nq2.htm



 
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 811-09451
 
Nuveen Massachusetts Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
Nuveen Investments
        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:            5/31          
 
Date of reporting period:         8/31/12         
 
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 Massachusetts Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NMB) 
     
   
August 31, 2012 
     
Principal 
   
Optional Call 
   
Amount (000) 
 
Description (1) 
Provisions (2) 
Ratings (3) 
Value 
   
Consumer Discretionary – 1.2% (0.9% of Total Investments) 
     
$ 480 
 
Boston Industrial Development Financing Authority, Massachusetts, Senior Revenue Bonds, 
3/13 at 102.00 
Caa3 
$ 376,056 
   
Crosstown Center Project, Series 2002, 6.500%, 9/01/35 (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
   
Education and Civic Organizations – 46.6% (32.4% of Total Investments) 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Revenue Bonds, Lesley University Issue Series B-1 and 
7/21 at 100.00 
AA– 
575,190 
   
B-2, 5.250%, 7/01/33 – AGM Insured 
     
375 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Boston University, Series 2009V-1, 
10/19 at 100.00 
A
424,448 
   
5.000%, 10/01/29 
     
110 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Draper Laboratory, Series 2008, 
9/18 at 100.00 
Aa3 
128,200 
   
5.875%, 9/01/30 
     
400 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Emerson College, Series 2010A, 
1/20 at 100.00 
BBB+ 
419,096 
   
5.000%, 1/01/40 
     
300 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Merrimack College, Series 2012A, 
7/22 at 100.00 
BBB– 
324,141 
   
5.250%, 7/01/42 
     
1,000 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, The Broad Institute, Series 2011A, 
4/21 at 100.00 
AA– 
1,131,520 
   
5.250%, 4/01/37 
     
450 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 
9/17 at 100.00 
A+ 
482,103 
   
Series 2007, 5.000%, 9/01/37 – NPFG Insured 
     
495 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy 
7/15 at 100.00 
AA– 
525,695 
   
and Allied Health Sciences, Series 2005D, 5.000%, 7/01/27 – AGC Insured 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, WGBH Educational Foundation, 
No Opt. Call 
A
658,115 
   
Series 2002A, 5.750%, 1/01/42 – AMBAC Insured 
     
2,100 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, WGBH Educational Foundation, 
1/18 at 100.00 
AA– 
2,239,838 
   
Series 2008A, 5.000%, 1/01/42 – AGC Insured 
     
1,000 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Boston University, 
5/29 at 105.00 
A2 
1,258,439 
   
Series 1999P, 6.000%, 5/15/59 
     
990 
 
Massachusetts Educational Finance Authority, Educational Loan Revenue Bonds, Series 2001E, 
1/13 at 100.00 
AA 
992,544 
   
5.300%, 1/01/16 – AMBAC Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
540 
 
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Education Loan Revenue Bonds, Series 2008H, 
1/18 at 100.00 
AA 
604,357 
   
6.350%, 1/01/30 – AGC Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
1,000 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Boston College, 
6/13 at 100.00 
AA– 
1,034,770 
   
Series 2003N, 5.250%, 6/01/18 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Springfield College, 
10/19 at 100.00 
Baa1 
545,575 
   
Series 2010, 5.500%, 10/15/31 
     
1,500 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Wheaton College 
1/20 at 100.00 
A2 
1,651,994 
   
Issues, Series 2010F, 5.000%, 1/01/41 
     
590 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Williams College, 
7/16 at 100.00 
AA+ 
664,051 
   
Series 2007L, 5.000%, 7/01/31 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Suffolk 
7/19 at 100.00 
BBB 
557,370 
   
University Issue, Series 2009A, 5.750%, 7/01/39 
     
12,850 
 
Total Education and Civic Organizations 
   
14,217,446 
   
Health Care – 27.8% (19.3% of Total Investments) 
     
1,200 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Partners HealthCare System, Series 
7/20 at 100.00 
AA 
1,359,515 
   
2011K-6, 5.375%, 7/01/41 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, UMass Memorial Health, Series 2011H, 
7/21 at 100.00 
A– 
568,270 
   
5.500%, 7/01/31 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds, Quincy Medical Center 
1/18 at 100.00 
N/R 
2,520 
   
Issue, Series 2008A, 6.500%, 1/15/38 (5) 
     
160 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Baystate Medical 
7/19 at 100.00 
A+ 
178,867 
   
Center, Series 2009I, 5.750%, 7/01/36 
     
775 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Caregroup Inc., 
8/18 at 100.00 
A– 
875,208 
   
Series B1 Capital Asset Program Converted June 13,2008, 5.375%, 2/01/26 – NPFG Insured 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Caregroup Inc., 
8/18 at 100.00 
A– 
562,890 
   
Series B2, Capital Asset Program, Converted June 9, 2009, 5.375%, 2/01/27 – NPFG Insured 
     
1,000 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Children’s Hospital, 
12/19 at 100.00 
AA 
1,136,290 
   
Series 2009M, 5.500%, 12/01/39 
     
   
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Emerson Hospital, 
     
   
Series 2005E: 
     
550 
 
5.000%, 8/15/25 – RAAI Insured 
8/15 at 100.00 
N/R 
552,987 
315 
 
5.000%, 8/15/35 – RAAI Insured 
8/15 at 100.00 
N/R 
301,320 
600 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Lahey Clinic Medical 
8/15 at 100.00 
A+ 
633,588 
   
Center, Series 2005C, 5.000%, 8/15/21 – FGIC Insured 
     
1,000 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Lahey Medical 
8/17 at 100.00 
A+ 
1,073,090 
   
Center, Series 2007D, 5.250%, 8/15/28 
     
290 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Milford Regional 
7/17 at 100.00 
BBB– 
292,540 
   
Medical Center, Series 2007E, 5.000%, 7/15/32 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Milton Hospital 
7/15 at 100.00 
BB– 
505,200 
   
Project, Series 2005D, 5.250%, 7/01/30 
     
159 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Northern Berkshire 
7/14 at 100.00 
D
136,951 
   
Community Services Inc., Series 2012A, 6.375%, 7/01/34 
     
124 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Northern Berkshire 
7/14 at 100.00 
D
12,359 
   
Community Services Inc., Series 2012B, 6.375%, 7/01/34 
     
192 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Northern Berkshire 
7/14 at 100.00 
D
2
   
Community Services Inc., Series 2012C, 0.000%, 2/15/34 
     
285 
 
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, UMass Memorial 
7/15 at 100.00 
A– 
292,433 
   
Health Care, Series 2005D, 5.000%, 7/01/33 
     
8,650 
 
Total Health Care 
   
8,484,030 
   
Housing/Multifamily – 6.9% (4.8% of Total Investments) 
     
560 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Authority, Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds, Emerson Manor 
7/17 at 100.00 
BB 
582,327 
   
Project, Series 2007, 4.800%, 7/20/48 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Housing Revenue Bonds, Series 2003S, 5.050%, 12/01/23 
6/13 at 100.00 
AA– 
504,890 
   
(Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
1,000 
 
Somerville Housing Authority, Massachusetts, GNMA Collateralized Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 
5/13 at 102.00 
N/R 
1,031,940 
   
Clarendon Hill Towers, Series 2002, 5.200%, 11/20/22 
     
2,060 
 
Total Housing/Multifamily 
   
2,119,157 
   
Housing/Single Family – 3.8% (2.6% of Total Investments) 
     
650 
 
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Housing Revenue Bonds, Series 2006-126, 
6/16 at 100.00 
AA 
668,200 
   
4.625%, 6/01/32 (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
400 
 
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Housing Revenue Bonds, Series 2008, Trust 
No Opt. Call 
AA 
482,972 
   
3145, 15.369%, 6/01/16 (IF) 
     
1,050 
 
Total Housing/Single Family 
   
1,151,172 
   
Industrials – 1.2% (0.9% of Total Investments) 
     
100 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Pioneer Valley Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds, 
No Opt. Call 
N/R 
99,324 
   
Eco/Springfield LLC, Series 2006, 5.875%, 7/01/14 (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
200 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, Waste 
No Opt. Call 
BBB 
215,270 
   
Management Inc., Series 2003, 5.450%, 6/01/14 
     
65 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, 100 Cambridge Street 
11/12 at 100.00 
BBB 
65,062 
   
Redevelopment, M/SRBC Project, Series 2002A, 5.125%, 2/01/34 – NPFG Insured 
     
365 
 
Total Industrials 
   
379,656 
   
Long-Term Care – 4.8% (3.3% of Total Investments) 
     
100 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Carleton-Willard Village, Series 
12/19 at 100.00 
A– 
109,376 
   
2010, 5.625%, 12/01/30 
     
725 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Orchard Cove, Series 2007, 
10/12 at 102.00 
N/R 
733,990 
   
5.250%, 10/01/26 
     
605 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Authority, First Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Berkshire 
1/13 at 101.00 
BBB 
612,218 
   
Retirement Community – Edgecombe Project, Series 2001A, 6.750%, 7/01/21 
     
1,430 
 
Total Long-Term Care 
   
1,455,584 
   
Tax Obligation/General – 15.1% (10.5% of Total Investments) 
     
310 
 
Ashland, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2004, 5.250%, 5/15/23 – AMBAC Insured 
5/15 at 100.00 
Aa2 
346,847 
440 
 
Fall River, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2003, 5.000%, 2/01/21 – AGM Insured 
2/13 at 101.00 
AA– 
449,623 
1,000 
 
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District, Hampden County, Massachusetts, General Obligation 
2/21 at 100.00 
Aa3 
1,125,710 
   
Bonds, Series 2011, 5.000%, 2/15/41 
     
500 
 
Norwell, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2003, 5.000%, 11/15/20 – FGIC Insured 
No Opt. Call 
AAA 
632,160 
500 
 
Puerto Rico, General Obligation and Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2002A, 5.500%, 7/01/29 – 
No Opt. Call 
Baa1 
563,930 
   
FGIC Insured 
     
1,280 
 
Quincy, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2011, 5.125%, 12/01/33 
12/20 at 100.00 
Aa2 
1,485,439 
4,030 
 
Total Tax Obligation/General 
   
4,603,709 
   
Tax Obligation/Limited – 13.8% (9.6% of Total Investments) 
     
395 
 
Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, Massachusetts, Revenue Bonds, Series 2004, 5.000%, 5/01/26 – 
5/14 at 100.00 
A– 
418,708 
   
AMBAC Insured 
     
385 
 
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Senior Lien Sales Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, 
No Opt. Call 
AAA 
495,560 
   
Series 2004C, 5.250%, 7/01/21 
     
550 
 
Massachusetts College Building Authority, Project Revenue Bonds, Series 2008A, 5.000%, 
5/18 at 100.00 
Aa2 
612,519 
   
5/01/33 – AGC Insured 
     
285 
 
Massachusetts College Building Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding Series 2012B, 
5/22 at 100.00 
AA 
330,050 
   
5.000%, 5/01/37 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts School Building Authority, Dedicated Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2005A, 
8/15 at 100.00 
AA+ 
562,625 
   
5.000%, 8/15/20 – AGM Insured (UB) 
     
230 
 
Massachusetts State, Special Obligation Dedicated Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2005, 5.000%, 
No Opt. Call 
A1 
274,333 
   
1/01/20 – FGIC Insured 
     
1,000 
 
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation, Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, First Subordinate Series 
8/21 at 100.00 
A+ 
1,050,980 
   
2011A-1, 5.000%, 8/01/43 
     
455 
 
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, Gross Receipts Taxes Loan Note, Series 1999A, 
10/12 at 100.00 
BBB+ 
456,529 
   
6.375%, 10/01/19 
     
3,800 
 
Total Tax Obligation/Limited 
   
4,201,304 
   
Transportation – 4.2% (2.9% of Total Investments) 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Port Authority, Airport System Revenue Bonds, Series 2010A, 5.000%, 7/01/30 
7/20 at 100.00 
AA 
580,495 
400 
 
Massachusetts Port Authority, Special Facilities Revenue Bonds, BOSFUEL Corporation, Series 
7/17 at 100.00 
A2 
417,132 
   
2007, 5.000%, 7/01/32 – FGIC Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
260 
 
Metropolitan Boston Transit Parking Corporation, Massachusetts, Systemwide Senior Lien Parking 
7/21 at 100.00 
A+ 
286,803 
   
Revenue Bonds, Series 2011, 5.000%, 7/01/41 
     
1,160 
 
Total Transportation 
   
1,284,430 
   
U.S. Guaranteed – 9.9% (6.9% of Total Investments) (4) 
     
530 
 
Boston Water and Sewerage Commission, Massachusetts, General Revenue Bonds, Senior Series 
11/14 at 100.00 
AA+ (4) 
583,488 
   
2004A, 5.000%, 11/01/25 (Pre-refunded 11/01/14) 
     
230 
 
Massachusetts College Building Authority, Project Revenue Bonds, Series 2004A, 5.000%, 5/01/19 
5/14 at 100.00 
Aa2 (4) 
247,724 
   
(Pre-refunded 5/01/14) – NPFG Insured 
     
250 
 
Massachusetts College Building Authority, Project Revenue Bonds, Series 2006A, 5.000%, 5/01/31 
5/16 at 100.00 
Aa2 (4) 
291,040 
   
(Pre-refunded 5/01/16) – AMBAC Insured 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Milton Academy, Series 2003A, 
9/13 at 100.00 
AA– (4) 
523,490 
   
5.000%, 9/01/19 (Pre-refunded 9/01/13) 
     
750 
 
Massachusetts State, Special Obligation Dedicated Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2004, 5.250%, 
1/14 at 100.00 
A1 (4) 
798,578 
   
1/01/25 (Pre-refunded 1/01/14) – FGIC Insured 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust, Pooled Loan Program Bonds, Series 2005-11, 
8/15 at 100.00 
AAA 
560,440 
   
4.500%, 8/01/29 (Pre-refunded 8/01/15) 
     
2,760 
 
Total U.S. Guaranteed 
   
3,004,760 
   
Utilities – 5.2% (3.6% of Total Investments) 
     
1,070 
 
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds, SEMass System, 
1/13 at 100.00 
BBB 
1,081,353 
   
Series 2001A, 5.625%, 1/01/14 – NPFG Insured 
     
500 
 
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Resource Recovery Revenue Refunding Bonds, Ogden 
12/12 at 100.00 
A– 
502,500 
   
Haverhill Project, Series 1998A, 5.600%, 12/01/19 (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
1,570 
 
Total Utilities 
   
1,583,853 
   
Water and Sewer – 3.3% (2.3% of Total Investments) 
     
125 
 
Guam Government Waterworks Authority, Water and Wastewater System Revenue Bonds, Series 2005, 
7/15 at 100.00 
Ba2 
128,970 
   
6.000%, 7/01/25 
     
400 
 
Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust, Pooled Loan Program Bonds, Series 2006-12, 
8/16 at 100.00 
AAA 
426,192 
   
4.375%, 8/01/31 (UB) 
     
200 
 
Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust, Revenue Bonds, MWRA Loan Program, Series 2002A, 
11/12 at 100.00 
AAA 
200,816 
   
5.250%, 8/01/20 
     
250 
 
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, General Revenue Bonds, Series 2006A, 4.000%, 8/01/46 
8/16 at 100.00 
AA+ 
252,788 
975 
 
Total Water and Sewer 
   
1,008,766 
$ 41,180 
 
Total Investments (cost $40,741,922) – 143.8% 
   
43,869,923 
   
Floating Rate Obligations – (1.8)% 
   
(560,000) 
   
MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, at Liquidation Value – (48.3)% (6) 
   
(14,725,000) 
   
Other Assets Less Liabilities – 6.3% 
   
1,923,266 
   
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100% 
   
$ 30,508,189 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive 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: 
                       
     Municipal Bonds 
  $     $ 43,869,923     $     $ 43,869,923  
 
The Nuveen funds’ Board of Directors/Trustees is responsible for the valuation process and has delegated the oversight of the daily valuation process to the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors/Trustees, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the funds’ pricing policies, and reporting to the Board of Directors/Trustees. The Valuation Committee is aided in its efforts by the Adviser’s dedicated Securities Valuation Team, which is responsible for administering the daily valuation process and applying fair value methodologies as approved by the Valuation Committee. When determining the reliability of independent pricing services for investments owned by the funds, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of the pricing services and monitors the quality of security prices received through various testing reports conducted by the Securities Valuation Team.
 
The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making fair value determinations. Examples of possible methodologies include, but are not limited to, multiple of earnings; discount from market of a similar freely traded security; discounted cash-flow analysis; book value or a multiple thereof; risk premium/yield analysis; yield to maturity; and/or fundamental investment analysis. The Valuation Committee will also consider factors it deems relevant and appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances. Examples of possible factors include, but are not limited to, the type of security; the issuer’s financial statements; the purchase price of the security; the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase; analysts’ research and observations from financial institutions; information regarding any transactions or offers with respect to the security; the existence of merger proposals or tender offers affecting the security; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies; and the existence of a shelf registration for restricted securities.
 
For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors/Trustees, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such testing and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board of Directors/Trustees.
 
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 timing differences in recognizing taxable market discount, timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions and the treatment of investments in inverse floating rate securities reflected as financing transactions, if any. 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.
 
At August 31, 2012, the cost of investments was $40,117,029.
 
Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments at August 31, 2012, were as follows:
   
Gross unrealized: 
 
     Appreciation 
$3,380,152 
     Depreciation 
(187,583) 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments 
$3,192,569 
 
     
(1) 
 
All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to Common shares 
   
unless otherwise noted. 
(2) 
 
Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There 
   
may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be subject 
   
to periodic principal paydowns. 
(3) 
 
Ratings: Using the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. 
   
(“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by 
   
Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these 
   
national rating agencies. 
(4) 
 
Backed by an escrow or trust containing sufficient U.S. Government or U.S. Government agency securities, 
   
which ensure the timely payment of principal and interest. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or 
   
agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. 
(5) 
 
At or subsequent to the end of the reporting period, this security is non-income producing. Non-income 
   
producing security, in the case of a bond, generally denotes that the issuer has (1) defaulted on the payment 
   
of principal or interest, (2) is under the protection of the Federal Bankruptcy Court or (3) the Fund’s Adviser has 
   
concluded that the issue is not likely to meet its future interest payment obligations and has directed the Fund’s 
   
custodian to cease accruing additional income on the Fund’s records. 
(6) 
 
MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, at Liquidation Value as a percentage of Total Investments is 33.6%. 
N/R 
 
Not rated. 
(IF) 
 
Inverse floating rate investment. 
(UB) 
 
Underlying bond of an inverse floating rate trust reflected as a financing transaction. 
 

 
 

 
 
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: See 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 Massachusetts Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 
 
By (Signature and Title)     /s/ Kevin J. McCarthy                    
                                                   Kevin J. McCarthy
                                                   Vice President and Secretary
 
Date:         October 30, 2012        
 
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:         October 30, 2012        
 
By (Signature and Title)     /s/ Stephen D. Foy                              
                                                   Stephen D. Foy
                                                  Vice President and Controller (principal financial officer) 
 
Date:         October 30, 2012