Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE PREFERRED SECURITIES INCOME FUND

To the Shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund (“FFC”):

Increased volatility was a common theme in most markets during the first fiscal quarter1, and the preferred securities market was no exception. Total return2 on net asset value (“NAV”) was -2.5% for the quarter, while total return on market price was 0.3%.

As we mentioned in our last letter, markets entered a new phase with “liftoff” in December. The Federal Reserve’s 0.25% hike in short-term interest rates was its first step in slowly removing unprecedented levels of monetary accommodation. However, other parts of the world, notably Europe and Japan, are still easing monetary policy by increasing quantitative easing (QE) programs and pushing short-term interest rates into negative territory. With concerns over economic growth in China adding to the equation, investors are struggling to figure out how all the pieces fit together going forward. Understandably, markets are factoring in a possibility of policy mistakes along the way, as these are uncharted territories for everyone. The result has been increased volatility in most markets, including commodities (oil, natural gas, and metals), stocks, U.S. Treasuries, corporate bonds, and preferred securities.

Reduced probabilities for future rate increases in the U.S., and negative rates in some regions, triggered an absolute rout in bank common stocks—with the average U.S. bank stock returning -20% during the fiscal period. Preferred securities fared much better but cheapened in sympathy (as did more-senior bank securities). Bank earnings should benefit from higher interest rates, but any upside to future earnings that investors had been hoping for (and pricing into stock prices) has been scaled back from earlier projections.

European bank common stocks were among the worst performers, and this had a related impact on the contingent capital securities market (these “CoCos” are the non-U.S. version of preferreds). Deutsche Bank was in the headlines yet again—this time with concerns about its ability to pay coupons on CoCos and preferred securities. The market reacted very negatively, and CoCo prices were dragged down substantially across the board. Once again, U.S. preferreds fared better but still cheapened in sympathy.

There is a lot for investors in all markets to consider, but as it relates to preferreds, we suggest taking a step back to reflect on a longer-term view of favorable fundamentals.

Bank earnings are certainly important to investors, since dividends are paid out of earnings and profits. However, growth in earnings, while critical to common stock valuation, is not a critical determinant of creditworthiness and preferred-stock valuation. We focus much more on a bank’s capital—on its ability to absorb losses while still being able to pay preferred dividends—than on earnings growth. On this front, the news is positive as the common equity capital at banks in which we invest continues to build, which supports debt and preferred stock that are senior to common equity.

 

 

1 

December 1, 2015—February 29, 2016

2 

Following the methodology required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, total return assumes dividend reinvestment.


Low interest rates will have mixed implications for both issuers of and investors in preferred securities, but overall they should benefit prices of preferred securities as a global search for yield continues. We also believe recent concerns around CoCos (which represented 1.2% of the Fund as of period end) will turn out to be noise, as issuers and regulators consider CoCos a necessary market that they are loath to damage by not paying coupons.

Global economic recovery will be slow, and policy mistakes are likely to be made. As we have said before, income (coupons) can make up for quite a bit of principal change over time—and preferreds continue to offer higher yields than many other fixed-income securities. While volatility may be with us for some time, and the ride may be bumpy, we believe total returns will be competitive over time for preferred investors.

As always, we encourage you to visit the Fund’s website, www.preferredincome.com for timely and important information.

Sincerely,

The Flaherty & Crumrine Portfolio Management Team

March 31, 2016

 

2


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW

February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund Statistics       
Net Asset Value   $ 18.16   
Market Price   $ 19.78   

Premium

    8.92
Yield on Market Price     8.25
Common Stock Shares Outstanding     43,744,828   

 

Moody’s Ratings*   % of Net Assets†
A     1.9%   
BBB     69.7%   
BB     18.7%   
Below “BB”     0.8%   
Not Rated**     7.0%   
Below Investment Grade***     20.4%   

 

* Ratings are from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. “Not Rated” securities are those with no ratings available from Moody’s.
** Does not include net other assets and liabilities of 1.9%.
*** Below investment grade by all of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch.
Industry Categories   % of Net Assets†

 

LOGO

 

Top 10 Holdings by Issuer   % of Net Assets†  
Liberty Mutual Group     5.7%   
JPMorgan Chase     4.9%   
HSBC PLC     4.5%   
Wells Fargo & Company     4.5%   
MetLife     4.1%   
M&T Bank Corporation     3.8%   
Fifth Third Bancorp     3.8%   
PNC Financial Services Group     3.8%   
Citigroup     3.4%   
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd     2.9%   
 

 

% of Net Assets****†  
Holdings Generating Qualified Dividend Income (QDI) for Individuals     60%   
Holdings Generating Income Eligible for the Corporate Dividends Received Deduction (DRD)     47%   

 

**** This does not reflect year-end results or actual tax categorization of Fund distributions. These percentages can, and do, change, perhaps significantly, depending on market conditions. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding their personal situation.
Net Assets includes assets attributable to the use of leverage.

 

3


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     
Preferred Securities — 93.1%          
       

Banking — 47.3%

           
  5,420     

Astoria Financial Corp., 6.50%, Series C

  $ 141,259  
 

Bank of America Corporation:

  

 
$ 6,310,000     

8.00%, Series K

    6,317,887 *(1)   
$ 10,000,000     

8.125%, Series M

    10,012,500  
 

Barclays Bank PLC:

  

 
  390,600     

7.10%, Series 3

    9,765,000 **(3)   
  23,000     

7.75%, Series 4

    586,040 **(3)   
  481,036     

8.125%, Series 5

    12,343,384 **(1)(3)   
$ 16,170,000     

BNP Paribas, 7.375%, 144A****

    15,139,163 **(3)   
  26,900     

Capital One Financial Corporation, 6.70%, Series D

    714,531  
 

Citigroup, Inc.:

  

 
  981,500     

6.875%, Series K

    26,132,437 *(1)   
  572,357     

7.125%, Series J

    15,256,920 *(1)   
 

CoBank ACB:

  

 
  53,520     

6.125%, Series G, 144A****

    5,072,695  
  104,000     

6.20%, Series H, 144A****

    10,432,500  
  60,000     

6.25%, Series F, 144A****

    6,187,500 *(1)   
$ 35,100,000     

Colonial BancGroup, 7.114%, 144A****

    52,650 (4)(5)††   
  19,900     

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., 5.375%, Series A

    491,904  
  1,648,046     

Fifth Third Bancorp, 6.625%, Series I

    46,711,886 *(1)   
 

First Horizon National Corporation:

  

 
  3,730     

First Tennessee Bank, Adj. Rate, 3.75%(6), 144A****

    2,485,929  
  8     

FT Real Estate Securities Company, 9.50%, 144A****

    10,420,000     
  642,800     

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., 8.625%, Series B

    16,994,025 *(1)   
 

First Republic Bank:

  

 
  50,000     

5.625%, Series C

    1,267,190  
  99,000     

6.70%, Series A

    2,617,312 *(1)   
 

Goldman Sachs Group:

  

 
$ 390,000     

5.70%, Series L

    373,913  
  140,000     

6.375%, Series K

    3,721,200 *(1)   
 

HSBC PLC:

  

 
$ 4,400,000     

HSBC Capital Funding LP, 10.176%, 144A****

    6,386,380 (1)(2)(3)   
  729,000     

HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.00%, Series 2

    18,749,005 **(1)(3)   
  860,000     

HSBC USA, Inc., 6.50%, Series H

    21,580,668 *(1)   
 

ING Groep NV:

  

 
  355,000     

6.375%

    8,910,500 **(3)   
  125,000     

7.05%

    3,238,287 **(3)   
  116,054     

7.20%

    3,024,657 **(3)   

 

4


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     
Preferred Securities — (Continued)          
       Banking — (Continued)            
 

JPMorgan Chase & Company:

  

 
$ 5,450,000     

6.00%, Series R

  $ 5,409,125 *(1)   
  56,600     

6.125%, Series Y

    1,450,658  
  183,700     

6.70%, Series T

    4,991,129 *(1)   
$ 15,155,000     

6.75%, Series S

    16,083,244 *(1)   
$ 32,000,000     

7.90%, Series I

    31,960,000 *(1)   
 

M&T Bank Corporation:

  

 
$ 16,750,000     

6.450%, Series E

    17,671,250 *(1)   
$ 29,323,000     

6.875%, Series D, 144A****

    29,452,021 *(1)   
 

Morgan Stanley:

  

 
  502,400     

6.875%, Series F

    13,574,848 *(1)   
  298,300     

7.125%, Series E

    8,399,024 *(1)   
 

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.:

  

 
  1,465,360     

6.125%, Series P

    41,579,590 *(1)   
$ 4,443,000     

6.75%, Series O

    4,758,453 *(1)   
$ 7,885,000     

RaboBank Nederland, 11.00%, 144A****

    9,335,525 (1)(2)(3)   
  27,213     

Regions Financial Corporation, 6.375%, Series B

    701,587  
 

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC:

  

 
  25,000     

6.60%, Series S

    606,750 **(3)   
  292,000     

7.25%, Series T

    7,323,360 **(1)(3)   
 

Sovereign Bancorp:

  

 
$ 1,000,000     

Sovereign Capital Trust VI, 7.908% 06/13/36

    1,014,442     
  8,641     

Sovereign REIT, 12.00%, Series A, 144A****

    10,833,654     
  505,500     

State Street Corporation, 5.90%, Series D

    13,332,562 *(1)   
  107,166     

SunTrust Banks, Inc., 5.875%, Series E

    2,756,181  
  216,000     

US Bancorp, 6.50%, Series F

    6,257,261 *(1)   
  357,568     

Webster Financial Corporation, 6.40%, Series E

    9,296,768 *(1)   
 

Wells Fargo & Company:

  

 
  339,095     

5.85%, Series Q

    8,678,730 *(1)   
$ 3,000,000     

5.875%, Series U

    3,180,150 *(1)(2)   
  402,925     

6.625%, Series R

    11,471,275 *(1)   
$ 16,314,000     

7.98%, Series K

    16,803,420 *(1)   
  550,500     

8.00%, Series J

    15,379,594 *(1)   
 

Zions Bancorporation:

  

 
  20,000     

6.30%, Series G

    501,250  
$ 9,000,000     

7.20%, Series J

    9,202,500 *(1)   
  514,666     

7.90%, Series F

    13,628,356 *(1)   

 

 

   
      580,760,029     
   

 

 

   

 

5


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     
Preferred Securities — (Continued)          
       

Financial Services — 1.1%

           
  190,000     

Charles Schwab Corporation, 6.00%, Series C

  $ 4,904,375 *(1)   
 

HSBC PLC:

   
  358,895     

HSBC Finance Corporation, 6.36%, Series B

    8,994,806 *(1)   

 

 

   
      13,899,181     
   

 

 

   
       

Insurance — 25.9%

           
  625,869     

Allstate Corp., 6.625%, Series E

    17,230,987 *(1)   
$ 1,053,000     

Aon Corporation, 8.205% 01/01/27

    1,282,027 (1)(2)   
  615,000     

Arch Capital Group, Ltd., 6.75%, Series C

    16,547,374 **(1)(3)   
 

Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.:

  

 
  71,206     

5.95%

    1,841,565 **(3)   
  16,729     

7.25%

    442,273 **(3)   
  87,755     

7.401%

    2,147,260 **(3)   
 

AXA SA:

  

 
$ 3,315,000     

6.379%, 144A****

    3,452,406 **(1)(2)(3)   
$ 2,750,000     

8.60% 12/15/30

    3,581,875 (3)   
  1,358,586     

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd., 6.875%, Series C

    35,832,706 **(1)(3)   
 

Chubb Ltd.:

   
$ 4,566,000     

Ace Capital Trust II, 9.70% 04/01/30

    6,497,418 (1)(2)(3)   
  732,250     

Delphi Financial Group, 7.376% 05/15/37

    18,260,484 (1)(2)   
 

Endurance Specialty Holdings:

  

 
  84,000     

6.35%, Series C

    2,206,680 **(3)   
  185,902     

7.50%, Series B

    4,723,082 **(1)(3)   
$ 13,308,000     

Everest Re Holdings, 6.60% 05/15/37

    11,478,150 (1)(2)   
  50,000     

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., 7.875%

    1,596,875     
$ 36,918,000     

Liberty Mutual Group, 10.75% 06/15/58, 144A****

    53,623,395 (1)(2)   
 

MetLife:

  

 
$ 16,612,000     

MetLife, Inc., 10.75% 08/01/39

    24,585,760 (1)(2)   
$ 2,250,000     

MetLife Capital Trust IV, 7.875% 12/15/37, 144A****

    2,576,250 (1)(2)   
$ 18,250,000     

MetLife Capital Trust X, 9.25% 04/08/38, 144A****

    23,770,625 (1)(2)   
 

PartnerRe Ltd.:

  

 
  140,000     

5.875%, Series F

    3,640,000 **(1)(3)   
  475,799     

7.25%, Series E

    13,708,959 **(1)(3)   
 

Prudential Financial, Inc.:

  

 
$ 4,906,000     

5.625% 06/15/43

    4,853,261 (1)(2)   
$ 3,900,000     

5.875% 09/15/42

    3,963,453 (1)(2)   

 

6


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     
Preferred Securities — (Continued)          
       

Insurance — (Continued)

           
 

QBE Insurance:

   
$ 17,752,000     

QBE Capital Funding III Ltd., 7.25% 05/24/41, 144A****

  $ 19,394,060 (1)(2)(3)   
 

Unum Group:

   
$ 15,240,000     

Provident Financing Trust I, 7.405% 03/15/38

    17,585,573 (1)(2)   
 

XL Group PLC:

   
$ 33,000,000     

XL Capital Ltd., 6.50%, Series E

    23,182,500 (1)(2)(3)   

 

 

   
      318,004,998     
   

 

 

   
       

Utilities — 11.3%

           
 

Baltimore Gas & Electric Company:

  

 
  10,000     

6.70%, Series 1993

    1,018,438 *(1)   
  15,000     

7.125%, Series 1993

    1,523,437  
 

Commonwealth Edison:

   
$ 15,828,000     

COMED Financing III, 6.35% 03/15/33

    16,606,374 (1)(2)   
$ 11,662,000     

Dominion Resources, Inc., 7.50% 06/30/66

    9,796,080 (1)(2)   
  164,400     

Georgia Power Company, 6.50%, Series 2007A

    17,246,596 *(1)   
  98,800     

Indianapolis Power & Light Company, 5.65%

    10,108,475  
  463,700     

Integrys Energy Group, Inc., 6.00%

    11,853,331 (1)   
 

Nextera Energy:

  

 
$ 16,293,000     

FPL Group Capital, Inc., 6.65% 06/15/67, Series C

    12,301,215 (1)(2)   
$ 5,100,000     

FPL Group Capital, Inc., 7.30% 09/01/67, Series D

    4,870,500 (1)(2)   
 

PECO Energy:

   
$ 2,386,000     

PECO Energy Capital Trust III, 7.38% 04/06/28, Series D

    2,699,177 (1)(2)   
 

PPL Corp:

   
$ 18,180,000     

PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 6.70% 03/30/67, Series A

    13,647,126 (1)(2)   
$ 23,500,000     

Puget Sound Energy, Inc., 6.974% 06/01/67, Series A

    17,096,250 (1)(2)   
  197,500     

Southern California Edison Co., 6.50%, Series D

    20,305,469 *(1)   

 

 

   
      139,072,468     
   

 

 

   
       

Energy — 2.3%

           
$ 2,510,000     

DCP Midstream LLC, 5.85% 05/21/43, 144A****

    1,342,850     
$ 38,198,000     

Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 8.05% 10/01/37

    26,070,135 (1)(2)   
$ 1,471,000     

Enterprise Products Operating L.P., 8.375% 08/01/66, Series A

    1,106,928     

 

 

   
      28,519,913     
   

 

 

   

 

7


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     
Preferred Securities — (Continued)          
       

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) — 2.8%

           
  17,745     

Equity CommonWealth, 7.25%, Series E

  $ 447,508     
 

National Retail Properties, Inc.:

  

 
  263,818     

5.70%, Series E

    6,743,848 (1)(2)   
  137,417     

6.625%, Series D

    3,564,253 (1)   
 

PS Business Parks, Inc.:

  

 
  22,000     

5.70%, Series V

    566,500     
  30,000     

5.75%, Series U

    755,100     
  55,000     

6.00%, Series T

    1,398,100     
  275,175     

6.45%, Series S

    7,128,766 (1)   
  59,386     

Public Storage, 6.375%, Series Y

    1,660,955     
  331,640     

Realty Income Corporation, 6.625%, Series F

    8,602,742 (1)   
  127,988     

Regency Centers Corporation, 6.625%, Series 6

    3,359,685     

 

 

   
      34,227,457     
   

 

 

   
       

Miscellaneous Industries — 2.4%

           
 

BHP Billiton Limited:

   
$ 2,500,000     

BHP Billiton Finance U.S.A., Ltd., 6.75% 10/19/75, 144A****

    2,418,750 (3)   
$ 6,974,000     

General Electric Company, 5.00%, Series D

    7,087,328 *(1)(2)   
$ 9,500,000     

Land O’ Lakes, Inc., 8.00%, 144A****

    9,820,625 *(1)(2)   
  105,400     

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 6.25%, 144A****

    9,028,174  
  48,000     

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., 5.75% 07/25/52

    1,233,000 (1)   

 

 

   
      29,587,877     
   

 

 

   
 

Total Preferred Securities
(Cost $1,163,996,134)

    1,144,071,923     
   

 

 

   

 

Corporate Debt Securities — 4.9%

   
       

Banking — 1.7%

           
$ 10,992,000     

Regions Financial Corporation, 7.375% 12/10/37, Sub Notes

    14,201,675 (1)(2)   
  274,000     

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc., 6.50% 09/21/42, Sub Notes

    6,635,951     
  28,000     

Zions Bancorporation, 6.95% 09/15/28, Sub Notes

    780,500     

 

 

   
      21,618,126     
   

 

 

   
       

Financial Services — 0.3%

           
  101,339     

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., 6.375% 08/15/42

    2,631,652 (1)(2)   
$ 4,726,012     

Lehman Brothers, Guaranteed Note, Variable Rate, 5.843% 12/16/16, 144A****

    159,267 (4)(5)††   

 

8


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     

 

Corporate Debt Securities — (Continued)

       

Financial Services — (Continued)

           
  30,586     

Raymond James Financial, 6.90% 03/15/42

  $ 826,779 (1)   

 

 

   
      3,617,698     
   

 

 

   
       

Insurance — 1.4%

           
$ 13,500,000     

Liberty Mutual Insurance, 7.697% 10/15/97, 144A****

    16,846,502 (1)(2)   

 

 

   
      16,846,502     
   

 

 

   
       

Energy — 0.6%

           
$ 6,717,000     

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 8.25% 11/15/29

    6,956,810 (1)(2)   

 

 

   
      6,956,810     
   

 

 

   
       

Communication — 0.5%

           
  256,158     

Qwest Corporation, 7.375% 06/01/51

    6,476,007 (1)   

 

 

   
      6,476,007     
   

 

 

   
       

Miscellaneous Industries — 0.4%

           
  38,000     

eBay, Inc., 6.00% 02/01/56

    944,300     
$ 3,550,000     

Pulte Group, Inc., 7.875% 06/15/32

    4,047,000 (1)(2)   

 

 

   
      4,991,300     
   

 

 

   
 

Total Corporate Debt Securities
(Cost $52,224,936)

    60,506,443     
   

 

 

   

 

Common Stock — 0.2%

   
       

Banking — 0.1%

           
  54,740     

CIT Group, Inc.

    1,631,799  

 

 

   
      1,631,799     
   

 

 

   
       

Insurance — 0.1%

           
  241,737     

WMI Holdings Corporation, 144A****

    589,838 *†   

 

 

   
      589,838     
   

 

 

   
 

Total Common Stock
(Cost $23,031,471)

    2,221,637     
   

 

 

   

 

9


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     

 

Money Market Fund — 0.6%

 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds:

   
  7,409,849     

T-Fund, Institutional Class

  $ 7,409,849     

 

 

   
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $7,409,849)

    7,409,849     
   

 

 

   

Total Investments (Cost $1,246,662,390***)

     98.8%        1,214,209,852     

Other Assets And Liabilities (Net)

     1.2%        14,567,647     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Managed Assets

         100.0% ‡    $ 1,228,777,499     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Loan Principal Balance

  

    (434,375,000  
    

 

 

   

Total Net Assets Available To Common Stock

  

  $ 794,402,499     
    

 

 

   

 

* Securities eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction and distributing Qualified Dividend Income.
** Securities distributing Qualified Dividend Income only.
*** Aggregate cost of securities held.
**** Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. At February 29, 2016, these securities amounted to $248,820,759 or 20.2% of total managed assets.
(1) 

All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for the Fund’s loan. The total value of such securities was $760,756,702 at February 29, 2016.

(2) 

All or a portion of this security has been rehypothecated. The total value of such securities was $282,105,324 at February 29, 2016.

(3) 

Foreign Issuer.

(4) 

Illiquid security (designation is unaudited).

(5) 

Valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors as of February 29, 2016.

(6) 

Represents the rate in effect as of the reporting date.

Non-income producing.
†† The issuer has filed for bankruptcy protection. As a result, the Fund may not be able to recover the principal invested and also does not expect to receive income on this security going forward.
The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of that category as a percentage of total managed assets.

 

10


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK(1)

For the period from December 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Value  

OPERATIONS:

  

Net investment income

   $ 16,868,008   

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments sold during the period

     395,925   

Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments

     (37,905,239
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     (20,641,306

DISTRIBUTIONS:

  

Dividends paid from net investment income to Common Stock Shareholders(2)

     (17,839,701
  

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Common Stock Shareholders

     (17,839,701

FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

  

Increase from shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment and
Cash Purchase Plan

     1,158,813   
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets available to Common Stock resulting from
Fund share transactions

     1,158,813   

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK

  

 

 

 

FOR THE PERIOD

   $ (37,322,194
  

 

 

 
       

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK:

  

Beginning of period

   $ 831,724,693   

Net decrease in net assets during the period

     (37,322,194
  

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 794,402,499   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) 

These tables summarize the three months ended February 29, 2016 and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s audited financial statements, including notes to financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2015.

(2) 

May include income earned, but not paid out, in prior fiscal year.

 

11


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(1)

For the period from December 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016 (Unaudited)

For a Common Stock share outstanding throughout the period

 

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.04   
 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

 

Net investment income

    0.39   

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (0.86
 

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.47
 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:

 

From net investment income

    (0.41
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to Common Stock Shareholders

    (0.41
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.16   
 

 

 

 

Market value, end of period

  $ 19.78   
 

 

 

 

Common Stock shares outstanding, end of period

    43,744,828   
 

 

 

 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:

 

Net investment income†

    8.39 %* 

Operating expenses including interest expense

    1.59 %* 

        Operating expenses excluding interest expense

    0.93 %* 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:††

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    2 %** 

Total managed assets, end of period (in 000’s)

  $ 1,228,777   

Ratio of operating expenses including interest expense to total managed assets

    1.04 %* 

Ratio of operating expenses excluding interest expense to total managed assets

    0.61 %* 

 

 

(1) 

These tables summarize the three months ended February 29, 2016 and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s audited financial statements, including notes to financial statements, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2015.

* Annualized.
** Not annualized.
The net investment income ratio reflects income net of operating expenses, including interest expense.
†† Information presented under heading Supplemental Data includes loan principal balance.

 

12


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

Per Share of Common Stock (Unaudited)

 

 

     Total
Dividends
Paid
     Net Asset
Value
     NYSE
Closing Price
     Dividend
Reinvestment
Price(1)
 

December 31, 2015

   $ 0.1360       $ 18.84       $ 20.05       $ 19.05   

January 29, 2016

     0.1360         18.51         19.91         18.91   

February 29, 2016

     0.1360         18.16         19.78         18.79   

 

(1)

Whenever the net asset value per share of the Fund’s Common Stock is less than or equal to the market price per share on the reinvestment date, new shares issued will be valued at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the then current market price. Otherwise, the reinvestment shares of Common Stock will be purchased in the open market.

 

13


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

 

1. Aggregate Information for Federal Income Tax Purposes

At February 29, 2016, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $1,281,674,221, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost was $68,146,620 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value was $135,610,989.

 

2. Additional Accounting Standards

Fair Value Measurements: The Fund has analyzed all existing investments to determine the significance and character of all inputs to their fair value determination. The levels of fair value inputs used to measure the Fund’s investments are characterized into a fair value hierarchy. Where inputs for an asset or liability fall into more than one level in the fair value hierarchy, the investment is classified in its entirety based on the lowest level input that is significant to that investment’s valuation. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

   

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

   

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

   

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at market value at the end of the period.

 

14


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2016 is as follows:

 

     Total
Value at
February 29, 2016
     Level 1
Quoted
Price
     Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
     Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Preferred Securities

           

Banking

   $ 580,760,029       $ 479,884,233       $ 100,823,146       $ 52,650   

Financial Services

     13,899,181         13,899,181                   

Insurance

     318,004,998         182,849,610         135,155,388           

Utilities

     139,072,468         42,672,172         96,400,296           

Energy

     28,519,913         1,106,928         27,412,985           

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

     34,227,457         34,227,457                   

Miscellaneous Industries

     29,587,877         10,739,078         18,848,799           

Corporate Debt Securities

           

Banking

     21,618,126         7,416,451         14,201,675           

Financial Services

     3,617,698         3,458,431                 159,267   

Insurance

     16,846,502                 16,846,502           

Energy

     6,956,810                 6,956,810           

Communication

     6,476,007         6,476,007                   

Miscellaneous Industries

     4,991,300         944,300         4,047,000           

Common Stock

           

Banking

     1,631,799         1,631,799                   

Insurance

     589,838         589,838                   

Money Market Fund

     7,409,849         7,409,849                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 1,214,209,852       $ 793,305,334       $ 420,692,601       $ 211,917   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the reporting period, there were no transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 or into Level 2 from Level 1.

The fair values of the Fund’s investments are generally based on market information and quotes received from brokers or independent pricing services that are approved by the Board of Directors and are unaffiliated with the Adviser. To assess the continuing appropriateness of security valuations, management, in consultation with the Adviser, regularly compares current prices to prior prices, prices across comparable securities, actual sale prices for securities in the Fund’s portfolio, and market information obtained by the Adviser as a function of being an active market participant.

Securities with quotes that are based on actual trades or actionable bids and offers with a sufficient level of activity on or near the measurement date are classified as Level 1. Securities that are priced using quotes derived from implied values, indicative bids and offers, or a limited number of actual trades—or the same information for securities that are similar in many respects to those being valued—are classified as Level 2. If market information is not available for securities being valued, or materially-comparable securities, then those securities are classified as Level 3. In considering market information, management evaluates changes in liquidity, willingness of a broker to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from pricing services, and the existence of observable trades in the market.

 

15


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

           

Preferred

Securities

    

Corporate Debt

Securities

 
      Total Investments      Banking      Financial Services  

Balance as of 11/30/15

   $ 201,992       $ 52,650       $ 149,342   

Accrued discounts/premiums

                       

Realized gain/(loss)

                       

Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     9,925                 9,925   

Purchases

                       

Sales

                       

Transfers in

                       

Transfers out

                       

Balance as of 02/29/16

   $ 211,917       $ 52,650       $ 159,267   

For the three months ended February 29, 2016, total change in unrealized gain/(loss) on Level 3 securities still held at period-end and included in the change in net assets was $9,925.

The following table summarizes the valuation techniques used and unobservable inputs developed to determine the fair value of Level 3 investments:

 

Category  

Fair Value

at 02/29/16

    Valuation Technique   Unobservable Input   Input Range (Wgt Avg)

Preferred Securities

       

(Banking)

  $ 52,650      Bankruptcy recovery   Credit/Structure-specific recovery   0.00% - 0.50% (0.15%)

Corporate Debt

    159,267      Bankruptcy recovery   Credit/Structure-specific recovery   2% - 5% (3.3%)

Securities

(Financial Services)

       

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement technique for bankruptcy recovery are based on recovery analysis that is specific to the security being valued, including the level of subordination and structural features of the security, and the current status of any bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings. Observable market trades in bankruptcy claims are utilized by management, when available, to assess the appropriateness of valuations, although the frequency of trading depends on the specific credit and seniority of the claim. Expected recoveries in bankruptcy by security type and industry do not tend to deviate much from historical recovery rates, which are very low (sometimes zero) for preferred securities and more moderate for senior debt. Significant changes in these inputs would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

 

16


 

Directors

R. Eric Chadwick, CFA

Chairman of the Board

David Gale

Morgan Gust

Karen H. Hogan

Robert F. Wulf, CFA

Officers

R. Eric Chadwick, CFA

Chief Executive Officer and

President

Chad C. Conwell

Chief Compliance Officer,

Vice President and Secretary

Bradford S. Stone

Chief Financial Officer,

Vice President and Treasurer

Roger Ko

Assistant Treasurer

Laurie C. Lodolo

Assistant Compliance Officer,

Assistant Treasurer and

Assistant Secretary

Linda M. Puchalski

Assistant Treasurer

Investment Adviser

Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated

e-mail: flaherty@pfdincome.com

Servicing Agent

Destra Capital Investments LLC

1-877-855-3434

Questions concerning your shares of Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund?

   

If your shares are held in a Brokerage Account, contact your Broker.

   

If you have physical possession of your shares in certificate form, contact the Fund’s Transfer Agent —

BNY Mellon c/o Computershare

P.O. Box 30170

College Station, TX 77842-3170 1-866-351-7446

This report is sent to shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated for their information. It is not a Prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.

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February 29, 2016

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