Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund remains a hold as dividend coverage and NAV stability face headwinds from potential rate hikes. NPFD's 10% yield is unsustainable; a 30% dividend cut would better support NAV and long-term performance. The fund's shrinking discount to NAV and high leverage amplify downside risk in a deteriorating debt market.
Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund has delivered strong total returns since our last update. This was partially driven by NPFD's discount having narrowed from over 8%, making the current valuation less compelling and justifying a "Hold" rating. The fund's 10.09% distribution yield relies on capital gains, with net investment income coverage at only around 70%, even after the distribution trim.