| | Statement of |
| | Assets & Liabilities |
| | October 31, 2011 |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Premier Insured | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments, at value (cost $819,205,820, $2,070,971,535 and $418,476,808, respectively) | | $ | 826,037,255 | | $ | 2,127,116,323 | | $ | 431,725,798 | |
Cash | | | 2,350,462 | | | 7,810,538 | | | 2,465,831 | |
Receivables: | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends and interest | | | 11,551,115 | | | 33,229,132 | | | 6,473,944 | |
Investments sold | | | 2,546,244 | | | 16,890,935 | | | 235,000 | |
Deferred offering costs | | | 865,918 | | | 2,570,951 | | | 732,923 | |
Other assets | | | 243,281 | | | 702,861 | | | 139,580 | |
Total assets | | | 843,594,275 | | | 2,188,320,740 | | | 441,773,076 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
Floating rate obligations | | | 52,335,000 | | | 106,158,333 | | | 19,000,000 | |
Payables: | | | | | | | | | | |
Common share dividends | | | 2,498,919 | | | 6,266,062 | | | 1,325,849 | |
Interest | | | 284,462 | | | — | | | — | |
Investments purchased | | | 2,744,897 | | | 1,848,150 | | | 2,789,433 | |
Offering costs | | | 145,825 | | | 63,783 | | | 304,145 | |
MuniFund Term Preferred (MTP) Shares, at liquidation value | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (VMTP) Shares, at liquidation value | | | 240,400,000 | | | — | | | — | |
Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares, at liquidation value | | | — | | | 667,200,000 | | | 130,900,000 | |
Accrued expenses: | | | | | | | | | | |
Management fees | | | 423,194 | | | 1,085,539 | | | 230,007 | |
Other | | | 261,636 | | | 885,208 | | | 155,896 | |
Total liabilities | | | 299,093,933 | | | 783,507,075 | | | 154,705,330 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares | | $ | 544,500,342 | | $ | 1,404,813,665 | | $ | 287,067,746 | |
Common shares outstanding | | | 38,420,394 | | | 95,610,971 | | | 19,496,696 | |
Net asset value per Common share outstanding (net assets applicable to Common shares, divided by Common shares outstanding) | | $ | 14.17 | | $ | 14.69 | | $ | 14.72 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares consist of: | | | | | | | | | | |
Common shares, $.01 par value per share | | $ | 384,204 | | $ | 956,110 | | $ | 194,967 | |
Paid-in surplus | | | 538,626,635 | | | 1,333,908,682 | | | 271,204,151 | |
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income | | | 7,940,357 | | | 23,488,659 | | | 4,345,739 | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | | | (9,282,289 | ) | | (9,684,574 | ) | | (1,926,101 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 6,831,435 | | | 56,144,788 | | | 13,248,990 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares | | $ | 544,500,342 | | $ | 1,404,813,665 | | $ | 287,067,746 | |
Authorized shares: | | | | | | | | | | |
Common | | | 200,000,000 | | | 200,000,000 | | | 200,000,000 | |
Auction Rate Preferred Shares (ARPS) | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | |
MTP | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
VMTP | | | Unlimited | | | — | | | — | |
VRDP | | | — | | | Unlimited | | | Unlimited | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Statement of |
| | Assets & Liabilities (continued) |
| | October 31, 2011 |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments, at value (cost $755,709,435, $648,025,588 and $465,006,973, respectively) | | $ | 771,518,145 | | $ | 670,602,339 | | $ | 481,015,397 | |
Cash | | | 3,800,418 | | | 478,238 | | | 3,829,334 | |
Receivables: | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends and interest | | | 11,616,537 | | | 9,773,544 | | | 7,654,103 | |
Investments sold | | | 3,563,659 | | | 1,235,000 | | | 3,233,258 | |
Deferred offering costs | | | 2,303,748 | | | 1,579,484 | | | 1,201,450 | |
Other assets | | | 282,365 | | | 188,086 | | | 159,052 | |
Total assets | | | 793,084,872 | | | 683,856,691 | | | 497,092,594 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
Floating rate obligations | | | 57,980,000 | | | 28,413,334 | | | 13,040,000 | |
Payables: | | | | | | | | | | |
Common share dividends | | | 2,126,062 | | | 2,182,058 | | | 1,515,222 | |
Interest | | | — | | | 355,321 | | | 265,633 | |
Investments purchased | | | 7,542,365 | | | 3,262,608 | | | 4,021,533 | |
Offering costs | | | 29,812 | | | 564,480 | | | 307,376 | |
MuniFund Term Preferred (MTP) Shares, at liquidation value | | | — | | | 108,000,000 | | | 83,000,000 | |
Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (VMTP) Shares, at liquidation value | | | — | | | 92,500,000 | | | 67,600,000 | |
Variable Rate Demand Preferred (VRDP) Shares, at liquidation value | | | 219,000,000 | | | — | | | — | |
Accrued expenses: | | | | | | | | | | |
Management fees | | | 395,997 | | | 322,999 | | | 260,840 | |
Other | | | 244,877 | | | 185,670 | | | 173,186 | |
Total liabilities | | | 287,319,113 | | | 235,786,470 | | | 170,183,790 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares | | $ | 505,765,759 | | $ | 448,070,221 | | $ | 326,908,804 | |
Common shares outstanding | | | 37,353,512 | | | 29,802,900 | | | 22,241,117 | |
Net asset value per Common share outstanding (net assets applicable to Common shares, divided by Common shares outstanding) | | $ | 13.54 | | $ | 15.03 | | $ | 14.70 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares consist of: | | | | | | | | | | |
Common shares, $.01 par value per share | | $ | 373,535 | | $ | 298,029 | | $ | 222,411 | |
Paid-in surplus | | | 499,240,064 | | | 424,093,438 | | | 315,016,619 | |
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income | | | 6,253,256 | | | 7,944,632 | | | 4,681,766 | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | | | (15,909,806 | ) | | (6,842,629 | ) | | (9,020,416 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 15,808,710 | | | 22,576,751 | | | 16,008,424 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares | | $ | 505,765,759 | | $ | 448,070,221 | | $ | 326,908,804 | |
Authorized shares: | | | | | | | | | | |
Common | | | Unlimited | | | Unlimited | | | Unlimited | |
Auction Rate Preferred Shares (ARPS) | | | Unlimited | | | Unlimited | | | Unlimited | |
MTP | | | — | | | Unlimited | | | Unlimited | |
VMTP | | | — | | | Unlimited | | | Unlimited | |
VRDP | | | Unlimited | | | — | | | — | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Statement of |
| | Operations |
| | Year Ended October 31, 2011 |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Premier Insured | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) |
Investment Income | | $ | 41,958,920 | | $ | 106,389,040 | | $ | 21,670,860 | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | | | |
Management fees | | | 4,840,879 | | | 12,472,048 | | | 2,650,687 | |
Auction fees | | | 81,658 | | | 152,417 | | | 8,628 | |
Dividend disbursing agent fees | | | 23,178 | | | 43,713 | | | 15,726 | |
Shareholders’ servicing agent fees and expenses | | | 66,145 | | | 101,068 | | | 21,759 | |
Interest expense and amortization of offering costs | | | 2,941,822 | | | 3,052,410 | | | 613,085 | |
Fees on VRDP Shares | | | — | | | 4,899,207 | | | 1,005,166 | |
Custodian’s fees and expenses | | | 126,742 | | | 325,973 | | | 69,996 | |
Directors’/Trustees’ fees and expenses | | | 22,765 | | | 62,294 | | | 12,495 | |
Professional fees | | | 299,759 | | | 358,952 | | | 35,261 | |
Shareholders’ reports – printing and mailing expenses | | | 71,074 | | | 198,455 | | | 40,801 | |
Stock exchange listing fees | | | 13,118 | | | 31,880 | | | 9,068 | |
Investor relations expense | | | 54,694 | | | 142,813 | | | 29,362 | |
Other expenses | | | 62,474 | | | 118,188 | | | 47,304 | |
Total expenses before custodian fee credit and expense reimbursement | | | 8,604,308 | | | 21,959,418 | | | 4,559,338 | |
Custodian fee credit | | | (7,053 | ) | | (28,706 | ) | | (5,905 | ) |
Expense reimbursement | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net expenses | | | 8,597,255 | | | 21,930,712 | | | 4,553,433 | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 33,361,665 | | | 84,458,328 | | | 17,117,427 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) from investments | | | 2,913,768 | | | 2,784,173 | | | 528,085 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | | | (5,637,242 | ) | | (25,310,122 | ) | | (5,726,778 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (2,723,474 | ) | | (22,525,949 | ) | | (5,198,693 | ) |
Distributions to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | (386,864 | ) | | (677,344 | ) | | (106,530 | ) |
Decrease in net assets applicable to Common shares from distributions to Auction Rate Preferred shareholders | | | (386,864 | ) | | (677,344 | ) | | (106,530 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations | | $ | 30,251,327 | | $ | 61,255,035 | | $ | 11,812,204 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Statement of |
| | Operations (continued) |
| | Year Ended October 31, 2011 |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Investment Income | | $ | 37,448,967 | | $ | 35,021,044 | | $ | 25,003,771 | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | | | |
Management fees | | | 4,527,848 | | | 4,068,607 | | | 3,019,102 | |
Auction fees | | | — | | | 93,221 | | | 62,214 | |
Dividend disbursing agent fees | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Shareholders’ servicing agent fees and expenses | | | 30,287 | | | 36,269 | | | 42,141 | |
Interest expense and amortization of offering costs | | | 1,199,313 | | | 3,923,303 | | | 2,991,725 | |
Fees on VRDP Shares | | | 2,483,535 | | | — | | | — | |
Custodian’s fees and expenses | | | 119,327 | | | 105,329 | | | 81,135 | |
Directors’/Trustees’ fees and expenses | | | 21,231 | | | 19,469 | | | 14,291 | |
Professional fees | | | 106,978 | | | 24,712 | | | 19,250 | |
Shareholders’ reports – printing and mailing expenses | | | 63,132 | | | 77,474 | | | 68,292 | |
Stock exchange listing fees | | | 12,432 | | | 16,390 | | | 28,676 | |
Investor relations expense | | | 50,032 | | | 48,237 | | | 34,921 | |
Other expenses | | | 39,144 | | | 61,905 | | | 46,716 | |
Total expenses before custodian fee credit and expense reimbursement | | | 8,653,259 | | | 8,474,916 | | | 6,408,463 | |
Custodian fee credit | | | (11,532 | ) | | (1,886 | ) | | (3,453 | ) |
Expense reimbursement | | | — | | | (471,093 | ) | | (32,818 | ) |
Net expenses | | | 8,641,727 | | | 8,001,937 | | | 6,372,192 | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 28,807,240 | | | 27,019,107 | | | 18,631,579 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) from investments | | | 2,636,794 | | | 1,369,031 | | | 193,126 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | | | (3,219,083 | ) | | (7,522,192 | ) | | (6,580,653 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (582,289 | ) | | (6,153,161 | ) | | (6,387,527 | ) |
Distributions to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | — | | | (284,513 | ) | | (187,298 | ) |
Decrease in net assets applicable to Common shares from distributions to Auction Rate Preferred shareholders | | | — | | | (284,513 | ) | | (187,298 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations | | $ | 28,224,951 | | $ | 20,581,433 | | $ | 12,056,754 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Statement of |
| | Changes in Net Assets |
| | Insured Quality (NQI) | | Insured Opportunity (NIO) | |
| | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | |
| | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | |
| | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | |
Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 33,361,665 | | $ | 36,579,223 | | $ | 84,458,328 | | $ | 92,297,646 | |
Net realized gain (loss) from investments | | | 2,913,768 | | | (365,237 | ) | | 2,784,173 | | | 3,248,061 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | | | (5,637,242 | ) | | 22,254,904 | | | (25,310,122 | ) | | 54,668,514 | |
Distributions to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | (386,864 | ) | | (972,939 | ) | | (677,344 | ) | | (2,690,399 | ) |
From accumulated net realized gains | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations | | | 30,251,327 | | | 57,495,951 | | | 61,255,035 | | | 147,523,822 | |
Distributions to Common Shareholders | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | (33,502,590 | ) | | (32,559,670 | ) | | (83,219,787 | ) | | (79,910,850 | ) |
From accumulated net realized gains | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Decrease in net assets applicable to Common shares from distribution to Common shareholders | | | (33,502,590 | ) | | (32,559,670 | ) | | (83,219,787 | ) | | (79,910,850 | ) |
Capital Share Transactions | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common shares: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions | | | 153,236 | | | 1,445,628 | | | 359,108 | | | — | |
Repurchased and retired | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (37,551 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares from capital share transactions | | | 153,236 | | | 1,445,628 | | | 359,108 | | | (37,551 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares | | | (3,098,027 | ) | | 26,381,909 | | | (21,605,644 | ) | | 67,575,421 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares at the beginning of period | | | 547,598,369 | | | 521,216,460 | | | 1,426,419,309 | | | 1,358,843,888 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares at the end of period | | $ | 544,500,342 | | $ | 547,598,369 | | $ | 1,404,813,665 | | $ | 1,426,419,309 | |
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period | | $ | 7,940,357 | | $ | 8,242,801 | | $ | 23,488,659 | | $ | 23,443,212 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Statement of |
| | Changes in Net Assets (continued) |
| | Premier Insured Income (NIF) | | Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) | |
| | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | |
| | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | |
| | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | |
Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 17,117,427 | | $ | 18,747,682 | | $ | 28,807,240 | | $ | 29,064,838 | |
Net realized gain (loss) from investments | | | 528,085 | | | 1,205,612 | | | 2,636,794 | | | 958,435 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | | | (5,726,778 | ) | | 9,719,823 | | | (3,219,083 | ) | | 18,993,472 | |
Distributions to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | (106,530 | ) | | (522,384 | ) | | — | | | — | |
From accumulated net realized gains | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations | | | 11,812,204 | | | 29,150,733 | | | 28,224,951 | | | 49,016,745 | |
Distributions to Common Shareholders | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | (17,351,304 | ) | | (16,982,257 | ) | | (27,791,014 | ) | | (27,753,661 | ) |
From accumulated net realized gains | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Decrease in net assets applicable to Common shares from distribution to Common shareholders | | | (17,351,304 | ) | | (16,982,257 | ) | | (27,791,014 | ) | | (27,753,661 | ) |
Capital Share Transactions | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common shares: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions | | | 589,038 | | | 537,718 | | | — | | | — | |
Repurchased and retired | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares from capital share transactions | | | 589,038 | | | 537,718 | | | — | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares | | | (4,950,062 | ) | | 12,706,194 | | | 433,937 | | | 21,263,084 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares at the beginning of period | | | 292,017,808 | | | 279,311,614 | | | 505,331,822 | | | 484,068,738 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares at the end of period | | $ | 287,067,746 | | $ | 292,017,808 | | $ | 505,765,759 | | $ | 505,331,822 | |
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period | | $ | 4,345,739 | | $ | 4,681,453 | | $ | 6,253,256 | | $ | 5,204,926 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | | Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | |
| | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | |
| | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | |
| | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | |
Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 27,019,107 | | $ | 26,740,723 | | $ | 18,631,579 | | $ | 19,416,327 | |
Net realized gain (loss) from investments | | | 1,369,031 | | | 91,467 | | | 193,126 | | | 44,055 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | | | (7,522,192 | ) | | 11,535,902 | | | (6,580,653 | ) | | 11,384,510 | |
Distributions to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | (284,513 | ) | | (330,957 | ) | | (187,298 | ) | | (361,303 | ) |
From accumulated net realized gains | | | — | | | (83,568 | ) | | — | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations | | | 20,581,433 | | | 37,953,567 | | | 12,056,754 | | | 30,483,589 | |
Distributions to Common Shareholders | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
From net investment income | | | (25,332,465 | ) | | (25,034,436 | ) | | (18,237,716 | ) | | (18,077,924 | ) |
From accumulated net realized gains | | | (86,428 | ) | | (1,218,939 | ) | | — | | | — | |
Decrease in net assets applicable to Common shares from distribution to Common shareholders | | | (25,418,893 | ) | | (26,253,375 | ) | | (18,237,716 | ) | | (18,077,924 | ) |
Capital Share Transactions | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common shares: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions | | | — | | | — | | | 16,256 | | | 80,971 | |
Repurchased and retired | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares from capital share transactions | | | — | | | — | | | 16,256 | | | 80,971 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common shares | | | (4,837,460 | ) | | 11,700,192 | | | (6,164,706 | ) | | 12,486,636 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares at the beginning of period | | | 452,907,681 | | | 441,207,489 | | | 333,073,510 | | | 320,586,874 | |
Net assets applicable to Common shares at the end of period | | $ | 448,070,221 | | $ | 452,907,681 | | $ | 326,908,804 | | $ | 333,073,510 | |
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period | | $ | 7,944,632 | | $ | 6,171,515 | | $ | 4,681,766 | | $ | 4,146,478 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Statement of |
| | Cash Flows |
| | Year Ended October 31, 2011 |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Premier Insured | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares from Operations | | $ | 30,251,327 | | $ | 61,255,035 | | $ | 11,812,204 | |
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 | | | (147,786,282 | ) | | (211,167,059 | ) | | (33,216,304 | ) |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments | | | 146,570,129 | | | 270,173,395 | | | 33,494,779 | |
Proceeds from (Purchases of) short-term investments, net | | | 12,990,000 | | | (1,718,000 | ) | | (1,760,000 | ) |
Amortization (Accretion) of premiums and discounts, net | | | (2,893,506 | ) | | (2,344,513 | ) | | (1,484,073 | ) |
(Increase) Decrease in: | | | | | | | | | | |
Receivable for dividends and interest | | | (76,273 | ) | | (732,058 | ) | | 127,676 | |
Receivable for investments sold | | | (2,546,244 | ) | | (16,835,935 | ) | | (20,000 | ) |
Other assets | | | (38,265 | ) | | (211,681 | ) | | (29,566 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in: | | | | | | | | | | |
Payable for Auction Rate Preferred share dividends | | | (15,705 | ) | | (35,229 | ) | | (7,583 | ) |
Payable for interest | | | 284,462 | | | — | | | — | |
Payable for investments purchased | | | (6,814,730 | ) | | (11,608,607 | ) | | 2,789,433 | |
Accrued management fees | | | (5,047 | ) | | (20,575 | ) | | (4,689 | ) |
Accrued other expenses | | | (56,794 | ) | | (90,134 | ) | | (16,020 | ) |
Net realized (gain) loss from investments | | | (2,913,768 | ) | | (2,784,173 | ) | | (528,085 | ) |
Change in net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of investments | | | 5,637,242 | | | 25,310,122 | | | 5,726,778 | |
Taxes paid on undistributed capital gains | | | (58 | ) | | (296 | ) | | — | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 32,586,488 | | | 109,190,292 | | | 16,884,550 | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | |
(Increase) Decrease in deferred offering costs | | | (865,918 | ) | | (2,570,951 | ) | | (732,923 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in: | | | | | | | | | | |
Floating rate obligations | | | (7,070,000 | ) | | (28,675,000 | ) | | (3,365,000 | ) |
Payable for ARPS noticed for redemption, at liquidation value | | | (239,200,000 | ) | | (664,825,000 | ) | | — | |
Payable for offering costs | | | 145,825 | | | 63,783 | | | 304,145 | |
VMTP Shares, at liquidation value | | | 240,400,000 | | | — | | | — | |
VRDP Shares, at liquidation value | | | — | | | 667,200,000 | | | 130,900,000 | |
ARPS, at liquidation value | | | — | | | — | | | (130,125,000 | ) |
Cash distributions paid to Common shareholders | | | (33,197,510 | ) | | (82,732,140 | ) | | (16,725,054 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | (39,787,603 | ) | | (111,539,308 | ) | | (19,743,832 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash | | | (7,201,115 | ) | | (2,349,016 | ) | | (2,859,282 | ) |
Cash at the beginning of period | | | 9,551,577 | | | 10,159,554 | | | 5,325,113 | |
Cash at the End of Period | | $ | 2,350,462 | | $ | 7,810,538 | | $ | 2,465,831 | |
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Non-cash financing activities not included herein consists of reinvestments of Common share distributions of $153,236, $359,108 and $589,038 for Insured Quality (NQI), Insured Opportunity (NIO) and Premier Insured Income (NIF), respectively.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Premier Insured | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) |
Cash paid for interest (excluding amortization of offering costs) | | $ | 2,403,277 | | $ | 2,978,361 | | $ | 591,009 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares from Operations | | $ | 28,224,951 | | $ | 20,581,433 | | $ | 12,056,754 | |
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 | | | (153,208,699 | ) | | (50,565,340 | ) | | (11,871,484 | ) |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments | | | 149,050,108 | | | 47,785,591 | | | 10,585,430 | |
Proceeds from (Purchases of) short-term investments, net | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Amortization (Accretion) of premiums and discounts, net | | | (1,909,061 | ) | | (1,606,284 | ) | | (357,116 | ) |
(Increase) Decrease in: | | | | | | | | | | |
Receivable for dividends and interest | | | 1,020,599 | | | 107,742 | | | (50,449 | ) |
Receivable for investments sold | | | (3,563,659 | ) | | (1,179,019 | ) | | (3,228,258 | ) |
Other assets | | | (21,446 | ) | | (33,246 | ) | | (1,357 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in: | | | | | | | | | | |
Payable for Auction Rate Preferred share dividends | | | — | | | (8,247 | ) | | (5,577 | ) |
Payable for interest | | | — | | | 89,803 | | | 56,634 | |
Payable for investments purchased | | | 7,542,365 | | | 2,964,959 | | | 4,021,533 | |
Accrued management fees | | | (4,148 | ) | | 24,139 | | | 28,952 | |
Accrued other expenses | | | 14,766 | | | (14,204 | ) | | (9,336 | ) |
Net realized (gain) loss from investments | | | (2,636,794 | ) | | (1,369,031 | ) | | (193,126 | ) |
Change in net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of investments | | | 3,219,083 | | | 7,522,192 | | | 6,580,653 | |
Taxes paid on undistributed capital gains | | | (36 | ) | | (5,685 | ) | | (1,013 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 27,728,029 | | | 24,294,803 | | | 17,612,240 | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | |
(Increase) Decrease in deferred offering costs | | | 81,270 | | | (89,674 | ) | | 154,078 | |
Increase (Decrease) in: | | | | | | | | | | |
Floating rate obligations | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Payable for ARPS noticed for redemption, at liquidation value | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Payable for offering costs | | | (83,706 | ) | | 119,773 | | | 33,513 | |
VMTP Shares, at liquidation value | | | — | | | 92,500,000 | | | 67,600,000 | |
VRDP Shares, at liquidation value | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
ARPS, at liquidation value | | | — | | | (91,950,000 | ) | | (67,375,000 | ) |
Cash distributions paid to Common shareholders | | | (27,772,566 | ) | | (25,264,414 | ) | | (18,177,704 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | (27,775,002 | ) | | (24,684,315 | ) | | (17,765,113 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash | | | (46,973 | ) | | (389,512 | ) | | (152,873 | ) |
Cash at the beginning of period | | | 3,847,391 | | | 867,750 | | | 3,982,207 | |
Cash at the End of Period | | $ | 3,800,418 | | $ | 478,238 | | $ | 3,829,334 | |
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Non-cash financing activities not included herein consists of reinvestments of Common share distributions of $16,256 for Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA).
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Cash paid for interest (excluding amortization of offering costs) | | $ | 1,118,042 | | $ | 3,438,173 | | $ | 2,601,014 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Financial |
| | Highlights |
| | |
| Selected data for a Common share outstanding throughout each period: |
| | | | | Investment Operations | | | Less Distributions | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Common Share Net Asset Value | | | Net Investment Income (Loss | ) | | Net Realized/ Unrealized Gain (Loss | ) | | Distributions from Net Investment Income to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders | (a) | | Distributions from Capital Gains to Auction Rate Preferred Shareholders | (a) | | Total | | | Net Investment Income to Common Share- holders | | | Capital Gains to Common Share- holders | | | Total | | | Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and Retired | | | Ending Common Share Net Asset Value | | | Ending Market Value | |
Insured Quality (NQI) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | $ | 14.26 | | | $ | .87 | | | $ | (.08 | ) | | $ | (.01 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | .78 | | | $ | (.87 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (.87 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | 14.17 | | | $ | 14.11 | |
2010 | | | 13.61 | | | | .95 | | | | .58 | | | | (.03 | ) | | | — | | | | 1.50 | | | | (.85 | ) | | | — | | | | (.85 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.26 | | | | 14.40 | |
2009 | | | 11.68 | | | | .99 | | | | 1.76 | | | | (.06 | ) | | | — | | | | 2.69 | | | | (.76 | ) | | | — | | | | (.76 | ) | | | — | | | | 13.61 | | | | 13.30 | |
2008 | | | 14.88 | | | | .99 | | | | (3.16 | ) | | | (.30 | ) | | | — | | | | (2.47 | ) | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | 11.68 | | | | 11.15 | |
2007 | | | 15.40 | | | | .99 | | | | (.49 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | — | | | | .21 | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.88 | | | | 13.61 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insured Opportunity (NIO) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | | 14.92 | | | | .88 | | | | (.23 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | .64 | | | | (.87 | ) | | | — | | | | (.87 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.69 | | | | 14.20 | |
2010 | | | 14.22 | | | | .97 | | | | .60 | | | | (.03 | ) | | | — | | | | 1.54 | | | | (.84 | ) | | | — | | | | (.84 | ) | | | — | * | | | 14.92 | | | | 14.83 | |
2009 | | | 12.39 | | | | .96 | | | | 1.66 | | | | (.06 | ) | | | — | | | | 2.56 | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.22 | | | | 12.98 | |
2008 | | | 15.04 | | | | .97 | | | | (2.62 | ) | | | (.30 | ) | | | — | * | | | (1.95 | ) | | | (.70 | ) | | | — | * | | | (.70 | ) | | | — | | | | 12.39 | | | | 11.15 | |
2007 | | | 15.57 | | | | .98 | | | | (.45 | ) | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | .22 | | | | (.73 | ) | | | (.02 | ) | | | (.75 | ) | | | — | | | | 15.04 | | | | 13.56 | |
(a) | The amounts shown are based on Common share equivalents. |
(b) | Total Return Based on Market Value is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. |
| Total returns are not annualized. |
| Total Return Based on Common Share Net Asset Value is the combination of changes in Common share net asset value, reinvested dividend income at net asset value and reinvested capital gains distributions at net asset value, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending net asset value. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not its net asset value), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized. |
| | | | | | | Ratios/Supplemental Data | |
| Total Returns | | | | | Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares(c)(d) | | | | |
| Based on Market | | Based on Common Share Net Asset | | Ending Net Assets Applicable to Common | | | | Net Investment | | Portfolio Turnover | |
| Value | (b) | Value | (b) | Shares (000 | ) | Expenses | (e) | Income (Loss | ) | Rate | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 4.65 | % | | 5.98 | % | $ | 544,500 | | | 1.66 | % | | 6.43 | % | | 18 | % |
| | 15.03 | | | 11.30 | | | 547,598 | | | 1.19 | | | 6.81 | | | 11 | |
| | 26.98 | | | 23.65 | | | 521,216 | | | 1.32 | | | 7.86 | | | 4 | |
| | (13.35 | ) | | (17.24 | ) | | 447,463 | | | 1.49 | | | 7.03 | | | 7 | |
| | (3.48 | ) | | 1.38 | | | 569,958 | | | 1.52 | | | 6.53 | | | 5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2.08 | | | 4.73 | | | 1,404,814 | | | 1.63 | | | 6.28 | | | 10 | |
| | 21.20 | | | 11.08 | | | 1,426,419 | | | 1.14 | | | 6.61 | | | 7 | |
| | 23.62 | | | 21.18 | | | 1,358,844 | | | 1.29 | | | 7.36 | | | 8 | |
| | (13.17 | ) | | (13.45 | ) | | 1,005,218 | | | 1.43 | | | 6.76 | | | 9 | |
| | (3.18 | ) | | 1.49 | | | 1,220,297 | | | 1.41 | | | 6.39 | | | 5 | |
(c) | Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to Auction Rate Preferred shareholders, where applicable; Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to ARPS, VMTP Shares and/or VRDP Shares, where applicable. |
(d) | Ratios do not reflect the effect of custodian fee credits earned on the Fund’s net cash on deposit with the custodian bank, where applicable. |
(e) | The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to VMTP Shares, VRDP Shares and/or the interest expense deemed to have been paid by the Fund on the floating rate certificates issued by the special purpose trusts for the self-deposited inverse floaters help by the Fund, where applicable, each as described in Footnote 1 – General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares and Inverse Floating Rate Securities, respectively as follows: |
Insured Quality (NQI) | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | |
2011 | | | .57 | % |
2010 | | | .07 | |
2009 | | | .11 | |
2008 | | | .26 | |
2007 | | | .34 | |
Insured Opportunity (NIO) | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | |
2011 | | | .59 | |
2010 | | | .06 | |
2009 | | | .11 | |
2008 | | | .24 | |
2007 | | | .25 | |
* | Rounds to less than $.01 per share. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Financial |
| | Highlights (continued) |
| | |
| Selected data for a Common share outstanding throughout each period: |
| | | | | Investment Operations | | | Less Distributions | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Common Share Net Asset | | | Net Investment Income | | | Net Realized/ Unrealized | | | Distributions from Net Investment Income to Auction Rate Preferred | | | Distributions from Capital Gains to Auction Rate Preferred | | | | | | Net Investment Income to Common Share- | | | Capital Gains to Common Share- | | | | | | Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and | | | Ending Common Share Net Asset | | | Ending Market | |
| | Value | | | (Loss | ) | | Gain (Loss | ) | | Shareholders | (a) | | Shareholders | (a) | | Total | | | holders | | | holders | | | Total | | | Retired | | | Value | | | Value | |
Premier Insured Income (NIF) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | $ | 15.01 | | | $ | .88 | | | $ | (.27 | ) | | $ | (.01 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | .60 | | | $ | (.89 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (.89 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | 14.72 | | | $ | 14.26 | |
2010 | | | 14.38 | | | | .96 | | | | .57 | | | | (.03 | ) | | | — | | | | 1.50 | | | | (.87 | ) | | | — | | | | (.87 | ) | | | — | | | | 15.01 | | | | 15.50 | |
2009 | | | 12.54 | | | | .99 | | | | 1.64 | | | | (.06 | ) | | | — | | | | 2.57 | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.38 | | | | 13.10 | |
2008 | | | 14.90 | | | | .96 | | | | (2.37 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | — | | | | (1.72 | ) | | | (.64 | ) | | | — | | | | (.64 | ) | | | — | | | | 12.54 | | | | 11.19 | |
2007 | | | 15.40 | | | | .97 | | | | (.47 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | — | | | | .21 | | | | (.71 | ) | | | — | | | | (.71 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.90 | | | | 13.25 | |
Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | | 13.53 | | | | .77 | | | | (.02 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | .75 | | | | (.74 | ) | | | — | | | | (.74 | ) | | | — | | | | 13.54 | | | | 12.83 | |
2010 | | | 12.96 | | | | .78 | | | | .53 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1.31 | | | | (.74 | ) | | | — | | | | (.74 | ) | | | — | | | | 13.53 | | | | 13.40 | |
2009 | | | 11.39 | | | | .80 | | | | 1.44 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2.24 | | | | (.67 | ) | | | — | | | | (.67 | ) | | | — | | | | 12.96 | | | | 11.86 | |
2008 | | | 13.73 | | | | .80 | | | | (2.32 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | — | | | | (1.72 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | — | | | | (.62 | ) | | | — | | | | 11.39 | | | | 9.56 | |
2007 | | | 14.16 | | | | .86 | | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | — | | | | .21 | | | | (.64 | ) | | | — | | | | (.64 | ) | | | — | | | | 13.73 | | | | 12.18 | |
(a) | The amounts shown are based on Common share equivalents. |
(b) | Total Return Based on Market Value is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. |
| Total returns are not annualized. |
| |
| Total Return Based on Common Share Net Asset Value is the combination of changes in Common share net asset value, reinvested dividend income at net asset value and reinvested capital gains distributions at net asset value, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending net asset value. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not its net asset value), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized. |
| | | | | | | Ratios/Supplemental Data | |
| Total Returns | | | | | Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares(c)(d) | | | | |
| Based on Market | | Based on Common Share Net Asset | | Ending Net Assets Applicable to Common | | | | Net Investment | | Portfolio Turnover | |
| Value | (b) | Value | (b) | Shares (000 | ) | Expenses | (e) | Income (Loss | ) | Rate | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (1.98 | )% | | 4.40 | % | $ | 287,068 | | | 1.65 | % | | 6.19 | % | | 8 | % |
| | 25.60 | | | 10.74 | | | 292,018 | | | 1.20 | | | 6.56 | | | 12 | |
| | 24.07 | | | 20.90 | | | 279,312 | | | 1.30 | | | 7.25 | | | 2 | |
| | (11.12 | ) | | (11.92 | ) | | 243,589 | | | 1.42 | | | 6.72 | | | 6 | |
| | (4.66 | ) | | 1.40 | | | 289,400 | | | 1.38 | | | 6.41 | | | 9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 1.75 | | | 6.01 | | | 505,766 | | | 1.80 | | | 5.99 | | | 20 | |
| | 19.70 | | | 10.39 | | | 505,332 | | | 1.82 | | | 5.87 | | | 10 | |
| | 31.78 | | | 20.15 | | | 484,069 | | | 1.98 | | | 6.56 | | | 7 | |
| | (17.17 | ) | | (12.98 | ) | | 425,557 | | | 2.13 | | | 6.12 | | | 8 | |
| | (1.77 | ) | | 1.55 | | | 513,021 | | | 1.76 | | | 6.19 | | | 5 | |
(c) | Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to Auction Rate Preferred shareholders, where applicable; Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to ARPS and/or VRDP Shares, where applicable. |
(d) | Ratios do not reflect the effect of custodian fee credits earned on the Fund’s net cash on deposit with the custodian bank, where applicable. |
(e) | The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to VRDP Shares and/or the interest expense deemed to have been paid by the Fund on the floating rate certificates issued by the special purpose trusts for the self-deposited inverse floaters held by the Fund, where applicable, both as described in Footnote 1 – General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares and Inverse Floating Rate Securities, respectively as follows: |
Premier Insured Income (NIF) | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | |
2011 | | | .59 | % |
2010 | | | .06 | |
2009 | | | .07 | |
2008 | | | .17 | |
2007 | | | .17 | |
Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | |
2011 | | | .77 | |
2010 | | | .59 | |
2009 | | | .89 | |
2008 | | | .88 | |
2007 | | | .60 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Financial |
| | Highlights (continued) |
| | |
| Selected data for a Common share outstanding throughout each period: |
| | | | | Investment Operations | | | Less Distributions | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Common Share Net Asset | | | Net Investment Income | | | Net Realized/ Unrealized | | | Distributions from Net Investment Income to Auction Rate Preferred | | | Distributions from Capital Gains to Auction Rate Preferred | | | | | | Net Investment Income to Common Share- | | | Capital Gains to Common Share- | | | | | | Discount from Common Shares Repurchased and | | | Ending Common Share Net Asset | | | Ending Market | |
| | Value | | | (Loss | ) | | Gain (Loss | ) | | Shareholders | (a) | | Shareholders | (a) | | Total | | | holders | | | holders | | | Total | | | Retired | | | Value | | | Value | |
Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | $ | 15.20 | | | $ | .91 | | | $ | (.22 | ) | | $ | (.01 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | .68 | | | $ | (.85 | ) | | $ | — | * | | $ | (.85 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | 15.03 | | | $ | 14.32 | |
2010 | | | 14.80 | | | | .90 | | | | .39 | | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | * | | | 1.28 | | | | (.84 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.88 | ) | | | — | | | | 15.20 | | | | 14.80 | |
2009 | | | 12.85 | | | | 1.00 | | | | 1.77 | | | | (.06 | ) | | | — | | | | 2.71 | | | | (.76 | ) | | | — | | | | (.76 | ) | | | — | * | | | 14.80 | | | | 13.85 | |
2008 | | | 15.09 | | | | 1.00 | | | | (2.25 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | — | | | | (1.54 | ) | | | (.70 | ) | | | — | | | | (.70 | ) | | | — | | | | 12.85 | | | | 11.42 | |
2007 | | | 15.50 | | | | 1.00 | | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | — | | | | .34 | | | | (.75 | ) | | | — | | | | (.75 | ) | | | — | | | | 15.09 | | | | 13.71 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | | 14.98 | | | | .84 | | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | — | | | | .54 | | | | (.82 | ) | | | — | | | | (.82 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.70 | | | | 13.85 | |
2010 | | | 14.42 | | | | .87 | | | | .52 | | | | (.02 | ) | | | — | | | | 1.37 | | | | (.81 | ) | | | — | | | | (.81 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.98 | | | | 14.95 | |
2009 | | | 12.37 | | | | .98 | | | | 1.86 | | | | (.06 | ) | | | — | | | | 2.78 | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | | | | (.73 | ) | | | — | * | | | 14.42 | | | | 13.48 | |
2008 | | | 14.71 | | | | .95 | | | | (2.31 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | — | | | | (1.63 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | — | | | | (.71 | ) | | | — | | | | 12.37 | | | | 11.40 | |
2007 | | | 14.93 | | | | .97 | | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | — | | | | .49 | | | | (.71 | ) | | | — | | | | (.71 | ) | | | — | | | | 14.71 | | | | 14.30 | |
(a) | The amounts shown are based on Common share equivalents. |
(b) | Total Return Based on Market Value is the combination of changes in the market price per share and the effect of reinvested dividend income and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, at the average price paid per share at the time of reinvestment. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending market price. The actual reinvestment for the last dividend declared in the period may take place over several days, and in some instances may not be based on the market price, so the actual reinvestment price may be different from the price used in the calculation. |
| Total returns are not annualized. |
| |
| Total Return Based on Common Share Net Asset Value is the combination of changes in Common share net asset value, reinvested dividend income at net asset value and reinvested capital gains distributions at net asset value, if any. The last dividend declared in the period, which is typically paid on the first business day of the following month, is assumed to be reinvested at the ending net asset value. The actual reinvest price for the last dividend declared in the period may often be based on the Fund’s market price (and not its net asset value), and therefore may be different from the price used in the calculation. Total returns are not annualized. |
| | | | | | | Ratios/Supplemental Data | |
| Total Returns | | | | | Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares Before Reimbursement(c) | | Ratios to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares After Reimbursement(c)(d) | | | | |
| Based on Market | | Based on Common Share Net Asset | | Ending Net Assets Applicable to Common | | | | Net Investment | | | | Net Investment | | Portfolio Turnover | |
| Value | (b) | Value | (b) | Shares (000 | ) | Expenses | (e) | Income (Loss | ) | Expenses | (e) | Income (Loss | ) | Rate | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2.89 | % | | 4.83 | % | $ | 448,070 | | | 1.95 | % | | 6.12 | % | | 1.84 | % | | 6.23 | % | | 7 | % |
| | 13.51 | | | 8.89 | | | 452,908 | | | 1.89 | | | 5.79 | | | 1.71 | | | 5.98 | | | 2 | |
| | 28.72 | | | 21.54 | | | 441,207 | | | 1.25 | | | 6.86 | | | .98 | | | 7.12 | | | 9 | |
| | (12.11 | ) | | (10.64 | ) | | 383,035 | | | 1.32 | | | 6.48 | | | .98 | | | 6.82 | | | 7 | |
| | (3.12 | ) | | 2.25 | | | 449,982 | | | 1.31 | | | 6.15 | | | .90 | | | 6.56 | | | 12 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (1.60 | ) | | 3.92 | | | 326,909 | | | 2.02 | | | 5.86 | | | 2.01 | | | 5.87 | | | 2 | |
| | 17.27 | | | 9.76 | | | 333,074 | | | 1.76 | | | 5.80 | | | 1.63 | | | 5.93 | | | 2 | |
| | 25.41 | | | 23.05 | | | 320,587 | | | 1.24 | | | 7.14 | | | .99 | | | 7.39 | | | 6 | |
| | (15.97 | ) | | (11.56 | ) | | 229,075 | | | 1.26 | | | 6.27 | | | .87 | | | 6.66 | | | 8 | |
| | 4.59 | | | 3.35 | | | 272,391 | | | 1.19 | | | 6.04 | | | .70 | | | 6.53 | | | 6 | |
(c) | Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to Auction Rate Preferred shareholders, where applicable; Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios reflect income earned and expenses incurred on assets attributable to ARPS, MTP Shares and/or VMTP Shares, where applicable. |
(d) | After expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. Ratios do not reflect the effect of custodian fee credits earned on the Fund’s net cash on deposit with the custodian bank, where applicable. As of November 30, 2010, the Adviser is no longer reimbursing Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) for any fees or expenses. |
(e) | The expense ratios reflect, among other things, all interest expense and other costs related to MTP Shares, VMTP Shares and/or the interest expense deemed to have been paid by the Fund on the floating rate certificates issued by the special purpose trusts for the self-deposited inverse floaters held by the Fund, where applicable, each as described in Footnote 1 – General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares and Inverse Floating Rate Securities, respectively as follows: |
Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | |
2011 | | | .90 | % |
2010 | | | .84 | |
2009 | | | .08 | |
2008 | | | .15 | |
2007 | | | .17 | |
Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | |
2011 | | | .94 | |
2010 | | | .67 | |
2009 | | | .05 | |
2008 | | | .07 | |
2007 | | | .02 | |
* | Rounds to less than $.01 per share. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
| | Financial |
| | Highlights (continued) |
| | ARPS at the End of Period | | | VMTP Shares at the End of Period | | | VRDP Shares at the End of Period | |
| | Aggregate Amount Outstanding | | | Liquidation Value | | | Asset Coverage | | | Aggregate Amount Outstanding | | | Liquidation Value | | | Asset Coverage | | | Aggregate Amount Outstanding | | | Liquidation Value | | | Asset Coverage | |
| | | (000 | ) | | Per Share | | | Per Share | | | | (000 | ) | | Per Share | | | Per Share | | | | (000 | ) | | Per Share | | | Per Share | |
Insured Quality (NQI) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 240,000 | | | $ | 100,000 | | | $ | 326,498 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
2010 | | | 239,200 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 82,232 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2009 | | | 245,850 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 78,001 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2008 | | | 298,425 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 62,485 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2007 | | | 318,000 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 69,808 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insured Opportunity (NIO) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 667,200 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 310,554 | |
2010 | | | 664,825 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 78,639 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2009 | | | 675,475 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 75,292 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2008 | | | 623,350 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 65,315 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2007 | | | 680,000 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 69,864 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | ARPS at the End of Period | | | VRDP Shares at the End of Period | |
| | Aggregate Amount Outstanding | | | Liquidation Value | | | Asset Coverage | | | Aggregate Amount Outstanding | | | Liquidation Value | | | Asset Coverage | |
| | | (000 | ) | | Per Share | | | Per Share | | | | (000 | ) | | Per Share | | | Per Share | |
Premier Insured Income (NIF) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 130,900 | | | $ | 100,000 | | | $ | 319,303 | |
2010 | | | 130,125 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 81,103 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2009 | | | 130,125 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 78,662 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2008 | | | 154,950 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 64,301 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2007 | | | 161,000 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 69,938 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 219,000 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 330,943 | |
2010 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 219,000 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 330,745 | |
2009 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 219,000 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 321,036 | |
2008 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 219,000 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 294,318 | |
2007 | | | 268,900 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 72,696 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | ARPS at the End of Period | | | MTP Shares at the End of Period (f) | | | VMTP Shares at the End of Period | | | ARPS, MTP and/or VMTP Shares at the End of Period | |
| | Aggregate Amount Outstanding | | | Liquidation Value | | | Asset Coverage | | | Aggregate Amount Outstanding | | | Liquidation Value | | | Asset Coverage | | | Aggregate Amount Outstanding | | | Liquidation Value | | | Asset Coverage | | | Asset Coverage Per $1 Liquidation | |
| | | (000 | ) | | Per Share | | | Per Share | | | | (000 | ) | | Per Share | | | Per Share | | | | (000 | ) | | Per Share | | | Per Share | | | Preference | |
Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 108,000 | | | $ | 10 | | | $ | 32.35 | | | $ | 92,500 | | | $ | 100,000 | | | $ | 323,476 | | | $ | 3.23 | |
2010 | | | 91,950 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 81,628 | | | | 108,000 | | | | 10 | | | | 32.65 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3.27 | |
2009 | | | 91,950 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 80,165 | | | | 108,000 | | | | 10 | | | | 32.07 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3.21 | |
2008 | | | 226,975 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 67,189 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2007 | | | 233,000 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 73,281 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended | | 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 83,000 | | | | 10 | | | | 31.71 | | | | 67,600 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 317,071 | | | | 3.17 | |
2010 | | | 67,375 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 80,374 | | | | 83,000 | | | | 10 | | | | 32.15 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3.21 | |
2009 | | | 148,750 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 78,880 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2008 | | | 132,800 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 68,124 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2007 | | | 144,000 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 72,290 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
(f) | The Ending and Average Market Value Per Share for each Series of the Fund’s MTP Shares were as follows: |
| | | | | Ending | | | Average | |
| | | | | Market Value | | | Market Value | |
| | Series | | | Per Share | | | Per Share | |
Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | 2014 | | | $ | 10.10 | | | $ | 10.12 | |
2010 | | 2014 | | | | 10.22 | | | | 10.19 | |
2009 | | 2014 | | | | 9.98 | | | 10.03^ | |
2008 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2007 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended 10/31: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | | 2015 | | | $ | 10.14 | | | $ | 10.08 | |
2010 | | | 2015 | | | | 10.14 | | | 10.15^^ | |
2009 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2008 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
2007 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
^ | For the period October 19, 2009 (first issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2009. |
^^ | For the period January 19, 2010 (first issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2010. |
| | Notes to |
| | Financial Statements |
1. General Information and Significant Accounting Policies
General Information
The funds covered in this report and their corresponding Common share stock exchange symbols are Nuveen Insured Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. (NQI), Nuveen Insured Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (NIO), Nuveen Premier Insured Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (NIF), Nuveen Insured Premium Income Municipal Fund 2 (NPX), Nuveen Insured Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NVG) and Nuveen Insured Tax-Free Advantage Municipal Fund (NEA) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). Common shares of Insured Quality (NQI), Insured Opportunity (NIO), Premier Insured Income (NIF) and Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) while Common shares of Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) and Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) are traded on the NYSE Amex. The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as closed-end registered investment companies.
Effective January 1, 2011, the Funds’ adviser, Nuveen Asset Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (“Nuveen”), changed its name to Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”). Concurrently, the Adviser formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), to house its portfolio management capabilities and to serve as the Funds’ sub-adviser, and the Funds’ portfolio managers became employees of the Sub-Adviser. This allocation of responsibilities between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser affects each of the Funds. The Adviser will compensate the Sub-Adviser for the portfolio management services it provides to the Funds from each Fund’s management fee.
Each Fund seeks to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax, and in the case of Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) the alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, by investing primarily in a portfolio of municipal obligations issued by state and local government authorities or certain U.S. territories.
Significant Accounting Policies
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”).
Investment Valuation
Prices of municipal bonds are provided by a pricing service approved by the Funds’ Board of Directors/Trustees. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 for fair value measurement purposes. When price quotes are not readily available (which is usually the case for municipal bonds) 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. 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. Investments in investment companies are valued at their respective net asset values on the valuation date. These investment vehicles are generally classified as Level 1.
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 Funds’ Board of Directors/Trustees or its designee 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 (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 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 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 Funds’ Board of Directors/Trustees or its designee.
Refer to Footnote 2 – Fair Value Measurements for further details on the leveling of securities held by the Funds as of the end of the reporting period.
Investment Transactions
Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from 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 segregate assets with a current value at least equal to the amount of the when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments. At October 31, 2011, Insured Quality (NQI), Insured Opportunity (NIO), Premier Insured Income (NIF), Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX), Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) and Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) had outstanding when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments of $2,744,897, $1,848,150, $2,789,433, $7,542,365, $3,262,608 and $4,021,533, respectively.
Investment Income
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Investment income, which reflects the amortization of premiums and includes 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.
Income Taxes
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. Furthermore, each Fund intends to satisfy conditions that will enable interest from municipal securities, which is exempt from regular federal income tax, and in the case of Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) the alternative minimum tax applicable to individuals, to retain such tax-exempt status when distributed to shareholders of the Funds. Net realized capital gains and ordinary income distributions paid by the Funds are subject to federal taxation.
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.
Dividends and Distributions to Common Shareholders
Dividends from net investment income are declared monthly. Net realized capital gains and/or market discount 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 of net investment income, net realized capital gains and/or market discount, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.
Auction Rate Preferred Shares
Each Fund is authorized to issue Auction Rate Preferred Shares (“ARPS”). As of October 31, 2010, Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) redeemed all of its outstanding ARPS at liquidation value. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, Insured Quality (NQI), Insured Opportunity (NIO), Premier Insured Income (NIF), Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) and Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) had issued and outstanding ARPS, $25,000 stated value per share, which approximates market value, as a means of effecting financial leverage. Each Fund’s ARPS were issued in one or more Series. The dividend rate paid by the Funds on each Series was determined every seven days, pursuant to a dutch auction process overseen by the auction agent, and was payable at the end of each rate period.
Beginning in February 2008, more shares for sale were submitted in the regularly scheduled auctions for the ARPS issued by the Funds than there were offers to buy. This meant that these auctions “failed to clear,’’ and that many Auction Rate Preferred shareholders who wanted to sell their shares in these auctions were unable to do so. Auction Rate Preferred shareholders unable to sell their shares received distributions at the “maximum rate’’
| | Notes to |
| | Financial Statements (continued) |
applicable to failed auctions as calculated in accordance with the pre-established terms of the ARPS. As of October 31, 2011, each Fund redeemed all of their outstanding ARPS, at liquidation value, as follows:
| | | | | | | | Premier | | | Insured | | | Insured | | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | | Insured | | | Insured | | | Premium | | | Dividend | | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | | Opportunity | | | Income | | | Income 2 | | | Advantage | | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | | (NIO | ) | | (NIF | ) | | (NPX | ) | | (NVG | ) | | (NEA | ) |
ARPS redeemed, at liquidation value | | $ | 318,000,000 | | | $ | 791,000,000 | | | $ | 161,000,000 | | | $ | 268,900,000 | | | $ | 233,000,000 | | | $ | 173,000,000 | |
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, lawsuits pursuing claims made in a demand letter alleging that Insured Quality (NQI), Premier Insured Income (NIF), Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) and Insured Tax-Free Advantage’s (NEA) Board of Directors/Trustees breached their fiduciary duties related to the redemption at par of the Funds’ ARPS, had been filed on behalf of shareholders of the Funds, against the Adviser, the Nuveen holding company, the majority owner of the holding company, the lone interested director/trustee, and current and former officers of the Funds. Nuveen and other named defendants filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuits and on December 16, 2011, the court granted that motion dismissing the lawsuits with prejudice.
During the current reporting period, Nuveen Investments, LLC, known as Nuveen Securities, LLC, effective April 30, 2011, (“Nuveen Securities”) entered into a settlement with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) with respect to certain allegations regarding Nuveen-sponsored closed-end fund ARPS marketing brochures. As part of this settlement, Nuveen Securities neither admitted to nor denied FINRA’s allegations. Nuveen Securities is the broker-dealer subsidiary of Nuveen.
The settlement with FINRA concludes an investigation that followed the widespread failure of auctions for ARPS and other auction rate securities, which generally began in mid-February 2008. In the settlement, FINRA alleged that certain marketing materials provided by Nuveen Securities were false and misleading. Nuveen Securities agreed to a censure and the payment of a $3 million fine.
MuniFund Term Preferred Shares
The following Funds have issued and outstanding MuniFund Term Preferred (“MTP”) Shares, with a $10.00 stated (“par”) value per share. Proceeds from the issuance of MTP Shares, net of offering expenses, were used to redeem all, or a portion of, each Fund’s outstanding ARPS. Each Fund’s MTP Shares are issued in one Series. Dividends on MTP Shares, which are recognized as interest expense for financial reporting purposes, are paid monthly at a fixed annual rate, subject to adjustments in certain circumstances. The MTP Shares trade on the NYSE. As of October 31, 2011, the number of MTP Shares outstanding, annual interest rate and the NYSE “ticker” symbol for each Fund’s series of MTP Shares are as follows:
| | Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | | Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | |
| | | | Annual | | | | | | Annual | | | |
| | Shares | | Interest | | NYSE | | Shares | | Interest | | NYSE | |
| | Outstanding | | Rate | | Ticker | | Outstanding | | Rate | | Ticker | |
Series: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2014 | | | 10,800,000 | | | 2.95 | % | | NVG Pr C | | | — | | | — | % | | — | |
2015 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8,300,000 | | | 2.85 | | | NEA Pr C | |
Each Fund is obligated to redeem its MTP Shares by the date as specified in its offering document (“Term Redemption Date”), unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Fund. MTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. MTP Shares will be subject to redemption at the option of each Fund (“Optional Redemption Date”), subject to payment of a premium for one year following the Optional Redemption Date (“Premium Expiration Date”), and at par thereafter. The MTP Shares also will be subject to redemption, at the option of each Fund, at par in the event of certain changes in the credit rating of the MTP Shares. Each Fund may be obligated to redeem certain of the MTP Shares if the Fund fails to maintain certain asset coverage and leverage ratio requirements and such failures are not cured by the applicable cure date. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The Term Redemption Date, Optional Redemption Date and Premium Expiration Date for each Fund’s series of MTP Shares are as follows:
| | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
| | | Series 2014 | | | Series 2015 | |
Term Redemption Date | | | November 1, 2014 | | | February 1, 2015 | |
Optional Redemption Date | | | November 1, 2010 | | | February 1, 2011 | |
Premium Expiration Date | | | October 31, 2011 | | | January 31, 2012 | |
The average liquidation value for all series of MTP Shares outstanding for each Fund during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, was as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Average liquidation value of MTP Shares outstanding | | $ | 108,000,000 | | $ | 83,000,000 | |
For financial reporting purposes only, the liquidation value of MTP Shares is recorded as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Unpaid dividends on MTP Shares are recognized as a component of “Interest payable” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Dividends paid on MTP Shares are recognized as a component of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.
Nuveen has agreed that net amounts earned by Nuveen as underwriter of each Fund’s MTP Share offering would be credited to the Funds, and would be recorded as reductions of offering costs recognized by the Funds. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, Nuveen earned no net underwriting amounts on the Funds’ MTP Shares.
Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares
The following Funds have issued and outstanding Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred (“VMTP”) Shares, with $100,000 liquidation value per share. Insured Quality (NQI), Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) and Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) issued their VMTP Shares in a privately negotiated offering during February 2011, September 2011 and July 2011, respectively. Proceeds from the issuance of VMTP Shares, net of offering expenses, were used to redeem each Fund’s outstanding ARPS. The Fund’s VMTP Shares were offered to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. As of October 31, 2011, the number of VMTP Shares outstanding, at liquidation value, for each Fund is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Series 2014 | | $ | 240,400,000 | | $ | 92,500,000 | | $ | 67,600,000 | |
Each Fund is obligated to redeem its VMTP Shares by the date as specified in its offering document (“Term Redemption Date”), unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Fund. VMTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances . The VMTP Shares are subject to redemption at the option of each Fund (“Optional Redemption Date”), subject to payment of premium for one year following the Optional Redemption Date (“Premium Expiration Date”), and at par thereafter. Each Fund may be obligated to redeem certain of the VMTP Shares if the Fund fails to maintain certain asset coverage and leverage ratio requirements and such failures are not cured by the applicable cure date. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The Term Redemption Date, Optional Redemption Date and Premium Expiration Date for each Fund’s VMTP Shares are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Term Redemption Date | | | March 1, 2014 | | | October 1, 2014 | | | August 1, 2014 | |
Optional Redemption Date | | | March 1, 2012 | | | October 1, 2012 | | | August 1, 2012 | |
Premium Expiration Date | | | February 29, 2012 | | | September 30, 2012 | | | July 31, 2012 | |
The average liquidation value of VMTP Shares outstanding and average annualized dividend rate of VMTP Shares for each Fund during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, were as follows:
| | | | | | Insured | | | Insured | |
| | | Insured | | | Dividend | | | Tax-Free | |
| | | Quality | | | Advantage | | | Advantage | |
| | | (NQI | ) * | | (NVG | )*** | | (NEA | )** |
Average liquidation Value of VMTP Shares outstanding | | $ | 240,400,000 | | $ | 92,500,000 | | $ | 67,600,000 | |
Annualized dividend rate | | | 1.43 | % | | 1.15 | % | | 1.21 | % |
* | For the period February 24, 2011 (issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2011. |
** | For the period July 28, 2011 (issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2011. |
*** | For the period September 8, 2011 (issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2011. |
| | Notes to |
| | Financial Statements (continued) |
Dividends on the VMTP Shares (which are treated as interest payments for financial reporting purposes) are set weekly.
For financial reporting purposes only, the liquidation value of VMTP Shares is recorded as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Unpaid dividends on VMTP Shares are recognized as a component of “Interest payable” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Dividends paid on VMTP Shares are recognized as a component of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.
Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares
The following Funds have issued and outstanding Variable Rate Demand Preferred (“VRDP”) Shares, with a $100,000 liquidation value per share. Insured Opportunity (NIO), Premier Insured Income (NIF) and Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) issued their VRDP Shares in a privately negotiated offering during December 2010, December 2010 and August 2008, respectively. Concurrent with renewing agreements with the liquidity provider for its VRDP Shares in June 2010, Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) exchanged all its 2,190 Series 1 VRDP Shares for 2,190 Series 2 VRDP Shares. The principal difference in terms between Series 1 and Series 2 VRDP Shares is the requirement that the Fund redeem VRDP Shares owned by the liquidity provider if the VRDP Shares have been owned by the liquidity provider through six months of continuous, unsuccessful remarketing. Proceeds of each Fund’s offering were used to redeem all of each Fund’s outstanding ARPS. The VRDP Shares were offered to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. As of October 31, 2011, the number of VRDP Shares outstanding and maturity date for each Fund are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | | Insured | |
| | | Insured | | | Insured | | | Premium | |
| | | Opportunity | | | Income | | | Income 2 | |
| | | (NIO | ) | | (NIF | ) | | (NPX | ) |
Series | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 2 | |
Shares outstanding | | | 6,672 | | | 1,309 | | | 2,190 | |
Maturity | | | December 1, 2040 | | | December 1, 2040 | | | August 1, 2038 | |
VRDP Shares include a liquidity feature that allows VRDP shareholders to have their shares purchased by a liquidity provider with whom each Fund has contracted in the event that purchase orders for VRDP Shares in a remarketing are not sufficient in number to be matched with the sale orders in that remarketing. Each Fund is required to redeem any VRDP Shares that are still owned by the liquidity provider after six months of continuous, unsuccessful remarketing.
Dividends on the VRDP Shares (which are treated as interest payments for financial reporting purposes) are set weekly at a rate established by a remarketing agent; therefore, the market value of the VRDP Shares is expected to approximate its liquidation value. If remarketings for VRDP Shares are continuously unsuccessful for six months, the maximum rate is designed to escalate according to a specified schedule in order to enhance the remarketing agent’s ability to successfully remarket the VRDP Shares.
Subject to certain conditions, VRDP Shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of each Fund. Each Fund may also redeem certain of the VRDP Shares if the Fund fails to maintain certain asset coverage requirements and such failures are not cured by the applicable cure date. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends.
The average liquidation value outstanding and annualized dividend rate of VRDP Shares for each Fund during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Premier | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | |
| | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | |
| | (NIO | )* | (NIF | )** | (NPX | ) |
Average liquidation value outstanding | | | 667,200,000 | | | 130,900,000 | | | 219,000,000 | |
Annualized dividend rate | | | 0.40 | % | | 0.41 | % | | 0.37 | % |
* | For the period December 30, 2010 (issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2011. |
** | For the period December 16, 2010 (issuance date of shares) through October 31, 2011. |
For financial reporting purposes only, the liquidation value of VRDP Shares is recognized as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Unpaid dividends on VRDP Shares are recognized as a component of “Interest payable” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Dividends paid on the VRDP Shares are recognized as a component of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations. In addition to interest expense, each Fund also pays a per annum liquidity fee to the liquidity provider as well as a remarketing fee, which are recognized as components of “Fees on VRDP Shares” on the Statement of Operations.
Insurance
Since 2007, the financial status of most major municipal bond insurers has deteriorated substantially, and some insurers have gone out of business, rendering worthless the insurance policies they had written. Under normal circumstances, each Fund invests at least 80% of its managed assets (as defined in Footnote 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates) in municipal securities that are covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of principal and interest. In addition, the municipal securities in which each Fund invests will be investment grade at the time of
purchase (including (i) bonds insured by investment grade rated insurers or are rated investment grade; (ii) unrated bonds that are judged to be investment grade by the Adviser; and (iii) escrowed bonds). Ratings below BBB by one or more national rating agencies are considered to be below investment grade.
Each insured municipal security is covered by Original Issue Insurance, Secondary Market Insurance or Portfolio Insurance. Assuming that the insurer remains creditworthy, the insurance feature of a municipal security guarantees the full payment of principal and interest when due through the life of an insured obligation. Such insurance does not guarantee the market value of the insured obligation or the value of the Fund’s Common shares. Original Issue Insurance and Secondary Market Insurance remain in effect as long as the municipal securities covered thereby remain outstanding and the insurer remains in business, regardless of whether the Funds ultimately dispose of such municipal securities. Consequently, the market value of the municipal securities covered by Original Issue Insurance or Secondary Market Insurance may reflect value attributable to the insurance. Portfolio Insurance, in contrast, is effective only while the municipal securities are held by the Funds and is reflected as an expense over the term of the policy, when applicable. Accordingly, neither the prices used in determining the market value of the underlying municipal securities nor the Common share net asset value of the Funds include value, if any, attributable to the Portfolio Insurance. Each policy of the Portfolio Insurance does, however, give the Funds the right to obtain permanent insurance with respect to the municipal security covered by the Portfolio Insurance policy at the time of its sale.
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, typically with a fixed interest rate, into a special purpose trust created by a broker-dealer. In turn, this trust (a) issues floating rate certificates, in face amounts equal to some fraction of the deposited bond’s par amount or market value, that typically pay short-term tax-exempt interest rates to third parties, and (b) issues to a long-term investor (such as one of the Funds) an inverse floating rate certificate (sometimes referred to as an “inverse floater”) that represents all remaining or residual interest in the trust. The income received by the inverse floater holder varies inversely with the short-term rate paid to the floating rate certificates’ holders, 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 price of an inverse floating rate security 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 floating rate certificates, and because the inverse floating rate security essentially bears the risk of loss of the greater face value of the underlying bond.
A Fund may purchase an inverse floating rate security in a secondary market transaction without first owning the underlying bond (referred to as an “externally-deposited inverse floater”), or instead by first selling a fixed-rate bond to a broker-dealer for deposit into the special purpose trust and receiving in turn the residual interest in the trust (referred to as a “self-deposited inverse floater”). The inverse floater held by a Fund gives the Fund the right (a) to cause the holders of the floating rate certificates to tender their notes at par, and (b) to have the broker transfer the fixed-rate bond held by the trust to the Fund, thereby collapsing the trust. An investment in an externally-deposited inverse floater is identified in the Portfolio of Investments as “(IF) – Inverse floating rate investment.” An investment in a self-deposited inverse floater is accounted for as a financing transaction. In such instances, a fixed-rate bond deposited into a special purpose trust is identified in the Portfolio of Investments as “(UB) – Underlying bond of an inverse floating rate trust reflected as a financing transaction,” with the Fund accounting for the short-term floating rate certificates issued by the trust as “Floating rate obligations” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. In addition, the Fund reflects in “Investment Income” the entire earnings of the underlying bond and recognizes the related interest paid to the holders of the short-term floating rate certificates as a component of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, each Fund invested in externally-deposited inverse floaters and/or self-deposited inverse floaters.
Each Fund may also enter into shortfall and forbearance agreements (sometimes referred to as a “recourse trust” or “credit recovery swap”) (such agreements referred to herein as “Recourse Trusts”) with a broker-dealer by which a Fund agrees to reimburse the broker-dealer, in certain circumstances, for the difference between the liquidation value of the fixed-rate bond held by the trust and the liquidation value of the floating rate certificates 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 inverse floaters may increase beyond the value of a Fund’s inverse floater investments as a Fund may potentially be liable to fulfill all amounts owed to holders of the floating rate certificates. At period end, any such shortfall is recognized as “Unrealized depreciation on Recourse Trusts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
At October 31, 2011, each Fund’s maximum exposure to externally-deposited Recourse Trusts, was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Maximum exposure to Recourse Trusts | | $ | 26,610,000 | | $ | 40,430,000 | | $ | 15,375,000 | | $ | 14,845,000 | | $ | 6,665,000 | | $ | 6,665,000 | |
| | Notes to |
| | Financial Statements (continued) |
The average floating rate obligations outstanding and average annual interest rate and fees related to self-deposited inverse floaters during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Average floating rate obligations outstanding | | $ | 57,132,548 | | $ | 120,149,511 | | $ | 21,240,260 | | $ | 57,980,000 | | $ | 28,413,334 | | $ | 13,040,000 | |
Average annual interest rate and fees | | | 0.59 | % | | 0.61 | % | | 0.57 | % | | 0.53 | % | | 0.65 | % | | 0.68 | % |
Derivative Financial Instruments
Each Fund is authorized to invest in certain derivative instruments, including foreign currency forwards, futures, options and swap contracts. Although the Funds are authorized to invest in such financial instruments, and may do so in the future, they did not make any such investments during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011.
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. Futures contracts, when applicable, expose a Fund to minimal counterparty credit risk as they are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, which is counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default.
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 predetermined 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.
Zero Coupon Securities
Each Fund is authorized to invest in zero coupon securities. A zero coupon security does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the security. Tax-exempt 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.
Offering Costs
Costs incurred by Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) and Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) in connection with their offerings of MTP Shares ($1,875,000 and $1,605,000, respectively) were recorded as deferred charges, which are being amortized over the life of the shares. Costs incurred by Insured Quality (NQI), Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) and Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) in connection with their VMTP Shares ($1,120,000, $485,000 and $180,000, respectively) were recorded as deferred charges, which are being amortized over the life of the shares. Costs incurred by Insured Opportunity (NIO), Premier Insured Income (NIF) and Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) in connection with their offerings of VRDP Shares ($2,645,000, $755,000 and $2,535,000, respectively) were recorded as deferred charges, which are being amortized over the life of the shares. Each Fund’s amortized deferred charges are recognized as a component of “Interest expense and amortization of offering costs” on the Statement of Operations.
Custodian Fee Credit
Each Fund has an arrangement with the custodian bank whereby certain custodian fees and expenses are reduced by net credits earned on each Fund’s cash on deposit with the bank. Such deposit arrangements are an alternative to overnight investments. Credits for cash balances may be offset by charges for any days on which a Fund overdraws its account at the custodian bank.
Indemnifications
Under the Funds’ organizational documents, their officers and directors/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.
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. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would 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 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 three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 – Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of each Fund’s fair value measurements as of October 31, 2011:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insured Quality (NQI) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Municipal Bonds | | $ | — | | $ | 826,037,255 | | $ | — | | $ | 826,037,255 | |
Insured Opportunity (NIO) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Municipal Bonds | | $ | — | | $ | 2,116,616,323 | | $ | — | | $ | 2,116,616,323 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | — | | | 10,500,000 | | | — | | | 10,500,000 | |
Total | | $ | — | | $ | 2,127,116,323 | | $ | — | | $ | 2,127,116,323 | |
Premier Insured Income (NIF) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Municipal Bonds | | $ | — | | $ | 429,965,798 | | $ | — | | $ | 429,965,798 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | — | | | 1,760,000 | | | — | | | 1,760,000 | |
Total | | $ | — | | $ | 431,725,798 | | $ | — | | $ | 431,725,798 | |
Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Municipal Bonds | | $ | — | | $ | 771,518,145 | | $ | — | | $ | 771,518,145 | |
Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Municipal Bonds | | $ | — | | $ | 669,269,056 | | $ | — | | $ | 669,269,056 | |
Investment Companies | | | 1,333,283 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,333,283 | |
Total | | $ | 1,333,283 | | $ | 669,269,056 | | $ | — | | $ | 670,602,339 | |
Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Municipal Bonds | | $ | — | | $ | 481,015,397 | | $ | — | | $ | 481,015,397 | |
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, the Funds recognized no significant transfers to or from Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
3. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
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. The Funds did not invest in derivative instruments during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011.
| | Notes to |
| | Financial Statements (continued) |
4. Fund Shares
Common Shares
Transactions in Common shares were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Insured Quality (NQI) | | Insured Opportunity (NIO) | | Premier Insured Income (NIF) | |
| | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | |
| | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | |
| | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common shares: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions | | | 10,745 | | | 102,819 | | | 24,068 | | | — | | | 40,933 | | | 36,155 | |
Repurchased and retired | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2,900 | ) | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average Common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Price per share repurchased and retired | | | — | | | — | | | — | | $ | 12.93 | | | — | | | — | |
Discount per share repurchased and retired | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8.57 | % | | — | | | — | |
| | Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) | | Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | | Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | |
| | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | | Year | |
| | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | | Ended | |
| | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | | 10/31/11 | | 10/31/10 | |
Common shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,085 | | | 5,430 | |
Preferred Shares
Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) redeemed all of its outstanding ARPS during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008.
Transactions in ARPS were as follows:
| | Insured Quality (NQI) | | | Insured Opportunity (NIO) | |
| | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Year Ended | |
| | 10/31/11 | | | 10/31/10 | | | 10/31/11 | | | 10/31/10 | |
| | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | |
ARPS redeemed: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series M | | | (1,954 | ) | | $ | (48,850,000 | ) | | | (55 | ) | | $ | (1,375,000 | ) | | | (3,319 | ) | | $ | (82,975,000 | ) | | | (53 | ) | | $ | (1,325,000 | ) |
Series T | | | (1,956 | ) | | | (48,900,000 | ) | | | (54 | ) | | | (1,350,000 | ) | | | (3,319 | ) | | | (82,975,000 | ) | | | (53 | ) | | | (1,325,000 | ) |
Series W | | | (1,957 | ) | | | (48,925,000 | ) | | | (54 | ) | | | (1,350,000 | ) | | | (3,320 | ) | | | (83,000,000 | ) | | | (53 | ) | | | (1,325,000 | ) |
Series W2 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (2,655 | ) | | | (66,375,000 | ) | | | (43 | ) | | | (1,075,000 | ) |
Series W3 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1,486 | ) | | | (37,150,000 | ) | | | (24 | ) | | | (600,000 | ) |
Series TH | | | (1,745 | ) | | | (43,625,000 | ) | | | (49 | ) | | | (1,225,000 | ) | | | (3,319 | ) | | | (82,975,000 | ) | | | (53 | ) | | | (1,325,000 | ) |
Series TH2 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (3,321 | ) | | | (83,025,000 | ) | | | (53 | ) | | | (1,325,000 | ) |
Series TH3 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (2,536 | ) | | | (63,400,000 | ) | | | (41 | ) | | | (1,025,000 | ) |
Series F | | | (1,956 | ) | | | (48,900,000 | ) | | | (54 | ) | | | (1,350,000 | ) | | | (3,318 | ) | | | (82,950,000 | ) | | | (53 | ) | | | (1,325,000 | ) |
Total | | | (9,568 | ) | | $ | (239,200,000 | ) | | | (266 | ) | | $ | (6,650,000 | ) | | | (26,593 | ) | | $ | (664,825,000 | ) | | | (426 | ) | | $ | (10,650,000 | ) |
| | Premier Insured Income (NIF) | | Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | |
| | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
ARPS redeemed: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series M | | | — | | $ | — | | | — | | $ | — | | | (1,247 | ) | $ | (31,175,000 | ) | | — | | $ | — | |
Series T | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,217 | ) | | (30,425,000 | ) | | — | | | — | |
Series W | | | (678 | ) | | (16,950,000 | ) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Series TH | | | (2,263 | ) | | (56,575,000 | ) | | — | | | (1,214 | ) | | (30,350,000 | ) | | — | | | — | | | | |
Series F | | | (2,264 | ) | | (56,600,000 | ) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Total | | | (5,205 | ) | $ | (130,125,000 | ) | | — | | $ | — | | | (3,678 | ) | $ | (91,950,000 | ) | | — | | $ | — | |
| | Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | |
| | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
ARPS redeemed: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series T | | | (1,104 | ) | $ | (27,600,000 | ) | | (1,336 | ) | $ | (33,400,000 | ) |
Series W | | | (1,105 | ) | | (27,625,000 | ) | | (1,335 | ) | | (33,375,000 | ) |
Series W2 | | | (486 | ) | | (12,150,000 | ) | | (584 | ) | | (14,600,000 | ) |
Total | | | (2,695 | ) | $ | (67,375,000 | ) | | (3,255 | ) | $ | (81,375,000 | ) |
Transactions in MTP Shares were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | |
| | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
MTP Shares issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2015 | | | — | | $ | — | | | 8,300,000 | | $ | 83,000,000 | |
Transactions in VMTP Shares were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Insured Quality (NQI) | | Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) | |
| | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
VMTP Shares issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014 | | | 2,404 | | $ | 240,400,000 | | | — | | $ | — | | | 925 | | $ | 92,500,000 | | | — | | $ | — | |
| | Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) | |
| | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
VMTP Shares issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014 | | | 676 | | $ | 67,600,000 | | | — | | $ | — | |
Transactions in VRDP Shares were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Insured Opportunity (NIO) | | Premier Insured Income (NIF) | |
| | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | | Year Ended 10/31/11 | | Year Ended 10/31/10 | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
VRDP Shares issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 1 | | | 6,672 | | $ | 667,200,000 | | | — | | $ | — | | | 1,309 | | $ | 130,900,000 | | | — | | $ | — | |
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) completed a private exchange offer in which all of its 2,190 Series 1 VRDP Shares were exchanged for 2,190 Series 2 VRDP Shares.
| | Notes to |
| | Financial Statements (continued) |
5. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales (including maturities but excluding short-term investments, where applicable) during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | | (NQI | ) | | (NIO | ) | | (NIF | ) | | (NPX | ) | | (NVG | ) | | (NEA | ) |
Purchases | | $ | 147,786,282 | | $ | 211,167,059 | | $ | 33,216,304 | | $ | 153,208,699 | | $ | 50,565,340 | | $ | 11,871,484 | |
Sales and maturities | | | 146,570,129 | | | 270,173,395 | | | 33,494,779 | | | 149,050,108 | | | 47,785,591 | | | 10,585,430 | |
6. Income Tax Information
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 taxable market discount, 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 net asset values of the Funds.
At October 31, 2011, the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, as determined on a federal income tax basis, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Cost of investments | | $ | 769,369,477 | | $ | 1,968,285,582 | | $ | 399,274,982 | | $ | 700,489,450 | | $ | 625,659,537 | | $ | 453,455,242 | |
Gross unrealized: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Appreciation | | | 37,366,507 | | | 106,305,548 | | | 22,691,910 | | | 38,684,256 | | | 36,108,217 | | | 21,362,531 | |
Depreciation | | | (33,033,663 | ) | | (53,630,912 | ) | | (9,241,923 | ) | | (25,636,905 | ) | | (19,578,594 | ) | | (6,839,622 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments | | $ | 4,332,844 | | $ | 52,674,636 | | $ | 13,449,987 | | $ | 13,047,351 | | $ | 16,529,623 | | $ | 14,522,909 | |
Permanent differences, primarily due to federal taxes paid, taxable market discount and non-deductible offering costs, resulted in reclassifications among the Funds’ components of Common share net assets at October 31, 2011, the Funds’ tax year end, as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Paid-in surplus | | $ | (253,832 | ) | $ | (74,346 | ) | $ | (22,075 | ) | $ | (81,128 | ) | $ | (383,919 | ) | $ | (329,737 | ) |
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income | | | 225,345 | | | (515,751 | ) | | 4,693 | | | 32,104 | | | 370,987 | | | 328,724 | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | | | 28,487 | | | 590,097 | | | 17,382 | | | 49,024 | | | 12,932 | | | 1,013 | |
The tax components of undistributed net tax-exempt income, net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains at October 31, 2011, the Funds’ tax year end, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Undistributed net tax-exempt income * | | $ | 9,973,805 | | $ | 28,113,476 | | $ | 5,558,575 | | $ | 7,640,559 | | $ | 9,752,295 | | $ | 6,245,272 | |
Undistributed net ordinary income ** | | | 110,288 | | | 4,523 | | | 6,396 | | | 52,758 | | | — | | | 3,195 | |
Undistributed net long-term capital gains | | | — | | | 264,655 | | | — | | | -— | | | 1,396,468 | | | — | |
* | Undistributed net tax-exempt income (on a tax basis) has not been reduced for the dividend declared on October 3, 2011, paid on November 1, 2011. |
** | Net ordinary income consists of taxable market discount income and net short-term capital gains, if any. |
The tax character of distributions paid during the Funds’ tax years ended October 31, 2011, and October 31, 2010, was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
2011 | | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Distributions from net tax-exempt income *** | | $ | 35,817,692 | | $ | 85,650,770 | | $ | 17,902,087 | | $ | 28,602,694 | | $ | 28,729,780 | | $ | 20,898,107 | |
Distributions from net ordinary income ** | | | — | | | 428,596 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Distributions from net long-term capital gains **** | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 86,428 | | | — | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Dividend | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | | Advantage | |
2010 | | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NVG | ) | (NEA | ) |
Distributions from net tax-exempt income | | $ | 33,407,345 | | $ | 83,231,805 | | $ | 17,344,874 | | $ | 28,528,827 | | $ | 28,392,303 | | $ | 20,278,475 | |
Distributions from net ordinary income ** | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Distributions from net long-term capital gains | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,302,507 | | | — | |
** | Net ordinary income consists of taxable market discount income and net short-term capital gains, if any. |
*** | The Funds hereby designate these amounts paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, as Exempt Interest Dividends. |
**** | The Funds designated as a long-term capital gain dividend, pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code Section 852(b)(3), the amount necessary to reduce earnings and profits of the Funds related to net capital gain to zero for the tax year ended October 31, 2011. |
At October 31, 2011, the Funds’ tax year end, the following Funds had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any. If not applied, the carryforwards will expire as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | �� |
| | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NEA | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expiration: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
October 31, 2012 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 139,914 | |
October 31, 2013 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 4,418,633 | |
October 31, 2015 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 174,026 | |
October 31, 2016 | | | 2,623,034 | | | 1,240,117 | | | 3,274,999 | | | 1,917,479 | |
October 31, 2017 | | | 217,918 | | | — | | | 456,587 | | | — | |
October 31, 2018 | | | 322,087 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Total | | $ | 3,163,039 | | $ | 1,240,117 | | $ | 3,731,586 | | $ | 6,650,052 | |
During the Funds’ tax year ended October 31, 2011, the following Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Premier | | Insured | | Insured | |
| | Insured | | Insured | | Insured | | Premium | | Tax-Free | |
| | Quality | | Opportunity | | Income | | Income 2 | | Advantage | |
| | (NQI | ) | (NIO | ) | (NIF | ) | (NPX | ) | (NEA | ) |
Utilized capital loss carryforwards | | $ | 2,009,925 | | $ | 5,318,344 | | $ | 35,517 | | $ | 2,685,818 | | $ | 194,140 | |
7. Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Each Fund’s management fee consists of two components – a fund-level fee, based only on the amount of assets within the 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.
| | Notes to |
| | Financial Statements (continued) |
The annual fund-level fee for each Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:
| | | | |
| | Insured Quality (NQI) |
| | Insured Opportunity (NIO) |
| | Premier Insured Income (NIF) |
| | Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) |
Average Daily Managed Assets* | | Fund-Level Fee Rate |
For the first $125 million | | | .4500 | % |
For the next $125 million | | | .4375 | |
For the next $250 million | | | .4250 | |
For the next $500 million | | | .4125 | |
For the next $1 billion | | | .4000 | |
For the next $3 billion | | | .3875 | |
For managed assets over $5 billion | | | .3750 | |
| | Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) |
| | Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) |
Average Daily Managed Assets* | | Fund-Level Fee Rate |
For the first $125 million | | | .4500 | % |
For the next $125 million | | | .4375 | |
For the next $250 million | | | .4250 | |
For the next $500 million | | | .4125 | |
For the next $1 billion | | | .4000 | |
For managed assets over $2 billion | | | .3750 | |
The annual complex-level fee for each Fund, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:
| | | | |
Complex-Level Managed Asset Breakpoint Level* | | Effective Rate at Breakpoint Level |
$55 billion | | | .2000 | % |
$56 billion | | | .1996 | |
$57 billion | | | .1989 | |
$60 billion | | | .1961 | |
$63 billion | | | .1931 | |
$66 billion | | | .1900 | |
$71 billion | | | .1851 | |
$76 billion | | | .1806 | |
$80 billion | | | .1773 | |
$91 billion | | | .1691 | |
$125 billion | | | .1599 | |
$200 billion | | | .1505 | |
$250 billion | | | .1469 | |
$300 billion | | | .1445 | |
* | For the fund-level and complex-level fees, managed assets include closed-end fund assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable to financial leverage. For these purposes, financial leverage includes the funds’ use of preferred stock and borrowings and certain investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB) trusts, including the portion of assets held by a TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining managed assets in certain circumstances. The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily managed assets of all Nuveen Funds that constitute “eligible assets.” Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen Funds or assets in excess of $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 October 31, 2011, the complex-level fee rate for these Funds was .1759%. |
The management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Adviser is responsible for each Fund’s overall strategy and asset allocation decisions. The Adviser has entered into sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Adviser under which the Sub-Adviser manages the investment portfolios of the Funds. The Sub-Adviser is compensated for its services to the Funds from the management fees paid to the Adviser.
The Funds pay no compensation directly to those of its directors/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 of Directors/Trustees has adopted a deferred compensation plan for independent directors/trustees that enables directors/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.
For the first ten years of Insured Dividend Advantage’s (NVG) operations, the Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund, as a percentage of average daily managed assets, for fees and expenses in the amounts and for the time periods set forth below:
Year Ending | | Year Ending | | |
March 31, | | March 31, | | |
2002* | .30 | % | 2008 | .25 | % |
2003 | .30 | | 2009 | .20 | |
2004 | .30 | | 2010 | .15 | |
2005 | .30 | | 2011 | .10 | |
2006 | .30 | | 2012 | .05 | |
2007 | .30 | | | | |
* | From the commencement of operations. |
The Adviser has not agreed to reimburse Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) for any portion of its fees and expenses beyond March 31, 2012. For the first eight years of Insured Tax-Free Advantage’s (NEA) operations, the Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund, as a percentage of average daily managed assets, for fees and expenses in the amounts and for the time periods set forth below:
Year Ending | | | | |
November 30, | | November 30, | | |
2002* | .32 | % | 2007 | .32 | % |
2003 | .32 | | 2008 | .24 | |
2004 | .32 | | 2009 | .16 | |
2005 | .32 | | 2010 | .08 | |
2006 | .32 | | | | |
* | From the commencement of operations. |
The Adviser has not agreed to reimburse Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) for any portion of its fees and expenses beyond November 30, 2010.
8. New Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
On May 12, 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04 (“ASU No. 2011-04”) modifying Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. At the same time, the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued International Financial Reporting Standard (“IFRS”) 13, Fair Value Measurement. The objective of the FASB and IASB is convergence of their guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures. Specifically, ASU No. 2011-04 requires reporting entities to disclose i) the amounts of any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and the reasons for the transfers and ii) for Level 3 fair value measurements, a) quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used, b) a description of the valuation processes used by the reporting entity and c) a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs if a change in those inputs might result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The effective date of ASU No. 2011-04 is for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of this guidance and the impact it will have on the financial statement amounts and footnote disclosures, if any.
9. Subsequent Events
On October 28, 2011, the Fund’s Board of Directors/Trustees approved changes to each Fund’s investment policy regarding investment in insured municipal securities. These changes are designed to provide the Adviser with more flexibility regarding the types of securities available for investment by each Fund.
Effective January 2, 2012, each Fund will eliminate the investment policy requiring it, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in municipal securities that are covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of principal and interest. Since 2007, most municipal bond insurers have had their credit ratings downgraded and only one insurer is currently insuring new municipal bonds. As a result, the supply of insured municipal securities has decreased dramatically and the long-term viability of the municipal bond insurance market is uncertain. The Funds are not changing their investment objective and will continue to invest substantially all of their assets in a portfolio of investment grade quality municipal securities.
Concurrent with the investment policy changes, the Funds will change their names as follows:
| • | Insured Quality (NQI) will change to Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. (NQI) |
| • | Insured Opportunity (NIO) will change to Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (NIO) |
| • | Premier Insured Income (NIF) will change to Nuveen Premier Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (NIF) |
| • | Insured Premium Income 2 (NPX) will change to Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Opportunity Fund. (NPX) |
| • | Insured Dividend Advantage (NVG) will change to Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund. (NVG) |
| • | Insured Tax-Free Advantage (NEA) will change to Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund. (NEA) |
Annual Investment Management
Agreement Approval Process (Unaudited)
The Board of Trustees or Directors (as the case may be) (each, a “Board” and each Trustee or Director, a “Board Member”) of the Funds, including the Board Members who are not parties to the Funds’ advisory or sub-advisory agreements or “interested persons” of any such parties (the “Independent Board Members”), is responsible for approving the advisory agreements (each, an “Investment Management Agreement”) between each Fund and Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. (the “Advisor”) and the sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) between the Advisor and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Advisor”) (the Investment Management Agreements and the Sub-Advisory Agreements are referred to collectively as the “Advisory Agreements”) and their periodic continuation. Pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Board is generally required to consider the continuation of advisory agreements and sub-advisory agreements on an annual basis. Accordingly, at an in-person meeting held on May 23-25, 2011 (the “May Meeting”), the Board, including a majority of the Independent Board Members, considered and approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreements for the Funds for an additional one-year period.
In preparation for their considerations at the May Meeting, the Board requested and received extensive materials prepared in connection with the review of the Advisory Agreements. The materials provided a broad range of information regarding the Funds, the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor (the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor are collectively, the “Fund Advisers” and each, a “Fund Adviser”). As described in more detail below, the information provided included, among other things, a review of Fund performance, including Fund investment performance assessments against peer groups and appropriate benchmarks, a comparison of Fund fees and expenses relative to peers, a description and assessment of shareholder service levels for the Funds, a summary of the performance of certain service providers, a review of product initiatives and shareholder communications and an analysis of the Advisor’s profitability with comparisons to comparable peers in the managed fund business. As part of their annual review, the Board also held a separate meeting on April 19-20, 2011, to review the Funds’ investment performance and consider an analysis provided by the Advisor of the Sub-Advisor which generally evaluated the Sub-Advisor’s investment team, investment mandate, organizational structure and history, investment philosophy and process, performance of the applicable Fund, and significant changes to the foregoing. As a result of their review of the materials and discussions, the Board presented the Advisor with questions and the Advisor responded.
The materials and information prepared in connection with the review of the Advisory Agreements at the May Meeting supplemented the information provided to the Board during the year. In this regard, throughout the year, the Board, acting directly or through its committees, regularly reviews the performance and various services provided by the Advisor and, since the internal restructuring described in Section A below, the Sub-Advisor. The Board meets at least quarterly as well as at other times as the need arises. At its quarterly meetings, the Board reviews reports by the Advisor which include, among other things, Fund performance, a review of the investment teams and compliance reports. The Board also meets with key investment personnel managing the Fund portfolios during the year. In addition, the Board continues its program of seeking to visit each sub-advisor to the Nuveen funds at least once over a multiple year rotation, meeting with key investment and business personnel. The Board also met with State Street Bank & Trust Company, the Funds’ accountant and custodian, in 2010. The Board considers factors and information that are relevant to its consideration of the renewal of the Advisory Agreements at these meetings held throughout the year. Accordingly, the Board considered the information provided and knowledge gained at these meetings when performing its review at the May Meeting of the Advisory Agreements. The Independent Board Members are assisted throughout the process by independent legal counsel who provided materials describing applicable law and the duties of directors or trustees in reviewing advisory contracts and met with the Independent Board Members in executive sessions without management present.
The Board considered all factors it believed relevant with respect to each Fund, including among other factors: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Fund Advisers, (b) the investment performance of the Fund and Fund Advisers, (c) the advisory fees and costs of the services to be provided to the Funds and the profitability of the Fund Advisers, (d) the extent of any economies of scale, (e) any benefits derived by the Fund Advisers from the relationship with the Fund and (f) other factors. Each Board Member may have accorded different weight to the various factors in reaching his or her conclusions with respect to a Fund’s Advisory Agreements. The Independent Board Members did not identify any single factor as all important or controlling. The Independent Board Members’ considerations were instead based on a comprehensive consideration of all the information presented. The principal factors considered by the Board and its conclusions are described below.
A. Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
In considering renewal of the Advisory Agreements, the Independent Board Members considered the nature, extent and quality of the Fund Adviser’s services, including advisory services and the resulting Fund performance and administrative services. The Independent Board Members reviewed materials outlining, among other things, the Fund Adviser’s organization and business; the types of services that the Fund Adviser or its affiliates provide to the Funds; the performance record of the applicable Fund (as described in further detail below); and any initiatives Nuveen had taken for the applicable fund product line.
Annual Investment Management Agreement
Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)
In considering advisory services, the Board recognized that the Advisor provides various oversight, administrative, compliance and other services for the Funds and the Sub-Advisor provides the portfolio investment management services to the Funds. The Board recognized that Nuveen engaged in an internal restructuring in 2010 pursuant to which portfolio management services the Advisor had provided directly to the Funds were transferred to the Sub-Advisor, a newly-organized, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Advisor consisting of largely the same investment personnel. Accordingly, in reviewing the portfolio management services provided to each Fund, the Board reviewed the materials provided by the Nuveen Investment Services Oversight Team analyzing, among other things, the Sub-Advisor’s investment team and changes thereto, organization and history, assets under management, Fund objectives and mandate, the investment team’s philosophy and strategies in managing the Fund, developments affecting the Sub-Advisor or Fund and Fund performance. The Independent Board Members also reviewed portfolio manager compensation arrangements to evaluate each Fund Adviser’s ability to attract and retain high quality investment personnel, preserve stability, and reward performance but not provide an incentive to take undue risks. In addition, the Board considered the Advisor’s execution of its oversight responsibilities over the Sub-Advisor. Given the importance of compliance, the Independent Board Members also considered Nuveen’s compliance program, including the report of the chief compliance officer regarding the Funds’ compliance policies and procedures.
In addition to advisory services, the Board considered the quality and extent of administrative and other non-investment advisory services the Advisor and its affiliates provide to the Funds, including product management, investment services (such as oversight of investment policies and procedures, risk management, and pricing), fund administration, oversight of service providers, shareholder services, administration of Board relations, regulatory and portfolio compliance, legal support, managing leverage and promoting an orderly secondary market for common shares.
In reviewing the services provided, the Board also reviewed materials describing various notable initiatives and projects the Advisor performed in connection with the closed-end fund product line. These initiatives included continued activities to refinance auction rate preferred securities; ongoing services to manage leverage that has become increasingly complex; continued secondary market offerings and share repurchases for certain funds; and continued communications efforts with shareholders, fund analysts and financial advisers. With respect to the latter, the Independent Board Members noted Nuveen’s continued commitment to supporting the secondary market for the common shares of its closed-end funds through a comprehensive secondary market communication program designed to raise investor and analyst awareness and understanding of closed-end funds. Nuveen’s support services included, among other things: continuing communications in support of refinancing efforts related to auction rate preferred securities; participating in conferences; communicating continually with closed-end fund analysts covering the Nuveen funds;
providing marketing for the closed-end funds; share purchases; and maintaining and enhancing a closed-end fund website.
Based on their review, the Independent Board Members found that, overall, the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the respective Funds under each applicable Advisory Agreement were satisfactory.
B. The Investment Performance of the Funds and Fund Advisers
The Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed and considered the performance history of each Fund over various time periods. The Board reviewed, among other things, each Fund’s historic investment performance as well as information comparing the Fund’s performance information with that of other funds (the “Performance Peer Group”) based on data provided by an independent provider of mutual fund data and with recognized and/or customized benchmarks.
The Board reviewed reports, including a comprehensive analysis of the Funds’ performance and the applicable investment team. In this regard, the Board reviewed each Fund’s total return information compared to its Performance Peer Group for the quarter, one-, three- and five-year periods ending December 31, 2010 and for the same periods ending March 31, 2011. In addition, the Board reviewed each Fund’s total return information compared to recognized and/or customized benchmarks for the quarter, one- and three-year periods ending December 31, 2010 and for the same periods ending March 31, 2011. The Independent Board Members also reviewed historic premium and discount levels, including a summary of actions taken to address or discuss other developments affecting the secondary market discounts of various funds. This information supplemented the Fund performance information provided to the Board at each of its quarterly meetings.
In reviewing performance comparison information, the Independent Board Members recognized that the usefulness of the comparisons of the performance of certain funds with the performance of their respective Performance Peer Group may be limited because the Performance Peer Group may not adequately represent the objectives and strategies of the applicable funds or may be limited in size or number. The Independent Board Members also noted that the investment experience of a particular shareholder in the Nuveen funds will vary depending on when such shareholder invests in the applicable fund, the class held (if multiple classes are offered) and the performance of the fund (or respective class) during that shareholder’s investment period.
In considering the results of the comparisons, the Independent Board Members observed, among other things, that (a) the Nuveen Insured Tax-Free Advantage Municipal Fund (the “Insured Tax-Free Advantage Fund”), the Nuveen Insured Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (the “Insured Dividend Advantage Fund”) and the Nuveen Premier Insured Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “Premier Insured Fund”) had demonstrated generally favorable performance in comparison to peers, performing in the first or second quartile over various periods and (b) the Nuveen Insured Premium Income
Annual Investment Management Agreement
Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)
Municipal Fund 2 (the “Insured Premium Income Fund 2”) had demonstrated satisfactory performance compared to peers, performing in the third quartile over various periods. They also noted that the Nuveen Insured Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc. (the “Insured Municipal Opportunity Fund”) and the Nuveen Insured Quality Municipal Fund, Inc. (the “Insured Quality Fund”) lagged their peers and/or benchmarks over various periods. With respect to Nuveen funds that lagged their peers and/or benchmarks over various periods, the Independent Board Members considered the factors affecting performance and any steps taken or proposed to address performance issues, and were satisfied with the process followed.
With respect to any Nuveen funds that underperformed their peers and/or benchmarks from time to time, the Board monitors such funds closely and considers any steps necessary or appropriate to address such issues.
Except as otherwise noted above, based on their review, the Independent Board Members determined that each Fund’s investment performance had been satisfactory.
C. | Fees, Expenses and Profitability |
| The Board evaluated the management fees and expenses of each Fund reviewing, among other things, such Fund’s gross management fees, net management fees and net expense ratios in absolute terms as well as compared to the fee and expenses of a comparable universe of funds based on data provided by an independent fund data provider (the “Peer Universe”) and in certain cases, to a more focused subset of funds in the Peer Universe (the “Peer Group”) and any expense limitations. |
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| The Independent Board Members further reviewed the methodology regarding the construction of the applicable Peer Universe and Peer Group (if any). In reviewing the comparisons of fee and expense information, the Independent Board Members took into account that in certain instances various factors such as: the asset level of a fund relative to peers; the limited size and particular composition of the Peer Universe or Peer Group; the investment objectives of the peers; expense anomalies; changes in the funds comprising the Peer Universe or Peer Group from year to year; levels of reimbursement; the timing of information used; and the differences in the type and use of leverage may impact the comparative data thereby limiting the ability to make a meaningful comparison with peers, including for the Insured Dividend Advantage Fund and the Insured Tax-Free Advantage Fund. |
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| In reviewing the fee schedule for a Fund, the Independent Board Members also considered the fund-level and complex-wide breakpoint schedules (described in further detail below) and any fee waivers and reimbursements provided by Nuveen (applicable, in particular, for certain closed-end funds launched since 1999). In reviewing fees and expenses, the Board considered the expenses and fees to be higher if they were over 10 basis points higher, slightly higher if they were 6 to 10 basis points higher, in line if they were within 5 basis points higher than the peer average and below if they were below the peer average of the Peer Group (if available) or Peer Universe if there was no separate Peer Group. |
| The Independent Board Members noted that the Insured Quality Fund and the Premier Insured Fund had higher net management fees than their peer averages and a slightly higher or higher net expense ratio compared to their peer averages while the Insured Municipal Opportunity Fund and the Insured Premium Income Fund 2 had net management fees higher than their peer averages but a net expense ratio in line with their peer averages. In addition, the Independent Board Members observed that each of the other Funds had net management fees and net expense ratios below their peer averages. |
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| Based on their review of the fee and expense information provided, the Independent Board Members determined that each Fund’s management fees were reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund. |
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| 2. Comparisons with the Fees of Other Clients |
| The Independent Board Members further reviewed information regarding the nature of services and fee rates offered by the Advisor to other clients, including municipal separately managed accounts and passively managed exchange traded funds (ETFs) sub-advised by the Advisor. In evaluating the comparisons of fees, the Independent Board Members noted that the fee rates charged to the Funds and other clients vary, among other things, because of the different services involved and the additional regulatory and compliance requirements associated with registered investment companies, such as the Funds. Accordingly, the Independent Board Members considered the differences in the product types, including, but not limited to, the services provided, the structure and operations, product distribution and costs thereof, portfolio investment policies, investor profiles, account sizes and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members noted, in particular, that the range of services provided to the Funds (as discussed above) is much more extensive than that provided to separately managed accounts. Given the inherent differences in the products, particularly the extensive services provided to the Funds, the Independent Board Members believe such facts justify the different levels of fees. |
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| In considering the fees of the Sub-Advisor, the Independent Board Members also considered the pricing schedule or fees that the Sub-Advisor charges for similar investment management services for other Nuveen funds. |
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| 3. Profitability of Fund Advisers |
| In conjunction with its review of fees, the Independent Board Members also considered the profitability of Nuveen for its advisory activities (which incorporated Nuveen’s wholly-owned affiliated sub-advisers) and its financial condition. The Independent Board Members reviewed the revenues and expenses of Nuveen’s advisory activities for the last two years, the allocation methodology used in preparing the profitability data and an analysis of the key drivers behind the changes in revenues and expenses that impacted profitability in 2010. The Independent Board Members noted this information supplemented the profitability information requested and received during the year to help keep them apprised of developments affecting profitability (such as changes in fee waivers and expense reimbursement commitments). In this regard, the Independent Board Members noted that they have an Independent Board Member serve as a point person to |
Annual Investment Management Agreement
Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)
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| review and keep them apprised of changes to the profitability analysis and/or methodologies during the year. The Independent Board Members also considered Nuveen’s revenues for advisory activities, expenses, and profit margin compared to that of various unaffiliated management firms with similar amounts of assets under management and relatively comparable asset composition prepared by Nuveen. |
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| In reviewing profitability, the Independent Board Members recognized the subjective nature of determining profitability which may be affected by numerous factors including the allocation of expenses. Further, the Independent Board Members recognized the difficulties in making comparisons as the profitability of other advisers generally is not publicly available and the profitability information that is available for certain advisers or management firms may not be representative of the industry and may be affected by, among other things, the adviser’s particular business mix, capital costs, types of funds managed and expense allocations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Independent Board Members reviewed Nuveen’s methodology and assumptions for allocating expenses across product lines to determine profitability. In reviewing profitability, the Independent Board Members recognized Nuveen’s investment in its fund business. Based on their review, the Independent Board Members concluded that the Advisor’s level of profitability for its advisory activities was reasonable in light of the services provided. |
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| In evaluating the reasonableness of the compensation, the Independent Board Members also considered other amounts paid to a Fund Adviser by the Funds as well as any indirect benefits (such as soft dollar arrangements, if any) the Fund Adviser and its affiliates receive, or are expected to receive, that are directly attributable to the management of the Funds, if any. See Section E below for additional information on indirect benefits a Fund Adviser may receive as a result of its relationship with the Funds. Based on their review of the overall fee arrangements of each Fund, the Independent Board Members determined that the advisory fees and expenses of the respective Fund were reasonable. |
D. | Economies of Scale and Whether Fee Levels Reflect These Economies of Scale |
With respect to economies of scale, the Independent Board Members have recognized the potential benefits resulting from the costs of a fund being spread over a larger asset base, although economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, particularly on a fund-by-fund basis. One method to help ensure the shareholders share in these benefits is to include breakpoints in the advisory fee schedule. Generally, management fees for funds in the Nuveen complex are comprised of a fund-level component and a complex-level component, subject to certain exceptions. Accordingly, the Independent Board Members reviewed and considered the applicable fund-level breakpoints in the advisory fee schedules that reduce advisory fees as asset levels increase. Further, the Independent Board Members noted that although closed-end funds may from time-to-time make additional share offerings, the growth of their assets will occur primarily through the appreciation of such funds’ investment portfolio.
In addition to fund-level advisory fee breakpoints, the Board also considered the Funds’ complex-wide fee arrangement. Pursuant to the complex-wide fee arrangement, the fees of the funds in the Nuveen complex are generally reduced as the assets in the fund complex reach certain levels. The complex-wide fee arrangement seeks to provide the benefits of economies of scale to fund shareholders when total fund complex assets increase, even if assets of a particular fund are unchanged or have decreased. The approach reflects the notion that some of Nuveen’s costs are attributable to services provided to all its funds in the complex and therefore all funds benefit if these costs are spread over a larger asset base.
Based on their review, the Independent Board Members concluded that the breakpoint schedules and complex-wide fee arrangement were acceptable and reflect economies of scale to be shared with shareholders when assets under management increase.
E. Indirect Benefits
In evaluating fees, the Independent Board Members received and considered information regarding potential “fall out” or ancillary benefits the respective Fund Adviser or its affiliates may receive as a result of its relationship with each Fund. In this regard, the Independent Board Members considered any revenues received by affiliates of the Advisor for serving as agent at Nuveen’s trading desk and as co-manager in initial public offerings of new closed-end funds.
In addition to the above, the Independent Board Members considered whether the Fund Advisers received any benefits from soft dollar arrangements whereby a portion of the commissions paid by a Fund for brokerage may be used to acquire research that may be useful to the Fund Adviser in managing the assets of the Funds and other clients. The Independent Board Members recognized that each Fund Adviser has the authority to pay a higher commission in return for brokerage and research services if it determines in good faith that the commission paid is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. Nevertheless, the Independent Board Members noted that commissions are generally not paid in connection with municipal securities transactions typically executed on a principal basis.
Based on their review, the Independent Board Members concluded that any indirect benefits received by a Fund Adviser as a result of its relationship with the Funds were reasonable and within acceptable parameters.
F. Other Considerations
The Independent Board Members did not identify any single factor discussed previously as all-important or controlling. The Board Members, including the Independent Board Members, unanimously concluded that the terms of each Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable, that the respective Fund Adviser’s fees are reasonable in light of the services provided to each Fund and that the Advisory Agreements be renewed.