effects of certain derivative investments in a Fund’s portfolio. Currently, the leverage effects of Tender Option Bond (TOB) inverse floater holdings are included in effective leverage values, in addition to any regulatory leverage.
   
Forward Interest Rate Swap: A contractual agreement between two counterparties under which one party agrees to make periodic payments to the other for an agreed period of time based on a fixed rate, while the other party agrees to make periodic payments based on a floating rate of interest based on an underlying index. Alternatively, both series of cashflows to be exchanged could be calculated using floating rates of interest but floating rates that are based upon different underlying indices.
   
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total market value of all final goods and services produced in a country/region in a given year, equal to total consumer, investment and government spending, plus the value of exports, minus the value of imports.
   
Inverse Floating Rate Securities: Inverse floating rate securities, also known as inverse floaters or tender option bonds (TOBs), are created by depositing a municipal bond, typically with a fixed interest rate, into a special purpose trust. This trust, in turn, (a) issues floating rate certificates typically paying short-term tax-exempt interest rates to third parties in amounts equal to some fraction of the deposited bond’s par amount or market value, and (b) issues an inverse floating rate certificate (sometimes referred to as an “inverse floater”) to an investor (such as a fund) interested in gaining investment exposure to a long-term municipal bond. The income received by the holder of the inverse floater varies inversely with the short-term rate paid to the floating rate certificates’ holders, and in most circumstances the holder of the inverse floater bears substantially all of the underlying bond’s downside investment risk. The holder of the inverse floater typically also benefits disproportionately from any potential appreciation of the underlying bond’s value. Hence, an inverse floater essentially represents an investment in the underlying bond on a leveraged basis.
   
Leverage: Leverage is created whenever a fund has investment exposure (both reward and/or risk) equivalent to more than 100% of the investment capital.
   
Net Asset Value (NAV) Per Share: A fund’s Net Assets is equal to its total assets (securities, cash, accrued earnings and receivables) less its total liabilities. NAV per share is equal to the fund’s Net Assets divided by its number of shares outstanding.
 
50
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

Pre-Refunding: Pre-Refunding, also known as advanced refundings or refinancings, is a procedure used by state and local governments to refinance municipal bonds to lower interest expenses. The issuer sells new bonds with a lower yield and uses the proceeds to buy U.S. Treasury securities, the interest from which is used to make payments on the higher-yielding bonds. Because of this collateral, pre-refunding generally raises a bond’s credit rating and thus its value.
   
Regulatory Leverage: Regulatory leverage consists of preferred shares issued by or borrowings of a fund. Both of these are part of a fund’s capital structure. Regulatory leverage is subject to asset coverage limits set in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
   
Total Investment Exposure: Total investment exposure is a fund’s assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable to financial leverage. For these purposes, financial leverage includes a fund’s use of preferred stock and borrowings and investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB) trusts, including the portion of assets held by a TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate securities.
   
Zero Coupon Bond: A zero coupon bond does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the bond. Income to the holder of the bond comes from accretion of the difference between the original purchase price of the bond at issuance and the par value of the bond at maturity and is effectively paid at maturity. The market prices of zero coupon bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of bonds that pay interest periodically.
 
 Nuveen Investments
 
51

 
 

 
 
Reinvest Automatically, Easily and Conveniently
 
Nuveen makes reinvesting easy. A phone call is all it takes to set up your reinvestment account. 

Nuveen Closed-End Funds Automatic Reinvestment Plan
 
Nuveen Closed-End Fund allows you to conveniently reinvest distributions in additional Fund shares. By choosing to reinvest, you’ll be able to invest money regularly and automatically, and watch your investment grow through the power of compounding. Just like distributions in cash, there may be times when income or capital gains taxes may be payable on distributions that are reinvested. It is important to note that an automatic reinvestment plan does not ensure a profit, nor does it protect you against loss in a declining market.
 
Easy and convenient
 
To make recordkeeping easy and convenient, each month you’ll receive a statement showing your total distributions, the date of investment, the shares acquired and the price per share, and the total number of shares you own.
 
How shares are purchased
 
The shares you acquire by reinvesting will either be purchased on the open market or newly issued by the Fund. If the shares are trading at or above net asset value at the time of valuation, the Fund will issue new shares at the greater of the net asset value or 95% of the then-current market price. If the shares are trading at less than net as -set value, shares for your account will be purchased on the open market. If the Plan Agent begins purchasing Fund shares on the open market while shares are trading below net asset value, but the Fund’s shares subsequently trade at or above their net asset value before the Plan Agent is able to complete its purchases, the Plan Agent may cease open-market purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the distribution in newly-issued Fund shares at a price equal to the greater of the shares’ net asset value or 95% of the shares’ market value on the last business day imme -diately prior to the purchase date. Distributions received to purchase shares in the open market will normally be invested shortly after the distribution payment date. No interest will be paid on distributions awaiting reinvestment. Because the market price of the shares may increase before purchases are completed, the average purchase price per share may exceed the market price at the time of valuation, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund. A pro rata portion of any applicable brokerage commissions on open market purchases will be paid by Plan participants. These commissions usually will be lower than those charged on individual transactions.
 
Flexible
 
You may change your distribution option or withdraw from the Plan at any time, should your needs or situation change. You can reinvest whether your shares are registered in your name, or in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee. Ask your investment advisor if his or her firm will participate on your behalf. Participants whose shares are registered in the name of one firm may not be able to transfer the shares to another firm and continue to participate in the Plan. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time. Although the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants, there is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan at this time.
 
Call today to start reinvesting distributions
 
For more information on the Nuveen Automatic Reinvestment Plan or to enroll in or withdraw from the Plan, speak with your financial advisor or call us at (800) 257-8787.
 
52
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

 
Board Members & Officers
 
The management of the Funds, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Funds by the Adviser, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Funds. The number of trustees of the Funds is currently set at eleven. None of the trustees who are not “interested” persons of the Funds (referred to herein as “independent trustees”) has ever been a director or employee of, or consultant to, Nuveen or its affiliates. The names and business addresses of the trustees and officers of the Funds, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each oversees and other directorships they hold are set forth below.
 
 
Name,
 
Position(s) Held
 
Year First
 
Principal
 
Number
 
Year of Birth
 
with the Funds
 
Elected or
 
Occupation(s)
 
of Portfolios
 
& Address
     
Appointed
 
Including other
 
in Fund Complex
         
and Term(1)
 
Directorships
 
Overseen by
             
During Past 5 Years
 
Board Member
                   
Independent Board Members:            
                   
WILLIAM J. SCHNEIDER
1944
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
Chairman and
Board Member
 
 
 
1996
Class III
 
Chairman of Miller-Valentine Partners, a real estate investment company; formerly, Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer (retired (2004) of Miller-Valentine Group; an owner in several other Miller Valentine entities; Board Member of Med-America Health System, Board Member of WDPR Public Radio station; formerly, member, Business Advisory Council, Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank and University of Dayton Business School Advisory Council.
 
 
 
195
                   
JACK B. EVANS
1948
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
1999
Class III
 
President, The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation (since 1996); Director and Chairman, United Fire Group, a publicly held company; formerly, President Pro-Tem of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System; Director, Source Media Group; Life Trustee of Coe College; formerly, Director, Alliant Energy; formerly, Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; formerly, President and Chief Operating Officer, SCI Financial Group, Inc., a regional financial services firm.
 
 
 
195
                   
WILLIAM C. HUNTER
1948
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
2004
Class I
 
Dean Emeritus, formerly, Dean, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa (2006-2012); Director (since 2004) of Xerox Corporation; Director (since 2005), and President (since July 2012) Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; Director of Wellmark, Inc. (since 2009); formerly, Dean and Distinguished Professor of Finance, School of Business at the University of Connecticut (2003-2006); previously, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (1995-2003); formerly, Director (1997-2007), Credit Research Center at Georgetown University.
 
 
 
195
                   
DAVID J. KUNDERT
1942
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
2005
Class II
 
Formerly, Director, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (2006-2013), retired (since 2004) as Chairman, JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management, President and CEO, Banc One Investment Advisors Corporation, and President, One Group Mutual Funds; prior thereto, Executive Vice President, Banc One Corporation and Chairman and CEO, Banc One Investment Management Group; Regent Emeritus, Member of Investment Committee, Luther College; member of the Wisconsin Bar Association; member of Board of Directors and Chair of Investment Committee, Greater Milwaukee Foundation; member of the Board of Directors (Milwaukee), College Possible.
 
 
 
195
 
Nuveen Investments
 
53

 
 

 

Board Members & Officers (continued)
 
 
Name,
 
Position(s) Held
 
Year First
 
Principal
 
Number
 
Year of Birth
 
with the Funds
 
Elected or
 
Occupation(s)
 
of Portfolios
 
& Address
     
Appointed(1)
 
During Past 5 Years
 
in Fund Complex
                 
Overseen by
                 
Board Member
                   
Independent Board Members (continued):            
                   
JOHN K. NELSON
1962
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
2013
Class II
 
Member of Board of Directors of Core12 LLC since 2008), a private firm which develops branding, marketing and communications strategies for clients; Director of The Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (since 2009) and The President’s Council, Fordham University (since 2010); formerly, senior external advisor to the financial services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP (2012-2014); formerly, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Marian University (2010 as trustee, 2011-2014 as Chairman); formerly, Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO N.V. North America, and Global Head of its Financial Markets Division (2007-2008); prior senior positions held at ABN AMRO include Corporate Executive Vice President and Head of Global Markets-the Americas (2006-2007), CEO of Wholesale Banking North America and Global Head of Foreign Exchange and Futures Markets (2001-2006), and Regional Commercial Treasurer and Senior Vice President Trading-North America (1996-2001); formerly, Trustee at St. Edmund Preparatory School in New York City.
 
 
 
195
                   
JUDITH M. STOCKDALE
1947
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
1997
Class I
 
Board Member, Land Trust Alliance (since 2013) and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (since 2013); formerly, Executive Director (1994-2012), Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (1990-1994).
 
 
 
195
                   
CAROLE E. STONE
1947
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
2007
Class I
 
Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (since 2006); Director, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (since 2009); Director, CBOE Holdings, Inc. (since 2010); formerly, Commissioner, New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform (2005-2010).
 
 
 
195
                   
VIRGINIA L. STRINGER
1944
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
2011
Class I
 
Board Member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum; non-profit board member and former governance consultant; former Owner, and President Strategic Management Resources, Inc., a management consulting firm; former Member, Governing Board, Investment Company Institute’s Independent Directors Council; previously, held several executive positions in general management, marketing and human resources at IBM and The Pillsbury Company; Independent Director, First American Fund Complex (1987-2010) and Chair (1997-2010).
 
 
 
195
                   
TERENCE J. TOTH
1959
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
2008
Class II
 
Managing Partner, Promus Capital (since 2008); Director, Fulcrum IT Service LLC (since 2010), Quality Control Corporation (since 2012) and LogicMark LLC (since 2012); formerly, Director, Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. (2008-2013); formerly, CEO and President, Northern Trust Global Investments (2004-2007); Executive Vice President, Quantitative Management & Securities Lending (2000-2004); prior thereto, various positions with Northern Trust Company (since 1994); member: Chicago Fellowship Board (since 2005), Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008) and Mather Foundation Board (since 2012), and a member of its investment committee; formerly, Member, Northern Trust Mutual Funds Board (2005-2007), Northern Trust Global Investments Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Japan Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Securities Inc. Board (2003-2007) and Northern Trust Hong Kong Board (1997-2004).
 
 
 
195
 
54
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

 
 
Name,
 
Position(s) Held
 
Year First
 
Principal
 
Number
 
Year of Birth
 
with the Funds
 
Elected or
 
Occupation(s)
 
of Portfolios
 
& Address
     
Appointed(1)
 
Including other Directorships
 
in Fund Complex
             
During Past 5 Years
 
Overseen by
                 
Board Member
                   
Interested Board Members:                
                   
WILLIAM ADAMS IV(2)
1955
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
2013
Class II
 
Senior Executive Vice President, Global Structured Products (since 2010); formerly, Executive Vice President, U.S. Structured Products, of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (1999-2010); Co-President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2011); President (since 2011), formerly, Managing Director (2010-2011) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Board Member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and of Gilda’s Club Chicago.
 
 
 
195
                   
THOMAS S. SCHREIER, JR.(2)
1962
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Board Member
 
 
 
2013
Class III
 
Vice Chairman, Wealth Management of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (since 2011); Co-President of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Chairman of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); Co-Chief Executive Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2011); Member of Board of Governors and Chairman’s Council of the Investment Company Institute; Director of Allina Health and a member of its Finance, Audit and Investment Committees: formerly, Chief Executive Officer (2000-2010) and Chief Investment Officer (2007-2010) of FAF Advisors, Inc.; formerly, President of First American Funds (2001-2010).
 
 
 
195
                   
 
Name,
 
Position(s) Held
 
Year First
 
Principal
 
Number
 
Year of Birth
 
with the Funds
 
Elected or
 
Occupation(s)
 
of Portfolios
 
& Address
     
Appointed(3)
 
During Past 5 Years
 
in Fund Complex
                 
Overseen
                 
by Officer
                   
Officers of the Funds:                
                   
GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN
1956
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
Chief
Administrative
Officer
 
 
 
1988
 
Managing Director (since 2002), and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2004) and Assistant Secretary (since 1994) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Managing Director (since 2002), Assistant Secretary (since 1997) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2011); Managing Director, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, of Symphony Asset Management LLC (since 2003); Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (since 2002), Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc. (since 2002), Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (since 2006), and of Winslow Capital Management, LLC, (since 2010); Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), formerly, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Compliance Officer (2006-2013) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst.
 
 
 
196
                   
CEDRIC H. ANTOSIEWICZ
1962
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Vice President
 
 
 
2007
 
Managing Director of Nuveen Securities, LLC. (since 2004); Managing Director of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2014).
 
 
 
89
                   
MARGO L. COOK
1964
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Vice President
 
 
 
2009
 
Executive Vice President (since 2008) of Nuveen Investments, Inc. and of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2011); Managing Director-Investment Services of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC (since August 2011), previously, Head of Institutional Asset Management (2007-2008) of Bear Stearns Asset Management; Chartered Financial Analyst.
 
 
 
196
 
Nuveen Investments
 
55

 
 

 

Board Members & Officers (continued)
 
 
Name,
 
Position(s) Held
 
Year First
 
Principal
 
Number
 
Year of Birth
 
with the Funds
 
Elected or
 
Occupation(s)
 
of Portfolios
 
& Address
     
Appointed(3)
 
During Past 5 Years
 
in Fund Complex
                 
Overseen
                 
by Officer
                   
Officers of the Funds (continued):            
                   
LORNA C. FERGUSON
1945
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Vice President
 
 
 
1998
 
Managing Director (since 2005) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC and Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2004).
 
 
 
196
                   
STEPHEN D. FOY
1954
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Vice President
and Controller
 
 
 
1998
 
Managing Director (since 2014), formerly, Senior Vice President (2013-2014) and Vice President (2005-2013) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Chief Financial Officer of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC (since 2010); Certified Public Accountant.
 
 
 
196
                   
SCOTT S. GRACE
1970
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Vice President
and Treasurer
 
 
 
2009
 
Managing Director, Head of Business Development and Strategy, Global Structured Products Group (since November 2014); Managing Director (since 2009) and, formerly, Treasurer, of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc., Nuveen Investments Holdings, Inc., Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, Nuveen Securities, LLC and (since 2011) Nuveen Asset Management LLC; Vice President and, formerly, Treasurer of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC and Winslow Capital Management, LLC.; Vice President of Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC; formerly, Treasurer (2006-2009), Senior Vice President (2008-2009), previously, Vice President (2006-2008) of Janus Capital Group, Inc.; Chartered Accountant Designation.
 
 
 
196
                   
WALTER M. KELLY
1970
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
Chief Compliance
Officer and
Vice President
 
 
 
2003
 
Senior Vice President (since 2008) of Nuveen Investment Holdings, Inc.
 
 
 
196
                   
TINA M. LAZAR
1961
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Vice President
 
 
 
2002
 
Senior Vice President of Nuveen Investment Holdings, Inc. and Nuveen Securities, LLC.
 
 
 
196
                   
KEVIN J. MCCARTHY
1966
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Vice President
and Secretary
 
 
 
2007
 
Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (since 2008), Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2008), Assistant Secretary since 2007) and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; Managing Director and Assistant Secretary, Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Vice President (since 2007) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc., NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Symphony Asset Management LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC, and of Winslow Capital Management, LLC. (since 2010); Vice President and Secretary (since 2010) of Nuveen Commodities Asset Management, LLC.
 
 
 
196
 
56
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

 
 
Name,
 
Position(s) Held
 
Year First
 
Principal
 
Number
 
Year of Birth
 
with the Funds
 
Elected or
 
Occupation(s)
 
of Portfolios
 
& Address
     
Appointed(3)
 
During Past 5 Years
 
in Fund Complex
                 
Overseen
                 
by Officer
                   
Officers of the Funds (continued):            
                   
KATHLEEN L. PRUDHOMME
1953
901 Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55402
 
 
 
Vice President and
Assistant Secretary
 
 
 
2011
 
Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Co-General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel (since 2011) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC; Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (since 2011) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Deputy General Counsel, FAF Advisors, Inc. (2004-2010).
 
 
 
196
                   
JOEL T. SLAGER
1978
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
 
 
Vice President and
Assistant Secretary
 
 
 
2013
 
Fund Tax Director for Nuveen Funds (since 2013); previously, Vice President of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., Assistant Treasurer of the Morgan Stanley Funds (from 2010 to 2013).
 
 
 
196
 
(1)
The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II, and Class III, with each being elected to serve until the third succeeding annual shareholders’ meeting subsequent to its election or thereafter in each case when its respective successors are duly elected or appointed. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the board member was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen Complex.
(2)
“Interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of his position with Nuveen Investments, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, which are affiliates of the Nuveen Funds.
(3)
Officers serve one year terms through August of each year. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the Officer was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen Complex.
 
Nuveen Investments
 
57

 
 

 
 
Notes
 
58
 
Nuveen Investments

 
 

 

Notes
 
Nuveen Investments
 
59

 
 

 
 
 
Nuveen Investments:
 
Serving Investors for Generations
 

Since 1898, financial advisors and their clients have relied on Nuveen Investments to provide dependable investment solutions through continued adherence to proven, long-term investing principles. Today, we offer a range of high quality equity and fixed-income solutions designed to be integral components of a well-diversified core portfolio.
 

Focused on meeting investor needs.
 
Nuveen Investments provides high-quality investment services designed to help secure the long-term goals of institutional and individual investors as well as the consultants and financial advisors who serve them. Nuveen Investments markets a wide range of specialized investment solutions which provide investors access to capabilities of its high-quality boutique investment affiliates—Nuveen Asset Management, Symphony Asset Management, NWQ Investment Management Company, Santa Barbara Asset Management, Tradewinds Global Investors, Winslow Capital Management and Gresham Investment Management. In total, Nuveen Investments managed approximately $233 billion as of March 31, 2015.
 

Find out how we can help you.
 
To learn more about how the products and services of Nuveen Investments may be able to help you meet your financial goals, talk to your financial advisor, or call us at (800) 257-8787. Please read the information provided carefully before you invest. Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of any investment carefully. Where applicable, be sure to obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other relevant information. To obtain a prospectus, please contact your securities representative or Nuveen Investments, 333 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
 
Learn more about Nuveen Funds at: www.nuveen.com/cef
 
Distributed by Nuveen Investments, LLC | 333 West Wacker Drive | Chicago, IL 60606 | www.nuveen.com
 
EAN-C-0315D 8097-INV-Y-05/16

 
 

 
 
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. There were no amendments to or waivers from the Code during the period covered by this report. The registrant has posted the code of ethics on its website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx. (To view the code, click on Code of Conduct.)

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

The registrant’s Board of Directors or Trustees (“Board”) determined that the registrant has at least one “audit committee financial expert” (as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR) serving on its Audit Committee. The registrant’s audit committee financial experts are Carole E. Stone and Jack B. Evans, who are “independent” for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
 
Ms. Stone served for five years as Director of the New York State Division of the Budget. As part of her role as Director, Ms. Stone was actively involved in overseeing the development of the State’s operating, local assistance and capital budgets, its financial plan and related documents; overseeing the development of the State’s bond-related disclosure documents and certifying that they fairly presented the State’s financial position; reviewing audits of various State and local agencies and programs; and coordinating the State’s system of internal audit and control. Prior to serving as Director, Ms. Stone worked as a budget analyst/examiner with increasing levels of responsibility over a 30 year period, including approximately five years as Deputy Budget Director. Ms. Stone has also served as Chair of the New York State Racing Association Oversight Board, as Chair of the Public Authorities Control Board, as a Commissioner on the New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform and as a member of the Boards of Directors of several New York State public authorities. These positions have involved overseeing operations and finances of certain entities and assessing the adequacy of project/entity financing and financial reporting. Currently, Ms. Stone is on the Board of Directors of CBOE Holdings, Inc., of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and of C2 Options Exchange. Ms. Stone’s position on the boards of these entities and as a member of both CBOE Holdings’ Audit Committee and its Finance Committee has involved, among other things, the oversight of audits, audit plans and preparation of financial statements.
 
Mr. Evans was formerly President and Chief Operating Officer of SCI Financial Group, Inc., a full service registered broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (“SCI”). As part of his role as President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Evans actively supervised the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) and actively supervised the CFO’s preparation of financial statements and other filings with various regulatory authorities. In such capacity, Mr. Evans was actively involved in the preparation of SCI’s financial statements and the resolution of issues raised in connection therewith. Mr. Evans has also served on the audit committee of various reporting companies. At such companies, Mr. Evans was involved in the oversight of audits, audit plans, and the preparation of financial statements. Mr. Evans also formerly chaired the audit committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
 
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Nuveen Build America Bond Fund

The following tables show the amount of fees billed to the Fund during the Fund’s last two fiscal years by KPMG LLP, the Fund’s current auditor (engaged on August 7, 2014), and Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s former auditor. The audit fees billed to the Fund for the fiscal year 2015 are the only fees that have been billed to the Fund by KPMG LLP. All other fees listed in the tables below were billed to the Fund by Ernst & Young LLP. For engagements with KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP, the Audit Committee approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services that KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP provided to the Fund, except for those non-audit services that were subject to the pre-approval exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (the “pre-approval exception”). The pre-approval exception for services provided directly to the Fund waives the pre-approval requirement for services other than audit, review or attest services if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the Fund to its accountant during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee's attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the audit is completed.

The Audit Committee has delegated certain pre-approval responsibilities to its Chairman (or, in his absence, any other member of the Audit Committee).

SERVICES THAT THE FUND’S AUDITOR BILLED TO THE FUND

   
Audit Fees Billed
   
Audit-Related Fees
   
Tax Fees
   
All Other Fees
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
to Fund 1
   
Billed to Fund 2
   
Billed to Fund 3
   
Billed to Fund 4
 
March 31, 2015
  $ 25,500     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
                                 
Percentage approved
    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %
pursuant to
                               
pre-approval
                               
exception
                               
                                 
March 31, 2014
  $ 24,750     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
                                 
Percentage approved
    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %
pursuant to
                               
pre-approval
                               
exception
                               

1 "Audit Fees" are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for the audit of the Fund's annual financial statements and services provided in
connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
 
2 "Audit Related Fees" are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of
financial statements that are not reported under "Audit Fees". These fees include offerings related to the Fund's common shares and leverage.
 
3 "Tax Fees" are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning. These fees include: all global
withholding tax services; excise and state tax reviews; capital gain, tax equalization and taxable basis calculation performed by the principal accountant.
 
4 "All Other Fees" are the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than "Audit Fees", "Audit-Related Fees" and "Tax Fees". These fees
represent all "Agreed-Upon Procedures" engagements pertaining to the Fund's use of leverage.
 
SERVICES THAT THE FUND’S AUDITOR BILLED TO THE ADVISER AND AFFILIATED FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

The following tables show the amount of fees billed by KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP to Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (formerly Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc.) (the “Adviser”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund (“Affiliated Fund Service Provider”), for engagements directly related to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting, during the Fund’s last two full fiscal years.
 
The tables also show the percentage of fees subject to the pre-approval exception. The pre-approval exception for services provided to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider (other than audit, review or attest services) waives the pre-approval requirement if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP by the Fund, the Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee’s attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the Fund’s audit is completed.

 
Audit-Related Fees
Tax Fees Billed to
All Other Fees
 
Billed to Adviser and
Adviser and
Billed to Adviser
 
Affiliated Fund
Affiliated Fund
and Affiliated Fund
Fiscal Year Ended
Service Providers
Service Providers
Service Providers
March 31, 2015
 $                               0
 $                                     0
 $                                   0
       
Percentage approved
0%
0%
0%
pursuant to
     
pre-approval
     
exception
     
March 31, 2014
 $                               0
 $                                     0
 $                                   0
       
Percentage approved
0%
0%
0%
pursuant to
     
pre-approval
     
exception
     
 
NON-AUDIT SERVICES

The following table shows the amount of fees that KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP billed during the Fund’s last two full fiscal years for non-audit services. The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve non-audit services that KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP provides to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Services Provider, if the engagement related directly to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting (except for those subject to the pre-approval exception described above). The Audit Committee requested and received information from KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP about any non-audit services that KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP rendered during the Fund’s last fiscal year to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider. The Committee considered this information in evaluating KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP’s independence.

   
Total Non-Audit Fees
   
   
billed to Adviser and
   
   
Affiliated Fund Service
Total Non-Audit Fees
 
   
Providers (engagements
billed to Adviser and
 
   
related directly to the
Affiliated Fund Service
 
 
Total Non-Audit Fees
operations and financial
Providers (all other
 
Fiscal Year Ended
Billed to Fund
reporting of the Fund)
engagements)
Total
March 31, 2015
 $                               0
 $                                     0
 $                                   0
 $                           0
March 31, 2014
 $                               0
 $                                     0
 $                                   0
 $                           0
 
"Non-Audit Fees billed to Fund" for both fiscal year ends represent "Tax Fees" and "All Other Fees" billed to Fund in their respective
amounts from the previous table.
 
Less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement to audit the registrant's financial statements for the most recent
fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.
 
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. Generally, the Audit Committee must approve (i) all non-audit services to be performed for the Fund by the Fund’s independent accountants and (ii) all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Fund’s independent accountants for the Affiliated Fund Service Providers with respect to operations and financial reporting of the Fund. Regarding tax and research projects conducted by the independent accountants for the Fund and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (with respect to operations and financial reports of the Fund) such engagements will be (i) pre-approved by the Audit Committee if they are expected to be for amounts greater than $10,000; (ii) reported to the Audit Committee chairman for his verbal approval prior to engagement if they are expected to be for amounts under $10,000 but greater than $5,000; and (iii) reported to the Audit Committee at the next Audit Committee meeting if they are expected to be for an amount under $5,000.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
 
The registrant’s Board has a separately designated Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)). The members of the audit committee are Jack B. Evans, David J. Kundert, John K. Nelson, Carole E. Stone and Terence J. Toth.
 
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

a) See Portfolio of Investments in Item 1.

b) Not applicable.

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, formerly known as Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc., is the registrant’s investment adviser (also referred to as the “Adviser”). The Adviser is responsible for the on-going monitoring of the Fund’s investment portfolio, managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services. The Adviser has engaged Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Sub-Adviser”) as Sub-Adviser to provide discretionary investment advisory services. As part of these services, the Adviser has delegated to the Sub-Adviser the full responsibility for proxy voting on securities held in the registrant’s portfolio and related duties in accordance with the Sub-Adviser’s policies and procedures. The Adviser periodically monitors the Sub-Adviser’s voting to ensure that it is carrying out its duties. The Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures are attached to this filing as an exhibit and incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC is the registrant’s investment adviser (also referred to as the “Adviser”).  The Adviser is responsible for the selection and on-going monitoring of the Fund’s investment portfolio, managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services.  The Adviser has engaged Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (“Nuveen Asset Management” or “Sub-Adviser”) as Sub-Adviser to provide discretionary investment advisory services. The following section provides information on the portfolio manager at the Sub-Adviser:

The Portfolio Managers

The following individuals have primary responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of the registrant’s investment strategies:
 
Name
Fund
Daniel J. Close
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
John V. Miller
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund

Other Accounts Managed. In addition to managing the registrant, the portfolio manager is also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts:
 
Portfolio Manager
Type of Account
Managed
Number of
Accounts
Assets
Daniel J. Close
Registered Investment Company
17
$5.01 billion
 
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
1
$64.3 million
 
Other Accounts
10
$161 million
John V. Miller
Registered Investment Company
10
$19.8 billion
 
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
8
$554 million
 
Other Accounts
12
$10 million
*
Assets are as of March 31, 2015.  None of the assets in these accounts are subject to an advisory fee based on performance.

POTENTIAL MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

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

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

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

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

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

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

Item 8(a)(3). FUND MANAGER COMPENSATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beneficial Ownership of Securities. As of March 31, 2015, the portfolio managers beneficially owned the following dollar range of equity securities issued by the Fund and other Nuveen Funds managed by Nuveen Asset Management’s municipal investment team.

Name of Portfolio Manager
Fund
Dollar range of equity
securities beneficially
owned in Fund
Dollar range of equity securities
beneficially owned in the remainder of
Nuveen funds managed by Nuveen Asset
Management’s municipal investment team
Daniel J. Close
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
$0
$0
John V. Miller
Nuveen Build America Bond Fund
$0
Over $1,000,000

PORTFOLIO MANAGER BIO:

Daniel J. Close, CFA, is a Senior Vice President of Nuveen Investments. He joined Nuveen Investments in 2000 as a member of Nuveen’s product management and development team. He then served as a research analyst for Nuveen’s municipal investing team, covering corporate-backed, energy, transportation and utility credits. He received his BS in Business from Miami University and his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Mr. Close has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.  Mr. Close also serves as a portfolio manager for various Nuveen Build America Bond strategies.   He manages investments for 17 Nuveen-sponsored investment companies.

John V. Miller, CFA, joined Nuveen's investment management team as a credit analyst in 1996, with three prior years of experience in the municipal market with C.W. Henderson & Assoc., a municipal bond manager for private accounts. He has a BA in Economics and Political Science from Duke University, and an MA in Economics from Northwestern University and an MBA with honors in Finance from the University of Chicago. He has been responsible for analysis of high yield credits in the utility, solid waste and energy related sectors. He is a Managing Director and Co-Head of Fixed Income of Nuveen Asset Management. He manages investments for 11 Nuveen-sponsored investment companies.
 
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to this Item.

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a)
The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

(b)
There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form.

(a)(1)
Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit: Not applicable because the code is posted on registrant’s website at www.nuveen.com/CEF/Shareholder/FundGovernance.aspx and there were no amendments during the period covered by this report. (To view the code, click on Code of Conduct.)

(a)(2)
A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) in the exact form set forth below: Ex-99.CERT Attached hereto.

(a)(3)
Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.

(b)
If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)); Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. Ex-99.906 CERT attached hereto.


 
 

 

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant) Nuveen Build America Bond Fund

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Kevin J. McCarthy
Kevin J. McCarthy
Vice President and Secretary

Date: June 4, 2015

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman
Gifford R. Zimmerman
Chief Administrative Officer
(principal executive officer)

Date: June 4, 2015
 
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Stephen D. Foy
Stephen D. Foy
Vice President and Controller
(principal financial officer)

Date: June 4, 2015