Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM N-Q

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

Investment Company Act file number 811-21333

Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

    333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606    

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Kevin J. McCarthy—Vice President and Secretary

    333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606    

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end:       July 31      

Date of reporting period:  April 30, 2016  

Form N-Q is to be used by management investment companies, other than small business investment companies registered on Form N-5 (§§ 239.24 and 274.5 of this chapter), to file reports with the Commission, not later than 60 days after the close of the first and third fiscal quarters, pursuant to rule 30b1-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30b1-5). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-Q in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

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

 

 

 

 

 


Item 1. Schedule of Investments

 

 


JQC

 

Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund

  

Portfolio of Investments

   April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (4)      Maturity (2)      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 147.0% (93.3% of Total Investments)

  

     
 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 120.2% (76.3% of Total Investments) (4)

  

      Aerospace & Defense – 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments)  
$ 4,269     

B/E Aerospace, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    4.000%         12/16/21         BB+      $ 4,296,986   
      Airlines – 0.6% (0.4% of Total Investments)                           
  7,369     

American Airlines, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    3.250%         6/29/20         BB+        7,338,818   
      Automobiles – 2.6% (1.7% of Total Investments)                           
  2,641     

Chrysler Group LLC, Term Loan B

    3.500%         5/24/17         BBB–        2,645,001   
  12,356     

Chrysler Group LLC, Tranche B, Term Loan

    3.250%         12/31/18         BBB–        12,366,838   
  15,795     

Formula One Group, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.750%         7/30/21         B        15,540,753   
  2,000     

Formula One Group, Term Loan, Second Lien

    7.750%         7/29/22         CCC+        1,893,334   
  32,792     

Total Automobiles

                               32,445,926   
      Capital Markets – 1.1% (0.7% of Total Investments)         
  12,902     

RPI Finance Trust, Term Loan B4

    3.500%         11/09/20         Baa2        12,961,140   
      Chemicals – 5.7% (3.6% of Total Investments)                           
  16,935     

Ineos US Finance LLC, Cash Dollar, Term Loan

    3.750%         5/04/18         BB–        16,948,894   
  5,372     

Ineos US Finance LLC, Term Loan B, First Lien

    4.250%         3/31/22         BB–        5,358,703   
  34,241     

Univar, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    4.250%         7/01/22         BB–        33,870,485   
  13,900     

US Coatings Acquisition, Term Loan B

    3.750%         2/01/20         BB–        13,901,032   
  70,448     

Total Chemicals

                               70,079,114   
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.8% (0.5% of Total Investments)                
  9,364     

ADS Waste Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan, Tranche B2

    3.750%         10/09/19         B+        9,346,332   
      Communications Equipment – 1.5% (1.0% of Total Investments)         
  3,296     

Avaya, Inc., Term Loan B3

    5.134%         10/26/17         B2         2,326,134   
  1,886     

Commscope, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    3.828%         12/29/22         BB        1,891,857   
  14,706     

Telesat Canada Inc., Term Loan B

    3.500%         3/28/19         BB        14,718,181   
  19,888     

Total Communications Equipment

                               18,936,172   
      Consumer Finance – 4.2% (2.6% of Total Investments)         
  23,173     

First Data Corporation, Term Loan B

    4.189%         7/08/22         BB        23,193,607   
  7,000     

First Data Corporation, Term Loan B1, Second Lien

    3.939%         9/24/18         BB        7,011,669   
  21,000     

First Data Corporation, Term Loan B, First Lien

    4.439%         3/24/21         BB        21,076,195   
  51,173     

Total Consumer Finance

                               51,281,471   
      Containers & Packaging – 1.6% (1.0% of Total Investments)         
  1,805     

Berry Plastics Holding Corporation, Term Loan F

    4.000%         10/03/22         BB        1,812,193   
  17,641     

Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc., Incremental US Term Loan, First Lien

    4.500%         12/01/18         B+        17,718,389   
  19,446     

Total Containers & Packaging

                               19,530,582   
      Diversified Consumer Services – 4.8% (3.0% of Total Investments)                
  10,238     

Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc., Exit Term Loan

    7.000%         3/31/20         B+        10,197,104   
  5,000     

Global Payments, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    3.941%         3/24/23         BBB–        5,055,210   
  25,879     

Hilton Hotels Corporation, Term Loan B2

    3.500%         10/25/20         BBB–        25,982,600   
  648     

Laureate Education, Inc., Term Loan B

    5.000%         6/15/18         B        602,581   
  17,100     

ServiceMaster Company, Term Loan

    4.250%         7/01/21         BB        17,185,709   
  58,865     

Total Diversified Consumer Services

                               59,023,204   

 

Nuveen Investments     1   


JQC    Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (4)      Maturity (2)      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 5.2% (3.3% of Total Investments)         
$ 7,382     

Level 3 Financing, Inc., Term Loan B2

    3.500%         5/31/22         Ba1      $ 7,404,422   
  16,346     

WideOpenWest Finance LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%         4/01/19         Ba3        16,297,248   
  15,161     

Ziggo N.V., Term Loan B1

    3.652%         1/15/22         BB–        15,129,301   
  9,770     

Ziggo N.V., Term Loan B2

    3.648%         1/15/22         BB–        9,749,607   
  16,069     

Ziggo N.V., Term Loan B3, Delayed Draw

    3.601%         1/15/22         BB–        16,034,622   
  64,728     

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               64,615,200   
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.2% (0.2% of Total Investments)         
  5,994     

Drill Rigs Holdings, Inc., Tranche B1, Term Loan

    6.000%         3/31/21         CCC+        2,937,313   
      Food & Staples Retailing – 5.2% (3.3% of Total Investments)         
  13,232     

Albertson’s LLC, Term Loan B2

    5.500%         3/21/19         BB        13,268,292   
  28,710     

Albertson’s LLC, Term Loan B4

    5.500%         8/25/21         BB        28,847,578   
  12,436     

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc., Replacement Loan, First Lien

    4.500%         9/26/19         B–        12,338,725   
  7,464     

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc., Replacement Loan, Second Lien

    8.500%         3/26/20         CCC        7,259,007   
  1,939     

Supervalu, Inc., New Term Loan

    4.500%         3/21/19         BB        1,921,539   
  63,781     

Total Food & Staples Retailing

                               63,635,141   
      Food Products – 3.4% (2.2% of Total Investments)         
  9,847     

Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Term Loan B

    4.250%         7/02/22         BB        9,883,585   
  32,052     

US Foods, Inc., Incremental Term Loan

    4.500%         3/31/19         B        32,052,162   
  41,899     

Total Food Products

                               41,935,747   
      Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 4.6% (2.9% of Total Investments)                
  9,818     

ConvaTec Healthcare, Term Loan B

    4.250%         6/15/20         N/R        9,861,306   
  15,472     

Kinetic Concepts, Inc., Incremental Term Loan E1

    4.500%         5/04/18         BB–        15,485,938   
  9,115     

Onex Carestream Finance LP, Term Loan, First Lien

    5.000%         6/07/19         B+        8,796,299   
  11,672     

Onex Carestream Finance LP, Term Loan, Second Lien

    9.500%         12/09/19         B–        10,300,290   
  11,617     

Sterigenics International, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.250%         5/16/22         B1         11,616,633   
  57,694     

Total Health Care Equipment & Supplies

                               56,060,466   
      Health Care Providers & Services – 5.8% (3.7% of Total Investments)                
  386     

Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan F

    3.750%         12/31/18         BB        384,748   
  7,529     

Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan G

    3.750%         12/31/19         BB        7,426,802   
  13,567     

Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan H

    4.000%         1/27/21         BB        13,385,323   
  12,914     

Drumm Investors LLC, Term Loan

    9.500%         5/04/18         B        12,591,263   
  11,903     

Millennium Laboratories, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    7.500%         12/21/20         N/R        9,284,432   
  8,275     

National Mentor Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.250%         1/31/21         B+        8,267,507   
  1,850     

Quorum Health Corp., Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD         TBD         B1         1,849,711   
  17,955     

U.S. Renal Care, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    5.250%         12/30/22         B1         18,027,951   
  74,379     

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                               71,217,737   
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 7.5% (4.7% of Total Investments)                
  34,333     

Burger King Corporation, Term Loan B

    3.750%         12/10/21         Ba3        34,429,952   
  1,623     

CCM Merger, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%         8/08/21         BB–        1,630,460   
  6,164     

Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.000%         4/24/18         BB–        6,177,334   
  12,903     

Life Time Fitness, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.250%         6/10/22         BB–        12,854,116   
  4,800     

MGM Growth Properties, Term Loan B

    4.000%         4/07/23         BB–        4,836,000   
  7,406     

Scientific Games Corporation, Term Loan B2

    6.000%         10/01/21         BB–        7,315,990   
  8,798     

Scientific Games Corporation, Term Loan

    6.000%         10/18/20         BB–        8,687,531   
  15,734     

Station Casino LLC, Term Loan B

    4.250%         3/02/20         B+        15,786,078   
  91,761     

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                               91,717,461   
      Household Durables – 1.0% (0.6% of Total Investments)                
  11,956     

Serta Simmons Holdings LLC, Term Loan

    4.250%         10/01/19         BB–        11,998,972   
      Insurance – 0.9% (0.6% of Total Investments)         
  10,726     

Hub International Holdings, Inc., Initial Term Loan

    4.250%         10/02/20         Ba3        10,645,654   

 

  2      Nuveen Investments


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (4)      Maturity (2)      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Internet & Catalog Retail – 2.4% (1.5% of Total Investments)         
$ 29,600     

Travelport LLC, Term Loan B, First Lien

    5.750%         9/02/21         B+      $ 29,701,533   
      Internet Software & Services – 3.7% (2.3% of Total Investments)         
  36,390     

Sabre Inc., Term Loan

    4.000%         2/19/19         Ba2        36,530,295   
  9,900     

Tibco Software, Inc., Term Loan B

    6.500%         12/04/20         B1         8,984,250   
  46,290     

Total Internet Software & Services

                               45,514,545   
      IT Services – 0.2% (0.1% of Total Investments)                           
  2,603     

Zayo Group LLC, Term Loan B

    3.750%         5/06/21         Ba2        2,604,926   
      Leisure Products – 0.5% (0.3% of Total Investments)                           
  3,125     

Academy, Ltd., Term Loan B

    5.000%         7/01/22         B        3,078,615   
  2,574     

Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.750%         1/30/19         BB–        2,575,773   
  5,699     

Total Leisure Products

                               5,654,388   
      Machinery – 0.5% (0.3% of Total Investments)                           
  5,850     

Rexnord LLC, Term Loan B

    4.000%         8/21/20         BB–        5,820,750   
      Media – 10.4% (6.6% of Total Investments)         
  3,595     

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    4.250%         7/23/21         B1         3,566,599   
  2,950     

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Inc., Term Loan, Second Lien

    7.500%         7/25/22         CCC+        2,795,125   
  7,246     

Acquisitions Cogeco Cable II L.P., Term Loan B

    3.250%         11/30/19         BB        7,252,571   
  1,358     

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.,Term Loan E

    7.935%         7/30/19         Caa1        1,012,825   
  1,235     

Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Tranche D, Term Loan

    7.185%         1/30/19         Caa1        924,799   
  33,847     

Cumulus Media, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.250%         12/23/20         B3         23,389,468   
  29,518     

EMI Music Publishing LLC, Term Loan B3

    4.000%         8/19/22         BB–        29,536,930   
  11,970     

Numericable Group S.A., Term Loan

    4.750%         2/10/23         B+        12,001,792   
  6,566     

Springer Science & Business Media, Inc., Term Loan B9, First Lien

    4.750%         8/14/20         B1         6,426,486   
  31,902     

Tribune Company, Term Loan B

    3.750%         12/27/20         BB+        31,826,732   
  4,245     

Univision Communications, Inc., Replacement Term Loan, First Lien

    4.000%         3/01/20         B+        4,249,854   
  5,190     

Virgin Media Investment Holdings, Term Loan F, First Lien

    3.500%         6/30/23         BB–        5,187,214   
  139,622     

Total Media

                               128,170,395   
      Multiline Retail – 1.0% (0.7% of Total Investments)                
  7,000     

Belk, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    5.750%         12/12/22         B+        6,260,625   
  3,475     

Dollar Tree, Inc., Term Loan B1

    3.500%         7/06/22         BBB        3,490,326   
  2,840     

Dollar Tree, Inc., Term Loan B2

    4.250%         7/06/22         BBB        2,847,543   
  13,315     

Total Multiline Retail

                               12,598,494   
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.4% (0.3% of Total Investments)                
  1,135     

Crestwood Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    8.619%         6/19/19         B–        1,014,086   
  5,115     

Fieldwood Energy LLC, Term Loan, Second Lien

    8.375%         9/30/20         CCC–        1,400,244   
  4,567     

Harvey Gulf International Marine, Inc., Term Loan B, (DD1)

    5.500%         6/18/20         B–        2,675,630   
  10,817     

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               5,089,960   
      Pharmaceuticals – 4.9% (3.1% of Total Investments)                
  4,489     

Endo Health Solutions, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.750%         9/26/22         Ba1        4,481,267   
  36,022     

Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    4.250%         8/18/22         B1         36,021,579   
  7,154     

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Term Loan C2

    4.750%         12/11/19         Ba2        6,984,120   
  10,842     

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Tranche B, Term Loan E

    4.750%         8/05/20         BB–        10,561,563   
  2,258     

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Tranche B, Term Loan F

    5.000%         4/01/22         Ba2        2,215,334   
  60,765     

Total Pharmaceuticals

                               60,263,863   
      Professional Services – 0.1% (0.0% of Total Investments)                
  923     

Ceridian Corporation, Term Loan B2

    4.500%         9/15/20         Ba3        886,522   
      Real Estate Investment Trust – 5.9% (3.8% of Total Investments)                
  28,783     

Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

    5.000%         10/24/22         BB+        28,302,782   
  24,079     

iStar Financial, Inc., Term Loan, Tranche A2, First Lien

    7.000%         3/19/17         Ba3        24,139,176   
  17,007     

Realogy Corporation, Initial Term Loan B

    3.750%         3/05/20         BB+        17,036,514   

 

Nuveen Investments     3   


JQC    Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (4)      Maturity (2)      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Real Estate Investment Trust (continued)                
$ 4,161     

Walter Investment Management Corporation, Tranche B, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.750%         12/18/20         BB–      $ 3,658,757   
  74,030     

Total Real Estate Investment Trust

                               73,137,229   
      Real Estate Management & Development – 1.4% (0.9% of Total Investments)                
  17,341     

Capital Automotive LP, Term Loan, Tranche B1

    4.000%         4/10/19         Ba2        17,399,569   
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 6.3% (4.0% of Total Investments)                
  45,000     

Avago Technologies, Term Loan B, First Lien

    4.250%         2/01/23         BBB        45,109,395   
  8,524     

Microsemi Corporation, Term Loan B, First Lien

    5.250%         1/16/23         Ba2        8,595,979   
  10,723     

NXP Semiconductor LLC, Term Loan B, First Lien

    3.750%         12/07/20         BBB–        10,773,395   
  13,250     

On Semiconductor Corp., Term Loan B, First Lien, (DD1)

    5.250%         3/31/23         Ba1        13,337,781   
  77,497     

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

                               77,816,550   
      Software – 15.7% (10.0% of Total Investments)                           
  4,102     

Blackboard, Inc., Term Loan B3

    4.750%         10/04/18         B+        3,861,290   
  31,692     

BMC Software, Inc., Initial Term Loan

    5.000%         9/10/20         B1         27,453,015   
  10,697     

Compuware Corporation, Tranche B2, Term Loan, First Lien

    6.250%         12/15/21         B        10,351,692   
  28,233     

Ellucian, Term Loan B, First Lien

    4.750%         9/30/22         B        28,233,246   
  16,807     

Emdeon Business Services LLC, Term Loan B2

    3.750%         11/02/18         Ba3        16,796,176   
  24,388     

Infor Global Solutions Intermediate Holdings, Ltd., Term Loan B5

    3.750%         6/03/20         B+        23,878,247   
  6,468     

Informatica Corp.,Term Loan B

    4.250%         8/05/22         B        6,391,371   
  18,169     

Kronos Incorporated, Initial Term Loan, Second Lien

    9.750%         4/30/20         CCC        18,510,007   
  1,485     

Micro Focus International PLC, Term Loan C

    4.500%         11/20/19         BB–        1,483,144   
  9,029     

Micro Focus International PLC, Term Loan B

    5.250%         11/19/21         BB–        9,031,110   
  15,000     

Misys PLC, Term Loan, Second Lien

    12.000%         6/12/19         CCC+        15,768,750   
  12,784     

SS&C Technologies, Inc./ Sunshine Acquisition II, Inc., Term Loan B1

    4.007%         7/08/22         BB        12,842,525   
  1,821     

SS&C Technologies, Inc./ Sunshine Acquisition II, Inc., Term Loan B2

    4.019%         7/08/22         BB        1,829,696   
  8,500     

Vertafore, Inc., Term Loan, Second Lien

    9.750%         10/27/17         CCC+        8,527,625   
  7,976     

Zebra Technologies Corporation, Term Loan B, First Lien

    4.750%         10/27/21         BB+        8,044,488   
  197,151     

Total Software

                               193,002,382   
      Specialty Retail – 4.8% (3.0% of Total Investments)                           
  7,447     

Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, Term Loan B3

    4.250%         8/13/21         BB        7,474,592   
  1,647     

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    4.000%         3/16/18         Ba3        1,631,950   
  2,833     

Michaels Stores, Inc. Term Loan, First Lien

    3.750%         1/28/20         Ba2        2,840,684   
  7,586     

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., Term Loan B1

    5.750%         1/26/23         B1         7,641,463   
  39,330     

Petsmart, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.250%         3/11/22         BB–        39,252,065   
  58,843     

Total Specialty Retail

                               58,840,754   
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 3.4% (2.2% of Total Investments)                
  30,457     

Dell, Inc., Term Loan B2

    4.000%         4/29/20         BBB        30,470,715   
  12,000     

Western Digital, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien, (WI/DD)

    TBD         TBD         BBB–        11,827,500   
  42,457     

Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

                               42,298,215   
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 1.4% (0.9% of Total Investments)                
  17,038     

HD Supply, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.750%         8/13/21         BB        17,052,966   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.2% (0.1% of Total Investments)                
  2,693     

T-Mobile USA, Term Loan B

    3.500%         11/09/22         BBB–        2,712,439   
$ 1,511,968     

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $1,518,760,865)

  

              1,478,568,916   
Shares     Description (1)                           Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS – 1.0% (0.6% of Total Investments)

  

  
      Diversified Consumer Services – 0.6% (0.4% of Total Investments)                
  403,318     

Cengage Learning Holdings II LP, (5), (6)

                             $ 7,663,042   

 

  4      Nuveen Investments


Shares     Description (1)                           Value  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.1% (0.0% of Total Investments)                
  10,935     

Vantage Drill International, (5), (6)

                             $ 1,038,825   
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.2% (0.1% of Total Investments)                
  348,604     

Millennium Health LLC, (5), (6)

                               2,265,926   
      Media – 0.1% (0.1% of Total Investments)                
  51,720     

Affinion Group Holdings, Inc., (5), (6)

             504,272   
  2,174     

Cumulus Media, Inc., (5)

             808   
  22,352     

Tribune Media Company

             861,669   
  17,987     

Tribune Media Company, (7)

               
  5,588     

Tribune Publishing Company

                               63,312   
 

Total Media

                               1,430,061   
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $26,732,959)

  

              12,397,854   
Shares     Description (1), (8)                           Value  
      EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS – 0.8% (0.5% of Total Investments)                
  113,500     

I-Shares I-Boxx High Yield Corporate Bond Fund

                             $ 9,516,975   
 

Total Exchange-Traded Funds (cost $10,001,749)

                               9,516,975   
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon              Ratings (3)      Value  
      CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments)                
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments)                           
  5,000     

Allergan PLC

    0.000%                  N/R      $ 4,057,450   
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $5,270,220)

                               4,057,450   
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      CORPORATE BONDS – 24.7% (15.7% of Total Investments)                
      Chemicals – 0.5% (0.3% of Total Investments)                           
$ 7,500     

Hexion Inc., (9)

    6.625%         4/15/20         B3       $ 6,281,250   
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments)                
  3,900     

NES Rental Holdings Inc., 144A

    7.875%         5/01/18         B–        3,724,500   
      Communications Equipment – 1.8% (1.2% of Total Investments)                
  19,000     

Avaya Inc., 144A, (9)

    7.000%         4/01/19         B2         11,922,500   
  10,000     

Avaya Inc., 144A

    10.500%         3/01/21         Caa2        2,000,000   
  8,510     

CommScope Technologies Finance LLC, 144A, (9)

    6.000%         6/15/25         B        8,680,200   
  37,510     

Total Communications Equipment

                               22,602,700   
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.4% (0.3% of Total Investments)  
  5,015     

Argos Merger Sub Inc., 144A

    7.125%         3/15/23         B–        5,127,838   
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 2.7% (1.7% of Total Investments)  
  4,660     

Frontier Communications Corporation, 144A

    10.500%         9/15/22         BB        4,805,625   
  10,000     

Frontier Communications Corporation, (9)

    6.250%         9/15/21         BB        9,300,000   
  6,000     

Frontier Communications Corporation

    6.875%         1/15/25         BB        4,995,000   
  2,385     

IntelSat Jackson Holdings, 144A

    8.000%         2/15/24         B1         2,468,475   
  11,800     

IntelSat Limited

    7.750%         6/01/21         CC        3,953,000   
  23,355     

IntelSat Limited

    8.125%         6/01/23         CC        7,648,762   
  58,200     

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               33,170,862   
      Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 1.3% (0.8% of Total Investments)                
  14,500     

Zebra Technologies Corporation, (9)

    7.250%         10/15/22         B+        15,697,700   

 

Nuveen Investments     5   


JQC    Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.1% (0.1% of Total Investments)                
$ 1,000     

Rite Aid Corporation, 144A

    6.125%         4/01/23         B      $ 1,070,625   
      Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 1.8% (1.1% of Total Investments)                
  15,460     

Tenet Healthcare Corporation, (9)

    8.125%         4/01/22         B3         16,039,750   
  5,600     

Tenet Healthcare Corporation

    6.750%         6/15/23         B3         5,558,000   
  21,060     

Total Health Care Equipment & Supplies

                               21,597,750   
      Health Care Providers & Services – 1.6% (1.0% of Total Investments)                
  10,000     

Community Health Systems, Inc., (9)

    6.875%         2/01/22         B+        9,093,750   
  12,500     

DJO Finco Inc. / DJO Finance LLC / DJO Finance Corporation, 144A, (9)

    8.125%         6/15/21         CCC+        10,937,500   
  22,500     

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                               20,031,250   
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 1.6% (1.0% of Total Investments)                
  4,250     

Scientific Games Corporation, 144A

    7.000%         1/01/22         BB–        4,319,062   
  18,750     

Scientific Games International Inc.

    10.000%         12/01/22         B        15,496,875   
  23,000     

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                               19,815,937   
      Media – 2.2% (1.4% of Total Investments)                
  572     

Affinion International Holdings Co, 144A

    7.500%         7/30/18         B–        474,760   
  2,860     

Altice US Finance I Corporation, 144A

    5.375%         7/15/23         BB–        2,920,203   
  4,000     

CCO Holdings LLC Finance Corporation, 144A

    5.125%         5/01/23         BB–        4,080,000   
  10,609     

Clear Channel Communications, Inc., (9)

    9.000%         12/15/19         Caa1        8,221,975   
  40,609     

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

    14.000%         2/01/21         CC        11,066,026   
  300     

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

    9.000%         3/01/21         Caa1        212,250   
  58,950     

Total Media

                               26,975,214   
      Multiline Retail – 0.6% (0.4% of Total Investments)                
  7,375     

Family Tree Escrow LLC, 144A, (9)

    5.750%         3/01/23         BB–        7,863,594   
      Pharmaceuticals – 1.1% (0.7% of Total Investments)                           
  4,850     

Concordia Healthcare Corporation, 144A

    9.500%         10/21/22         CCC+        4,919,719   
  3,600     

Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco Inc., 144A

    6.000%         7/15/23         B1         3,501,000   
  5,350     

Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco Inc., 144A

    6.000%         2/01/25         B1         5,109,250   
  13,800     

Total Pharmaceuticals

                               13,529,969   
      Real Estate Investment Trust – 1.1% (0.7% of Total Investments)                
  13,950     

Communications Sales & Leasing Inc., (9)

    8.250%         10/15/23         BB–        13,217,625   
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 1.3% (0.8% of Total Investments)         
  14,000     

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., (9)

    7.000%         7/01/24         CCC        10,395,000   
  5,625     

Micron Technology, Inc., 144A

    7.500%         9/15/23         Baa2        5,821,875   
  19,625     

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

                               16,216,875   
      Software – 0.5% (0.3% of Total Investments)                
  2,830     

Balboa Merger Sub Inc., 144A

    11.375%         12/01/21         CCC        2,334,750   
  5,000     

BMC Software Finance Inc., 144A

    8.125%         7/15/21         CCC+        3,700,000   
  7,830     

Total Software

                               6,034,750   
      Specialty Retail – 0.6% (0.4% of Total Investments)                
  9,500     

Claires Stores, Inc., 144A , (9)

    9.000%         3/15/19         CCC        6,840,000   
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 5.2% (3.3% of Total Investments)         
  12,000     

Altice Financing SA, 144A, (9)

    6.625%         2/15/23         BB–        11,865,600   
  2,500     

Sprint Corporation

    7.250%         9/15/21         B+        2,018,750   
  41,000     

Sprint Corporation, (9)

    7.875%         9/15/23         B+        31,980,000   
  5,000     

T-Mobile USA Inc., (9)

    6.250%         4/01/21         BB        5,212,500   

 

  6      Nuveen Investments


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services (continued)         
$ 12,000     

T-Mobile USA Inc., (9)

    6.375%         3/01/25         BB      $ 12,600,000   
  72,500     

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               63,676,850   
$ 397,715     

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $393,454,112)

  

              303,475,289   
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $1,954,219,905)

  

     1,808,016,484   
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity              Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 10.6% (6.7% of Total Investments)

  

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 10.6% (6.7% of Total Investments)

 

     
$ 130,723     

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 4/29/16, repurchase price $130,723,607,
collateralized by $124,615,000 U.S. Treasury Notes,
2.500%, due 5/15/24, value $133,338,050

    0.030%         5/02/16                $ 130,723,280   
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $130,723,280)

                               130,723,280   
 

Total Investments (cost $2,084,943,185) – 157.6%

                               1,938,739,764   
 

Borrowings – (45.6)% (10), (11)

                               (561,000,000
 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements – (10.6)% (12)

                               (130,723,280
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (1.4)% (13)

                               (17,294,087
 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%

                             $ 1,229,722,397   

Investments in Derivatives as of April 30, 2016

Credit Default Swaps outstanding:

 

Counterparty

 

Referenced Entity

   

Buy/Sell

Protection (14)

   

Current

Credit

Spread (15)

   

Notional

Amount

   

Fixed Rate

(Annualized)

   

Termination

Date

   

Value

   

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

    Markit CDX NA HY 26        Buy        4.59   $ 10,000,000        5.000     6/20/21      $ 343,417      $ 60,828   

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received 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 following is a summary of the three-tiered hierarchy of valuation input levels.

 

Level 1 –   Inputs are unadjusted and prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 –   Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 –   Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

Nuveen Investments     7   


JQC    Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund   
   Portfolio of Investments (continued)    April 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the Fund’s fair value measurements as of the end of the reporting period:

 

      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Long-Term Investments:

           

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

   $       $ 1,478,568,916       $   —       $ 1,478,568,916   

Common Stocks

     925,789         11,472,065              12,397,854   

Exchange-Traded Funds

     9,516,975                         9,516,975   

Convertible Preferred Securities

     4,057,450                         4,057,450   

Corporate Bonds

             303,475,289                 303,475,289   

Short-Term Investments:

           

Repurchase Agreements

             130,723,280                 130,723,280   

Investments in Derivatives:

           

Credit Default Swaps**

             60,828                 60,828   

Total

   $ 14,500,214       $ 1,924,300,378       $       $ 1,938,800,592   
* Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.
** Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

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 the treatment of timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions and recognition of premium amortization. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities presented in the annual report, based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the net asset value of the Fund.

As of April 30, 2016, the cost of investments (excluding investments in derivatives) was $2,090,028,783.

Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments (excluding investments in derivatives) as of April 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized:

          

Appreciation

     $ 10,023,627   

Depreciation

       (161,312,646

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     $ (151,289,019

 

  8      Nuveen Investments


For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to common shares unless otherwise noted.

 

(2) Senior loans generally are subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment. Because of these mandatory prepayment conditions and because there may be significant economic incentives for a borrower to prepay, prepayments of senior loans may occur. As a result, the actual remaining maturity of senior loans held may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown.

 

(3) Ratings: Using the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.

 

(4) Senior loans generally pay interest at rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term, floating lending rate plus an assigned fixed rate. These floating lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate referenced by the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks. Senior loans may be considered restricted in that the Fund ordinarily is contractually obligated to receive approval from the agent bank and/or borrower prior to the disposition of a senior loan. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(5) Non-income producing; issuer has not declared a dividend within the past twelve months.

 

(6) For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2.

 

(7) Investment valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by, or at the discretion of, the Board. For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 3.

 

(8) A copy of the most recent financial statements for these exchange-traded funds can be obtained directly from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on its website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

(9) Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in reverse repurchase agreements.

 

(10) Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 28.9%.

 

(11) The Fund segregates 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives or reverse repurchase agreements, when applicable) as collateral for borrowings.

 

(12) Reverse Repurchase Agreements as a percentage of Total Investments is 6.7%.

 

(13) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as well as the OTC-cleared and exchange-traded derivatives, when applicable.

 

(14) The Fund entered into the credit default swap to gain investment exposure to the referenced entity. Selling protection has a similar credit risk position to owning the referenced entity. Buying protection has a similar credit risk position to selling the referenced entity short.

 

(15) The credit spread generally serves as an indication of the current status of the payment/performance risk and therefore the likelihood of default of the credit derivative. The credit spread also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into a credit default swap contract. Higher credit spreads are indicative of higher likelihood of performance by the seller of protection.

 

(DD1) Portion of investment purchased on a delayed delivery basis.

 

(WI/DD) Purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 

144A Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

TBD Senior loan purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Certain details associated with this purchase are not known prior to the settlement date of the transaction. In addition, senior loans typically trade without accrued interest and therefore a weighted average coupon rate is not available prior to settlement. At settlement, if still unknown, the borrower or counterparty will provide the Fund with the final weighted average coupon rate and maturity date.

 

USD-LIBOR-ICE United States Dollar – London Inter-Bank Offered Rate-Intercontinental Exchange.

 

Nuveen Investments     9   


Item 2. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

  b. There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 3. Exhibits.

File as exhibits as part of this Form a separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)), exactly as set forth below: EX-99 CERT Attached hereto.

 

 


SIGNATURES

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

 

(Registrant)    Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund   
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Kevin J. McCarthy                                                               
   Kevin J. McCarthy   
   Vice President and Secretary   

Date: June 29, 2016

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

 

By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman                                                        
   Gifford R. Zimmerman   
   Chief Administrative Officer (principal executive officer)   
Date: June 29, 2016      
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Stephen D. Foy                                                                    
   Stephen D. Foy   
   Vice President and Controller (principal financial officer)   
Date: June 29, 2016