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 811-21471

 

Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy 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:

12/31

 

Date of reporting period:

3/31/2015

 

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

 



 

 

 

Portfolio of Investments (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund  (JTA)

 

 

 

March 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Description (1)

 

Value

 

 

 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS - 140.9% (96.5% of Total Investments)

 

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCKS - 100.6% (68.9% of Total Investments)

 

 

 

 

 

Airlines - 0.8%

 

 

 

15,900

 

Copa Holdings S.A.

 

$        1,605,423

 

 

 

Automobiles - 3.7%

 

 

 

23,700

 

Daimler AG, Sponsored ADR, (2)

 

2,215,950

 

176,720

 

Ford Motor Company

 

2,852,261

 

60,800

 

General Motors Company

 

2,280,000

 

 

 

Total Automobiles

 

7,348,211

 

 

 

Banks - 8.4%

 

 

 

148,000

 

Barclays PLC, Sponsored ADR

 

2,156,360

 

77,000

 

Citigroup Inc.

 

3,967,040

 

211,800

 

ING Groep N.V., Sponsored ADR

 

3,094,398

 

63,200

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

3,828,656

 

68,000

 

Wells Fargo & Company

 

3,699,200

 

 

 

Total Banks

 

16,745,654

 

 

 

Capital Markets - 5.3%

 

 

 

194,000

 

Ares Capital Corporation

 

3,330,980

 

121,400

 

Bank New York Mellon

 

4,885,136

 

124,700

 

UBS Group AG, (2)

 

2,338,262

 

 

 

Total Capital Markets

 

10,554,378

 

 

 

Chemicals - 2.3%

 

 

 

45,100

 

Agrium Inc.

 

4,702,577

 

 

 

Communications Equipment - 3.8%

 

 

 

123,500

 

Cisco Systems, Inc.

 

3,399,338

 

339,000

 

Ericsson, Sponsored ADR (3)

 

4,254,450

 

 

 

Total Communications Equipment

 

7,653,788

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging - 2.0%

 

 

 

77,000

 

Avery Dennison Corporation

 

4,074,070

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services - 2.5%

 

 

 

613,000

 

Deutsche Boerse AG, ADR, (2)

 

4,968,365

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services - 5.3%

 

 

 

271,000

 

Bezeq Israeli Telecommunication Corporation Limited, ADR, (2)

 

2,528,240

 

194,500

 

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, ADR

 

5,994,490

 

304,600

 

TDC A/S, (2)

 

2,182,447

 

 

 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

 

10,705,177

 

 

 

Electric Utilities - 1.1%

 

 

 

589,000

 

EDP - Energias de Portugal, S.A., (2)

 

2,205,890

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing - 3.1%

 

 

 

60,800

 

CVS Caremark Corporation, (3)

 

6,275,168

 

 

 

Food Products - 1.4%

 

 

 

362,600

 

Orkla ASA, Sponsored ADR

 

2,730,378

 

 

 

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers - 0.6%

 

 

 

34,000

 

Abengoa Yield PLC

 

1,148,520

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates - 2.8%

 

 

 

86,600

 

General Electric Company

 

2,148,546

 

120,010

 

Philips Electronics

 

3,401,083

 

 

 

Total Industrial Conglomerates

 

5,549,629

 

 

 

Insurance - 10.5%

 

 

 

133,500

 

Allinaz S.E., Sponsored ADR, (2)

 

2,323,568

 

59,100

 

American International Group

 

3,238,089

 

168,700

 

Aviva PLC, Sponsored ADR

 

2,727,879

 

62,000

 

Swiss Re AG, Sponsored ADR, (2)

 

6,006,591

 

198,400

 

Unum Group

 

6,692,032

 

 

 

Total Insurance

 

20,988,159

 

 

 

Media - 9.4%

 

 

 

184,000

 

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

 

4,070,080

 

2,099

 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, (2), (4)

 

154,801

 

44,620

 

National CineMedia, Inc.

 

673,762

 

200,000

 

ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, ADR, (2)

 

2,440,000

 

335,000

 

RTL Group SA, ADR, (2)

 

3,222,633

 

59,400

 

Time Warner Inc.

 

5,015,736

 

3,958

 

Tribune Company

 

240,686

 

3,185

 

Tribune Company, (4), (5)

 

 

989

 

Tribune Publishing Company

 

19,187

 

45,000

 

Viacom Inc., Class B

 

3,073,500

 

 

 

Total Media

 

18,910,385

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 4.6%

 

 

 

28,300

 

Phillips 66

 

2,224,380

 

52,800

 

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A, Sponsored ADR (3)

 

3,149,520

 

66,000

 

Suncor Energy, Inc.

 

1,930,500

 

40,000

 

Total SA, Sponsored ADR

 

1,986,400

 

 

 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

9,290,800

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals - 19.2%

 

 

 

73,400

 

AbbVie Inc.

 

4,296,836

 

35,800

 

AstraZeneca PLC, Sponsored ADR

 

2,449,794

 

143,500

 

GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Sponsored ADR

 

6,622,525

 

51,000

 

Merck & Company Inc.

 

2,931,480

 

157,500

 

Pfizer Inc., (3)

 

5,479,425

 

100,000

 

Roche Holdings AG, Sponsored ADR, (2)

 

3,438,000

 

140,200

 

Sanofi, ADR, (3)

 

6,931,488

 

102,100

 

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Sponsored ADR, (3)

 

6,360,830

 

 

 

Total Pharmaceuticals

 

38,510,378

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trust - 3.0%

 

 

 

119,500

 

Paramount Group Inc.

 

2,306,350

 

115,000

 

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust

 

2,448,350

 

70,000

 

Redwood Trust Inc.

 

1,250,900

 

 

 

Total Real Estate Investment Trust

 

6,005,600

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 2.5%

 

 

 

45,500

 

Analog Devices, Inc.

 

2,866,500

 

46,000

 

Microchip Technology Incorporated, (6)

 

2,249,400

 

 

 

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

 

5,115,900

 

 

 

Software - 5.2%

 

 

 

97,000

 

Microsoft Corporation, (6)

 

3,943,535

 

151,500

 

Oracle Corporation

 

6,537,225

 

 

 

Total Software

 

10,480,760

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 1.0%

 

 

 

38,000

 

Seagate Technology

 

1,977,140

 

 

 

Tobacco - 2.1%

 

 

 

47,200

 

Imperial Tobacco Group, Sponsored ADR, (2)

 

4,151,711

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (cost $163,788,378)

 

201,698,061

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Description (1)

 

Coupon

 

 

 

Ratings (7)

 

Value

 

 

 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES - 0.7% (0.4% of Total Investments)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services - 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

37,500

 

IntelSat SA

 

5.750%

 

 

 

N/R

 

$        1,305,000

 

 

 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $2,018,655)

 

 

 

 

 

1,305,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Description (1)

 

Coupon

 

 

 

Ratings (7)

 

Value

 

 

 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED - 9.5% (6.5% of Total Investments)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banks - 3.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,800

 

Boston Private Financial Holdings Inc.

 

6.950%

 

 

 

N/R

 

$           357,420

 

81,800

 

Citigroup Inc.

 

6.875%

 

 

 

BB+

 

2,229,869

 

25,445

 

City National Corporation

 

6.750%

 

 

 

Baa3

 

741,213

 

6,525

 

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2)

 

6.250%

 

 

 

BBB+

 

667,385

 

3,250

 

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank, (2)

 

6.125%

 

 

 

BBB+

 

299,609

 

17,300

 

Fifth Third Bancorp.

 

6.625%

 

 

 

BB+

 

488,725

 

10,000

 

First Republic Bank of San Francisco

 

7.000%

 

 

 

BBB-

 

278,200

 

7,000

 

MB Financial Inc.

 

8.000%

 

 

 

N/R

 

193,480

 

2,873

 

PNC Financial Services

 

6.125%

 

 

 

BBB-

 

82,742

 

13,840

 

RBS Capital Trust

 

6.080%

 

 

 

BB-

 

342,817

 

18,625

 

Regions Financial Corporation

 

6.375%

 

 

 

BB

 

482,760

 

21

 

TCF Financial Corporation

 

7.500%

 

 

 

BB-

 

566

 

20,400

 

U.S. Bancorp.

 

6.500%

 

 

 

Baa1

 

606,084

 

 

 

Total Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,770,870

 

 

 

Capital Markets - 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,750

 

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.

 

8.000%

 

 

 

N/R

 

474,000

 

25,675

 

Morgan Stanley

 

7.125%

 

 

 

BB

 

730,967

 

 

 

Total Capital Markets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,204,967

 

 

 

Consumer Finance - 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,200

 

Capital One Financial Corporation

 

6.700%

 

 

 

Ba1

 

245,272

 

24,160

 

HSBC Finance Corporation

 

6.360%

 

 

 

BBB-

 

614,872

 

8,430

 

SLM Corporation, Series A

 

6.970%

 

 

 

B3

 

416,526

 

 

 

Total Consumer Finance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,276,670

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services - 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,500

 

KKR Financial Holdings LLC

 

7.375%

 

 

 

BBB

 

255,075

 

 

 

Electric Utilities - 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,822

 

Alabama Power Company, (2)

 

6.500%

 

 

 

A3

 

413,163

 

9,900

 

Alabama Power Company, (2)

 

6.450%

 

 

 

A3

 

264,206

 

3,223

 

Georgia Power Company, (2)

 

6.500%

 

 

 

A-

 

342,746

 

5,000

 

Gulf Power Company, (2)

 

6.450%

 

 

 

BBB+

 

503,532

 

 

 

Total Electric Utilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,523,647

 

 

 

Food Products - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,700

 

CHS Inc.

 

7.100%

 

 

 

N/R

 

478,077

 

13,805

 

CHS Inc.

 

6.750%

 

 

 

N/R

 

359,206

 

 

 

Total Food Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

837,283

 

 

 

Insurance - 2.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,289

 

Allstate Corporation

 

6.750%

 

 

 

BBB-

 

589,705

 

30,050

 

Arch Capital Group Limited

 

6.750%

 

 

 

BBB

 

820,966

 

10,400

 

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

 

7.401%

 

 

 

BBB-

 

271,960

 

25,410

 

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited

 

7.250%

 

 

 

BBB-

 

673,365

 

25,798

 

Axis Capital Holdings Limited

 

6.875%

 

 

 

BBB

 

694,998

 

19,080

 

Endurance Specialty Holdings Limited

 

7.750%

 

 

 

BBB-

 

500,659

 

15,000

 

Endurance Specialty Holdings Limited

 

7.500%

 

 

 

BBB-

 

401,400

 

17,801

 

Maiden Holdings Limited

 

8.250%

 

 

 

BB

 

469,234

 

11,200

 

National General Holding Company

 

7.500%

 

 

 

N/R

 

281,680

 

17,245

 

Principal Financial Group

 

6.518%

 

 

 

BBB

 

436,126

 

 

 

Total Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,140,093

 

 

 

Marine - 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,200

 

Costamare Inc.

 

8.500%

 

 

 

N/R

 

270,300

 

7,225

 

Navios Maritime Holdings Inc.

 

8.625%

 

 

 

N/R

 

152,520

 

8,900

 

Seaspan Corporation

 

8.250%

 

 

 

N/R

 

234,426

 

 

 

Total Marine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

657,246

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,237

 

Teekay Offshore Partners L.P.

 

7.250%

 

 

 

N/R

 

236,475

 

7,565

 

Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited

 

8.875%

 

 

 

N/R

 

198,960

 

 

 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

435,435

 

 

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,331

 

Astoria Financial Corporation

 

6.500%

 

 

 

Ba2

 

185,768

 

30,170

 

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

 

6.875%

 

 

 

N/R

 

801,014

 

 

 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

986,782

 

 

 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $17,895,869)

 

 

 

 

 

19,088,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount (000)

 

Description (1)

 

Coupon (9)

 

Maturity (8)

 

Ratings (7)

 

Value

 

 

 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS - 24.9% (17.1% of Total Investments) (9)

 

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Defense - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$         648

 

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

 

4.000%

 

12/16/21

 

BB+

 

$           654,451

 

403

 

Hamilton Sundstrand, Term Loan, First Lien

 

4.000%

 

12/13/19

 

B+

 

383,142

 

1,051

 

Total Aerospace & Defense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,037,593

 

 

 

Airlines - 0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

489

 

Delta Air Lines, Inc., Term Loan B1

 

3.250%

 

10/18/18

 

BBB-

 

489,273

 

 

 

Automobiles - 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

987

 

Chrysler Group LLC, Term Loan B

 

3.500%

 

5/24/17

 

BB+

 

987,794

 

1,114

 

Formula One Group, Term Loan, First Lien

 

4.750%

 

7/30/21

 

B

 

1,108,300

 

2,101

 

Total Automobiles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,096,094

 

 

 

Building Products - 0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

398

 

Gates Global LLC, Term Loan

 

4.250%

 

7/03/21

 

B+

 

396,974

 

 

 

Capital Markets - 0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

492

 

Guggenheim Partners LLC, Initial Term Loan

 

4.250%

 

7/22/20

 

N/R

 

494,962

 

 

 

Chemicals - 1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

458

 

Mineral Technologies, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

 

4.000%

 

5/07/21

 

BB

 

460,808

 

958

 

Univar, Inc., Term Loan

 

5.000%

 

6/30/17

 

B+

 

957,763

 

939

 

US Coatings Acquisition, Term Loan B

 

3.750%

 

2/01/20

 

B+

 

934,754

 

2,355

 

Total Chemicals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,353,325

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

993

 

Millennium Laboratories, Inc., Tranche B, Term Loan

 

5.250%

 

4/16/21

 

B+

 

1,001,598

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging - 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,527

 

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

 

4.500%

 

12/01/18

 

B+

 

1,534,792

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

638

 

Hilton Hotels Corporation, Term Loan B2

 

3.500%

 

10/25/20

 

BBB-

 

639,696

 

456

 

ServiceMaster Company, Term Loan

 

4.250%

 

7/01/21

 

B+

 

457,759

 

1,094

 

Total Diversified Consumer Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,097,455

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services - 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

179

 

Intelsat Jackson Holdings, S.A., Tranche B2, Term Loan

 

3.750%

 

6/30/19

 

BB-

 

178,703

 

500

 

Level 3 Financing, Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

 

4.500%

 

1/31/22

 

BB

 

503,259

 

429

 

WideOpenWest Finance LLC, Term Loan B

 

4.750%

 

4/01/19

 

Ba3

 

430,270

 

1,108

 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,112,232

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services - 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

152

 

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

 

6.000%

 

3/31/21

 

B+

 

116,271

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

Albertson’s LLC, Term Loan B4

 

5.500%

 

8/25/21

 

BB-

 

1,009,444

 

 

 

Food Products - 1.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

917

 

H.J Heinz Company, Term Loan B2

 

3.250%

 

6/05/20

 

BB+

 

918,951

 

1,000

 

Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Term Loan B

 

3.500%

 

7/23/21

 

BB

 

998,125

 

956

 

US Foods, Inc., Incremental Term Loan

 

4.500%

 

3/31/19

 

B2

 

957,643

 

2,873

 

Total Food Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,874,719

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

1,452

 

Kinetic Concepts, Inc., Incremental Term Loan E1

 

4.500%

 

5/04/18

 

BB-

 

1,457,465

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services - 1.7%

 

 

 

 

 

743

 

Community Health Systems, Inc., Term Loan D

 

4.250%

 

1/27/21

 

BB

 

747,621

 

825

 

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., Tranche B, Term Loan

 

3.500%

 

6/24/21

 

Ba1

 

828,095

 

803

 

Drumm Investors LLC, Term Loan

 

6.750%

 

5/04/18

 

B

 

813,419

 

985

 

HCA, Inc., Tranche B4, Term Loan

 

3.025%

 

5/01/18

 

BBB-

 

986,693

 

75

 

HCA, Inc., Tranche B5, Term Loan

 

2.928%

 

3/31/17

 

BBB-

 

74,897

 

3,431

 

Total Health Care Providers & Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,450,725

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 1.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,542

 

Burger King Corporation, Term Loan B, First Lien

 

4.500%

 

12/10/21

 

B+

 

1,559,023

 

979

 

MGM Resorts International, Term Loan B

 

3.500%

 

12/20/19

 

BB

 

976,992

 

1,161

 

Seaworld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., Term Loan B2

 

3.000%

 

5/14/20

 

BB

 

1,134,140

 

3,682

 

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,670,155

 

 

 

Household Durables - 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

635

 

Tempur-Pedic International, Inc., New Term Loan B

 

3.500%

 

3/18/20

 

BB+

 

636,669

 

 

 

Household Products - 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

293

 

Spectrum Brands, Inc., Term Loan A

 

3.000%

 

9/04/17

 

BB

 

293,117

 

 

 

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers - 0.5%

 

 

 

987

 

Calpine Corporation, Delayed Term Loan

 

4.000%

 

10/31/20

 

BB

 

990,509

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail - 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

499

 

Travelport LLC, Term Loan B, First Lien

 

5.750%

 

9/02/21

 

B

 

503,925

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

833

 

Tibco Software, Inc., Term Loan B

 

6.500%

 

12/04/20

 

B1

 

834,761

 

 

 

IT Services - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

743

 

Vantiv, Inc., Term Loan B

 

3.750%

 

6/13/21

 

BB+

 

747,613

 

 

 

Leisure Products - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

755

 

24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc., Term Loan B

 

4.750%

 

5/28/21

 

Ba3

 

753,682

 

 

 

Machinery - 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

610

 

Doosan Infracore International, Inc., Term Loan

 

4.500%

 

5/27/21

 

BB-

 

618,014

 

493

 

Rexnord LLC, Term Loan B

 

4.000%

 

8/21/20

 

BB-

 

493,291

 

1,103

 

Total Machinery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,111,305

 

 

 

Media - 3.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

491

 

Charter Communications Operating Holdings LLC, Term Loan E

 

3.000%

 

7/01/20

 

Baa3

 

490,176

 

92

 

Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Term Loan E

 

7.678%

 

7/30/19

 

CCC+

 

89,048

 

747

 

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

 

6.928%

 

1/30/19

 

CCC+

 

712,517

 

940

 

Cumulus Media, Inc., Term Loan B

 

4.250%

 

12/23/20

 

B+

 

925,612

 

496

 

Interactive Data Corporation, Term Loan B

 

4.750%

 

5/02/21

 

B+

 

499,274

 

315

 

Media General, Inc., Delayed Draw, Term Loan

 

4.250%

 

7/31/20

 

BB+

 

316,902

 

535

 

Numericable Group S.A., Term Loan B1

 

4.500%

 

5/21/20

 

Ba3

 

537,086

 

463

 

Numericable Group S.A., Term Loan B2

 

4.500%

 

5/21/20

 

Ba3

 

464,653

 

553

 

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

 

TBD

 

TBD

 

B2

 

552,695

 

1,239

 

Tribune Company, Term Loan B

 

4.000%

 

12/27/20

 

BB+

 

1,241,608

 

1,532

 

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

 

4.000%

 

3/01/20

 

B+

 

1,531,564

 

7,403

 

Total Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,361,135

 

 

 

Multiline Retail - 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

Dollar Tree, Inc., Initial Term Loan B, First Lien

 

4.250%

 

3/09/22

 

BB+

 

1,011,719

 

244

 

Hudson’s Bay Company, Term Loan B, First Lien

 

4.750%

 

11/04/20

 

BB

 

244,683

 

1,244

 

Total Multiline Retail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,256,402

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

500

 

Energy Transfer Equity L.P., Term  Loan, First Lien

 

3.250%

 

12/02/19

 

BB

 

494,166

 

368

 

Fieldwood Energy LLC, Term Loan, Second Lien

 

8.375%

 

9/30/20

 

B2

 

270,574

 

182

 

Southcross Holdings Borrower L.P., Holdco Term Loan

 

6.000%

 

8/04/21

 

B2

 

172,931

 

1,050

 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

937,671

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals - 1.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

990

 

Grifols, Inc., Term Loan

 

3.178%

 

2/27/21

 

Ba1

 

990,186

 

725

 

Quintiles Transnational Corp., Term Loan B3

 

3.750%

 

6/08/18

 

BB+

 

726,604

 

994

 

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Term Loan E

 

3.500%

 

8/05/20

 

Ba1

 

995,178

 

2,709

 

Total Pharmaceuticals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,711,968

 

 

 

Professional Services - 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

181

 

Nielsen Finance LLC, Dollar Term Loan B2

 

3.175%

 

4/15/21

 

BBB

 

181,755

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

863

 

Avago Technologies, Term Loan B

 

3.750%

 

5/06/21

 

BBB-

 

866,378

 

499

 

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Term Loan, Tranche B4

 

4.250%

 

2/28/20

 

B1

 

500,430

 

728

 

NXP Semiconductor LLC, Term Loan D

 

3.250%

 

1/11/20

 

BBB-

 

726,524

 

2,090

 

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,093,332

 

 

 

Software - 1.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

374

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc., Term Loan B

 

3.250%

 

10/12/20

 

BBB

 

375,852

 

478

 

BMC Software, Inc., Initial Term Loan

 

5.000%

 

9/10/20

 

B1

 

468,360

 

798

 

Datatel Parent Corp, Term Loan B1

 

4.000%

 

7/19/18

 

BB-

 

798,198

 

961

 

Emdeon Business Services LLC, Term Loan B2

 

3.750%

 

11/02/18

 

Ba3

 

963,760

 

761

 

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

 

3.750%

 

6/03/20

 

Ba3

 

755,436

 

3,372

 

Total Software

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,361,606

 

 

 

Specialty Retail - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

583

 

Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, Term Loan B3

 

4.250%

 

8/13/21

 

B+

 

588,788

 

450

 

Petsmart Inc., Term Loan B, First Lien

 

5.000%

 

3/11/22

 

BB-

 

453,835

 

1,033

 

Total Specialty Retail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,042,623

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

987

 

Dell, Inc., Term Loan B

 

4.500%

 

4/29/20

 

BBB

 

994,770

 

$    50,115

 

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $49,784,921)

 

 

 

 

 

50,005,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount (000)

 

Description (1)

 

Coupon

 

Maturity

 

Ratings (7)

 

Value

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS - 0.7% (0.5% of Total Investments)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banks - 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$         475

 

Bank of America Corporation

 

6.250%

 

3/05/65

 

BB

 

$           483,906

 

150

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

6.750%

 

12/31/49

 

BBB-

 

162,750

 

525

 

M&T Bank Corporation

 

6.450%

 

12/31/49

 

BBB-

 

567,000

 

1,150

 

Total Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,213,656

 

 

 

Media - 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

133

 

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

 

9.000%

 

12/15/19

 

CCC+

 

131,670

 

$      1,283

 

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $1,274,959)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,345,326

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount (000)/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Description (1)

 

Coupon

 

Maturity

 

Ratings (7)

 

Value

 

 

 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED - 4.5% (3.1% of Total Investments)

 

 

 

 

 

Banks - 4.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,367

 

Bank of America Corporation

 

6.100%

 

N/A (10)

 

BB

 

$        2,401,025

 

575

 

Citigroup Inc.

 

5.800%

 

N/A (10)

 

BB+

 

576,438

 

200

 

Citizens Financial Group Inc., 144A

 

5.500%

 

N/A (10)

 

BB+

 

200,000

 

600

 

General Electric Capital Corporation

 

7.125%

 

N/A (10)

 

A+

 

704,250

 

500

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

7.900%

 

N/A (10)

 

BBB-

 

538,125

 

2,000

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

6.125%

 

N/A (10)

 

BBB-

 

2,039,800

 

250

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

6.100%

 

N/A (10)

 

BBB-

 

257,500

 

500

 

PNC Financial Services Inc.

 

6.750%

 

N/A (10)

 

BBB-

 

556,250

 

450

 

SunTrust Bank Inc., (3)

 

5.625%

 

N/A (10)

 

BB+

 

457,875

 

350

 

Wells Fargo & Company

 

5.875%

 

N/A (10)

 

BBB

 

370,195

 

25

 

Zions Bancorporation

 

7.200%

 

N/A (10)

 

BB-

 

26,663

 

 

 

Total Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,128,121

 

 

 

Capital Markets - 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

225

 

Morgan Stanley

 

5.450%

 

N/A (10)

 

BB

 

226,688

 

 

 

Consumer Finance - 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

225

 

Ally Financial Inc., 144A

 

7.000%

 

N/A (10)

 

B

 

229,816

 

450

 

American Express Company

 

5.200%

 

N/A (10)

 

Baa3

 

456,750

 

 

 

Total Consumer Finance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

686,566

 

 

 

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $8,770,687)

 

 

 

9,041,375

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $243,533,469)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

282,483,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount (000)

 

Description (1)

 

Coupon

 

Maturity

 

 

 

Value

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 5.2% (3.5% of Total Investments)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$      1,428

 

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 3/31/15, repurchase price $1,428,031, collateralized by $1,440,000 U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, due 8/31/19, value $1,461,600

 

0.000%

 

4/01/15

 

 

 

$        1,428,031

 

8,897

 

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 3/31/15, repurchase price $8,897,474, collateralized by $8,730,000 U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.375%, due 8/15/24, value $9,079,200

 

0.000%

 

4/01/15

 

 

 

8,897,474

 

$    10,325

 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $10,325,505)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,325,505

 

 

 

Total Investments (cost $253,858,974) - 146.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

292,809,255

 

 

 

Borrowings - (44.6)% (11), (12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(89,400,000

)

 

 

Other Assets Less Liabilities - (1.5)% (13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,960,119

)

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares - 100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$    200,449,136

 

 

 

Investments in Derivatives as of March 31, 2015

 

 

 

Options Written outstanding:

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

Notional

 

Expiration

 

Strike

 

 

 

Option Type

Contracts

 

Description

 

Amount (14)

 

Date

 

Price

 

Value

 

Call

(460

)

Microchip Technology Incorporated

 

$ (2,300,000)

 

4/17/15

 

$    50

 

$        (28,750)

 

 

(460

)

Total Options Written (premiums received $58,045)

 

$ (2,300,000)

 

 

 

 

 

$        (28,750)

 

 

 

Interest Rate Swaps outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Rate

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Notional

 

Pay/Receive

 

 

 

Fixed Rate

 

Payment

 

Effective

 

Termination

 

Appreciation

 

Counterparty

 

Amount

 

Floating Rate

 

Floating Rate Index

 

(Annualized)

 

Frequency

 

Date (15)

 

Date

 

(Depreciation)

 

JPMorgan

 

$  18,475,000

 

Receive

 

1-Month USD-LIBOR-BBA

 

1.462

%

Monthly

 

12/01/15

 

12/01/20

 

$           (192,710)

 

JPMorgan

 

18,475,000

 

Receive

 

1-Month USD-LIBOR-BBA

 

1.842

 

Monthly

 

12/01/15

 

12/01/22

 

(356,800)

 

 

 

$  36,950,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$           (549,510)

 

 

 

 

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).

 

 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

$   163,521,603

 

$     38,176,458

 

$       –

*

$   201,698,061

 

 

 

Convertible Preferred Securities

 

1,305,000

 

 

 

1,305,000

 

 

 

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

 

16,597,427

 

2,490,641

 

 

19,088,068

 

 

 

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

 

 

50,005,920

 

 

50,005,920

 

 

 

Corporate Bonds

 

 

1,345,326

 

 

1,345,326

 

 

 

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

 

 

9,041,375

 

 

9,041,375

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

 

10,325,505

 

 

10,325,505

 

 

 

Investments in Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options written

 

(28,750

)

 

 

(28,750

)

 

 

Interest Rate Swaps**

 

 

(549,510

)

 

(549,510

)

 

 

Total

 

$   181,395,280

 

$   110,835,715

 

$        –

 

$   292,230,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

 

** Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

 

 

 

 

 

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 recognition of premium amortization and timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions 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 March 31, 2015, the cost of investments (excluding investments in derivatives) was $255,753,444.

 

 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments (excluding investments in derivatives) as of March 31, 2015, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized:

 

 

 

 

 

Appreciation

 

$

42,490,332

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

(5,434,521

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

 

$

37,055,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

 

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

 

 

(3)

 

Investment, or portion of investment, is out on loan. The total value of investments out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $623,000.

 

 

(4)

 

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

 

 

(5)

 

Investments 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.

 

 

(6)

 

Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives.

 

 

(7)

 

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.

 

 

(8)

 

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.

 

 

(9)

 

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.

 

 

(10)

 

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

 

(11)

 

The Fund may pledge up to 100% of its eligible investments (excluding any investments separately pledged as collateral for specific investments in derivatives) in the Portfolio of Investments as collateral for Borrowings. As of the end of the reporting period, investments with a value of $187,995,285 have been pledged as collateral for Borrowings.

 

 

(12)

 

Borrowings as a percentage of Total Investments is 30.5%.

 

 

(13)

 

Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the counter derivatives as well as the exchange-cleared and exchange-traded derivatives, when applicable.  Other assets less liabilities also includes the value of options.

 

 

(14)

 

For disclosure purposes, Notional Amount is calculated by multiplying the Number of Contracts by the Strike Price by 100.

 

 

(15)

 

Effective date represents the date on which both the Fund and Counterparty commence interest payment accruals on each contract.

 

 

N/A

 

Not applicable.

 

 

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.

 

 

ADR

 

American Depositary Receipt.

 

 

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 coupon rate is not available prior to settlement. At settlement, if still unknown, the borrower or counterparty will provide the Fund with the final coupon rate and maturity date.

USD-LIBOR-BBA

 

United States Dollar – London Inter-Bank Offered Rate – British Bankers’ Association.

 

 

(WI/DD)

 

Purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 


 


 

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 Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Kevin J. McCarthy

 

 

Kevin J. McCarthy

 

 

Vice President and Secretary

 

 

 

Date: May 29, 2015

 

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

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman

 

 

Gifford R. Zimmerman

 

 

Chief Administrative Officer (principal executive officer)

 

 

 

Date: May 29, 2015

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Stephen D. Foy

 

 

Stephen D. Foy

 

 

Vice President and Controller (principal financial officer)

 

 

 

Date: May 29, 2015