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Highland Funds I   

Summary Prospectus

October 31, 2019, as amended and restated December 20, 2019

Highland Healthcare Opportunities Fund

(formerly Highland Long/Short Healthcare Fund)

Class A  HHCAX    Class C  HHCCX    Class Z  HHCZX

 

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund’s Statutory Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund’s Statutory Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information and other information about the Fund online at http://highlandfunds.com/literature/. You can also get this information at no cost by calling 1-877-665-1287 or by sending an e-mail request to info@highlandfunds.com. The Fund’s Statutory Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, both dated October 31, 2019, as supplemented, are incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website (highlandfunds.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by contacting the Funds’ transfer agent at 1-877-665-1287.

You may elect to receive all reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-877-665-1287 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account if you invest through your financial intermediary or all funds held with the fund complex if you invest directly with a Fund.

 

Investment Objective

The investment objective of Highland Healthcare Opportunities Fund (the “Healthcare Fund” or the “Fund”) is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

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 the Fund. 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 61 of the Fund’s Prospectus and the “Programs for Reducing or Eliminating Sales Charges” section on page 54 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information. Investors investing in the Fund through an intermediary should consult the Appendix to the Fund’s Prospectus, which includes information regarding financial intermediary-specific sales charges and related discount policies that apply to purchases through certain specified intermediaries.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

 

       Class A       Class C       Class Z  

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases (as a % of offering price)

     5.50%       None       None  

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends and other Distributions (as a % of offering price)

     None       None       None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a % of the net asset value at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is lower)

     1.00% 1      1.00% 2      None  

Exchange Fee

     None       None       None  

Redemption Fee

     None       None       None  

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

 

       Class A        Class C        Class Z  

Management fee

     1.00%        1.00%        1.00%  

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

     0.35%        1.00%        None  

Other Expenses

     0.89%        0.89%        0.89%  

Interest Payments and Commitment Fees on Borrowed Funds

     0.04%        0.04%        0.04%  

Dividend Expense on Short Sales

     0.05%        0.05%        0.05%  

Remainder of Other Expenses

     0.80%        0.80%        0.80%  

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

     0.03%        0.03%        0.03%  

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses3

     2.27%        2.92%        1.92%  

 


  

 

 

 

1 

Class A Shares bought without an initial sales charge in accounts aggregating $500,000 or more at the time of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if the shares are sold within 18 months of purchase.

 

2 

Class C Shares are subject to a 1% CDSC for redemptions of shares within one year of purchase. This CDSC does not apply to redemptions under a systematic withdrawal plan.

 

3 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses differ from the ratios of expenses to average net assets shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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.

 

      1 Year        3 Years        5 Years        10 Years  

Class A

    $767        $1,219        $1,696        $3,008  

Class C

                                  

if you do not sell your shares

    $295        $903        $1,536        $3,239  

if you sold all your shares at the end of the period

    $395        $903        $1,536        $3,239  

Class Z

    $195        $602        $1,035        $2,239  

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 the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 191% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of the value of its total assets (net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes) under normal circumstances 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 healthcare or medicine (“healthcare companies”). These healthcare companies include, among others, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms, medical supply companies, and businesses that operate hospitals and other healthcare facilities, as well as companies engaged in medical, diagnostic, biochemical and other healthcare-related research and development activities. These healthcare companies may also include investment companies, including exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest in healthcare companies. The Fund considers a company “principally engaged” in the healthcare 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 healthcare industry, or (ii) at least 50% of its assets are devoted to such activities.

The Fund may invest in equity and debt securities. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, convertible securities, and other rights to acquire common or preferred stock issued by healthcare companies. Debt securities include corporate debt obligations, secured and unsecured floating and fixed rate loans, bonds and other debt obligations and debt securities of any credit quality, including securities that are rated non-investment grade (i.e., rated Ba or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”), or BB by Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or comparably rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), or, if unrated, determined by Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors, L.P. (“HCMFA” or the “Adviser”) to be of comparable credit quality). The Fund’s investments in non-investment grade investments and those deemed to be of similar quality are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal and are commonly referred to as “junk” or “high yield” securities.

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. 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-healthcare companies. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers of any market capitalization.

The Fund may invest without limitation in warrants and may also use derivatives, primarily swaps (including equity, variance and volatility swaps), options and futures contracts on securities, interest rates, non-physical commodities and/or currencies, as substitutes for direct investments the Fund can make. The Fund may also use derivatives such as swaps, options (including options on futures), futures, and foreign currency transactions (e.g., foreign currency swaps, futures and forwards) to any extent deemed by the Adviser to be in the best interest of the Fund, and to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), to hedge various investments for risk management and speculative purposes.

The Fund may borrow an amount up to 33 1/3% (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,

 

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Highland Funds I Summary Prospectus

October 31, 2019

 

 

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 may seek additional income by making secured loans on its portfolio securities.

The Fund’s investment strategy utilizes a variety of methods to evaluate securities of healthcare companies of varying market capitalizations and seeks to identify those securities that the Adviser believes have the greatest potential for capital appreciation. The Adviser also seeks to take advantage of temporary market inefficiencies in order to boost the overall performance of the Fund.

In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser focuses on issuers that it believes: (i) have strong, free 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; and (v) will benefit from sustainable long-term economic dynamics, such as globalization of demand for an issuer’s products or an issuer’s increased focus on productivity or enhancement of services.

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 healthcare 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).

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 a non-diversified fund as defined in the 1940 Act, but it intends to 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”). The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program.

The Adviser actively manages the portfolio securities of the Fund. As a result, the Fund may be more likely to realize capital gains, including short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income, that must be distributed to shareholders as taxable income. High turnover may also cause the Fund to pay more brokerage commissions and to incur other transaction costs, which may detract from performance. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and the amount of brokerage commissions and transaction costs it incurs will vary over time based on market conditions.

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 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.

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

Industry Concentration-Healthcare Companies Risk is the risk that because the Fund normally invests at least 80% of the value of its assets in healthcare companies, the Fund’s performance largely depends on the overall condition of the healthcare industry and the Fund is more susceptible to economic, political and regulatory risks or other occurrences associated with the healthcare industry than a fund that does not focus on healthcare companies. Healthcare companies, including biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical firms, may be significantly affected by product obsolescence, thin capitalization, limited product lines and markets, civil liability claims and legislative or regulatory activities, among other factors.

Biotechnology Industry Risk is the risk that the Fund’s investments in biotechnology companies is highly dependent on the development, procurement and/or marketing of drugs and may be valued based on the potential or actual performance of a limited number of products. A biotechnology company’s valuation could be affected if one of its products proves unsafe, ineffective or unprofitable. Such companies may also be characterized by thin capitalization and limited markets, financial resources or personnel. The stock prices of companies involved in the biotechnology sector have been and will likely continue to be extremely volatile.

Convertible Securities Risk is the risk that the market value of convertible securities may fluctuate due to changes in, among other things, interest rates; other economic conditions; industry fundamentals; market sentiment; the issuer’s operating results, financial statements, and credit ratings; and the market value of the underlying common or preferred stock.

 

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Counterparty Risk is the risk that a counterparty (the other party to a transaction or an agreement or the party with whom the Fund executes transactions) to a transaction with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations.

Credit Risk is the risk that the issuers of certain securities or the counterparties of a derivatives contract or repurchase contract might be unable or unwilling (or perceived as being unable or unwilling) to make interest and/or principal payments when due, or to otherwise honor its obligations. 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 net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund.

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

Debt Securities Risk is the risk associated with the fact that the value of debt securities typically changes in response to various factors, including, by way of example, market-related factors (such as changes in interest rates or changes in the risk appetite of investors generally) and changes in the actual or perceived ability of the issuer (or of issuers generally) to meet its (or their) obligations. During periods of rising interest rates, debt securities generally decline in value. Conversely, during periods of falling interest rates, debt securities generally rise in value. This kind of market risk is generally greater for funds investing in debt securities with longer maturities.

Derivatives Risk is a combination of several risks, including the risks that: (1) an investment in a derivative instrument may not correlate well with the performance of the securities or asset class to which the Fund seeks exposure, (2) derivative contracts, including options, may expire worthless and the use of derivatives may result in losses to the Fund, (3) a derivative instrument entailing leverage may result in a loss greater than the principal amount invested, (4) derivatives not traded on an exchange may be subject to credit risk, for example, if the counterparty does not meet its obligations (see also “Counterparty Risk”), and (5) derivatives not traded on an exchange may be subject to liquidity risk and the related risk that the instrument is difficult or impossible to value accurately. As a general matter, when the Fund establishes certain derivative instrument positions, such as certain futures, options and forward contract positions, it will segregate liquid assets (such as cash, U.S. Treasury bonds or commercial paper) equivalent to the Fund’s outstanding obligations under the contract or in connection with the position. In addition, changes in laws or regulations may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the use, value or performance of derivatives. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategy, including its strategy of investing in certain derivative instruments, may be limited to or adversely affected by the Fund’s intention to qualify as a RIC, and its strategy may bear adversely on its ability to so qualify.

Emerging Markets Risk is the risk of investing in securities of issuers tied economically to emerging markets, which entails all of the risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers detailed below under “Non-U.S. Securities Risk” to a heightened degree. These heightened risks include: (i) greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the smaller size of the markets for such securities and a lower volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility; (iii) greater fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and (iv) certain national policies that may restrict the Fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests.

Equity Securities Risk is 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 bonds and preferred stock in their claim on the company’s assets in the event of bankruptcy.

Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETF”) Risk is the risk that the price movement of an ETF may not exactly 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.

Fixed Income Market Risk is the risk that fixed income markets may, in response to governmental intervention, economic or market developments (including potentially a reduction in the number of broker-dealers willing to engage in market-making activity), or other factors, experience periods of increased volatility and reduced liquidity. During those periods, the Fund may experience increased levels of shareholder redemptions, and may have to sell securities at times when it would otherwise not do so, and at unfavorable prices. Fixed income securities may be difficult to value during such periods.

Hedging Risk is the risk that, 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.

High Yield Debt Securities Risk is the risk that below investment grade securities or unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as “high yield securities” or “junk securities”) are more likely to default than higher rated securities. The Fund’s ability to invest in high-yield debt securities generally subjects the Fund to greater risk than

 

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Highland Funds I Summary Prospectus

October 31, 2019

 

 

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. The market value of these securities is generally more sensitive to corporate developments and economic conditions and can be volatile. Market conditions can diminish liquidity and make accurate valuations difficult to obtain.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risk is the risk that the Adviser may not be able to sell illiquid or restricted securities, such as securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, at the price it would like or may have to sell them at a loss. Securities of non-U.S. issuers, and emerging or developing markets securities in particular, are subject to greater liquidity risk.

Interest Rate Risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. 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. 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. Interest payments and fees incurred in connection with such borrowings will reduce the amount of net income available for payment to Fund shareholders.

Liquidity Risk is the risk that low trading volume, lack of a market maker, large position size, or legal restrictions (including daily price fluctuation limits or “circuit breakers”) limits or prevents the Fund from selling particular securities or unwinding derivative positions at desirable prices. At times, a major portion of any portfolio security may be held by relatively few institutional purchasers. Even if the Fund considers such securities liquid because of the availability of an institutional market, such securities may become difficult to value or sell in adverse market or economic conditions.

Management Risk is the risk associated with the fact that the Fund relies on the Adviser’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The Adviser may be incorrect in its assessment of the intrinsic value of the companies whose securities the Fund holds, which may result in a decline in the value of Fund shares and failure to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s portfolio managers use qualitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies.

Mid-Cap Company Risk is the risk that investing in securities of mid-cap companies may 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 1940 Act, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a diversified fund. The 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. This risk is particularly pronounced for the Fund, which from time to time may own a very small number of positions, each of which is a relatively large portion of the Fund’s portfolio.

Non-U.S. Securities Risk is the risk associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers. 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; nationalization; exploration or confiscatory taxation; smaller markets; different trading and settlement practices; less governmental supervision; and different accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping standards and requirements) that 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. 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 and other taxes on interest, dividends, capital gains or other income or proceeds. Those taxes will reduce the Fund’s yield on any such securities. See the “Taxation” section below.

Operational and Technology Risk is the risk that cyber-attacks, disruptions, or failures that affect the Fund’s service providers, counterparties, market participants, or issuers of securities held by the Fund may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, including by causing losses for the Fund or impairing Fund operations.

Options Risk is the risk associated with investments in options. Options, such as covered calls and covered puts, are subject to the risk that significant differences between the

 

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securities and options markets could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets.

Portfolio Turnover Risk is the risk that the Fund’s high portfolio turnover will increase the Fund’s transaction costs and may result in increased realization of net short-term capital gains (which are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them), higher taxable distributions and lower after-tax performance. During the last two fiscal years, the Fund experienced a high portfolio turnover rate.

Prepayment Risk is the risk that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of debt securities may repay higher rate securities before their maturity dates. This may cause the Fund to lose potential price appreciation and to be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates. This may adversely affect the NAV of the Fund’s shares.

Risk of Substantial Redemptions is the risk that if substantial numbers of shares in the Fund were to be redeemed at the same time or at approximately the same time, the Fund might be required to liquidate a significant portion of its investment portfolio quickly to meet the redemptions. The Fund might be forced to sell portfolio securities at prices or at times when it would otherwise not have sold them.

Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may make secured loans of its portfolio securities. 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.

Securities Market Risk is the risk that the value of securities owned by the Fund 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. Many factors can affect this value and you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Senior Loans Risk is the risk associated with Senior Loans, which are typically below investment grade and are considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. As with any debt instrument, Senior Loans are generally subject to the risk of price declines and to increases in interest rates, particularly long-term rates. Senior loans are also subject to the risk that, as interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases, which may increase the risk of default. In addition, the interest rates of floating rate loans typically only adjust to changes in short-term interest rates; long-term interest rates can vary dramatically from short-term interest rates. Therefore, Senior Loans may not mitigate price declines in a rising long-term interest rate environment. The secondary market for loans is generally less liquid than the market for higher grade debt. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely affect the price at which the Fund could sell a loan, and could adversely affect the NAV of the Fund’s shares. The volume and frequency of secondary market trading in such loans varies significantly over time and among loans. Although Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest will often be secured by collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of a default or that such collateral could be readily liquidated.

Short Sales Risk is the risk of loss associated with any appreciation on the price of a security borrowed in connection with a short sale. The Fund may engage in short sales that are not made “against-the-box,” which means that the Fund may sell short securities even when they are not actually owned or otherwise covered at all times during the period the short position is open. Short sales that are not made “against-the-box” 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 ETFs, closed-end funds or mutual funds (“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.

Swaps Risk involves both the risks associated with an investment in the underlying investments or instruments (including equity investments) and counterparty risk. In a standard over-the-counter (“OTC”) swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns, differentials in rates of return or some other amount calculated based on the “notional amount” of predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investments in securities, because swaps may be leveraged and OTC swaps are subject to counterparty risk (e.g., the risk of a counterparty’s defaulting on the obligation or bankruptcy), credit risk and pricing risk (i.e., swaps may be difficult to value). Swaps may also be considered illiquid. Certain swap transactions, including interest rate swaps and index credit default swaps, may be subject to mandatory clearing and exchange trading, although the swaps in which the Fund will invest are not currently subject to mandatory clearing and exchange trading. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques, risk analyses and tax planning different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The value of swaps, like many other derivatives, may move in unexpected ways and may result in losses for the Fund.

 

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Highland Funds I Summary Prospectus

October 31, 2019

 

 

Performance

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 Fund’s Class A Shares for each full calendar year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns compare with the returns of a broad-based securities market index or indices. 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. The Fund’s performance prior to December 20, 2019 reflects returns achieved when the Fund was named Highland Long/Short Healthcare Fund and pursued a different investment strategy. If the Fund’s current investment strategy had been in place for the prior period, the performance information shown would have been different. The Fund’s performance reflects applicable fee waivers and/or expense limitations in effect during the periods presented, without which returns would have been lower. 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. The returns of Class C and Class Z 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 information on the Fund’s performance can be obtained by visiting https://highlandfunds.com/funds/ or by calling 1-877-665-1287.

Performance information prior to May 6, 2010 reflects the results of the Fund’s previous investment strategy. In certain periods, the Fund invested its assets in a very small number of issuers and, as a result, a change in the value of an individual portfolio holding may have had a significant impact on the Fund’s performance. As the Fund invests in a larger number of issuers, the impact on the performance of an individual portfolio holding will generally decrease.

Calendar Year Total Returns

The bar chart shows the performance of the Fund’s Class A shares as of December 31.

 

LOGO

The highest calendar quarter total return for Class A Shares of the Fund was 17.48% for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 and the lowest calendar quarter total return was -16.04% for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The Fund’s year-to-date total return for Class A Shares through September 30, 2019 was -1.76%.

Average Annual Total Returns

(For the periods ended December 31, 2018)

 

      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Class A (inception 5/5/08)

                          

Return Before Taxes

     6.21%        1.25%        4.91%  

Return After Taxes on Distributions

     6.17%        0.44%        3.26%  

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares

     3.89%        0.57%        2.98%  

Return Before Taxes

                          

Class C (inception 5/5/08)

     10.53%        1.78%        4.84%  

Class Z (inception 5/5/08)

     12.72%        2.77%        5.84%  

Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

     -4.37%        8.48%        7.85%  

Standard & Poor’s Healthcare Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

     6.43%        11.12%        11.92%  

After-tax returns in the table above are shown for Class A Shares only and after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. 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 their Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

In some cases, average annual return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares may be higher than the average annual return after taxes on distributions because of realized losses that would have been sustained upon the sale of fund shares immediately after the relevant periods. The calculations assume that an investor holds the shares in a taxable account, is in the actual historical highest individual federal marginal income tax bracket for each year and would have been able to immediately utilize the full realized loss to reduce his or her federal tax liability. However, actual individual tax results may vary and investors should consult their tax advisers regarding their personal tax situations.

Portfolio Management

Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors, L.P. serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The primary individual portfolio managers for the Fund are:

 

Portfolio Manager   Portfolio Manager
Experience in this Fund
   Title with Adviser
James Dondero   1 year    President and Co-Founder
Nate Burns   Less than 1 year    Managing Director

 

7


  

 

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Purchase Minimums

 

Initial Investment

   $ 2,500  

Subsequent Investments

   $ 50  

You may purchase shares of the Fund by mail, bank wire, electronic funds transfer or by telephone after you have opened an account with the Fund. You may obtain an account application from your financial intermediary, from the Fund by calling 1-877-665-1287 or from the Fund’s website at http://highlandfunds.com/literature.

In general, you may sell (redeem) all or part of your Fund shares on any business day through the following options:

 

   

Through your Financial Intermediary

 

   

By writing to Highland Funds I — Highland Healthcare Opportunities Fund, PO Box 219424, Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9424, or

 

   

By calling DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. at 1-877-665-1287

Financial intermediaries may independently charge fees for shareholder transactions or for advisory services. Please see their materials for details.

Tax Information

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are a tax-exempt investor or otherwise investing in the Fund through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. If you are investing in the Fund through a tax-advantaged arrangement, you may be taxed later upon withdrawals from that arrangement.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

HFI-HHOF-SUMPROS-1219

 

8

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