<![CDATA[Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated]]>

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-Q

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

Investment Company Act file number             811-21380                        

                Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated                

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

301 E. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 720

                                                     Pasadena, CA 91101                                                     

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Donald F. Crumrine

Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated

301 E. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 720

                                           Pasadena, CA 91101                                           

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  626-795-7300

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

Date of reporting period: February 28, 2013

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, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


Item 1. Schedule of Investments.

The Schedule(s) of Investment is attached herewith.


FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE TOTAL RETURN FUND

To the Shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund:

The new fiscal year is off to a fine start—total return on net asset value1 for the first fiscal quarter2 was +4.4%. Over the same period total return based on income plus change in the Fund’s market price was +5.1%.

With signs of economic improvement trickling in, prices on intermediate and long-term US Treasury bonds fell as much as five percent in the quarter. In contrast, prices on many preferred securities rose. Conditions in the market for preferred securities have been, and remain, positive; credit quality continues to improve, investor demand is high, and the market is shrinking.

Once again redemptions of preferred securities outpaced issuance. Since December 1, 2012, redemptions3 totaled $30.1 billion. Over the same period, $16.8 billion of new preferred securities were brought to market. During the past four months, the preferred securities market has shrunk by $13.3 billion, or 3.7%.

It’s instructive to break these numbers down between bank and non-bank securities. Since December 1, 2012, redemptions of bank preferred securities have totaled $17.6 billion, or 44% of total preferred redemptions. Since mid-March, however, bank calls have spiked and comprise over 70% of total redemptions. The pace quickened immediately after regulators announced results from their annual review of capital at large banks. So far, banks have been slow to replace preferred capital—new bank issues have totaled a paltry $3.9 billion since December 1st of last year.

For non-bank companies the decision to call or issue is driven primarily by economics. In the current low interest rate environment, it is often possible for issuers to achieve substantial savings by refinancing. While banks are concerned about expense reduction as well, their decisions about redemption or issuance have been driven mainly by regulatory requirements. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, passed by Congress in 2010, mandated new standards for the amount and form of bank capital. Under the Act, trust preferred securities are being phased out of the calculation of Tier 1 capital. New capital will be either traditional equity or non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock.

As we’ve discussed in the past, the wave of refinancing negatively impacts income earned from Fund investments. The current combination of high-yielding portfolio assets and low cost of Fund leverage won’t last forever; we attempt to set distribution rates that reflect this situation.

Since our last letter, there have been three related changes to the Fund: a new name, a new shareholder servicing agent and a new website address at www.preferredincome.com. We are pleased to welcome Destra Capital Investments LLC (“Destra Capital”) as the new shareholder servicing agent. In addition, the Fund changed its name to “Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated”. We emphasize that Flaherty & Crumrine is still the investment adviser and there has been no change in investment strategies or style.

 

 

 

1  Following the methodology required by the SEC, total return includes income and principal change, plus the impact of the Fund’s leverage and expenses.
2  December 1, 2012—February 28, 2013
3  Announced or implemented.


As always, we encourage you to visit the Fund’s website for important information.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO   LOGO
Donald F. Crumrine   Robert M. Ettinger
Chairman   President

March 28, 2013

 

 

2


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

 

Fund Statistics       
Net Asset Value   $ 20.58   
Market Price   $ 20.77   
Premium     0.92
Yield on Market Price     7.86
Common Stock Shares Outstanding     9,888,145   

 

 

Moody’s Ratings   % of Net Assets†  
A     1.5%   
BBB     59.1%   
BB     30.7%   
Below “BB”     2.5%   
Not Rated*     4.5%   
Below Investment Grade**     22.1%   

 

* Does not include net other assets and liabilities of 1.7%.
** 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     5.3%   
MetLife     4.2%   
Banco Santander, S.A.     4.1%   
Goldman Sachs Group     3.9%   
HSBC PLC     3.6%   
Wells Fargo & Company     3.4%   
Barclays Bank PLC     3.2%   
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd     3.0%   
Unum Group     2.8%   
XL Group PLC     2.7%   
 
% of Net Assets***†  
Holdings Generating Qualified Dividend Income (QDI) for Individuals     42%   
Holdings Generating Income Eligible for the Corporate Dividend Received Deduction (DRD)     25%   

 

*** 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 Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     
     

 

Preferred Securities — 86.1%

   
       

Banking — 33.4%

           
 

Astoria Financial:

   
$ 4,850,000     

Astoria Capital Trust I, 9.75% 11/01/29, Series B

  $ 5,006,413 (1)(2)   
 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.:

   
$ 2,050,000     

BBVA International Preferred, 5.919%

    1,732,250 **(1)(2)(3)   
 

Banco Santander, S.A.:

   
  439,755     

Banco Santander, 10.50% Pfd., Series 10

    12,388,998 **(1)(3)   
 

Bank of America:

   
  108,000     

Bank of America Corporation, 8.625% Pfd.

    2,754,000  
  25,000     

Countrywide Capital V, 7.00% Pfd. 11/01/36

    631,250     
 

Barclays Bank PLC:

   
$ 3,600,000     

Barclays Bank PLC, 6.278%

    3,530,034 **(1)(2)(3)   
  81,750     

Barclays Bank PLC, 7.10% Pfd.

    2,072,363 **(3)   
  8,800     

Barclays Bank PLC, 7.75% Pfd., Series 4

    223,256 **(3)   
  150,000     

Barclays Bank PLC, 8.125% Pfd., Series 5

    3,816,000 **(1)(3)   
 

BNP Paribas:

   
$ 3,775,000     

BNP Paribas, 7.195%, 144A****

    3,935,438 **(1)(2)(3)   
 

Citigroup:

   
  20,000     

Citigroup Capital VII, 7.125% Pfd. 07/31/31

    508,126     
  83,300     

Citigroup Capital XIII, 7.875% Pfd. 10/30/40

    2,366,245 (1)   
 

CoBank ACB:

   
  25,000     

CoBank ACB, 6.25% Pfd., 144A****

    2,668,750  
 

Colonial BancGroup:

   
$ 10,000,000     

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

    15,000 (4)( 5)††   
 

Cullen/Frost Bankers:

   
  43,200     

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., 5.375% Pfd.

    1,071,900  
 

FBOP Corp:

   
  7,000     

FBOP Corporation, Adj. Rate Pfd., 144A****

    3,500 *(4)( 5)††   
 

Fifth Third Bancorp:

   
$ 2,150,000     

Fifth Third Capital Trust IV, 6.50% 04/15/37

    2,160,750 (1)(2)   
 

First Horizon:

   
  875     

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

    646,953  
  3     

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

    3,301,875     
 

First Niagara Financial Group:

   
  140,750     

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., 8.625% Pfd.

    4,131,364 *(1)   
 

First Republic Bank:

   
  12,137     

First Republic Bank, 6.70% Pfd.

    332,948  
 

Goldman Sachs Group:

   
$ 4,451,000     

Goldman Sachs, Capital I, 6.345% 02/15/34

    4,674,534 (1)(2)   

 

4


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     

 

Preferred Securities — (Continued)

   
       

Banking — (Continued)

     
 

HSBC PLC:

   
$ 2,000,000     

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

  $ 2,805,000 (1)(3)   
  172,000     

HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.00% Pfd., Series 2

    4,781,858 **(1)(3)   
$ 200,000     

HSBC USA Capital Trust I, 7.808% 12/15/26, 144A****

    204,000     
$ 275,000     

HSBC USA Capital Trust II, 8.38% 05/15/27, 144A****

    280,846 (1)   
  19,109     

HSBC USA, Inc., 6.50% Pfd., Series H

    492,655 *(1)   
 

ING Groep NV:

   
  30,000     

ING Groep NV, 6.375% Pfd.

    739,500 **(3)   
  50,000     

ING Groep NV, 7.05% Pfd.

    1,268,075 **(3)   
  31,425     

ING Groep NV, 7.20% Pfd.

    796,388 **(3)   
  30,000     

ING Groep NV, 7.375% Pfd.

    764,700 **(3)   
  9,078     

ING Groep NV, 8.50% Pfd.

    235,302 **(3)   
 

JPMorgan Chase:

   
$ 5,880,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Company, 7.90%, Series 1

    6,812,997 *(1)   
 

KeyCorp:

   
  1,250     

KeyCorp, 7.75% Pfd., Series A

    159,141  
 

Lloyds Banking Group PLC:

   
$ 1,000,000     

Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 6.657%, 144A****

    907,500 **(3)   
 

M&T Bank Corp:

   
$ 2,700,000     

M&T Bank Corporation, 6.875%, 144A****

    2,836,747  
 

Morgan Stanley:

   
  11,250     

Morgan Stanley Capital Trust VI, 6.60% Pfd. 02/01/46

    285,469     
  7,500     

Morgan Stanley Capital Trust VII, 6.60% Pfd.

    189,825     
 

PNC Financial Services:

   
  39,995     

PNC Financial Services, 6.6285%(6) Adj. Rate Pfd., Series L

    1,038,770 *(1)   
$ 200,000     

PNC Preferred Funding Trust III, 8.70%, 144A****

    203,516     
 

Sovereign Bancorp:

   
  3,000     

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

    3,917,622     
 

Wells Fargo:

   
$ 600,000     

First Union Capital II, 7.95% 11/15/29

    743,371 (1)   
  3,015     

Wells Fargo & Company, 7.50% Pfd., Series L

    3,824,151 *(1)   
  198,700     

Wells Fargo & Company, 8.00% Pfd., Series J

    5,774,719 *(1)   
 

Zions Bancorporation:

   
  125,000     

Zions Bancorporation, 7.90% Pfd., Series F

    3,593,750  
  45,000     

Zions Bancorporation, 9.50% Pfd., Series C

    1,163,250  
      101,791,099     
   

 

 

   
       

Financial Services — 2.1%

     
 

Credit Suisse Group:

   
$ 2,180,000     

Claudius, Ltd. - Credit Suisse AG, 7.875%, Series B, 144A****

    2,324,425 (3)   

 

5


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     

 

Preferred Securities — (Continued)

   
       

Financial Services — (Continued)

     
 

General Electric Capital Corp:

   
$ 1,550,000     

General Electric Capital Corp., 7.125%, Series A

  $ 1,793,090  
 

HSBC PLC:

   
  94,897     

HSBC Finance Corporation, 6.36% Pfd., Series B

    2,432,352  
      6,549,867     
   

 

 

   
       

Insurance — 24.6%

     
 

Ace Ltd.:

   
$ 1,550,000     

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

    2,259,125 (1)(2)(3)   
 

Aon Corporation:

   
$ 1,875,000     

AON Corp, 8.205% 01/01/27

    2,409,210     
 

Arch Capital Group:

   
  26,512     

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

    728,881 **(1)(3)   
 

AXA SA:

   
$ 1,016,000     

AXA SA, 6.379%, 144A****

    1,016,000 **(1)(2)(3)   
$ 250,000     

AXA SA, 8.60% 12/15/30

    322,271 (3)   
 

Axis Capital:

   
  333,650     

Axis Capital Holdings, 6.875% Pfd., Series C

    9,269,297 **(1)(3)   
 

Delphi Financial:

   
  160,000     

Delphi Financial Group, 7.376% Pfd. 05/15/37

    4,015,008 (1)   
 

Endurance Specialty Holdings:

   
  35,000     

Endurance Specialty Holdings, 7.50% Pfd.

    940,538 **(3)   
 

Everest Re Group:

   
  8,932     

Everest Re Capital Trust II, 6.20% Pfd., Series B

    227,333     
$ 6,314,000     

Everest Re Holdings, 6.60% 05/15/37

    6,463,958 (1)(2)   
 

Liberty Mutual Group:

   
$ 8,300,000     

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

    12,719,750 (1)(2)   
 

Lincoln National Corp:

   
$ 260,000     

Lincoln National Corporation, 7.00% 05/17/66

    265,850     
 

MetLife:

   
$ 888,000     

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

    1,105,560 (1)   
$ 5,335,000     

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

    7,388,975 (1)   
$ 2,855,000     

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

    4,403,838 (1)(2)   
 

PartnerRe Ltd.:

   
  31,000     

PartnerRe Ltd., 7.250% Pfd., Series E

    862,730 **(3)   
 

Principal Financial:

   
  10,500     

Principal Financial Group, 5.563% Pfd., Series A

    1,047,375  
  75,000     

Principal Financial Group, 6.518% Pfd., Series B

    2,048,438 *(1)   

 

6


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     

 

Preferred Securities — (Continued)

   
       

Insurance — (Continued)

     
 

Prudential Financial:

   
$ 1,000,000     

Prudential Financial Inc., 5.625% 06/15/43

  $ 1,045,000 (1)   
 

QBE Capital Funding:

   
$ 1,400,000     

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

    1,465,264 (1)(3)   
 

Renaissancere Holdings:

   
  15,067     

Renaissancere Holdings Ltd, 6.60% Pfd.

    383,003 **(3)   
 

StanCorp Financial Group:

   
$ 2,365,000     

StanCorp Financial Group, 6.90% 06/01/67

    2,406,388 (1)   
 

The Travelers Companies:

   
$ 3,184,800     

USF&G Capital, 8.312% 07/01/46, 144A****

    4,143,301 (1)(2)   
 

XL Group PLC:

   
$ 8,250,000     

XL Capital Ltd., 6.50%, Series E

    8,085,000 (1)(2)(3)   
      75,022,093     
   

 

 

   
       

Utilities — 18.0%

     
 

Alabama Power:

   
  6,050     

Alabama Power Company, 6.45% Pfd.

    173,371 *(1)   
 

Baltimore Gas & Electric:

   
  33,700     

Baltimore Gas & Electric Company, 6.70% Pfd., Series 1993

    3,468,994 *(1)   
 

Commonwealth Edison:

   
$ 3,160,000     

COMED Financing III, 6.35% 03/15/33

    3,318,000 (1)(2)   
 

Constellation Energy:

   
  20,170     

Constellation Energy Group, 8.625% Pfd. 06/15/63, Series A

    522,403 (1)   
 

Dominion Resources:

   
$ 3,500,000     

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

    3,888,052 (1)(2)   
 

Entergy Arkansas:

   
  83,000     

Entergy Arkansas, Inc., 6.45% Pfd.

    2,113,910 *(1)   
 

Entergy Louisiana:

   
  59,850     

Entergy Louisiana, Inc., 6.95% Pfd.

    5,996,222 *(1)   
 

Georgia Power:

   
  70,791     

Georgia Power Company, 6.50% Pfd., Series 2007A

    7,921,959 *(1)   
 

Indianapolis Power & Light:

   
  17,800     

Indianapolis Power & Light Company, 5.65% Pfd.

    1,790,013 *(1)   
 

Interstate Power & Light:

   
  94,721     

Interstate Power & Light Company, 8.375% Pfd., Series B

    2,382,830  
 

Nextera Energy:

   
$ 2,897,000     

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

    3,102,678 (1)(2)   
$ 1,975,000     

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

    2,233,911 (1)(2)   

 

7


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     

 

Preferred Securities — (Continued)

   
       

Utilities — (Continued)

     
 

PECO Energy:

   
$ 3,600,000     

PECO Energy Capital Trust IV, 5.75% 06/15/33

  $ 3,618,166 (1)(2)   
 

PPL Corp:

   
$ 3,450,000     

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

    3,668,885 (1)(2)   
 

Puget Energy:

   
$ 5,175,000     

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

    5,652,733 (1)(2)   
 

Southern California Edison:

   
  46,460     

Southern California Edison, 6.50% Pfd., Series D

    4,936,375 *(1)   
      54,788,502     
   

 

 

   
       

Energy — 4.7%

     
 

Enbridge Energy Partners:

   
$ 7,050,000     

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

    7,974,206 (1)(2)   
 

Enterprise Products Partners:

   
$ 5,550,000     

Enterprise Products Partners, 8.375% 08/01/66, Series A

    6,345,637 (1)(2)   
      14,319,843     
   

 

 

   
       

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) — 1.1%

     
 

CommonWealth REIT:

   
  7,500     

CommonWealth REIT, 7.25% Pfd.

    190,961     
 

Duke Realty Corp:

   
  8,000     

Duke Realty Corp, 6.50% Pfd.

    201,940     
  21,000     

Duke Realty Corp, 6.60% Pfd.

    536,157     
 

PS Business Parks:

   
  56,000     

PS Business Parks, Inc., 6.45% Pfd.

    1,489,253     
  35,000     

PS Business Parks, Inc., 6.875% Pfd., Series R

    932,750     
      3,351,061     
   

 

 

   

 

       

Miscellaneous Industries — 2.2%

     
 

Ocean Spray Cranberries:

   
  37,400     

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

    3,446,646  
 

Stanley Black & Decker:

   
  24,012     

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

    627,470 (1)   
 

Textron, Inc.:

   
$ 2,850,000     

Textron Financial Corporation, 6.00% 02/15/67, 144A****

    2,622,000     
      6,696,116     
   

 

 

   

 

 

Total Preferred Securities
(Cost $250,775,303)

    262,518,581     
   

 

 

   

 

 

8


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     

 

Corporate Debt Securities — 11.8%

   
       

Banking — 4.6%

     
 

First Niagara Financial Group:

   
$ 300,000     

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., 7.25% 12/15/21, Sub Notes

  $ 359,342     
 

Goldman Sachs Group:

   
$ 6,338,900     

Goldman Sachs Group, 6.75% 10/01/37, Sub Notes

    7,210,011 (1)(2)   
 

Morgan Stanley:

   
$ 1,600,000     

Morgan Stanley, 6.375% 07/24/42

    1,961,651 (1)(2)   
 

Regions Financial:

   
$ 3,741,000     

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

    4,171,215 (1)(2)   
 

Texas Capital Bancshares:

   
  20,600     

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

    520,150     
      14,222,369     
   

 

 

   

 

       

Financial Services — 0.5%

     
 

Affiliated Managers Group:

   
  27,895     

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

    731,170     
 

Lehman Brothers:

   
$ 4,726,012     

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

    649,165 (4)( 5)††   
 

Raymond James Financial:

   
  3,264     

Raymond James Financial, 6.90% 03/15/42

    91,106     
      1,471,441     
   

 

 

   
       

Insurance — 3.9%

     
 

Liberty Mutual Group:

   
$ 3,000,000     

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

    3,323,736 (1)(2)   
 

Unum Group:

   
$ 7,000,000     

UnumProvident Corporation, 7.25% 03/15/28

    8,514,247 (1)(2)   
      11,837,983     
   

 

 

   
       

Utilities — 0.7%

     
 

Energy Transfer Equity:

   
$ 1,600,000     

Southern Union Company, 8.25% 11/15/29

    2,049,067 (1)(2)   
      2,049,067     
   

 

 

   

 

       

Energy — 1.0%

     
 

Nexen, Inc.:

   
  120,475     

Nexen, Inc., 7.35% 11/01/43

    3,049,523 (3)   
      3,049,523     
   

 

 

   

 

 

9


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

Shares/$ Par        

    Value    

     

 

Corporate Debt Securities — (Continued)

   
       

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) — 0.1%

     
 

CommonWealth REIT:

   
  12,500     

CommonWealth REIT, 7.50% 11/15/19

  $ 267,019     
      267,019     
   

 

 

   

 

       

Miscellaneous Industries — 1.0%

     
 

Pulte Group Inc.:

   
  25,844     

Pulte Homes, Inc., 7.375% 06/01/46

    654,176     
$ 2,160,000     

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

    2,392,200 (1)(2)   
      3,046,376     
   

 

 

   

 

 

Total Corporate Debt Securities
(Cost $31,782,999)

    35,943,778     
   

 

 

   

 

     

 

Common Stock — 0.3%

   
       

Banking — 0.2%

     
 

CIT Group:

   
  13,500     

CIT Group, Inc.

    565,110 *†   
      565,110     
   

 

 

   
       

Utilities — 0.1%

     
 

Exelon Corp:

   
  11,750     

Exelon Corporation

    364,133  
      364,133     
   

 

 

   
 

Total Common Stock
(Cost $3,031,124)

    929,243     
   

 

 

   

 

Money Market Fund — 0.1%

 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds:

   
  304,435     

T-Fund

    304,435     
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $304,435)

    304,435     
   

 

 

   

Total Investments (Cost $285,893,861***)

     98.3%        299,696,037   

Other Assets And Liabilities (Net)

     1.7%        5,140,328   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Managed Assets

     100.0% ‡    $ 304,836,365   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loan Principal Balance

  

    (101,300,000
    

 

 

 

Total Net Assets Available To Common Stock

  

  $ 203,536,365   
    

 

 

 

 

10


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

 

* 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 28, 2013, these securities amounted to $61,931,569 or 20.3% 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 $189,964,835 at February 28, 2013.

(2)

All or a portion of this security has been rehypothecated. The total value of such securities was $96,958,685 at February 28, 2013.

(3)

Foreign Issuer.

(4)

Illiquid.

(5) 

Valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors as of February 28, 2013.

(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.

 

 

    ABBREVIATIONS:

Pfd.

    Preferred Securities

REIT

    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

11


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

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

For the period from December 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

     Value  

OPERATIONS:

  

Net investment income

   $ 3,928,168   

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

     474,175   

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     4,390,213   
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     8,792,556   

DISTRIBUTIONS:

  

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

     (4,872,392
  

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Common Stock Shareholders

     (4,872,392

FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

  

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

     262,457   
  

 

 

 

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

     262,457   

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK

  

 

 

 

FOR THE PERIOD

   $ 4,182,621   
  

 

 

 
          
  

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK:

  

Beginning of period

   $ 199,353,744   

Net increase in net assets during the period

     4,182,621   
  

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 203,536,365   
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

These tables summarize the three months ended February 28, 2013 and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s audited financial statements, including footnotes, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2012.

(2)

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

 

12


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(1)

For the period from December 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013 (Unaudited)

For a Common Stock share outstanding throughout the period

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:

  

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 20.19   
  

 

 

 

INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

  

Net investment income

     0.40   

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments.

     0.48   
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.88   
  

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:

  

From net investment income

     (0.49
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to Common Stock Shareholders

     (0.49
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 20.58   
  

 

 

 

Market value, end of period

   $ 20.77   
  

 

 

 

Common Stock shares outstanding, end of period

     9,888,145   
  

 

 

 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:

  

Net investment income†

     7.90 %* 

Operating expenses including interest expense

     1.84 %* 

Operating expenses excluding interest expense

     1.30 %* 
    

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:††

  

Portfolio turnover rate

     6 %** 

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

   $ 304,836   

Ratio of operating expenses including interest expense to total managed assets

     1.23 %* 

Ratio of operating expenses excluding interest expense to total managed assets

     0.87 %* 

 

(1) 

These tables summarize the three months ended February 28, 2013 and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s audited financial statements, including footnotes, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2012.

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

 

13


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return 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, 2012

   $ 0.2210       $ 20.19       $ 20.14       $ 20.19   

January 31, 2013

     0.1360         20.52         21.33         20.52   

February 28, 2013

     0.1360         20.58         20.77         20.58   

 

(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.

 

14


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

1. Aggregate Information for Federal Income Tax Purposes

At February 28, 2013, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $290,812,373, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of value over tax cost was $31,392,594 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of tax cost over value was $22,508,930.

 

2. Additional Accounting Standards

Fair Value Measurements: The Fund has performed an analysis of all existing investments and derivative instruments 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. A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 28, 2013 is as follows:

 

     Total
Value at
February 28, 2013
     Level 1
Quoted
Price
     Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
     Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Preferred Securities

           

Banking

   $ 101,791,099       $ 73,895,222       $ 27,877,377       $ 18,500   

Financial Services

     6,549,867         4,225,442         2,324,425           

Insurance

     75,022,093         49,474,193         25,547,900           

Utilities

     54,788,502         15,798,759         38,989,743           

Energy

     14,319,843         14,319,843                   

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

     3,351,061         3,351,061                   

Miscellaneous Industries

     6,696,116         627,470         6,068,646           

Corporate Debt Securities

     35,943,778         14,484,806         20,809,807         649,165   

Common Stock

           

Banking

     565,110         565,110                   

Utilities

     364,133         364,133                   

Money Market Fund

     304,435         304,435                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 299,696,037       $ 177,410,474       $ 121,617,898       $ 667,665   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

15


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

During the reporting period, there were no transfers into Level 1 from Level 2. During the reporting period, securities with an aggregate market value of $2,668,750 were transferred into Level 2 from Level 1. The securities were transferred because of a reduction in the amount of observable market data, resulting from: a decrease in market activity for the securities, reduced availability of quoted prices for the securities, or de-listing of securities from a national securities exchange that resulted in a material decrease in activity.

The fair values of the Fund’s investments are generally based on market information and quotes received from brokers or independent pricing services—approved by the Board and 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 participant in the markets.

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.

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

 

    

Preferred Securities

 
      Total Investments     Banking      Financial
Services
    Corporate Debt
Securities
 

Balance as of 11/30/12

   $ 2,698,326      $ 18,500       $ 2,151,930      $ 527,896   

Accrued discounts/premiums

                             

Realized gain/(loss)

                             

Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     121,269                       121,269   

Purchases

                             

Sales

     (2,151,930             (2,151,930       

Transfers in

                             

Transfers out

                             

Balance as of 2/28/13

   $ 667,655      $ 18,500       $      $ 649,165   

For the three months ended February 28, 2013, total change in unrealized gain/(loss) on Level 3 securities still held at period-end and included in the change in net assets was $121,269.

 

16


 

Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

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 2/28/13
    Valuation Technique   Unobservable Input   Input Range (Wgt Avg)
Preferred Securities        

Banking

  $ 15,000      Bankruptcy recovery   Credit/Structure-specific recovery   0.00%-0.50% (0.15%)
    3,500      Bankruptcy recovery   Credit/Structure-specific recovery   0.00%-0.50% (0.05%)
Corporate Debt Securities     649,165      Bankruptcy recovery   Credit/Structure-specific recovery   10%-20% (13%)

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.

 

17


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Directors

Donald F. Crumrine, CFA

Chairman of the Board

David Gale

Morgan Gust

Karen H. Hogan

Robert F. Wulf, CFA

Officers

Donald F. Crumrine, CFA

Chief Executive Officer

Robert M. Ettinger, CFA

President

R. Eric Chadwick, CFA

Chief Financial Officer,

Vice President and Treasurer

Chad C. Conwell

Chief Compliance Officer,

Vice President and Secretary

Bradford S. Stone

Vice President and

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

1-866-233-4001

Questions concerning your shares of Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return 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 Investment Servicing

P.O. Box 358035

Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8035 1-866-351-7446

This report is sent to shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return 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.

 

LOGO

 

Quarterly

Report

February 28, 2013

www.preferredincome.com

 


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 the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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.

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are 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)

 

    Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Incorporated

 

By (Signature and Title)*  

      /s/ Donald F. Crumrine

 

      Donald F. Crumrine, Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief

 

      Executive Officer

 

      (principal executive officer)

 

Date

 

4/19/2013

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/ Donald F. Crumrine

 

      Donald F. Crumrine, Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief

 

      Executive Officer

 

      (principal executive officer)

 

Date

 

4/19/2013

 

By (Signature and Title)*  

      /s/ R. Eric Chadwick

 

      R. Eric Chadwick, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Vice

 

      President

 

      (principal financial officer)

 

Date

 

4/19/2013

 

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.