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Highland Energy and Materials Fund | Highland Energy and Materials Fund - Class Y
HIGHLAND ENERGY AND MATERIALS FUND
Investment Objective
The investment objective of Highland Energy and Materials Fund (“Energy and Materials Fund” or the “Fund”) is to maximize total return, consistent with income generation and preservation of capital. The Fund’s investment objective is a non-fundamental policy, which means that the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) can change it without shareholder approval.
Fees and Expenses for Class Y Shares
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Class Y Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Fees
Highland Energy and Materials Fund
Class Y, Highland Energy and Materials Fund
Shareholder Fees Column [Text]Class Y
Exchange Fee (as % of amount exchanged within two months or less after date of purchase)2.00%
Redemption Fee (as % of amount redeemed within two months or less after date of purchase)2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as % of the value of your investment)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Highland Energy and Materials Fund
Class Y, Highland Energy and Materials Fund
Management Fees1.20%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees none
Other Expenses[1]0.70%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses1.90%
[1]Estimated for the current fiscal year.
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 (USD $)
Expense Example, By Year, Column [Text]
1 Year
3 Years
Highland Energy and Materials Fund Class Y, Highland Energy and Materials Fund
Class Y:192596
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.
Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing directly and indirectly (e.g., through investments in derivatives or other pooled investment vehicles, such as exchange-traded funds and master limited partnerships, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of companies principally engaged in the design, development, production, sale, management or distribution of products, services or facilities used for or in connection with oil, gas or power (including natural gas, coal, hydro-power, nuclear power and alternative fuels such as wind, solar and biofuels) (“Energy Companies”) or companies principally engaged in the discovery, development and processing of raw materials (including basic materials, such as metals, minerals and chemicals, which are used as inputs to manufacture other intermediate and finished products) (“Material Companies”). The Fund considers a company “principally engaged” in the Energy or Materials industry if (i) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made or services performed in the Energy or Materials industry, or (ii) at least 50% of its assets are devoted to such activities. The Fund generally will take long and short positions in securities of Energy or Materials Companies and will vary the Fund’s long-short exposure over time based on its assessment of market conditions and other factors.

The Fund intends to invest primarily in common stocks, senior loans, preferred stocks, warrants, convertible securities, subordinated debt securities and other securities issued by Energy and Material Companies. The Fund also may invest up to (but not including) 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of master limited partnerships (or “MLPs”) in the Energy industry. MLPs typically are engaged in one or more aspects of the exploration, production, processing, transmission, marketing, storage or delivery of energy-related commodities, such as natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal, crude oil or refined petroleum products.

In addition, the Fund may invest up to 20% of the value of its total assets in a wide variety of securities and financial instruments, of all kinds and descriptions, issued by non-Energy or Material Companies. The Fund may invest without limitation in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and may invest up to 20% of the value of its total assets in ETFs issued by non-Energy or Material Companies. The Fund’s investments in ETFs and other types of pooled investment vehicles which invest in Energy Companies are intended to provide substantially similar economic exposure to direct investments in these companies. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers of any market capitalization. The Fund may invest in securities of any credit quality.

The Fund may invest up to 50% of the value of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, which may include, without limitation, emerging market issuers. Such securities may be denominated in U.S. dollars, non-U.S. currencies or multinational currency units (such as the Euro).

Derivatives, which are instruments that have a value based on another instrument, exchange rate or index, may be used as substitutes for securities in which the Fund can invest. The Fund may use derivatives, primarily options and foreign currency transactions (e.g., foreign currency swaps, futures, and forwards), as tools in the management of portfolio assets. The Fund may also use such derivatives to hedge various investments for risk management and for speculative purposes. The Fund may invest without limitation in derivatives.

The Fund may borrow an amount up to 331/3% (or such other percentage permitted by law) of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less all liabilities other than borrowings. The Fund may borrow for investment purposes, to meet redemption requests and for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes. The use of borrowing for investment purposes (i.e., leverage) increases both investment opportunity and investment risk. However, the Fund has no present intention to use borrowing for investment purposes.

The Fund’s investment strategy utilizes the analytical models of the Adviser to evaluate long and short securities of Energy and Material Companies of varying market capitalizations and seeks to identify those securities the Adviser believes have the greatest potential for total return. The Adviser also seeks to take advantage of temporary market inefficiencies in order to boost the overall performance of the Fund.

Long Positions. In selecting investments for long positions of the Fund, the Adviser focuses on issuers that it believes: (i) have strong, cash flow and pay regular dividends; (ii) have potential for long-term earnings per share growth; (iii) may be subject to a value catalyst, such as industry developments, regulatory changes, changes in management, sale or spin-off of a division or the development of a profitable new business; (iv) are well-managed;(v) will benefit from favorable demand and supply dynamics for its products and services; (vi) are best in class, e.g. lowest cost producer; and (vii) are underappreciated by market analysts. The Adviser will typically focus on companies that are exhibiting one or more of these indicators. Technical analysis may also be used to help in the decision making process.

Short Sales. The Adviser may sell short securities of a company that the Adviser believes: (i) is overvalued relative to normalized business and industry fundamentals or to the expected growth that the Adviser believes the company will achieve; (ii) has a weak competitive position relative to peers; (iii) engages in questionable accounting practices; (iv) shows declining cash flow and/or liquidity; (v) has earnings estimates which the Adviser believes are too high; (vi) has weak competitive barriers to entry; (vii) suffers from deteriorating industry and/or business fundamentals; (viii) has a weak management team; (ix) will see multiple contraction; (x) is not adapting to changes in technological, regulatory or competitive environments; or (xi) provides a hedge against the Fund’s long exposure, such as a broad based market exchange-traded fund (“ETF”). Technical analysis may be used to help in the decision making process.

The Fund may engage in short sales that are not made “against the box” (as defined under “Description of Principal Risks”), which could result in unlimited loss.

Investment Identification. The Adviser generates investment ideas from a variety of different sources. These include, but are not limited to, screening software using both fundamental and technical factors, industry contacts, consultants, company press releases, company conference calls, conversations with company management teams, buy-side contacts, sell-side contacts, brokers, third-party research, independent research of financial and corporate information, third-party research databases, and news services. The Adviser will make investment decisions based on its analysis of the security’s value, and will also take into account its view of macroeconomic conditions and industry trends. The Adviser will make investments without regard to a company’s level of capitalization or the tax consequences of the investment (short or long term capital gains).

Portfolio Evaluation. Once an investment opportunity is determined to be attractive as a stand-alone investment, the Adviser will evaluate the effect of adding that investment to the Fund’s portfolio. In doing so, the Adviser may seek to minimize the market-related portfolio volatility as well as the risk of a capital loss by hedging such risks primarily through the use of options and other derivatives.

The Fund is non-diversified as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), but it will adhere to the diversification requirements applicable to regulated investment companies (“RICs”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which generally are less stringent than those under the 1940 Act. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program.

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 objective, and investment results may vary substantially over time and from period to period. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors.

Industry Concentration Risk. Because the Fund normally invests at least 80% of the value of its assets in Energy and Material Companies, the Fund’s performance largely depends on the overall condition of these industries and the Fund is susceptible to economic, political and regulatory risks or other occurrences associated with these industries. The Energy and Materials industries may be adversely affected by foreign government, federal or state regulations on energy production, distribution and sale. Stock prices of companies in energy-related industries are also affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for energy products in general.

Equity Securities Risk. Because it may purchase common stocks, the Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or long periods of time. In addition, common stocks represent a share of ownership in a company, and rank after secured debt, bonds and preferred stock in their claim on the company’s assets in the event of bankruptcy.

Short Sales Risk. Short sales that are not made “against the box” (as defined under “Description of Principal Risks”) theoretically involve unlimited loss potential since the market price of securities sold short may continuously increase.

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives, such as swaps, forwards, futures and options, are subject to the risk that changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivatives also expose the Fund to counterparty risk. Derivative contracts may expire worthless and the use of derivatives may result in losses to the Fund.

Counterparty Risk. A counterparty to a transaction with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations.

Leverage Risk. Leverage may increase the risk of loss, cause fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio to have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV of the Fund generally to decline faster than it would otherwise.

Debt Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in debt securities, principally below investment grade securities, but also including investment grade securities and other debt obligations. The Fund’s investments in high yield debt securities generally subject the Fund to greater risk than investments in securities with higher ratings. Such securities are regarded by the rating organizations as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.

Senior Loans Risk. The risks associated with senior loans are similar to the risks of high yield debt securities, although senior loans are typically senior and secured in contrast to below investment grade securities, which are often subordinated and unsecured. Senior loans’ higher standing in an issuer’s capital structure has historically resulted in generally higher recoveries than other below investment grade securities in the event of a corporate reorganization or other restructuring. Senior loans and other debt securities are also subject to the risk of price declines and to increases in prevailing interest rates, although, because their interest rates are adjusted for changes in short-term interest rates, Senior loans generally have less interest rate risk than other high yield investments, which typically pay fixed rates of interest. The Fund’s investments in senior loans are typically below investment grade and are considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers.

Micro, Small and Mid-Cap Securities Risk. Investments in securities of companies with micro, small or medium capitalization involve certain risks that may differ from, or be greater than, those for larger companies, such as higher volatility, lower trading volume, fewer business lines and lack of public information.

Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks not involved in domestic investments (for example, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates (for non-U.S. securities not denominated in U.S. dollars); future foreign economic, financial, political and social developments; different trading and settlement practices; less governmental supervision; and different accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping standards and requirements). These risks are magnified for investments in issuers tied economically to emerging markets, the economies of which tend to be more volatile than the economies of developed markets. In addition, certain investments in non-U.S. securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes on interest, dividends, capital gains or other income. Those taxes will reduce the Fund’s yield on any such securities

Currency Risk. Fluctuations in exchange rates will adversely affect the value of the Fund’s foreign currency holdings and investments denominated in foreign currencies.

Hedging Risk. Although intended to limit or reduce investment risk, hedging strategies may also limit or reduce the potential for profit. There is no assurance that hedging strategies will be successful.

Market Risk. The Fund’s share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio securities. Many factors can affect this value and you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

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

Fixed Income Securities Risk. The value of fixed income securities typically changes as interest rates fluctuate. During periods of rising interest rates, fixed income securities generally decline in value. Conversely, during periods of falling interest rates, fixed income securities generally rise in value. This kind of market risk is generally greater for a fund investing in fixed income securities with longer durations.

Credit Risk. The issuers of certain securities might not be able to make interest and principal payments when due.

MLP Risk. The Fund may invest in MLP units. An investment in MLP units involves some risks which differ from an investment in the equity securities of a company. Holders of MLP units have limited control and voting rights on matters affecting the partnership. Holders of units issued by a MLP are exposed to a remote possibility of liability for all of the obligations of that MLP in the event that a court determines that the rights of the holders of MLP units to vote to remove or replace the general partner of that MLP, to approve amendments to that MLP’s partnership agreement, or to take other action under the partnership agreement of that MLP would constitute “control” of the business of that MLP, or a court or governmental agency determines that the MLP is conducting business in a state without complying with the partnership statute of that state. Holders of MLP units are also exposed to the risk that they will be required to repay amounts to the MLP that are wrongfully distributed to them. In addition, the value of our investment in an MLP will depend largely on the MLP’s treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If an MLP does not meet current legal requirements to maintain partnership status, or if it is unable to do so because of tax law changes, it would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In that case, the MLP would be obligated to pay income tax at the entity level and distributions received by us generally would be taxed as dividend income. As a result, there could be a material reduction in our cash flow from MLP unit investments.

  • MLP Common Units. MLP common units can be affected by macro-economic and other factors affecting the stock market in general, expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment toward MLPs or the energy sector, changes in a particular issuer’s financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor performance of a particular issuer (generally measured in terms of distributable cash flow). Prices of common units of individual MLPs also can be affected by fundamentals unique to the partnership, including earnings power and coverage ratios.
  • MLP I-Shares. MLP I-Shares represent an ownership interest issued by an MLP affiliate, typically an LLC, which owns an interest in and manages the MLP. MLP I-Shares may be subject to liquidity risk because of their potentially relatively smaller size. I-Shares may trade at a discount to their related MLP units, despite having an economic value equivalent to an MLP unit and an equal claim on the cash flows underlying the investment.

ETF Risk. The price movement of an ETF may not track the underlying index and may result in a loss. In addition, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of the Fund’s expenses and similar expenses of the underlying investment company when the Fund invests in shares of another investment company.

Interest Rate Risk. When interest rates decline, the value of fixed rate securities already held by the Fund can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of existing fixed rate portfolio securities can be expected to decline.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell illiquid or restricted securities at the price it would like or may have to sell them at a loss.

Legislation Risk. To the extent that state, federal or international regulators impose additional requirements or restrictions with respect to Energy and Materials Companies, the availability of such investments may be adversely affected.

Management Risk. The Fund relies on Adviser’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The Adviser may be incorrect in its assessment of the intrinsic value of companies whose securities the Fund holds, which may result in a decline in the value of Fund shares.

Non-Diversification Risk. As a non-diversified fund for purposes of 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. An investment in the Fund could fluctuate in value more than an investment in a diversified fund.

Market Disruption Risk. Recently, domestic and international markets have experienced a period of acute stress starting in the real estate and financial sectors and then moving to other sectors of the world economy. This stress has resulted in unusual and extreme volatility in the equity and debt markets and in the prices of individual investments. These market conditions could add to the risk of short-term volatility of the Fund.

Non-Payment Risk. Debt securities are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest and/or principal. Non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the obligation experiencing non-payment and a potential decrease in the NAV of the Fund.

Prepayment Risk. Pursuant to the relevant debt agreement, a borrower may be required, and may have the option at any time, to prepay the principal amount of a debt security, in some instances without incurring a prepayment penalty. In the event that like-yielding debt is not available in the marketplace, the prepayment of and subsequent reinvestment by the Fund in high yield debt could have a materially adverse affect on the yield of the Fund’s investment portfolio. Prepayments may have a beneficial impact on income due to receipt of prepayment penalties, if any, and any facility fees earned in connection with reinvestment.

Risk of Restrictions on Resale. Senior loans may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. As a result, the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and at an advantageous price may be restricted.

Securities Lending Risk. Any decline in the value of a portfolio security that occurs while the security is out on loan is borne by the Fund, and will adversely affect performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery of securities loaned, losses in the investment of collateral, and loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while holding the security.

Limited Information Risk. The types of senior loans in which the Fund will invest historically have not been rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), have not been registered with the SEC or any state securities commission, and have not been listed on any national securities exchange. Although the Fund will generally have access to financial and other information made available to the lenders in connection with senior loans, the amount of public information available with respect to senior loans will generally be less extensive than that available for rated, registered or exchange-listed securities. As a result, the performance of the Fund and its ability to meet its investment objective is more dependent on the analytical ability of the Adviser than would be the case for an investment company that invests primarily in rated, registered or exchange-listed securities.

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.

Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table for the Fund
The Fund is expected to commence investment operations on or about the date of this Prospectus; therefore, the Fund currently has no investment performance information to report. After the Fund has had operations for at least one full calendar year, its Prospectus will include a bar chart and a table that will provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for the most recent one year, five years and ten years (or the life of the Fund, if shorter), compared to those of a broad measure of market performance. As with all mutual funds, the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not predict how the Fund will perform in the future.