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Highland Trend Following Fund
HIGHLAND TREND FOLLOWING FUND
Investment Objectives
The investment objective of the Highland Trend Following Fund (the “Fund”) is to provide long-term capital appreciation
with capital preservation as a secondary objective.
Fees and Expenses for Class A, Class C, Class R and Class Y Shares
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A Shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Highland Funds II — equity funds or at least $100,000 in Highland Funds II fixed income funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the “Reduced Sales Charges for Class A Shares” section on page 18 of the this Prospectus and the “Programs for Reducing or Eliminating Sales Charges” section of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Fees Highland Trend Following Fund
Class A, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class C, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class R, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class Y, Highland Trend Following Fund
Shareholder Fees Column [Text] Class A Class C Class R Class Y
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as % of offering price) 5.75% none none none
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends and other Distributions (as % of offering price) none none none none
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as % of the net asset value at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is lower) none 1.00% [1] none none
Exchange Fee (as % of amount exchanged within two months or less after date of purchase) 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%
Redemption Fee (as % of amount redeemed within two months or less after date of purchase) 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%
[1] The contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on Class C Shares is 1.00% for shares tendered and accepted for repurchase within the first year of purchase. There is no CDSC on Class C Shares thereafter.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as % of the value of your investment)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses Highland Trend Following Fund
Class A, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class C, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class R, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class Y, Highland Trend Following Fund
Management Fees 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.35% 1.00% 0.50% none
Other Expenses 0.33% 0.33% 0.33% 0.33%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses 0.38% 0.38% 0.38% 0.38%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 3.06% 3.71% 3.21% 2.71%
Expense Example.
This Example helps you compare the cost of investing in the Fund to the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that (i) you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell or redeem all your shares at the end of those periods, (ii) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (iii) operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Expense Example Highland Trend Following Fund (USD $)
Expense Example, By Year, Column [Text]
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Column [Text]
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class A, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class A: 866 1,466 2,089 3,755          
Class C, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class C: if you sold all your shares at the end of the period 473 1,135 1,916 3,958 Class C: if you did not sell your shares 373 1,135 1,916 3,958
Class R, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class R: 324 989 1,678 3,512          
Class Y, Highland Trend Following Fund
Class Y: 274 841 1,435 3,041          
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Expense Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During its most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s predecessor, the Incline Capital Trend Following Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) had a portfolio turnover rate 213% (not annualized) of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies

The Highland Trend Following Fund is managed based on signals generated by the Incline Capital Smart Switch Index®. The Incline Capital Smart Switch Index® is a “technically weighted” index which means that it assigns a greater or lesser importance to asset classes based on signals derived from their price trends. For example, an individual asset class (such as stocks, bonds or commodities) may be assigned a heavier weighting in the portfolio based on its price being above its moving average or a lesser weighting if its price is below its moving average. The net effect being that the investment model “switches smartly” in and out of broad asset classes based on their trends, providing investors an active asset allocation fund.

These proprietary, top-down strategies are intended to profit from market trends in both directions, with little regard for the prospects of individual equity or debt securities. Specifically, the portfolio manager will seek to take long positions (i.e., buy securities) during upward trends in certain securities prices and conversely sell and/or take short positions during downward trends in the price of such securities. The portfolio manager seeks to lower overall Fund volatility through diversification of asset classes, as well as the use of cash. Additionally, the portfolio manager’s trend-following methods seek to provide returns which are un-correlated to traditional managers and investment “styles,” such as growth and value.

The Fund primarily invests in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) which represent these broad asset classes as opposed to securities representing the debt or equity of individual companies. These ETFs invest primarily in (1) U.S. and foreign equity securities; (2) U.S. Government fixed income securities; (3) commodities; and (4) the U.S. dollar. ETFs are investment companies that seek to track the performance of securities indices or baskets of securities. The Fund’s portfolio may include ETFs that invest in both developed and emerging markets in Europe, the Far East, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Latin America and North America. The Fund may invest up to 100% net long and 50% net short in international ETFs. The Fund also may invest in exchange traded notes (“ETNs”), in much the same manner in which it invests in ETFs. The Fund may also invest directly in the securities which comprise the ETFs and ETNs discussed above, such as individual equities and government obligations, but excluding physical commodities. The Fund’s investments in U.S. fixed income markets may include other investment companies, such as closed-end funds and other open-end mutual funds (together with ETFs and ETNs, “Underlying Funds”).

The Fund may employ both leveraged investment techniques as well as short positions, which allows the Fund a market exposure which can range from 150% net long (i.e., the Fund has more long (purchased) positions than short (borrowed) positions) to 50% net short (i.e., the Fund has more short (borrowed) positions than long (purchased) positions). Such extremes however, will be uncommon. The portfolio manager will typically utilize ETFs to gain additional (leveraged) market exposure. The Fund may take a “short position” where the portfolio manager believes that the price of a security or value of an index will decline. The Fund may “short” a particular security by selling the security without owning it at the time of the sale, with the intent of later purchasing the security at a lower price. The Fund may also gain short exposure to an index by buying an ETF that has an inverse exposure to the index. The Fund is “non-diversified,” which means that the Fund may invest in fewer issuers at any one time than a diversified fund.

In general terms, the portfolio manager buys investments during upward trends in their prices and sells them or takes short positions during downward trends in the price of such securities. The portfolio manager also actively employs the use of cash and cash equivalents as a strategic asset class in an attempt to both sidestep market declines as well as lower overall portfolio volatility. In other words, the Fund may make investments in cash, cash equivalents and short-term debt securities and/or money market instruments in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions, which is consistent with its primary investment objective of long-term capital appreciation with capital preservation as a secondary objective.

Principal Risks

When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them. Consequently, you can lose money by investing in the Fund. No assurance can be given that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives, and investment results may vary substantially over time and from period to period. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors.

Currency Risk is the risk that the values of foreign investments may be affected by changes in currency rates or exchange control regulations. If a foreign currency weakens against the U.S. dollar, the value of a foreign investment denominated in that currency would also decline in dollar terms.

Exchange-Traded Notes Risk is the risk that ETNs in which the Fund may invest are subject to credit risk and the value of an ETN may vary and may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying commodities markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events. ETNs are debt securities whose returns are linked to a particular index. The Fund will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN.

Foreign Investment Risk is the risk that investing in foreign (non-U.S.) securities either directly or indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds may result in the Fund experiencing more rapid and extreme changes in value than a fund that invests exclusively in securities of U.S. companies, due to smaller markets, differing reporting, accounting and auditing standards, nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockages and political changes or diplomatic developments. The costs of investing in many foreign markets are higher than the U.S. and investments may be less liquid.

Government Securities Risk is the risk associated with U.S. Government obligations. US. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so

Interest Rate Risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. A fund with a longer average portfolio duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration.

Leverage Risk is the risk associated with the use of leverage for investment purposes to create opportunities for greater total returns. Any investment income or gains earned with respect to the amounts borrowed that are in excess of the interest that is due on the borrowing will augment the Fund’s income. Conversely, if the investment performance with respect to the amounts borrowed fails to cover the interest on such borrowings, the value of the Fund’s shares may decrease more quickly than would otherwise be the case, and dividends on Fund shares could be reduced or eliminated. Interest payments and fees incurred in connection with such borrowings will reduce the amount of net income available for payment to Fund shareholders.

Mid-Cap Company Risk is the risk of investing either directly or indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds in securities of mid-cap companies that could entail greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. Mid-cap companies tend to have more narrow product lines, more limited financial resources and a more limited trading market for their stocks, as compared with larger companies. As a result, their stock prices may decline significantly as market conditions change.

Non-Diversification Risk is the risk that an investment in the Fund could fluctuate in value more than an investment in a diversified fund. As a non-diversified fund for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in the securities of a few issuers than a diversified fund. A non-diversified fund’s investment in fewer issuers may result in the Fund’s shares being more sensitive to the economic results of those issuers.

Portfolio Turnover Risk is the risk that the Fund’s high portfolio turnover will increase its transaction costs and may result in increased realization of net short-term capital gains, higher taxable distributions and lower after-tax performance.

Securities Market Risk is the risk that the value of securities owned by the Fund either directly or indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously, although equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities. Despite gains in some markets after steep declines during certain periods of 2008-09, negative conditions and price declines may return unexpectedly and dramatically. In addition, the Fund could experience a loss when selling securities in order to meet unusually large or frequent redemption requests in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold.

Short Sales Risk is the risk that short sales that are not made “against-the-box” theoretically involve unlimited loss potential since the market price of securities sold short may continuously increase.

Small-Cap Company Risk is the risk that investing in the securities of small-cap companies either directly or indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds may pose greater market and liquidity risks than larger, more established companies, because of limited product lines and/or operating history, limited financial resources, limited trading markets, and the potential lack of management depth. In addition, the securities of such companies are typically more volatile than securities of larger capitalization companies.

Underlying Funds Risk is the risk that ETFs, mutual funds and closed-end funds in which the Fund may invest are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be paid indirectly by the Fund and its shareholders. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs, mutual funds and closed-end funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. The ETFs in which the Fund invests will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices they track and the market value of ETF and closed-end fund shares may differ from their net asset value. Underlying Funds are subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.

Predecessor Fund Performance

The Fund is a newly created mutual fund that was organized to acquire the assets and liabilities of the Predecessor Fund in exchange for Class A Shares of the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund is the successor to the Predecessor Fund, and the following information was derived from the performance records of the Predecessor Fund. The Fund has substantially similar objectives, strategies and policies as the Predecessor Fund, which was advised by the Fund’s investment adviser and sub-adviser.

The bar chart and the Average Annual Total Returns table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the performance of the Predecessor Fund’s Class A Shares for each full calendar year since the Predecessor Fund’s inception and by showing how the average annual returns for the Predecessor Fund’s Class A Shares compared to those of a broad-based securities market index. As with all mutual funds, the Predecessor Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not predict how the Fund will perform in the future. Both the chart and the table assume the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The bar chart does not reflect the deduction of applicable sales charges for Class A Shares. If sales charges had been reflected, the returns for Class A Shares would be less than those shown below. Class C, Class R and Class Y Shares of the Fund were not offered prior to the date of this Prospectus. The returns of Class C, Class R and Class Y Shares would have substantially similar returns as Class A because the classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities and the annual returns would differ only to the extent that the classes have different expenses. Updated performance information is available by visiting www.highlandfunds.com or by calling 877-665-1287.

Calendar Year Total Return (As of December 31 for Class A Shares)
Bar Chart
The highest calendar quarter total return for Class A Shares of the Predecessor Fund was 8.23% for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 and the lowest calendar quarter total return was -5.07% for the quarter ended June 30, 2010. The Predecessor Fund’s year-to-date total return for Class A Shares through June 30, 2011 was 1.90%.
Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2010
Average Annual Total Returns Highland Trend Following Fund
Label
Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text]
1 Year
Since Inception
Inception Date
Returns Before Taxes
Returns Before Taxes   (1.67%) 3.25% [1] Mar. 31, 2009
Return After Taxes on Distributions
Return After Taxes on Distributions   (1.67%) 3.17% [1] Mar. 31, 2009
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Redemptions
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Redemptions   (1.09%) 2.72% [1] Mar. 31, 2009
BofA Merrill Lynch US Dollar LIBOR 3 Month Constant Maturity Index
BofA Merrill Lynch US Dollar LIBOR 3 Month Constant Maturity Index [2] (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 0.33% 0.54% [1] Mar. 31, 2009
[1] The inception date of the Predecessor Fund is March 31, 2009.
[2] The BofA Merrill Lynch US Dollar LIBOR Month Constant Maturity Index tracks the interest rate offered by a specific group of London banks for U.S. dollar deposits with a three-month maturity.
After-tax returns in the table above are shown for Class A Shares only and will differ for Class C, Class R and Class Y Shares. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. For example, after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.