N-CSRS 1 d839960dncsrs.htm N-CSRS N-CSRS
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-23268

 

 

HIGHLAND OPPORTUNITIES AND INCOME FUND

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

300 Crescent Court

Suite 700

Dallas, Texas 75201

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)

 

 

Frank Waterhouse Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Executive Officer

300 Crescent Court

Suite 700

Dallas, Texas 75201

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (866) 351-4440

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2024

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

A copy of the Semi-Annual Report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), is attached herewith.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

JUNE 30, 2024 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 


Table of Contents

HIGHLAND OPPORTUNITIES AND INCOME FUND

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Fund Profile

    1  

Financial Statements

    2  

Investment Portfolio

    3  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    7  

Statement of Operations

    8  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    9  

Statement of Cash Flows

    10  

Financial Highlights

    11  

Notes to Financial Statements

    13  

Additional Information

    36  

Important Information About This Report

    42  


Table of Contents

Economic and market conditions change frequently.

There is no assurance that the trends described in this report will continue or commence.

Privacy Policy

We recognize and respect your privacy expectations, whether you are a visitor to our web site, a potential shareholder, a current shareholder or even a former shareholder.

Collection of Information. We may collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:

 

   

Account applications and other forms, which may include your name, address and social security number, written and electronic correspondence and telephone contacts;

   

Web site information, including any information captured through the use of “cookies”; and

   

Account history, including information about the transactions and balances in your accounts with us or our affiliates.

Disclosure of Information. We may share the information we collect with our affiliates. We may also disclose this information as otherwise permitted by law. We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their independent use.

Confidentiality and Security of Information. We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and agents who need to know such information to provide products or services to you. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information, although you should be aware that data protection cannot be guaranteed.

 

A prospectus must precede or accompany this report. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.


Table of Contents
Fund Profile (unaudited)
  Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Objective

Highland Opportunities and Income Fund seeks growth of capital along with income.

Net Assets as of June 30, 2024

$844.3 million

Portfolio Data as of June 30, 2024

The information below provides a snapshot of Highland Opportunities and Income Fund at the end of the reporting period. Highland Opportunities and Income Fund is actively managed and the composition of its portfolio will change over time. Current and future holdings are subject to risk.

 

Quality Breakdown as of 6/30/2024(1)      %  

BB

     3.57  

B

     14.03  

CCC

     2.75  

NR

     79.64  
  
Top 5 Sectors as of 6/30/2024(1)(2)      %  

Real Estate

     88.7  

Healthcare

     10.1  

Collateralized Loan Obligation

     4.9  

Communication Services

     2.5  

Energy

     1.5  
Top 10 Holdings as of 6/30/2024(1)(2)(3)      %  

NFRO SFR REIT, LLC (Common Stock)

     13.3  

NFRO Diversified REIT, LLC (Common Stock)

     12.0  

NFRO Self Storage REIT, LLC (Common Stock)

     9.4  

NFRO Holdings, LLC (Common Stock)

     8.5  

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., REIT (Common Stock)

     7.1  

NEXLS LLC %, (LLC Interest)

     6.5  

EDS Legacy Partners 8.50%, 12/28/2033 (U.S. Senior Loans)

     6.4  

NexPoint SFR Operating Partnership L.P. 7.50%, 5/24/2027 (U.S. Senior Loans)

     5.7  

IQHQ, Inc. (Common Stock)

     5.3  

NHT Operating Partnership LLC Promissory Note 4.21%, 2/14/2027 (U.S. Senior Loans)

     4.0  

 

(1) 

Quality is calculated as a percentage of total credit instruments held by the portfolio. Sectors and holdings are calculated as a percentage of total net assets. The quality ratings reflected were issued by Standard & Poors, a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). Quality ratings reflect the credit quality of the underlying bonds in the Fund’s portfolio and not that of the Fund itself. Credit quality ratings assigned by a rating agency are subjective opinions, not statements of fact, and are subject to change, including daily. The ratings assigned by credit rating agencies are but one of the considerations that the Fund’s investment adviser incorporates into its credit analysis process, along with such other issuer specific factors as cash flows, capital structure and leverage ratios, ability to deleverage through free cash flow, quality of management, market positioning and access to capital, as well as such security-specific factors as the terms of the security (e.g., interest rate, and time to maturity) and the amount of any collateral.

 

(2) 

Sectors and holdings are calculated as a percentage of total net assets.

 

(3) 

Excludes the Fund’s investment in a cash equivalent.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1


Table of Contents
Financial Statements
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING THE FUND’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Investment Portfolio      The Investment Portfolio details all of the Fund’s holdings and its market value as of the last day of the reporting period. Portfolio holdings are organized by type of asset and industry to demonstrate areas of concentration and diversification.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities      This statement details the Fund’s assets, liabilities, net assets and share price for each share class as of the last day of the reporting period. Net assets are calculated by subtracting all of the Fund’s liabilities (including any unpaid expenses) from the total of the Fund’s investment and noninvestment assets. The net asset value per share for each class is calculated by dividing net assets allocated to that share class by the number of shares outstanding in that class as of the last day of the reporting period.
Statement of Operations      This statement reports income earned by the Fund and the expenses incurred by the Fund during the reporting period. The Statement of Operations also shows any net gain or loss the Fund realized on the sales of its holdings during the period as well as any unrealized gains or losses recognized over the period. The total of these results represents the Fund’s net increase or decrease in net assets from operations.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets      These statements detail how the Fund’s net assets were affected by its operating results, distributions to shareholders and shareholder transactions (e.g., subscriptions, redemptions and distribution reinvestments) during the reporting periods. The Statements of Changes in Net Assets also details changes in the number of shares outstanding.
Statement of Cash Flows      This statement reports net cash and foreign currency provided or used by operating, investing and financing activities and the net effect of those flows on cash and foreign currency during the period.
Financial Highlights      The Financial Highlights demonstrate how the Fund’s net asset value per share was affected by the Fund’s operating results. The Financial Highlights also disclose the classes’ performance and certain key ratios (e.g., net expenses and net investment income as a percentage of average net assets).
Notes to Financial Statements      These notes disclose the organizational background of the Fund, certain of its significant accounting policies (including those surrounding security valuation, income recognition and distributions to shareholders), federal tax information, fees and compensation paid to affiliates and significant risks and contingencies.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 2


Table of Contents
Investment Portfolio (unaudited)
As of June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Shares   Value ($)  
Common Stocks – 68.2%  
COMMUNICATION SERVICES – 1.3%  
27,134   MidWave Wireless, Inc. (fka Terrestar Corp.) (a)(b)(c)(d)     8,759,398  
194,300   Telesat (d)(e)     1,768,130  
   

 

 

 
      10,527,528  
   

 

 

 
ENERGY – 1.5%  
1,010,612   Talos Energy, Inc. (d)     12,278,935  
1,118,286   Value Creation, Inc. (a)(b)(d)     51,675  
   

 

 

 
      12,330,610  
   

 

 

 
FINANCIALS – 0.5%  
182,288   Meaningful PDCV LP (a)(b)(d)     4,557,198  
   

 

 

 
HEALTHCARE – 3.8%  
12,026,660   CCS Medical Inc. (a)(b)(d)(f)     32,183,342  
   

 

 

 
MATERIALS – 0.2%  
299,032   MPM Holdings, Inc. (d)     1,495,160  
   

 

 

 
REAL ESTATE – 60.9%  
3,105,740   Allenby (a)(b)(d)(f)      
10,871,681   Claymore (a)(b)(d)(f)      
68,830   Haygood (a)(b)(d)(f)      
2,006,665   IQHQ, Inc. (a)(b)(d)     45,250,296  
34,512   LLV Holdco LLC – Series A, Membership Interest (a)(b)(d)(f)     4,126,245  
436   LLV Holdco LLC – Series B, Membership Interest (a)(b)(d)(f)     52,086  
1,361,749   NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust, REIT (e)(f)     7,530,472  
4,372,286   NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., REIT (e)(f)     59,987,761  
200,052   NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc., REIT (e)(f)     7,904,054  
32,203   NexPoint Storage Partners, Inc. (a)(b)(d)(f)     25,076,601  
113,027,459   NFRO Diversified REIT, LLC (a)(b)(d)(f)     101,184,216  
2,276,658   NFRO Holdings, LLC (a)(b)(d)(f)     71,947,262  
90,436,434   NFRO Self Storage REIT, LLC (a)(b)(d)(f)     79,293,761  
4,690,097   NFRO SFR REIT, LLC (a)(b)(d)(f)     112,220,845  
   

 

 

 
      514,573,599  
   

 

 

 
 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $930,939,208)

    575,667,437  
   

 

 

 
Principal Amount ($)  
U.S. Senior Loans (g) – 24.5%  
COMMUNICATION SERVICES – 1.2%  
10,187,263   MidWave Wireless, Inc. (fka Terrestar Corp.), Term Loan D, 1st Lien,12.000%, 02/27/28 (a)(b)     10,166,888  
73,858   MidWave Wireless, Inc. (fka Terrestar Corp.), Term Loan H, 1st Lien,12.000%, 02/28/25 (a)(b)     73,710  
79,161   MidWave Wireless, Inc. (fka TerreStar Corp.), Term Loan, 1st Lien,12.000%, 02/28/25 (a)(b)     79,003  
   

 

 

 
      10,319,601  
   

 

 

 
Principal Amount ($)   Value ($)  
U.S. Senior Loans (continued)  
HEALTHCARE – 3.8%  
16,215,799   Carestream Health Inc., Term Loan, 1st Lien,12.909%, 09/30/27     14,528,120  
17,131,096   CCS Medical Inc., Junior Credit Term Loan, 1st Lien,11.000%, 01/04/27 (a)(b)(f)     17,045,441  
   

 

 

 
      31,573,561  
   

 

 

 
REAL ESTATE – 19.5%  
53,976,000   EDS Legacy Partners,8.500%, 12/28/33 (a)(b)     53,976,000  
6,959,610   LLV Holdco LLC, Revolving Exit Loan,5.000%, 12/31/24 (a)(b)(f)     6,450,065  
50,000,000   NexPoint SFR Operating Partnership L.P.,7.500%, 05/24/27 (a)(b)(f)     48,525,000  
5,000,000   NexPoint SFR Operating Partnership, LP,
7.500%, 06/30/27 (a)(b)(f)
    4,852,500  
6,400,000   NHT Operating Partnership LLC Convertible Promissory Note,
7.500%, 09/30/42 (a)(b)(f)
    5,052,800  
42,889,333   NHT Operating Partnership LLC Promissory Note,
4.205%, 02/14/27 (a)(b)(f)
    33,861,129  
6,500,000   NREF Operating IV REIT Sub, LLC,7.
500%, 10/18/27 (a)(b)(f)
    6,084,000  
5,852,170   NXLST Operating Partnership, LP Promissory Note,
4.200%, 12/31/28 (a)(b)
    5,852,170  
   

 

 

 
      164,653,664  
   

 

 

 
 

Total U.S. Senior Loans
(Cost $244,874,900)

    206,546,826  
   

 

 

 
Shares    
LLC Interest – 7.5%  
957   NEXLS LLC (a)(b)(f)     55,043,483  
9,000,000   SFR WLIF III, LLC (a)(b)(f)     8,064,000  
   

 

 

 
 

Total LLC Interest
(Cost $46,085,217)

    63,107,483  
   

 

 

 
Principal Amount ($)  
Collateralized Loan Obligations – 4.9%  
6,205,413   ACAS CLO, Series 2018-1A, Class FRR TSFR3M + 8.172%, 13.50%, 10/18/2028 (h)(i)     1,588,379  
2,000,000   Apex Credit CLO, Series 2019-1A, Class D TSFR3M + 7.362%, 12.69%, 4/18/2032 (h)(i)     1,950,000  
1,500,000   Atlas Senior Loan Fund, Series 2017-8A, Class F TSFR3M + 7.412%, 12.74%, 1/16/2030 (h)(i)     986,625  
2,400,000   Atlas Senior Loan Fund XII, Series 2018-12A, Class E TSFR3M + 6.212%, 11.53%, 10/24/2031 (h)(i)     1,704,000  
3,324,756   CIFC Funding, Series 2014-4RA, Class SUB 0.00%, 1/17/2035 (h)(i)(j)(k)     950,880  
1,000,000   CIFC Funding, Series 2018-1A, Class ER2 TSFR3M + 6.112%, 11.44%, 1/18/2031 (h)(i)     990,000  
 

 

SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 6 FOR ABBREVIATIONS ALONG WITH ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | 3


Table of Contents
Investment Portfolio (unaudited) (continued)
As of June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Principal Amount ($)   Value ($)  
Collateralized Loan Obligations (continued)  
3,000,000   CIFC Funding, Series 2015-1A, Class SUB 0.00%, 1/22/2031 (h)(i)(j)(k)     338,400  
5,462,500   CIFC Funding, Series 2013-2A, Class SUB 0.00%, 10/18/2030 (h)(i)(j)     682,812  
2,500,000   CIFC Funding, Series 2014-1A, Class SUB 0.00%, 1/18/2031 (h)(i)(j)     325,000  
3,000,000   Clover Credit Partners CLO III, Series 2017-1A, Class F TSFR3M + 8.212%, 13.54%, 10/15/2029 (h)(i)     1,170,000  
1,537,000   Dryden 36 Senior Loan Fund, Series 2019-36A, Class ER2 TSFR3M + 7.142%, 12.47%, 4/15/2029 (h)(i)     1,475,520  
5,450,000   Galaxy XXVI CLO, Series 2018-26A, Class F TSFR3M + 8.262%, 13.59%, 11/22/2031 (h)(i)     5,014,000  
1,000,000   GoldenTree Loan Management US CLO 3, Series 2018-3A, Class F TSFR3M + 6.762%, 12.09%, 4/20/2030 (h)(i)     980,000  
2,000,000   Madison Park Funding XXIX, Series 2018-29A, Class F TSFR3M + 7.832%, 13.16%, 10/18/2030 (h)(i)     1,910,000  
2,500,000   Man GLG US CLO, Series 2018-1A, Class DR TSFR3M + 6.162%, 11.49%, 4/22/2030 (h)(i)     2,265,438  
4,000,000   Northwoods Capital XII-B, Ltd., Series 2018-12BA, Class F TSFR3M + 8.432%, 13.77%, 6/15/2031 (h)(i)     2,930,000  
3,110,000   OZLM XXII, Ltd., Series 2018-22A, Class E TSFR3M + 7.652%, 12.97%, 1/17/2031 (h)(i)     1,834,900  
2,000,000   Park Avenue Institutional Advisers CLO, Series 2021-2A, Class E TSFR3M + 7.272%, 12.60%, 7/15/2034 (h)(i)     1,920,000  
3,150,000   Saranac CLO III, Ltd., Series 2018-3A, Class ER TSFR3M + 7.500%, 13.11%, 6/22/2030 (h)(i)     1,753,762  
2,000,000   Symphony CLO XXVI, Series 2021-26A, Class ER TSFR3M + 7.762%, 13.09%, 4/20/2033 (h)(i)     1,943,760  
5,955,627   THL Credit Wind River, Series 2014-2A, Class SUB 0.00%, 1/15/2031 (h)(i)(j)(l)     926,100  
1,000,000   Vibrant CLO 1X, Series 2018-9A, Class D TSFR3M + 6.512%, 11.84%, 7/20/2031 (h)(i)     908,100  
1,275,000   Voya CLO, Series 2018-2A, Class DR TSFR3M + 5.862%, 11.19%, 4/25/2031 (h)(i)     1,096,500  
1,000,000  

Webster Park CLO, Series 2018-1A, Class ER TSFR3M + 8.012%, 13.34%,

7/20/2030 (h)(i)

    927,500  
3,000,000   Zais CLO 3, Ltd., Series 2018-3A, Class DR TSFR3M + 7.172%, 12.50%, 7/15/2031 (h)(i)     2,190,000  
3,300,000   Zais CLO 8, Ltd., Series 2018-1A, Class E TSFR3M + 5.512%, 10.84%, 4/15/2029 (h)(i)     2,714,250  
   

 

 

 
 

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations
(Cost $55,864,169)

    41,475,926  
   

 

 

 
Shares   Value ($)  
Preferred Stock – 3.6%  
FINANCIALS – 0.4%  
150,977   NexPoint Real Estate Finance REIT 8.50% (f)(m)     3,309,416  
   

 

 

 
HEALTHCARE – 2.6%  
270,246   Apnimed, Series C-1 (a)(b)(d)(m)(n)     3,288,894  
144,132   Apnimed, Series C-2 (a)(b)(d)(m)(n)     1,856,420  
2,361,111   Sapience Therapeutics Inc 8.00% (a)(b)(d)(m)     7,673,611  
3,440,476   Sapience Therapeutics Inc, Class B 8.00% (a)(b)(d)(m)     9,461,309  
   

 

 

 
      22,280,234  
   

 

 

 
REAL ESTATE – 0.6%  
325,976   Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 5.50% (d)(e)(m)     4,192,051  
47,300   Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust 10.75%, 09/21/2024 (d)(m)(o)(p)     912,417  
82,301   Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust 9.00% (d)(m)     189,292  
   

 

 

 
      5,293,760  
   

 

 

 
 

Total Preferred Stock
(Cost $30,461,420)

    30,883,410  
   

 

 

 
Principal Amount ($)  
Corporate Bonds & Notes – 0.4%  
COMMUNICATION SERVICES – 0.0%  
3,100   iHeartCommunications, Inc. 6.38%, 05/01/26     2,414  
   

 

 

 
FINANCIALS – 0.4%  
4,000,000   South Street Securities Funding LLC 6.25%, 12/30/26 (i)     3,400,000  
   

 

 

 
INDUSTRIALS – 0.0%  
7,500,000   American Airlines 12/31/49 (a)(b)(j)(q)      
   

 

 

 
 

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
(Cost $4,097,015)

    3,402,414  
   

 

 

 
Shares    
Registered Investment Companies – 0.1%  
86,246   Highland Global Allocation Fund (e)(f)     649,432  
72,607   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund (f)     453,794  
   

 

 

 
 

Total Registered Investment Companies
(Cost $889,981)

    1,103,226  
   

 

 

 
Principal Amount ($)  
Repurchase Agreement (r)(s) – 0.0%  
47,688   Daiwa Capital Markets 5.350%, dated 06/28/2024 to be repurchased on 07/01/2024, repurchase price $47,709 (collateralized by U.S. Government and Treasury obligations, ranging in par value $3–$5,854, 0.000%–7.50%, 07/11/2024–07/01/2054; with total market value $48,644)     47,688  
   

 

 

 
 

Total Repurchase Agreement
(Cost $47,688)

    47,688  
   

 

 

 
 

 

SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 6 FOR ABBREVIATIONS ALONG WITH ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | 4


Table of Contents
Investment Portfolio (unaudited) (concluded)
As of June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Shares   Value ($)  
Cash Equivalent – 5.0%  
MONEY MARKET FUND (t) – 5.0%  
42,316,283   Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management, Institutional Class 5.180%     42,316,283  
   

 

 

 
 

Total Cash Equivalent
(Cost $42,316,283)

    42,316,283  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments – 114.2%

    964,550,693  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $1,355,575,881)

 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT – (0.9)%  
COMMON STOCKS – (0.9)%  
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – (0.9)%  
(41,100)   Texas Instruments, Inc.     (7,995,183
   

 

 

 
 

Total Common Stocks
(Proceeds $4,920,256)

    (7,995,183
   

 

 

 
 

Total Securities Sold Short – (0.9)%
(Proceeds $4,920,256)

    (7,995,183
   

 

 

 

Other Assets & Liabilities, Net – (13.3)% (u)

    (112,222,809
   

 

 

 

Net Assets – 100.0%

    844,332,701  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Securities with a total aggregate value of $762,109,348, or 90.3% of net assets, were classified as Level 3 within the three-tier fair value hierarchy. Please see Notes to Financial Statements for an explanation of this hierarchy, as well as a list of unobservable inputs used in the valuation of these instruments.

(b)

Represents fair value as determined by the Investment Adviser pursuant to the policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The Board has designated the Investment Adviser as “valuation designee” for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Investment Adviser considers fair valued securities to be securities for which market quotations are not readily available and these securities may be valued using a combination of observable and unobservable inputs. Securities with a total aggregate value of $762,109,348, or 90.3% of net assets, were fair valued under the Fund’s valuation procedures as of June 30, 2024. Please see Notes to Financial Statements.

(c)

Restricted Securities. These securities are not registered and may not be sold to the public. There are legal and/or contractual restrictions on resale. The Fund does not have the right to demand that such securities be registered. The values of these securities are determined by valuations provided by pricing services, brokers, dealers, market makers, or in good faith under the policies and procedures established by the Board. Additional Information regarding such securities follows:

 

Restricted

Security

 

Security

Type

   

Acquisition

Date

   

Cost of

Security

   

Fair Value

at Period

End

   

Percent

of Net

Assets

 

MidWave Wireless, Inc. (fka Terrestar Corp.)

   
Common
Stock
 
 
    3/16/2018     $ 3,093,276     $ 8,759,398       1.0%  

 

(d)

Non-income producing security.

(e)

All or part of this security is pledged as collateral for short sales. The fair value of the securities pledged as collateral was $19,115,796.

(f)

Affiliated issuer. Assets with a total aggregate fair value of $690,897,705, or 81.8% of net assets, were affiliated with the Fund as of June 30, 2024.

(g)

Senior loans (also called bank loans, leveraged loans, or floating rate loans) in which the Fund invests generally pay interest at rates which are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a spread (unless otherwise identified, all senior loans carry a variable rate of interest). These base lending rates are generally (i) the Prime Rate offered by one or more major United States banks, (ii) the lending rate offered by one or more European banks such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or (iii) the Certificate of Deposit rate. As of June 30, 2024, the SOFR 3 Month rate was 5.33%. Senior loans, while exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), contain certain restrictions on resale and cannot be sold publicly. Senior secured floating rate loans often require prepayments from excess cash flow or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The degree to which borrowers repay, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity maybe substantially less than the stated maturity shown.

(h)

Variable or floating rate security. The rate shown is the effective interest rate as of period end. The rates on certain securities are not based on published reference rates and spreads and are either determined by the issuer or agent based on current market conditions; by using a formula based on the rates of underlying loans; or by adjusting periodically based on prevailing interest rates.

(i)

Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. The Board has determined these investments to be liquid. At June 30, 2024, these securities amounted to $44,875,927 or 5.3% of net assets.

(j)

No interest rate available.

(k)

Interest only security (“IO”). These types of securities represent the right to receive the monthly interest payments on an underlying pool of mortgages. Payments of principal on the pool reduce the value of the “interest only” holding.

(l)

The issuer is, or is in danger of being, in default of its payment obligation.

(m)

Perpetual security with no stated maturity date.

(n)

There is currently no rate available.

(o)

Securities (or a portion of securities) on loan. As of June 30, 2024, the fair value of securities loaned was $46,625. The loaned securities were secured with cash and/or securities collateral of $47,688. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices.

(p)

Step Coupon Security. Coupon rate will either increase (step-up bond) or decrease (step-down bond) at regular intervals until maturity. Interest rate shown reflects the rate currently in effect.

(q)

Represents value held in escrow pending future events. No interest is being accrued.

(r)

Tri-Party Repurchase Agreement.

(s)

This security was purchased with cash collateral held from securities on loan. The total value of such securities as of June 30, 2024 was $47,688.

(t)

Rate reported is 7 day effective yield.

(u)

As of June 30, 2024, $7,949,973 in cash was segregated or on deposit with the brokers to cover investments sold short and is included in “Other Assets & Liabilities, Net”.

 

 

SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 6 FOR ABBREVIATIONS ALONG WITH ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | 5


Table of Contents
Glossary: (abbreviations that may be used in the preceding statements) (unaudited)
 

 

 

 

Other Abbreviations:

CLO

Collateralized Loan Obligation

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

TSFR3M

Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate 3 Month

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 6


Table of Contents
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)
As of June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

    $  

Assets

 

Investments from unaffiliated issuers, at value

    231,289,017  

Affiliated investments, at value (Note 9)

    690,897,705  
 

 

 

 

Total Investments, at value (Cost $1,313,211,910)

    922,186,722  

Repurchase Agreement, at value

    47,688  

Cash equivalent (Note 2)

    42,316,283  

Cash

    74,009  

Restricted Cash — Securities Sold Short (Note 2)

    7,949,973  

Receivable for:

 

Dividends and interest

    21,091,242  

Fund shares sold

    62,763  

Due from broker

    1,617  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    13,928  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    993,744,225  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Securities sold short, at value (Note 2)

    7,995,183  

Payable for:

 

Investment advisory and administration fees (Note 6)

    771,050  

Legal fees

    455,231  

Audit fees

    121,293  

Investments purchased

    179,231  

Collateral from securities loaned (Note 4)

    47,688  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    85,599  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    9,655,275  
 

 

 

 

Mezzanine Equity:

 

Cumulative preferred shares (Series A), net of deferred financing costs (Notes 1 and 2)

    139,756,249  
 

 

 

 

Net Assets

    844,332,701  
 

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

 

Paid-in capital

    1,386,712,100  

Total accumulated losses

    (542,379,399
 

 

 

 

Net Assets

    844,332,701  
 

 

 

 

Investments, at cost

    229,560,022  

Affiliated investments, at cost (Note 9)

    1,083,651,888  

Cash equivalent, at cost (Note 2)

    42,316,283  

Repurchase Agreement, at cost

    47,688  

Proceeds from securities sold short

    4,920,256  

Common Shares

 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value; unlimited authorization)

    66,114,497  

Net asset value per share (Net assets/shares outstanding)

    12.77  

 

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 7


Table of Contents
Statement of Operations (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

    $  

Investment Income

 

Income:

 

Dividends from unaffiliated issuers

    347,068  

Dividends from affiliated issuers (Note 9)

    4,670,499  

Securities lending income (Note 4)

    1,819  

Interest from unaffiliated issuers

    11,283,740  

Interest from affiliated issuers (Note 9)

    4,525,206  

Interest paid in kind from affiliated issuers (Note 9)

    1,069,962  

Other income

    140,647  
 

 

 

 

Total income

    22,038,941  
 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Investment advisory (Note 6)

    3,179,725  

Administration fees (Note 6)

    999,274  

Legal fees

    480,968  

Interest expense, commitment fees, and financing costs

    321,146  

Accounting services fees

    301,180  

Insurance

    234,649  

Trustees fees (Note 6)

    157,255  

Audit fees

    117,441  

Dividends and fees on securities sold short (Note 2)

    106,860  

Reports to shareholders

    91,994  

Transfer agent fees

    83,662  

Pricing fees

    51,301  

Registration fees

    50,865  

Custodian/wire agent fees

    9,668  
 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    6,185,988  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    15,852,953  
 

 

 

 

Preferred dividend expenses

    (3,896,878

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

 

Realized gain (loss) on:

 

Investments from unaffiliated issuers

    (26,078,574
 

 

 

 

Net realized loss

    (26,078,574
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Investments from unaffiliated issuers

    29,983,577  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (11,238,072

Securities sold short (Note 2)

    (989,277
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    17,756,228  
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (8,322,346
 

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets resulting from operations

    3,633,729  
 

 

 

 

 

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 8


Table of Contents
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
  Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

     For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024
(unaudited) ($)
    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2023  ($)
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

     15,852,953       42,387,981  

Preferred dividend expenses

     (3,896,878     (7,793,756

Net realized loss

     (26,078,574     (6,536,718

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     17,756,228       (42,143,190
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from operations

     3,633,729       (14,085,683
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions Declared to Common Shareholders:

    

Distributions

     (15,492,500     (41,946,824

Return of capital

           (21,072,259
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions:

     (15,492,500     (63,019,083
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations and distributions

     (11,858,771     (77,104,766
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share transactions:

    

Value of distributions reinvested

     419,240       1,533,094  

Shares repurchased of closed-end fund (Note 1)

     (28,791,648      

Gains from the retirement of repurchased shares

     14,147,875        
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from shares transactions

     (14,224,533     1,533,094  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease in net assets

     (26,083,304     (75,571,672
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     870,416,005       945,987,677  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

     844,332,701       870,416,005  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Common Shares:

    

Issued for distribution reinvested

     63,611       179,578  

Shares redeemed (Note 1)

     (2,250,000      
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in fund shares

     (2,186,389     179,578  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 9


Table of Contents
Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

      $  

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    3,633,729  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

 

Purchases of investment securities from unaffiliated issuers

    (39,246,566

Purchases of investment securities from affiliated issuers

    (36,182,660

Interest paid in kind from affiliated issuers

    (1,069,962

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities from unaffiliated issuers

    99,508,789  

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities from affiliated issuers

    42,927,533  

Paydowns at cost

    11,649,214  

Net (amortization) accretion of discount

    (446,359

Proceeds from return of capital of investment securities from affiliated  issuers

    858,938  

Proceeds from sales of repurchase agreements, net

    39,523  

Net realized (gain) loss on Investments from unaffiliated issuers

    26,078,574  

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments, investments in affiliated issuers, and securities sold short

    (17,756,228

(Increase) Decrease in receivable for investments sold and principal  paydowns

    396,758  

(Increase) Decrease in receivable for dividends and interest

    (2,892,113

(Increase) Decrease in due from broker

    (1,617

(Increase) Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

    140,719  

Increase (Decrease) in payable for investments purchased

    (1,506,688

Increase (Decrease) in payable to investment advisory

    (16,968

Increase (Decrease) in due to broker for short sale proceeds

    (1

Increase (Decrease) in payable for upon return of securities loaned

    (39,523

Increase (Decrease) in payable for audit fees

    (118,559

Increase (Decrease) in payable for legal fees

    181,984  

Increase (Decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities

    (192,517
 

 

 

 

Net cash flow provided by operating activities

    85,946,000  
 

 

 

 

Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities:

 

Distributions paid in cash, net of distributions reinvested

    (15,073,260

Payments on shares redeemed, net of payable

    (14,643,773

Proceeds from shares sold, net of receivable

    91,422  

Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements

    (20,690,000
 

 

 

 

Net cash flow used in financing activities

    (50,315,611
 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash

    35,630,389  
 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalent, and restricted cash:

 

Beginning of period

    14,709,876  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    50,340,265  
 

 

 

 

End of period cash balances:

 

Cash

    74,009  

Cash equivalent

    42,316,283  

Restricted cash

    7,949,973  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    50,340,265  
 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

Reinvestment of distributions

    419,240  
 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest expense and commitment fees

    321,146  
 

 

 

 

 

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 10


Table of Contents
Financial Highlights
  Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year is as follows:

 

     For the
Six Months

Ended
June 30,

2024
(unaudited)
   

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 
    2023     2022     2021     2020      2019  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period/Year

     $12.74       $13.89       $14.29       $13.32       $13.88        $14.28  

Income from Investment Operations:

             

Net investment income(a)

     0.24       0.62       1.35       0.72       0.54        0.85  

Preferred dividend expense

     (0.06     (0.11     (0.11     (0.11     (0.11      (0.05

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (0.15     (0.74     (0.80     1.21       (0.10      (0.29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Income from Investment Operations

     0.03       (0.23     0.44       1.82       0.33        0.51  

Less Distributions Declared to shareholders:

             

From net investment income

     (0.23     (0.61     (0.52     (0.22     (0.43      (0.81

From return of capital

           (0.31     (0.40     (0.70     (0.49      (0.11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions declared to shareholders

     (0.23     (0.92     (0.92     (0.92     (0.92      (0.92

Capital Share Transactions:

             

Retirement of Tendered Shares(a)

   $ 0.23     $     $ 0.08     $ 0.07     $ 0.03      $ 0.01  

Net Asset Value, End of Period/Year(b)

   $ 12.77     $ 12.74     $ 13.89     $ 14.29     $ 13.32      $ 13.88  

Market Value, End of Period/Year

   $ 6.25     $ 7.69     $ 10.30     $ 10.99     $ 10.28      $ 12.43  

Market Value Total Return(c)

     (29.16 )%      (16.94 )%      1.70     16.35     (8.29 )%       4.30

Ratios based on Average Managed Assets

             

Gross operating expenses(d)

     0.62     1.25     1.15     1.44     1.83      2.28

Net investment income

     1.58     3.96     7.87     4.53     2.89      3.98

Ratios to Average Net Assets / Supplemental Data:(e)(f)

             

Net Assets, End of Year/Period (000’s)

   $ 844,333     $ 870,416     $ 945,988     $ 995,615     $ 950,348      $ 995,405  

Gross operating expenses(d)

     1.45     1.45     1.32     1.67     2.68      3.39

Net investment income

     3.71     4.58     8.98     5.26     4.22      5.93

Portfolio turnover rate

     7     6     45     38     22      18

Average commission rate paid(g)

   $ 0.0001     $ 0.0203     $ 0.0092     $ 0.0348     $ 0.0969      $ 0.0032  

 

 

 

(a)

Per share data was calculated using average shares outstanding during the year.

(b)

The Net Asset Value per share has been calculated based on net assets which include adjustments made in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles required at year end for financial reporting purposes. These figures do not necessarily reflect the Net Asset Value per share experienced by the shareholder at year end.

(c)

Total return is based on market value per share. Distributions are assumed for purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. For periods with waivers/reimbursements, had the Fund’s investment adviser not waived or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been lower.

(d)

Includes dividends and fees on securities sold short.

(e)

All ratios for the period/year have been annualized, unless otherwise indicated.

(f)

Supplemental expense ratios are shown below.

(g)

Represents the total dollar amount of commissions paid on portfolio transactions divided by total number of portfolio shares purchased and sold for which commissions were charged.

 

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 11


Table of Contents
Financial Highlights (concluded)
  Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Supplemental Expense Ratios:

 

    

For the

Six Months

Ended

June 30,
2024

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
     (unaudited)     2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  

Ratios based on Average Managed Assets

            

Net operating expenses (net of waiver/reimbursement, if applicable, but gross of all other operating expenses)

     0.62     1.25     1.15     1.44     1.83     2.28

Interest expense and commitment fees, and preferred dividend expense

     0.42     0.86     0.70     0.74     1.17     1.27

Dividends and fees on securities sold short

     0.01     0.02     0.02     0.02     0.02     0.01

Ratios to Average Net Assets

            

Net operating expenses (net of waiver/reimbursement, if applicable, but gross of all other operating expenses)

     1.45     1.45     1.32     1.67     2.68     3.39

Interest expense and commitment fees, and preferred dividend expense

     0.99     0.99     0.80     0.86     1.71     1.90

Dividends and fees on securities sold short

     0.02     0.02     0.02     0.02     0.03     0.01

Borrowing at end of period/year:

            

Aggregate Amount Outstanding Excluding Preferred Shares*

           20,690,000       21,722,000             200,000,000       419,796,600  

Asset Coverage Per $1,000*

           42,899.43       44,549.75             5,751.74       3,371.16  

Aggregate Amount Outstanding Including Preferred Shares*

     145,000,000       165,690,000       166,722,000       145,000,000       345,000,000       564,796,600  

Asset Coverage Per $1,000*

     6,822.98       6,232.05       6,674.04       7,859.92       3,754.63       2,762.41  

 

*

See Note 10 for further details.

 

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 12


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Note 1. Organization

Highland Opportunities and Income Fund (the “Fund”) is organized as an unincorporated business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fund is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. On September 25, 2017, the Fund acquired the assets of Highland Floating Rate Opportunities Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a series of NexPoint Funds I (formerly Highland Funds I), a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund is the successor to the accounting and performance information of the Predecessor Fund.

On June 15, 2023, the Fund changed its name from Highland Income Fund to Highland Opportunities and Income Fund.

On July 29, 2019, the Fund issued 5.4 million 5.375% Series A Cumulative Preferred shares (NYSE: HFRO.PR.A) with an aggregate liquidation value of $135 million. Subsequently on August 9, 2019, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase additional overallotment shares of $10mm, resulting in a total Preferred outstanding offering of $145mm.

The Series A Cumulative Preferred shares are perpetual, non-callable for five years, and have a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. Distributions are scheduled quarterly, with payments beginning on September 30, 2019. Series A Preferred shares trade on the NYSE. Moody’s Investors Service has assigned an A1 rating to the preferred shares.

On May 16, 2023, the Fund announced that the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approved a repurchase program pursuant to which the Fund may repurchase up to $100 million of its stock in open-market transactions over a two-year period. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Fund repurchased 2,322,607 shares at an average price of $6.52, for a total investment of $15.1 million.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following summarizes the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The Fund is an investment company that follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies applicable to investment companies. The Fund’s financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require NexPoint Asset Management, L.P. (“NexPoint” or the “Investment Adviser”) to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases or decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ materially.

Fund Valuation

The net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund’s common shares is calculated daily on each day that the NYSE is open for business as of the close of the regular trading session on the NYSE, usually 4:00 PM, Eastern Time. The NAV is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s net assets attributable to common shares by the numbers of common shares outstanding.

Valuation of Investments

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated NexPoint as the Fund’s valuation designee to perform the fair valuation determination for securities and other assets held by the Fund. NexPoint acting through its “Valuation Committee,” is responsible for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Valuation Committee is comprised of officers of NexPoint and certain of NexPoint’s affiliated companies and determines fair value and oversees the calculation of the NAV. The Valuation Committee is subject to Board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to provide the Board the information it needs to oversee NexPoint’s fair value determinations.

The Fund’s investments are recorded at fair value. In computing the Fund’s net assets attributable to shares, securities with readily available market quotations on the NYSE, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (“NASDAQ”) or other nationally recognized exchange, use the closing quotations on the respective exchange for valuation of those securities. Securities for which there are no readily available

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

market quotations will be valued pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by NexPoint and approved by the Board. Typically, such securities will be valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and ask prices provided by the principal market makers. If there is more than one such principal market maker, the value shall be the average of such means. Securities without a sale price or quotations from principal market makers on the valuation day may be priced by an independent pricing service. Generally, the Fund’s loan and bond positions are not traded on exchanges and consequently are valued based on a mean of the bid and ask price from the third-party pricing services or broker-dealer sources that the Investment Adviser has determined to have the capability to provide appropriate pricing services.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or for which the Fund has determined that the price received from a pricing service or broker-dealer is “stale” or otherwise does not represent fair value (such as when events materially affecting the value of securities occur between the time when market price is determined and calculation of the Fund’s NAV, will be valued by the Fund at fair value, as determined by the Valuation Committee in good faith in accordance with policies and procedures established by NexPoint and approved by the Board, taking into

account factors reasonably determined to be relevant, including, but not limited to: (i) the fundamental analytical data relating to the investment; (ii) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the securities; and (iii) an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which these securities are purchased and sold. In these cases, the Fund’s NAV will reflect the affected portfolio securities’ fair value as determined in the judgment of the Valuation Committee instead of being determined by the market. Using a fair value pricing methodology to value securities may result in a value that is different from a security’s most recent sale price and from the prices used by other investment companies to calculate their NAVs. Determination of fair value is uncertain because it involves subjective judgments and estimates.

There can be no assurance that the Fund’s valuation of a security will not differ from the amount that it realizes upon the sale of such security. Those differences could have a material impact to the Fund. The NAV shown in the Fund’s financial statements may vary from the NAV published by the Fund as of its year end because portfolio securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date (rather than the day following the trade date) for financial statement purposes.

 

 

Deferred Financing Costs on the Preferred Stock

Deferred financing costs on the preferred shares consist of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the closing of the preferred stock offerings, and are capitalized at the time of payment. Based on ASC 480-10-S99, preferred stock that, by its terms, is contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of an event that is outside of the issuer’s control should be classified as mezzanine equity; therefore, these costs are only amortized once it is probable the shares will become redeemable. As of June 30, 2024, the Fund is compliant with all contingent redemption provisions of the preferred offering, therefore the financing costs are currently unamortized until probable. Deferred financing costs of $5.2 million are presented net with the mezzanine equity on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Issuer   

Shares at

December 31,

2023

    

Beginning

Value as of

December 31,

2023

    

Issuance Net

Liquidation

Value

    

Deferred

Issuance

Costs

     Paydowns     

Balance net of

Deferred Financing

Costs at

June 30, 2024

    

Shares at

June 30,

2024

 

Cumulative preferred shares (Series A)

     5,800,000    $  139,756,249      $  145,000,000      $  5,243,751      $  —      $ 139,756,249      5,800,000

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 14


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

The Fund has performed an analysis of all existing investments and derivative instruments to determine the significance and character of inputs to their fair value determination. The levels of fair value inputs used to measure the Fund’s investments are characterized into a fair value hierarchy. Where inputs for an asset or liability fall into more than one level in the fair value hierarchy, the investment is classified in its entirety based on the lowest level input that is significant to that investment’s valuation. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 

Quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets to which the Fund has access at the date of measurement;

 

Level 2 

Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, but are valued based on executed trades; broker quotations that constitute an executable price; and alternative pricing sources supported by observable inputs are classified within Level 2. Level 2 inputs are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset in connection with market data at the measurement date; and

 

Level 3 

Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. In certain cases, investments classified within Level 3 may include securities for which the Fund has obtained indicative quotes from broker-dealers that do not necessarily represent prices the broker may be willing to trade on, as such quotes can be subject to material management judgment. Unobservable inputs are those inputs that reflect the Fund’s own assumptions that market participants would use to price the asset or liability based on the best available information.

The Investment Adviser has established policies and procedures, as described above and approved by the Board, to ensure that valuation methodologies for investments and financial instruments that are categorized within all levels of the fair value hierarchy are fair and consistent. A Valuation Committee has been established to provide oversight of the valuation policies, processes and procedures, and is comprised of personnel from the Investment Adviser and its affiliates. The Valuation Committee meets monthly to review the

proposed valuations for investments and financial instruments and is responsible for evaluating the overall fairness and consistent application of established policies.

As of June 30, 2024, the Fund’s investments consisted of common stocks, U.S. senior loans, collateralized loan obligations, LLC interests, preferred stock, corporate bonds and notes, registered investment companies, a repurchase agreement, and a cash equivalent. The fair value of the Fund’s senior loans and bonds are generally based on quotes received from brokers or independent pricing services. Loans, bonds and asset-backed securities with quotes that are based on actual trades with a sufficient level of activity on or near the measurement date are classified as Level 2 assets. Loans and bonds that are priced using quotes derived from implied values, indicative bids, or a limited number of actual trades are classified as Level 3 assets because the inputs used by the brokers and pricing services to derive the values are not readily observable. The fair value of the Fund’s futures contracts are valued based on the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they principally trade and are classified as Level 1 liabilities.

The fair value of the Fund’s common stocks, registered investment companies, rights and warrants that are not actively traded on national exchanges are generally priced using quotes derived from implied values, indicative bids, or a limited amount of actual trades and are classified as Level 3 assets because the inputs used by the brokers and pricing services to derive the values are not readily observable. Exchange-traded options are valued based on the last trade price on the primary exchange on which they trade. If an option does not trade, the mid-price, which is the mean of the bid and ask price, is utilized to value the option.

At the end of each calendar quarter, the Investment Adviser evaluates the Level 2 and 3 assets and liabilities for changes in liquidity, including but not limited to: whether a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from third party services, and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, the Investment Adviser evaluates the Level 1 and 2 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

Reverse repurchase agreements are priced at their acquisition cost, and assessed for credit adjustments, which represent fair value. These investments will generally be categorized as Level 2 liabilities.

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2024, is as follows:

 

       Total value at
June 30, 2024 ($)
    

Level 1

Quoted Price ($)

     Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs ($)
      

Level 3

Significant

Unobservable
Inputs ($)

 

Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

               

Assets

               

Common Stocks

               

Communication Services

       10,527,528        1,768,130                 8,759,398  

Energy

       12,330,610        12,278,935                 51,675  

Financials

       4,557,198                        4,557,198  

Healthcare

       32,183,342                        32,183,342  

Materials

       1,495,160               1,495,160           

Real Estate

       514,573,599        75,422,287                 439,151,312  

U.S. Senior Loans

               

Communication Services

       10,319,601                        10,319,601  

Healthcare

       31,573,561               14,528,120          17,045,441  

Real Estate

       164,653,664                        164,653,664  

LLC Interest

       63,107,483                        63,107,483  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

       41,475,926               41,475,926           

Preferred Stock

               

Financials

       3,309,416        3,309,416                  

Healthcare

       22,280,234                        22,280,234  

Real Estate

       5,293,760        4,192,051        1,101,709           

Corporate Bonds & Notes

               

Communication Services

       2,414               2,414           

Financials

       3,400,000               3,400,000           

Industrials

                           

Registered Investment Companies

       1,103,226        1,103,226                  

Repurchase Agreements

       47,688        47,688                  

Cash Equivalents

       42,316,283        42,316,283                  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Assets

       964,550,693        140,438,016        62,003,329          762,109,348  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Liabilities

               

Securities Sold Short

               

Common Stocks

               

Information Technology

       (7,995,183      (7,995,183                
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

       (7,995,183      (7,995,183                
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

       956,555,510        132,442,833        62,003,329          762,109,348  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

^

This category includes securities with a value of zero.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 16


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the Fund’s assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

 

    Balance
as of
December 31,
2023
$
    Transfers
Into
Level 3
$
    Transfers
Out of
Level 3
$
    Accrued
Discounts
(Premiums)
$
    Distribution
to Return
Capital
$
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
$
    Net Change
in Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
$
    Net
Purchases
$
    Net
Sales
$
    Balance as
of June 30,
2024
$
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
from
Investments
held at
June 30, 2024
$
 

Common Stocks

                     

Communication Services

    9,148,771                                     (389,373                 8,759,398       (389,373

Energy

    51,675                                                       51,675        

Financials

                            (45,499           45,499       4,557,198             4,557,198       45,499  

Healthcare

    34,528,541                                     (2,345,199                 32,183,342       (2,345,199

Materials

    1,495,160             (1,495,160                                                

Real Estate

    431,154,134                         (1,072,288     (70,575     (7,366,141     21,685,607       (5,179,425     439,151,312       (7,366,141

U.S. Senior Loans

                     

Communication Services

    9,690,922                   379                   12,978       615,322             10,319,601       12,978  

Healthcare

    16,324,343                                     129,356       591,742             17,045,441       129,356  

Real Estate

    177,141,711                   (99                 (10,575,938     4,087,990       (6,000,000     164,653,664       (10,575,938

LLC Interest

    61,166,835                         (854           (6,587,363     9,528,865       (1,000,000     63,107,483       (6,587,363

Preferred Stock

                     

Financials

    26,556                         (107,834           44,025,999             (43,944,721            

Healthcare

    22,280,234                                                       22,280,234        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    763,008,882             (1,495,160     280       (1,226,475     (70,575     16,949,818       41,066,724       (56,124,146     762,109,348       (27,076,181

 

Investments designated as Level 3 may include assets valued using quotes or indications furnished by brokers which are based on models or estimates without observable inputs and may not be executable prices. In light of the developing market conditions, the Investment Adviser continues to search for observable

data points and evaluate broker quotes and indications received for portfolio investments.

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, there was one Common Stock position that transferred out Level 3. The shift was due to updated unobservable inputs, resulting in a transfer from Level 3 to Level 2.

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Determination of fair value is uncertain because it involves subjective judgements and estimates that are unobservable. The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuations of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Category  

Fair Value at
6/30/2024

$

    Valuation Technique   Unobservable Inputs  

Range

Input Value(s)

(Average Input Value)

Common Stocks

    484,702,925     Multiples Analysis   Unadjusted Price/MHz-PoP   $0.10 - $0.90 ($0.50)
      NAV / sh multiple   0.85x - 1.10x (0.98x)
      Revenue Multiples   0.40x - 0.50x (0.45x)
    Discounted Cash Flow   Discount Rate   7.50% - 33.00% (16.40%)
      Capitalization Rate   5.00% - 10.25% (6.21%)
    Transaction Analysis   Multiple of EBITDA less CAPEX   6.50x - 8.50x (7.50x)
      Price per Sq. Ft.   $30.00 - $32.00 ($31.00)
    Transaction Indication of Value   Enterprise Value ($mm)   $841
      Price per Share   $20.58
      Cost ($mm)   $4.50
    NAV Approach   N/A   N/A

U.S. Senior Loans

    192,018,706     Discounted Cash Flow   Discount Rate   6.08% - 22.50% (12.28%)
    Volatility Analysis   Volatility   55.00% - 65.00% (60.00%)

Preferred Stock

    22,280,234     Option Pricing Model   Volatility   40% - 90% (65%)
    Transaction Indication of Value   Enterprise Value ($mm)   $281.40 - $598.60 ($425.75)

LLC Interest

    63,107,483     Discounted Cash Flow   Discount Rate   5.98% - 14.00% (10.05%)
 

 

 

       
    762,109,348        
       

 

In addition to the unobservable inputs utilized for various valuation methodologies, the Fund frequently uses a combination of two or more valuation methodologies to determine fair value for a single holding. In such instances, the Fund assesses the methodologies and ascribes weightings to each methodology. The weightings ascribed to any individual methodology ranged from as low as 20% to as high as 80% as of June 30, 2024. The selection of weightings is an inherently subjective process, dependent on professional judgement. These selections may have a material impact to the concluded fair value for such holdings.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund’s Preferred Stock are: volatility and enterprise value. Significant decreases (increases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund’s U.S. Senior Loans are: the discount rate and volatility. Significant decreases (increases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund’s common stock are: the unadjusted price/MHz-PoP multiple, EBITDA

multiple, revenue multiple, discount rate, price per sq. ft., enterprise value, NAV per share multiple, and capitalization rate. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the risk discount is accompanied by a directionally opposite change in the assumption for the price/MHz-PoP multiple.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Fund’s LLC interests is the discount rate. Significant decreases (increases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Security Transactions

Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains/(losses) on investments sold are recorded on the basis of the specific identification method for both financial statement and U.S. federal income tax purposes taking into account any foreign taxes withheld.

Income Recognition

Corporate actions (including cash dividends) are recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable withholding taxes, except for certain foreign corporate

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 18


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

actions, which are recorded as soon after ex-dividend date as such information becomes available and is verified. Interest income and payments in kind are recorded on the accrual basis.

Accretion of discount on taxable bonds and loans is computed to the maturity date, while amortization of premium on taxable bonds and loans is computed to the earliest call date, whichever is shorter, both using the effective yield method. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

The Fund records distributions received from investments in real estate investment trusts (“REIT”) and partnerships in excess of income from underlying investments as a reduction of cost of investments and/or realized gain. Such amounts are based on estimates if actual amounts are not available, and actual amounts of income, realized gain and return of capital may differ from the estimated amounts. The Fund adjusts the estimated amounts once the issuers provide information about the actual composition of the distributions.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Status

The Fund is treated as a separate taxpayer for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, and will distribute substantially all of its taxable income and gains, if any, for the tax year, and as such will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute, in each calendar year, all of its net investment income, capital gains and certain other amounts, if any, such that the Fund should not be subject to U.S. federal excise tax. Therefore, no U.S. federal income or excise tax provisions are recorded. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in Statement of Operations. There were no interest or penalties during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

The Investment Adviser has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years (current and prior three tax years), and has concluded that no provision for U.S. federal income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The

Fund’s U.S. federal and state income and U.S. federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue. Furthermore, the Investment Adviser of the Fund is also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next 12 months.

Distributions to Shareholders

The Fund plans to pay distributions from net investment income monthly and net realized capital gains annually to common shareholders. To permit the Fund to maintain more stable monthly distributions and annual distributions, the Fund may from time to time distribute less than the entire amount of income and gains earned in the relevant month or year, respectively. The undistributed income and gains would be available to supplement future distributions. In certain years, this practice may result in the Fund distributing, during a particular taxable year, amounts in excess of the amount of income and gains earned therein. Such distributions would result in a portion of each distribution occurring in that year to be treated as a return of capital to shareholders. Shareholders of the Fund will automatically have all distributions reinvested in Common Shares of the Fund issued by the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”) unless an election is made to receive cash. The number of newly issued Common Shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the lesser of (i) the NAV per Common Share determined on the Declaration Date and (ii) the market price per Common Share as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the Declaration Date. Participants in the Plan requesting a sale of securities through the plan agent of the Plan are subject to a sales fee and a brokerage commission.

Statement of Cash Flows

Information on financial transactions which have been settled through the receipt or disbursement of cash is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is the amount included within the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and includes cash on hand at its custodian bank and/or sub-custodian bank(s) cash equivalents, foreign currency and restricted cash held at broker(s).

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents

The Fund considers liquid assets deposited with a bank and certain short-term debt instruments of sufficient credit quality with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments represent amounts held with financial institutions that are readily accessible to pay Fund expenses or purchase investments. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. The value of cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies is determined by converting to U.S. dollars on the date of this financial report.

These balances may exceed the federally insured limits under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

Foreign Currency

Accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates using the current 4:00 PM London Time Spot Rate. Fluctuations in the value of the foreign currencies and other assets and liabilities resulting from changes in exchange rates, between trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and between the accrual and payment dates on dividends, interest income and foreign withholding taxes, are recorded as unrealized foreign currency gains/(losses). Realized gains/(losses) and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investment securities and income and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments in securities are not segregated in the Statement of Operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those securities, but are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investment securities.

Securities Sold Short

The Fund may sell securities short. A security sold short is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. When the Fund sells a security short, it must borrow the security sold short from a broker-dealer and deliver it to the buyer upon conclusion of the transaction. The Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is obligated to pay over any dividends or other payments received on

such borrowed securities. In some circumstances, the Fund may be allowed by its prime broker to utilize proceeds from securities sold short to purchase additional investments, resulting in leverage. Cash held as collateral for securities sold short is classified as restricted cash on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as applicable. Restricted cash in the amount of $7,749,973 was held with the broker for the Fund. There were securities fair valued at $19,115,796 posted in the Fund’s segregated account as collateral as of June 30, 2024.

Other Fee Income

Fee income may consist of origination/closing fees, amendment fees, administrative agent fees, transaction break-up fees and other miscellaneous fees. Origination fees, amendment fees, and other similar fees are nonrecurring fee sources. Such fees are received on a transaction by transaction basis and do not constitute a regular stream of income and are recognized when incurred.

Note 3. Derivative Transactions

The Fund is subject to equity securities risk, interest rate risk and currency risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Fund enters into derivative transactions for the purpose of hedging against the effects of changes in the value of portfolio securities due to anticipated changes in market conditions, to gain market exposure for residual and accumulating cash positions and for managing the duration of fixed income investments.

Futures Contracts

A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date. The Fund may invest in interest rate, financial and stock or bond index futures contracts subject to certain limitations. The Fund invests in futures contracts to manage its exposure to the stock and bond markets and fluctuations in currency values. Buying futures tends to increase the Fund’s exposure to the underlying instrument while selling futures tends to decrease the Fund’s exposure to the underlying instrument, or economically hedge other Fund investments. With futures contracts, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since futures contracts are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all traded futures, guarantees the futures against default. The Fund’s risks

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 20


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

in using these contracts include changes in the value of the underlying instruments, non-performance of the counterparties under the contracts’ terms and changes in the liquidity of the secondary market for the contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they principally trade.

Upon entering into a financial futures contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount, known as initial margin deposit. Subsequent payments, known as variation margins, are made or can be received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuation in the fair value of the underlying security. The Fund records an unrealized gain/(loss) equal to the daily variation margin. Should market conditions move unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may incur a loss. The Fund recognizes a realized gain/(loss) on the expiration or closing of a futures contract.

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Fund did not enter into futures transactions for the purpose of hedging against the effects of changes in the value of portfolio securities due to anticipated changes in market conditions, and to gain market exposure for residual and accumulating cash positions. Cash held as collateral for futures contracts is shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as “Restricted Cash — Futures.” As of June 30, 2024, the Fund did not have any cash held as collateral for futures contracts.

Options

The Fund may utilize options on securities or indices to varying degrees as part of their principal investment strategy. An option on a security is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the writer of the option the security underlying the option at a specified exercise or “strike” price. The writer of an option on a security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security. The Fund may hold options, write option contracts, or both.

If an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes on the expiration date a capital gain equal to the premium received by the Fund at the time

the option was written. If an option purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss equal to the premium paid. Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an exchange-traded option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, underlying security, exercise price and expiration). There can be no assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund desires.

The Fund will realize a capital gain from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from writing the option, or, if the cost of the closing option is more than the premium received from writing the option, a capital loss. The Fund will realize a capital gain from a closing sale transaction if the premium received from the sale is more than the original premium paid when the option position was opened, or a capital loss, if the premium received from a sale is less than the original premium paid.

As of June 30, 2024, the Fund did not hold written options.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

The Fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreement transactions with respect to instruments that are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective or policies. This creates leverage for the Fund because the cash received can be used to purchase other securities.

A reverse repurchase transaction is a repurchase transaction in which the Fund is the seller of securities or other assets and agrees to repurchase them at a date certain or on demand. Pursuant to the Repurchase Agreement, the Fund may agree to sell securities or other assets to Mizuho Securities for an agreed upon price (the “Purchase Price”), with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase such securities or other assets from Mizuho Securities for the Purchase Price plus a price differential that is economically similar to interest. The price differential is negotiated for each transaction. This creates leverage for the Fund because the cash received can be used to purchase other securities.

At June 30, 2024, the Fund did not hold reverse repurchase agreements.

Additional Derivative Information

The Fund is required to disclose; a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; b) how derivative instruments

 

 

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and related hedged items are accounted for; c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows; and d) how the netting of derivatives subject to master netting arrangements (if applicable) affects the net exposure of the Fund related to the derivatives.

Note 4. Securities Lending

Effective January, 7, 2020, the Fund entered into a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY” or the “Lending Agent”).

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Fund under the Securities Lending Agreement (“SLA”), which permits the Fund, under certain circumstances such as an event of default, to offset amounts payable by the Fund to the same counterparty against amounts receivable from the counterparty to create a net payment due to or from the Fund.

 

 

The following is a summary of securities lending agreements held by the Fund, with cash collateral of overnight maturities, which would be subject to offset as of June 30, 2024:

 

Gross

Amount of

Recognized

Assets

(Value of

Securities on

Loan)

      

Value of Cash

Collateral
Received
(1)

      

Value of

Non-Cash

Collateral

Received

       Net
Amount
 
$ 46,625        $ 46,625        $        $  

 

(1) 

Collateral received in excess of market value of securities on loan is not presented in this table. The total cash collateral received by the Fund is disclosed in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Amounts

designated as (—) are $0.

The value of loaned securities and related collateral outstanding at June 30, 2024 are shown in the Investment Portfolio. The value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than that required under the lending contract. As of June 30, 2024, the cash collateral was invested in repurchase agreements with the following maturities:

Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements, as of June 30, 2024

 

      

Overnight and

Continuous

       <30 Days       

Between

30 & 90

Days

      

>90

Days

       Total  

Repurchase Agreement

     $ 47,688        $        $        $        $ 47,688  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 47,688        $        $        $        $ 47,688  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Amounts designated as (—) are $0.

 

The Fund could seek additional income by making secured loans of its portfolio securities through its custodian. Such loans would be in an amount not greater than one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets. BNY would charge a fund fees based on a percentage of the securities lending income.

The fair value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund, or excess collateral is returned by the Fund, on the next business day.

The Fund would receive collateral consisting of cash (U.S. and foreign currency), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, sovereign debt, convertible bonds,

irrevocable bank letters of credit or such other collateral as may be agreed on by the parties to a securities lending arrangement, initially with a value of 102% or 105% of the market value of the loaned securities and thereafter maintained at a value of 100% of the market value of the loaned securities. If the collateral consists of non-cash collateral, the borrower would pay the Fund a loan premium fee. If the collateral consists of cash, BNY would reinvest the cash in repurchase agreements and money market accounts. Although voting rights, or rights to consent, with respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund would recall the loaned securities upon reasonable notice in order that the securities could be voted by the Fund if the holders of such securities are asked to vote upon or consent to

 

 

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matters materially affecting the investment. The Fund also could call such loans in order to sell the securities involved.

Securities lending transactions were entered into pursuant to SLAs, which would provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate a net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. In the event that a borrower defaulted, the Fund, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the collateral is typically greater than that of the market value of the securities loaned, leaving the lender with a net amount payable to the defaulting party. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of an SLA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Under the SLA, the Fund can reinvest cash collateral, or, upon an event of default, resell or repledge the collateral, and the borrower can resell or repledge the loaned securities. The risks of securities lending also include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate this risk, the Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by BNY. BNY’s indemnity generally provides for replacement of securities lent or the approximate value thereof.

Note 5. U.S. Federal Income Tax Information

The character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These differences include (but are not limited to) investments organized as partnerships for tax purposes, tax treatment of organizational start-up costs, losses deferred due to wash sale transactions, and tax attributes from Fund reorganizations. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryovers) under income tax regulations. These reclassifications have no impact on net investment income, realized gains or losses, or NAV of the Fund. The calculation of net investment income per share in the Financial Highlights table excludes these adjustments.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, permanent differences chiefly resulting from partnerships and return of capital distributions paid by the Fund were identified and reclassified among the components of the Fund’s net assets as follows:

 

Distributable

Earnings

(Accumulated

Losses)

     Paid-in-
Capital
 
$ 20,172,169      $ (20,172,169
 

 

At December 31, 2023, the Fund’s most recent tax year end, components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis are as follows:

 

Other

Temporary

Losses

    

Accumulated

Capital

Losses

    

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)(1)

 
$ (1    $ (206,771,405    $ (337,897,097

 

(1) 

Any differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are primarily due to wash sales, non-taxable dividends, partnerships, PFICs, REIT basis adjustments and difference in premium amortization methods for book and tax.

As of December 31, 2023, the Fund has capital loss carryovers as indicated below. The capital loss carryovers are available to offset future realized capital gains to the extent provided in the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent that these carryover losses are used to offset future capital gains, the gains offset will not be distributed to shareholders. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund did not utilize capital carryforwards to offset capital gains.

 

No Expiration Short-Term        No Expiration      Total  
$        $ (206,771,405    $ (206,771,405

 

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The tax character of distributions paid during the last two fiscal years ended December 31, is as follows:

 

       Ordinary Income        Long-term Capital Gain        Return of Capital  

2023

     $ 41,946,824        $        $ 21,072,259  

2022

       35,874,540                   27,155,040  

 

Amounts

designated as (—) are $0.

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at June 30, 2024, based on cost of investments, securities sold short and foreign currency transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes was:

 

Gross Appreciation        Gross Depreciation     

Net Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

     (Cost)  
$ 78,895,124        $ (469,920,312    $ (391,025,188    $ 1,355,575,881  

 

Qualified Late Year Ordinary and Post October Losses

Under current laws, certain capital losses and specified losses realized after October 31 may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund did not defer any qualified late year ordinary nor post October losses.

Note 6. Investment Advisory, Administration and Trustee Fees

For its investment advisory services, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser a monthly fee, computed and accrued daily, based on an annual rate of the Fund’s Average Daily Managed Assets. Average Daily Managed Assets of a Fund means the average daily value of the total assets of a Fund less all accrued liabilities of a Fund (other than the aggregate amount of any outstanding borrowings constituting financial leverage). On occasion, the Investment Adviser voluntarily waives additional fees to the extent assets are invested in certain affiliated investments.

The table below shows the Fund’s contractual advisory fee with the Investment Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2024:

 

Annual Fee Rate to the

Investment Adviser

     > 1 Billion      > 2 Billion  

0.65%

       0.60 %      0.55 %

Administration Fee

The Investment Adviser provides administrative services to the Fund. For its services, the Investment Adviser receives an annual fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 0.20% of the average weekly value of the Fund’s Managed Assets. Under a separate sub- administration agreement, the Investment Adviser delegates certain

administrative functions and pays the sub-administrator directly for these sub-administration services. Effective October 1, 2018, the Investment Adviser entered into an administrative services agreement with SEI Investments Global Funds Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company.

Fees Paid to Officers and Trustees

Each Trustee who oversees all of the funds in the NexPoint Fund Complex receives an annual retainer of $150,000 payable in quarterly installments and allocated among each portfolio in the NexPoint Fund Complex based on relative net assets. The annual retainer for a Trustee who does not oversee all of the funds in the NexPoint Fund Complex is prorated based on the portion of the $150,000 annual retainer allocable to the funds overseen by such Trustee. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Chairman of the Board each receive an additional annual payment of $10,000 payable in quarterly installments and allocated among each portfolio in the NexPoint Fund Complex based on relative net assets. The “NexPoint Fund Complex” consists of all of the registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliated advisers as of the date of this report and NexPoint Capital, Inc., a closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act.

The Fund pays no compensation to its officers, all of whom are employees of the Investment Adviser or one of its affiliates.

Trustees are reimbursed for actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

The Trustees do not receive any separate compensation in connection with service on Committees or for

 

 

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attending Board or Committee Meetings. The Trustees do not have any pension or retirement plan.

Expedited Settlement Agreements

On June 15, 2017 and May 14, 2019, the Fund entered into Expedited Settlement Agreements with two major dealers in the floating rate loan market, pursuant to which the Fund has the right to designate certain loans it sells to the dealer to settle on or prior to three days from the trade date in exchange for a quarterly fee (the “Expedited Settlement Agreements”). The Expedited Settlement Agreements are designed to reduce settlement times from the standard seven days to three days for eligible loans. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Expedited Settlement Agreement was not used by the Fund.

While the Expedited Settlement Agreements are intended to provide the Fund with additional liquidity with respect to such loans, and may not represent the exclusive method of expedited settlement of such loans, no assurance can be given that the Expedited Settlement Agreements or other methods for expediting settlements will provide the Fund with sufficient liquidity in the event of abnormally large redemptions.

Other Matters

NexPoint has entered into a Services Agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Skyview Group (“Skyview”), pursuant to which NexPoint will receive administrative and operational support services to enable it to provide the required advisory services to the Fund.

Certain Skyview personnel became dual-employees of NexPoint Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Adviser. The same services are being performed by the dual-employees. The Investment Adviser, and not the Fund, will compensate all Investment Adviser, Skyview, and dual-employee personnel who provide services to the Fund.

Indemnification

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future

claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

Note 7. Disclosure of Significant Risks and Contingencies

The Fund’s investments expose the Fund to various risks, certain of which are discussed below. Please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for a full listing of risks associated with the Fund’s investments.

Concentration in Real Estate Securities Risk

Although the Fund does not invest directly in real estate, the Fund will concentrate its investments in investment vehicles that invest principally in real estate and real estate related securities, its portfolio will be significantly impacted by the performance of the real estate market and may experience more volatility and be exposed to greater risk than a more diversified portfolio. The values of companies engaged in the real estate industry are affected by: (i) changes in general economic and market conditions; (ii) changes in the value of real estate properties; (iii) risks related to local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition; (iv) increases in property taxes and operating expenses; (v) changes in zoning laws; (vi) casualty and condemnation losses; (vii) variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; (viii) the availability of financing and (ix) changes in interest rates and leverage.

Counterparty Risk

Counterparty risk is the potential loss the Fund may incur as a result of the failure of a counterparty or an issuer to make payments according to the terms of a contract. Counterparty risk is measured as the loss the Fund would record if its counterparties failed to perform pursuant to the terms of their obligations to the Fund. Because the Fund may enter into over-the-counter forwards, options, swaps and other derivative financial instruments, the Fund may be exposed to the credit risk of its counterparties. To limit the counterparty risk associated with such transactions, the Fund conducts business only with financial institutions judged by the Investment Adviser to present acceptable credit risk.

Credit Risk

The value of debt securities owned by the Fund may be affected by the ability of issuers to make principal and

 

 

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interest payments and by the issuer’s or counterparty’s credit quality. If an issuer cannot meet its payment obligations or if its credit rating is lowered, the value of its debt securities may decline. Lower quality bonds are generally more sensitive to these changes than higher quality bonds. 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 Fund’s net asset value and the market price of the Fund’s shares.

Currency Risk

A portion of the Fund’s assets may be quoted or denominated in non-U.S. currencies. These securities may be adversely affected by fluctuations in relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control regulations. The Fund’s investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a currency in which the Fund’s investments are quoted or denominated. Further, the Fund’s investment performance may be significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in another currency will increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in relation to the U.S. dollar.

Derivatives Risk

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.

Effective August 19, 2022 (the “Compliance Date”), Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Derivatives Rule”) replaced the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Release 10666) with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. As of the Compliance Date, the SEC rescinded

Release 10666 and withdrew no-action letters and similar guidance addressing a fund’s use of derivatives and began requiring funds to satisfy the requirements of the Derivatives Rule. As a result, on or after the Compliance Date, the Fund will no longer engage in “segregation” or “coverage” techniques with respect to derivatives transactions and will instead comply with the applicable requirements of the Derivatives Rule.

The Derivatives Rule mandates that a fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value-at-risk limitations (VaR); (ii) a written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new Board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. In the event that a fund’s derivative exposure is 10% or less of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions, it can elect to be classified as a limited derivatives user (Limited Derivatives User) under the Derivatives Rule, in which case the fund is not subject to the full requirements of the Derivatives Rule. Limited Derivatives Users are excepted from VaR testing, implementing a derivatives risk management program, and certain Board oversight and reporting requirements mandated by the Derivatives Rule. However, a Limited Derivatives User is still required to implement written compliance policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage its derivatives risks.

Distressed and Defaulted Securities Risk

The Fund may invest in companies that are troubled, in distress or bankrupt. As such, they are subject to a multitude of legal, industry, market, environmental and governmental forces that make analysis of these companies inherently difficult. Further, the Investment Adviser relies on company management, outside experts, market participants and personal experience to analyze potential investments for the Fund. There can be no assurance that any of these sources will prove credible, or that the resulting analysis will produce accurate conclusions.

Equity Securities Risk

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. In addition to these risks, preferred stock and convertible securities are also subject to the risk that issuers will not make payments on securities held by the Fund, which could result in

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

losses to the Fund. The credit quality of preferred stock and convertible securities held by the Fund may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, leading to greater volatility in the price of the security.

Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETF”) Risk

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.

Financial Services Industry Risk

The risk associated with the fact that the Fund’s investments in Senior Loans are arranged through private negotiations between a borrower (“Borrower”) and several financial institutions. Investments in the financial services sector may be subject to credit risk, interest rate risk, and regulatory risk, among others. Banks and other financial institutions can be affected by such factors as downturns in the U.S. and foreign economies and general economic cycles, fiscal and monetary policy, adverse developments in the real estate market, the deterioration or failure of other financial institutions, and changes in banking or securities regulations. The financial services industry is subject to extensive government regulation, which can limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments financial services companies can make and the interest rates and fees they can charge. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Because financial services companies are highly dependent on short-term interest rates, they can be adversely affected by downturns in the U.S. and foreign economies or changes in banking regulations. Losses resulting from financial difficulties of Borrowers can negatively affect financial services companies. The financial services industry is currently undergoing relatively rapid change as existing distinctions between financial service segments become less clear. This change may make it more difficult for the Investment Adviser to analyze investments in this industry. Additionally, the recently increased volatility in the financial markets and implementation of the recent financial reform legislation may affect the financial services industry as a whole in ways that may be difficult to predict.

Hedging Risk

The Fund may engage in “hedging,” the practice of attempting to offset a potential loss in one position by establishing an opposite position in another investment. Hedging strategies in general are usually intended to limit or reduce investment risk, but can also be expected to limit or reduce the potential for profit. For example, if the Fund has taken a defensive posture by hedging its portfolio, and stock prices advance, the return to investors will be lower than if the portfolio had not been hedged. No assurance can be given that any particular hedging strategy will be successful, or that the Investment Adviser will elect to use a hedging strategy at a time when it is advisable.

High Yield Debt Securities Risk

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 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

Certain investments made by the Fund may be illiquid, and consequently the Fund may not be able to sell such investments at prices that reflect the Investment Adviser’s assessment of their value or the amount originally paid for such investments by the Fund. Illiquidity may result from the absence of an established market for the investments as well as legal, contractual or other restrictions on their resale and other factors. Furthermore, the nature of the Fund’s investments, especially those in financially distressed companies, may require a long holding period prior to profitability.

Restricted securities (i.e., securities acquired in private placement transactions) and illiquid securities may offer higher yields than comparable publicly traded securities. The Fund, however, may not be able to sell these securities when the Investment Adviser considers

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

it desirable to do so or, to the extent they are sold privately, may have to sell them at less than the price of otherwise comparable securities. Restricted securities are subject to limitations on resale which can have an adverse effect on the price obtainable for such securities. Also, if in order to permit resale the securities are registered under the Securities Act at the Fund’s expense, the Fund’s expenses would be increased.

Interest Rate Risk

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

The Fund may use leverage in its investment program, including the use of borrowed funds and investments in certain types of options, such as puts, calls and warrants, which may be purchased for a fraction of the price of the underlying securities. While such strategies and techniques increase the opportunity to achieve higher returns on the amounts invested, they also increase the risk of loss. To the extent the Fund purchases securities with borrowed funds, its net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed funds are not used. If the interest expense on borrowings were to exceed the net return on the portfolio securities purchased with borrowed funds, the Fund’s use of leverage would result in a lower rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk

Certain debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments have traditionally utilized LIBOR as the reference or benchmark rate for interest rate calculations. However, following allegations of manipulation and concerns regarding liquidity, in July 2017 the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it would cease its active encouragement of banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publishing most liquid U.S. LIBOR maturities on June 30, 2023. It is possible that a subset

of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published on a “synthetic” basis. It is expected that market participants transitioned to the use of alternative reference or benchmark rates prior to the applicable LIBOR publication cessation date. Additionally, although regulators have encouraged the development and adoption of alternative rates such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), the future utilization of LIBOR or of any particular replacement rate remains uncertain.

Although the transition process away from LIBOR became increasingly well-defined in advance of the discontinuation dates, the impact on certain debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments remains uncertain. Market participants have adopted alternative rates such as SOFR or otherwise amended financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions and other measures that contemplated the discontinuation of LIBOR or other similar market disruption events, but neither the effect of the transition process nor the viability of such measures is known. Further, uncertainty and risk remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include alternative rates and revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. To facilitate the transition of legacy derivatives contracts referencing LIBOR, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. launched a protocol to incorporate fallback provisions. However, there are obstacles to converting certain longer-term securities and transactions to a new benchmark or benchmarks and the effectiveness of one alternative reference rate versus multiple alternative reference rates in new or existing financial instruments and products has not been determined. Certain proposed replacement rates to LIBOR, such as SOFR, which is a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, are materially different from LIBOR, and changes in the applicable spread for financial instruments transitioning away from LIBOR will need to be made to accommodate the differences. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition to replacement rates may be exacerbated if an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.

The utilization of an alternative reference rate, or the transition process to an alternative reference rate, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
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Alteration of the terms of a debt instrument or a modification of the terms of other types of contracts to replace LIBOR or another interbank offered rate (“IBOR”) with a new reference rate could result in a taxable exchange and the realization of income and gain/loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has issued final regulations regarding the tax consequences of the transition from IBOR to a new reference rate in debt instruments and non-debt contracts. Under the final regulations, alteration or modification of the terms of a debt instrument to replace an operative rate that uses a discontinued IBOR with a qualified rate (as defined in the final regulations) including true up payments equalizing the fair market value of contracts before and after such IBOR transition, to add a qualified rate as a fallback rate to a contract whose operative rate uses a discontinued IBOR or to replace a fallback rate that uses a discontinued IBOR with a qualified rate would not be taxable.

The IRS may provide additional guidance, with potential retroactive effect.

Management Risk

The risk associated with the fact that the Fund relies on the Investment Adviser’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The Investment 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.

Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk

The risk of investing in mortgage-backed securities, and includes interest rate risk, liquidity risk and credit risk, which may be heightened in connection with investments in loans to “subprime” borrowers. Certain mortgage-backed securities are also subject to prepayment risk. Mortgage-backed securities, because they are backed by mortgage loans, are also subject to risks related to real estate, and securities backed by private-issued mortgages may experience higher rates of default on the underlying mortgages than securities backed by government-issued mortgages. The Fund could lose money if there are defaults on the mortgage loans underlying these securities.

Non-Diversification Risk

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 investments 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.

Non-U.S. Securities Risk

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities. Investing in non-U.S. securities involves certain risks not involved in domestic investments, including, but not limited to: fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; future foreign economic, financial, political and social developments; different legal systems; the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions; lower trading volume; much greater price volatility and illiquidity of certain non-U.S. securities markets; different trading and settlement practices; less governmental supervision; changes in currency exchange rates; high and volatile rates of inflation; fluctuating interest rates; less publicly available information; and different accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping standards and requirements.

Options Risk

There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A transaction in options or securities may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.

When the Fund writes a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call, but retains the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation and once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it must deliver the underlying security in exchange for the strike price.

When the Fund writes a covered put option, the Fund bears the risk of loss if the value of the underlying stock

 

 

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Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

declines below the exercise price minus the put premium. If the option is exercised, the Fund could incur a loss if it is required to purchase the stock underlying the put option at a price greater than the market price of the stock at the time of exercise plus the put premium the Fund received when it wrote the option. While the Fund’s potential gain in writing a covered put option is limited to distributions earned on the liquid assets securing the put option plus the premium received from the purchaser of the put option, the Fund risks a loss equal to the entire exercise price of the option minus the put premium.

Pandemics and Associated Economic Disruption

An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was first detected in China in late 2019 and subsequently spread globally. This coronavirus has resulted in, and may continue to result in, closed borders, enhanced health screenings, disruptions to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, and disruptions to supply chains, workflow operations and consumer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus has resulted in substantial economic volatility. Health crises caused by outbreaks, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks. The impact of this outbreak, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could continue to negatively affect the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, individual companies, including certain Fund service providers and issuers of the Fund’s investments, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions in response to the pandemic, including significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, that may affect the instruments in which the Fund invests or the issuers of such instruments. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

Preferred Stock Risk

Preferred stock, which may include preferred stock in real estate transactions, represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of creditors and owners of bonds take precedence over the

claims of those who own preferred and common stock. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions allowing the stock to be called or redeemed prior to its maturity, which can have a negative impact on the stock’s price when interest rates decline. Unlike interest on debt securities, preferred stock dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer’s board. The value of convertible preferred stock can depend heavily upon the value of the security into which such convertible preferred stock is converted, depending on whether the market price of the underlying security exceeds the conversion price.

Real Estate Investment Trust Risk

Real estate investments are subject to various risk factors. Generally, real estate investments could be adversely affected by a recession or general economic downturn where the properties are located. Real estate investment performance is also subject to the success that a particular property manager has in managing the property.

Real Estate Market Risk

The Fund is exposed to economic, market and regulatory changes that impact the real estate market generally through its investment in NFRO Diversified REIT, LLC, NFRO Self Storage REIT, LLC, NFRO SFR REIT, LLC, and NFRO Holdings, LLC (together the “REIT Subsidiaries”), which may cause the Fund’s operating results to suffer. A number of factors may prevent the REIT Subsidiaries’ properties and other real estate-related investments from generating sufficient net cash flow or may adversely affect their value, or both, resulting in less cash available for distribution, or a loss, to us. These factors include: national, regional and local economic conditions; changing demographics; the ability of property managers to provide capable management and adequate maintenance; the quality of a property’s construction and design; increases in costs of maintenance, insurance, and operations (including energy costs and real estate taxes); potential environmental and other legal liabilities; the level of financing used by the REIT Subsidiary and the availability and cost of refinancing; potential instability, default or bankruptcy of tenants in the properties owned by each REIT Subsidiary; the relative illiquidity of real estate investments in general, which may make it difficult to sell a property at an attractive price or within a reasonable time frame.

 

 

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Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

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.

Senior Loans Risk

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 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. 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. Declines in interest rates may increase prepayments of debt obligations and require the Fund to invest assets at lower yields. No active trading market may exist for certain Senior Loans, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to liquidate such assets. Adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of some actively traded Senior Loans.

Short Sales Risk

Short sales by the Fund that are not made where there is an offsetting long position in the asset that it is being sold short theoretically involve unlimited loss potential since the market price of securities sold short may continuously increase. Short selling allows the Fund to profit from declines in market prices to the extent such decline exceeds the transaction costs and costs of borrowing the securities. However, since the borrowed securities must be replaced by purchases at market prices in order to close out the short position, any appreciation in the price of the borrowed securities would result in a loss. Purchasing securities to close out

the short position can itself cause the price of securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss. The Fund may mitigate such losses by replacing the securities sold short before the market price has increased significantly. Under adverse market conditions, the Fund might have difficulty purchasing securities to meet margin calls on its short sale delivery obligations, and might have to sell portfolio securities to raise the capital necessary to meet its short sale obligations at a time when fundamental investment considerations would not favor such sales.

If other short positions of the same security are closed out at the same time, a “short squeeze” can occur where demand exceeds the supply for the security sold short. A short squeeze makes it more likely that the Fund will need to replace the borrowed security at an unfavorable price.

Structured Finance Securities Risk

A portion of the Fund’s investments may consist of equipment trust certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations, collateralized bond obligations, collateralized loan obligations or similar instruments. Such structured finance securities are generally backed by an asset or a pool of assets, which serve as collateral. Depending on the type of security, the collateral may take the form of a portfolio of mortgage loans or bonds or other assets. The Fund and other investors in structured finance securities ultimately bear the credit risk of the underlying collateral. In some instances, the structured finance securities are issued in multiple tranches, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics, often categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity according to their degree of risk. The riskiest securities are the equity tranche, which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans serving as collateral, and thus may protect the other, more senior tranches from default. If there are defaults or the relevant collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches of such securities take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. A senior tranche typically has higher ratings and lower yields than the underlying securities, and may be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, other tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to previous defaults and the disappearance of protecting tranches, market

 

 

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Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

anticipation of defaults and aversion to certain structured finance securities as a class.

Swap Contracts

The Fund may use swaps as part of its investment strategy or to manage its exposure to interest, commodity, and currency rates as well as adverse movements in the debt and equity markets. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market or may be executed in a multilateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange (“centrally cleared swaps”).

For OTC swaps, any upfront premiums paid and any upfront fees received are shown as swap premiums paid and swap premiums received in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, respectively, and amortized over the life of the swap. The daily fluctuation in market value is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on OTC Swaps in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Premiums paid or received are recognized as realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations.

Total return swaps are agreements to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument; for example, the agreement to pay interest in exchange for a market or commodity-linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent the total return of the market or commodity-linked index exceeds the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from the counterparty. To the extent it is less, the Fund will make a payment to the counterparty. Periodic payments received or made by the Fund are recorded in “Net realized gain (loss) on swap contracts” on the accompanying Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets as realized gains or losses, respectively. As

of June 30, 2024, the Fund held no open swap contracts.

Valuation Risk

Certain of the Fund’s assets are fair valued, including the Fund’s investment in equity issued by MidWave Wireless (“MidWave”). MidWave is a nonoperating company that does not currently generate substantial revenue and which primarily derives its value from licenses for use of two spectrum frequencies, the license with respect to one of which was granted a conditional waiver by the FCC on April 30, 2020. The fair valuation of MidWave involves significant uncertainty as it is materially dependent on estimates of the value of both spectrum licenses.

Gain Contingency

Claymore Holdings, LLC, a partially-owned affiliate of the Fund, is engaged in ongoing litigation that could result in a possible gain contingency to the Fund. The probability, timing, and potential amount of recovery, if any, are unknown.

Note 8. Investment Transactions Purchases & Sales of Securities

The cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of investments, other than short-term securities for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were as follows:

 

U.S Government
Securities
     Other Securities  
Purchases      Sales      Purchases      Sales  
$      $      $ 70,543,165      $ 150,877,274  

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Fund did not have any transactions that qualified under Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act.

 

 

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Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Note 9. Affiliated Issuers

Under Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, as amended, a portfolio company is defined as “affiliated” if a fund owns five percent or more of its outstanding voting securities or if the portfolio company is under common control. The table below shows affiliated issuers of the Fund as of June 30, 2024:

 

Issuer  

Shares at

December 31,

2023

   

Beginning

Value as of

December 31,

2023

$

   

Value of

Transfers In

$

   

Value of

Transfers Out

$

   

Purchases
at Cost

$

   

Proceeds

from

Sales

$

   

Distribution

to Return of
Capital

$

   

Net
Retirement of
Tendered
Shares

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

$

   

Ending

Value as of

June 30,

2024

$

   

Shares at

June 30,

2024

   

Affiliated

Income

$

 

Majority Owned, Not Consolidated

                       

Allenby (Common Stocks)

    2,142,803                         962,937             316             (963,253           2,142,803        

Claymore (Common Stocks)

    10,359,801       168,482                   511,880                         (680,362           10,359,801        

Haygood (Common Stocks)

    68,830                                                             68,830        

Other Affiliates

                       

CCS Medical, Inc. (U.S. Senior Loans & Common Stocks)

    28,566,014       50,852,884                   591,742                         (2,215,843     49,228,783       29,157,756       961,702  

Highland Global Allocation Fund (Registered Investment Company)

    86,246       677,894                                           (28,462     649,432       86,246       41,918  

Highland Opportunities and Income Fund (Registered Investment Company)

                         

 

15,149,814

 

    (28,791,647           14,081,684       13,943       453,794       72,607        

LLV Holdco LLC (U.S. Senior Loans & Common Stocks)

    13,879,492       15,627,469                   250,953       (7,135,886 ) †                  1,885,860       10,628,396       6,743,606       450,327  

NEXLS LLC (LLC Interest)

    957       52,032,835                               854             3,009,794       55,043,483       957        

NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust REIT (Common Stocks)

    1,307,416       10,393,957                   292,447                         (3,155,932     7,530,472       1,307,416       395,700  

NexPoint Real Estate Finance REIT (Common Stocks & Preferred Stock)

    4,523,263       72,035,513                               (799,905           (7,938,431     63,297,177       4,523,263       3,732,799  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. (Common Stocks)

    194,932       6,711,509                   181,549             (60,203           1,071,199       7,904,054       200,052       121,370  

NexPoint SFR Operating Partnership, LP (U.S. Senior Loans)

    61,000,000       59,170,000                         (6,000,000                 207,500       53,377,500       55,000,000       2,546,250  

NexPoint Storage Partners, Inc. (Common Stocks)

    32,203       25,670,427                                           (593,826     25,076,601       32,203        

NFRO Diversified REIT, LLC, NFRO Self Storage REIT, LLC, NFRO SFR REIT, LLC (Common Stocks)

    94,554,073       271,618,289                   19,311,300                         1,769,233       292,698,822       201,866,520        

NFRO Holdings, LLC (Common Stocks)

    2,276,658       71,084,839                                           862,423       71,947,262       2,276,658        

NHT Operating Partnership LLC Convertible Promissory Note (U.S. Senior Loans)

    6,400,000       5,619,200                                           (566,400     5,052,800       6,400,000       230,657  

NHT Operating Partnership LLC Secured Promissory Note (U.S. Senior Loans)

    42,889,333       37,664,394                                       (3,803,265     33,861,129       42,889,333       890,542  

NREF Operating IV REIT Sub, LLC (U.S. Senior Loans)

    6,500,000       6,126,250                                           (42,250     6,084,000       6,500,000       243,750  

SFR WLIF 1,111, LLC (LLC Interest)

    10,000,000       9,134,000                         (1,000,000                 (70,000     8,064,000       9,000,000       650,652  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    284,782,021       694,587,942                   37,252,622       (42,927,533     (858,938     14,081,684       (11,238,072     690,897,705       378,635,908       10,265,667  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

† Includes paydowns.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Note 10. Asset Coverage

The Fund is required to maintain 300% asset coverage with respect to amounts outstanding (excluding short-term borrowings) under its various leverage facilities. Additionally, the Fund is required to maintain 200% asset coverage with respect to the preferred share issuance as well as its various leverage facilities. Asset coverage is calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities, not including any amount representing bank borrowings and senior securities, from the Fund’s total assets and dividing the result by the principal amount of the borrowings outstanding. As of the dates indicated below, the Fund’s debt outstanding and asset coverage was as follows:

Date  

Amount

Outstanding

Excluding

Preferred

Shares

$

   

Asset

Coverage

of Indebtedness

Excluding

Preferred

Shares

%

   

Amount

Outstanding

Including

Preferred

Shares

$

   

Asset

Coverage of

Indebtedness

Including

Preferred

Shares (2)

%

 

6/30/2024

    N/A     N/A       145,000,000     682.30  

12/31/2023

    20,690,000     4,298.05       165,690,000     624.22  

12/31/2022

    21,722,000     4,454.98       166,722,000     667.40  

12/31/2021

    N/A       N/A       145,000,000     785.99  

12/31/2020

    200,000,000     575.25       345,000,000     375.50  

12/31/2019

    419,796,600     337.13       564,796,600     276.25  

12/31/2018 (1)

    496,141,100     306.80       496,141,100     306.80  

6/30/2018

    498,563,423     317.70       498,563,423     317.70  

6/30/2017

    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

6/30/2016

    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

6/30/2015

    51,500,000     1,641.40       51,500,000     1,641.40  

6/30/2014

    60,000,000     1,577.60       60,000,000     1,577.60  

6/30/2013

    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

 

(1)

For the six-month period ended December 31, 2018. Effective April 11, 2019, the Fund had a fiscal year change from June 30 to December 31.

(2)

As referenced in Note 1, the Fund issued $145mm in preferred shares subject to the 200% Asset Coverage of Indebtedness requirements under the 1940 Act.

 

 

Note 11. Unconsolidated Significant Subsidiaries

In accordance with Regulation S-X and GAAP, the Fund is not permitted to consolidate any subsidiary or other entity that is not an investment company, including those in which the Fund has a controlling interest unless the business of the controlled subsidiary consists of providing services to the Fund. In accordance with Regulation S-X Rules 3-09 and 4-08(g), the Fund evaluates its unconsolidated controlled subsidiaries as significant subsidiaries under the respective rules. As of June 30, 2024, NFRO Diversified REIT, LLC, NFRO Self Storage REIT, LLC and NFRO Holdings, LLC were considered significant unconsolidated subsidiaries under Regulation S-X Rule 4-08(g). These subsidiaries are wholly owned by the Fund. Based on the requirements under Regulation S-X Rule 4-08(g), the summarized financial information of these unconsolidated subsidiaries is presented as follows:

 

Balance Sheet:   

NFRO Diversified
REIT, LLC

June 30, 2024

    

NFRO Self Storage
REIT, LLC

June 30, 2024

    

NFRO SFR REIT,
LLC

June 30, 2024

    

NFRO Holdings, LLC

June 30, 2024

 

Current Assets

   $ 5,528,000      $ 724,000      $ 3,333,000      $ 19,331,000  

Noncurrent Assets

     136,515,000        81,713,000        133,081,000        50,416,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     142,043,000        82,437,000        136,414,000        69,747,000  

Current Liabilities

     2,574,000        500,000               940,000  

Noncurrent Liabilities

     29,491,000               21,053,000        1,333,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     32,065,000        500,000        21,053,000        2,273,000  

Preferred Stock

     1,000        104,000                

Non-controlling interest (in consolidated investments)

     3,640,000                       

Invested Equity

     106,337,000        81,833,000        115,361,000        67,474,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Equity

     109,978,000        81,937,000        115,361,000        67,474,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 34


Table of Contents
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (concluded)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Summary of Operations:   

NFRO Diversified
REIT, LLC

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024

    

NFRO Self Storage
REIT, LLC

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024

    

NFRO SFR REIT,
LLC

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024

    

NFRO Holdings, LLC

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024

 

Net Sales

   $ 4,081,000      $ 27,000      $ 2,362,000      $ 1,055,000  

Gross Profit

     3,361,000        23,000        2,338,000        1,055,000  

Net Income

     1,593,000        36,000        84,000        292,000  

Net Income attributable to non-controlling interest (in consolidated investments), preferred shares, and other comprehensive income

     71,000                       

 

Note 12. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no such subsequent events to report which have not already been recorded or disclosed in these financial statements and accompanying notes. As of the date of this report, the Fund has repurchased $3.6 million of its stock in open-market transactions under its repurchase program.

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35


Table of Contents
Additional Information (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

Investment Objective and Strategy Overview

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek growth of capital along with income.

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing directly and indirectly (e.g., through derivatives that are the economic equivalent of direct investments) in the following categories of securities and instruments: (i) floating rate loans and other securities deemed to be floating rate investments; (ii) investments in securities or other instruments directly or indirectly secured by real estate, including real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), preferred equity, securities convertible into equity securities and mezzanine debt; and (iii) other instruments, including, but not limited to, secured and unsecured fixed-rate loans and corporate bonds, distressed securities, mezzanine securities, structured products (including but not limited to mortgage-backed securities, collateralized loan obligations and asset-backed securities), convertible and preferred securities, equities (public and private), and futures and options.

The Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in investments in securities or other instruments directly or indirectly secured by real estate, including REITs, preferred equity, securities convertible into equity securities and mezzanine debt.

Floating Rate Investments. Floating rate investments are debt obligations of companies or other entities, the interest rates of which float or vary periodically based upon a benchmark indicator of prevailing interest rates. Floating rate investments may include, by way of example, floating rate debt securities, money market securities of all types, repurchase agreements with remaining maturities of no more than 60 days, collateralized loan obligations and asset backed securities. The reference in the Fund’s investment objective to capital preservation does not indicate that the Fund may not lose money. NexPoint seeks to employ strategies that are consistent with capital preservation, but there can be no assurance that the Investment Adviser will be successful in doing so. In making floating rate investments for the Fund, the Fund’s Investment Adviser will seek to purchase instruments that it believes are undervalued or will provide attractive income, while attempting to minimize losses.

Floating rate loans in which the Fund invests are expected to be adjustable rate senior loans (“Senior Loans”) to domestic or foreign corporations, partnerships and other entities that operate in a variety of industries and geographic regions (“Borrowers”). Senior Loans are business loans that have a right to payment senior to most other debts of the Borrower. Senior Loans generally are arranged through private negotiations between a Borrower and several financial institutions (the “Lenders”) represented in each case by one or more such Lenders acting as agent (the “Agent”) of the several Lenders. On behalf of the Lenders, the Agent is primarily responsible for negotiating the loan agreement (“Loan Agreement”) that establishes the relative terms and conditions of the Senior Loan and rights of the Borrower and the Lenders.

The Fund may invest in securities of any credit quality. Senior Loans are typically below investment grade securities (also known as “high yield securities” or “junk securities”). Such securities are rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or are unrated but deemed by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest without limitation in below investment grade or unrated securities, including in insolvent borrowers or borrowers in default.

The Fund may invest in participations (“Participations”) in Senior Loans, may purchase assignments (“Assignments”) of portions of Senior Loans from third parties, and may act as one of a group of Lenders originating a Senior Loan (“Primary Lender”). Senior Loans often are secured by specific assets of the Borrower, although the Fund may invest without limitation in Senior Loans that are not secured by any collateral. When the Fund acts as a Primary Lender, the Fund or the Investment Adviser could be subject to allegations of lender liability. Senior Loans in which the Fund invests generally pay interest at rates that are periodically re-determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a spread.

Real Estate Investments. The Fund defines securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the real estate industry to include common stock, convertible or non-convertible preferred stock, warrants, convertible or

 

 

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Additional Information (unaudited)
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non-convertible secured or unsecured debt, and partnership or membership interests issued by:

 

    commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and other real estate credit investments, which include existing first and second mortgages on real estate, either originated or acquired in the secondary market, and secured, unsecured and/or convertible notes offered by real estate operating companies (“REOCs”) and REITs;
    publicly traded REITs managed by affiliated or unaffiliated asset managers and their foreign equivalents (“Public REITs”);
    REOCs;
    private real estate investment funds managed by affiliated or unaffiliated institutional asset managers (“Private Real Estate Investment Funds”);
    registered closed-end funds that invest principally in real estate (collectively, “Public Investment Funds”);
    real estate exchange traded funds (“ETFs”); and
    publicly-registered non-traded REITs (“Non-Traded REITs”) and private REITs, generally wholly-owned by the Fund or wholly-owned or managed by an affiliate.

REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests, and REOCs are companies that invest in real estate and whose shares trade on public exchanges. Foreign REIT equivalents are entities located in jurisdictions that have adopted legislation substantially similar to the REIT tax provisions in that they provide for favorable tax treatment for the foreign REIT equivalent and require distributions of income to shareholders. The Fund may enter into certain real estate and real-estate related investments through its wholly-owned REIT subsidiaries, NFRO REIT Sub, LLC, NFRO REIT Sub II, LLC, and NFRO SFR REIT, LLC (together the “REIT Subsidiaries”). With respect to the Fund’s real estate investments, the Investment Adviser seeks to: (i) recognize and allocate capital based upon where the Investment Adviser believes we are in the current real estate cycle, and as a result (ii) minimize drawdowns during market downturns and maximize risk adjusted returns during all market cycles, though there can be no assurance that this strategy will

achieve this objective. The Fund will rely on the expertise of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates to determine the appropriate structure for structured credit investments, which may include bridge loans, common and preferred equity or other debt-like positions, as well as the acquisition of such instruments from banks, servicers or other third parties.

Preferred equity and mezzanine investments in real estate transactions come in various forms which may or may not be documented in the borrower’s organizational documents. Generally, real estate preferred equity and/or mezzanine investments are typically junior to first mortgage financing but senior to the borrower’s or sponsor’s equity contribution. The investments are typically structured as an investment by a third-party investor in the real estate owner or various affiliates in the chain of ownership in exchange for a direct or indirect ownership interest in the real estate owner entitling it to a preferred/priority return on its investment. Sometimes, the investment is structured much like a loan where (i) “interest” on the investment is required to be paid monthly by the “borrower” regardless of available property cash flow; (ii) the entire investment is required to be paid by a certain maturity date; (iii) default rate “interest” and penalties are assessed against the “borrower” in the event payments are not made timely; and (iv) a default in the repayment of investment potentially results in the loss of management and/or ownership control by the “borrower” in the company in favor of the investor or other third-party.

Other Investments. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in entities that are excluded from registration under the 1940 Act by virtue of section 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act (such as private equity funds or hedge funds). This limitation does not apply to any collateralized loan obligations, certain of which may rely on Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act.

In addition, the Fund may invest in equity securities of companies of any market capitalization, market sector or industry. Equity securities of U.S. or non-U.S. issuers in which the Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, depositary receipts and warrants to buy common stocks. The Fund may invest in securities issued by

 

 

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Additional Information (unaudited)
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other investment companies, including investment companies that are advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, to the extent permitted by applicable law and/or pursuant to exemptive relief from the SEC, and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Fees and expenses of such investments will be borne by shareholders of the investing fund (the Fund), and the Investment Adviser voluntarily waives the higher of the two fees for the portion of the Fund’s management fee attributable to the Fund’s investment in the affiliated investment company.

The Fund’s investment in fixed income securities may include convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible income securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities. The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. Convertible securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. Depending on the relationship of the conversion price to the market value of the underlying securities, convertible securities may trade more like equity securities than debt instruments.

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 Investment 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 also engage in short sales of securities and may seek additional income by making secured loans of its portfolio securities.

The Fund may engage in securities lending by making secured loans of its portfolio securities amounting to not more than one-third of its total assets, thereby realizing additional income.

The Fund may invest in illiquid and restricted securities. Illiquid securities are those that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities.

The Fund may invest without limitation in securities (including loans) of non-U.S. issuers, including emerging market issuers. Such securities (including loans) may be denominated in U.S. dollars, non-U.S. currencies or multinational currency units. Except as otherwise expressly noted in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), all percentage limitations and ratings criteria apply at the time of purchase of securities. The Fund may borrow an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) and may use leverage in the form of preferred shares in an amount up to 50% of the Fund’s total assets (including the amount borrowed. The Fund may borrow for investment purposes and for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes. To the extent the Fund borrows more money than it has cash or short-term cash equivalents and invests the proceeds, the Fund will create financial leverage. The use of borrowing for investment purposes increases both investment opportunity and investment risk.

When adverse market, economic, political or currency conditions domestically or abroad occur, the Fund may temporarily invest all or a portion of its total

 

 

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Additional Information (unaudited)
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assets in defensive investments. Such investments may include fixed-income securities, high quality money market instruments, cash and cash equivalents. To the extent the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective.

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 Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program.

Additional Portfolio Information

The Investment Adviser and its affiliates manage other accounts, including registered and private funds and individual accounts. Although investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of such other accounts, the Investment Adviser may, consistent with applicable law, make investment recommendations to other clients or accounts that may be the same or different from those made to the Fund, including investments in different levels of the capital structure of a company, such as equity versus senior loans, or that involve taking contradictory positions in multiple levels of the capital structure. The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment opportunities, execution of portfolio transactions, personal trading by employees and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure that all client accounts are treated equitably over time. Nevertheless, this may create situations where a client could be disadvantaged because of the investment activities conducted by the Investment Adviser for other client accounts. When the Fund and one or more of such other accounts is prepared to invest in, or desire to dispose of, the same security, available investments or opportunities for each will be allocated in a manner believed by the Investment Adviser to be equitable to the Fund and such other accounts. The Investment Adviser also may aggregate orders to purchase and sell securities for the Fund and such other accounts. Although the Investment Adviser believes that, over time, the potential benefits of participating in volume transactions and negotiating lower transaction costs should benefit all accounts including the Fund, in some cases these

activities may adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position obtained or disposed of by the Fund.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Unless the registered owner of Common Shares elects to receive cash by contacting Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (“EQ” or the “Plan Agent”), as agent for shareholders in administering the Plan, a registered owner will receive newly issued Common Shares for all dividends declared for Common Shares of the Fund. If a registered owner of Common Shares elects not to participate in the Plan, they will receive all dividends in cash paid by check mailed directly to them (or, if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by EQ, as dividend disbursing agent.

Shareholders may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all dividends in cash by sending written instructions or by contacting EQ, as dividend disbursing agent, at the address set forth below.

Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by contacting the Plan Agent before the dividend record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend. Some brokers may automatically elect to receive cash on the shareholders’ behalf and may reinvest that cash in additional Common Shares of the Fund for them. The Plan Agent will open an account for each shareholder under the Plan in the same name in which such shareholder’s Common Shares are registered.

Whenever the Fund declares a dividend payable in cash, non-participants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in Common Shares. The Common Shares will be acquired by the Plan Agent through receipt of additional unissued but authorized Common Shares from the Fund (“newly issued Common Shares”). The number of newly issued Common Shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the lesser of (i) the net asset value per Common Share determined on the Declaration Date and (ii) the market price per Common Share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on the Declaration Date. The

 

 

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Additional Information (unaudited)
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Plan Agent maintains all shareholders’ accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent on behalf of the Plan participant, and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Agent will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants. In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees which hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Common Shares issued directly by the Fund.

The automatic reinvestment of dividends will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such dividends. Accordingly, any taxable dividend received by a participant that is reinvested in additional Common Shares will be subject to federal (and possibly state and local) income tax even though such participant will not receive a corresponding amount of cash with which to pay such taxes. Participants who request a sale of shares through the Plan Agent are subject to a $2.50 sales fee and pay a brokerage commission of $0.05 per share sold. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at Equiniti Trust Company, LLC PO Box 500 Newark, NJ 07101.

Shareholder Loyalty Program

To promote loyalty and long-term alignment of interests among the Company’s shareholders, the Investment Adviser offers an incentive to shareholders that buy and hold the Company’s common shares for a period of at least twelve months through its Shareholder Loyalty Program (the “Program”). To participate in the Program, existing shareholders must open an account (the “Account”)

with the Program’s administrator, Maxim Group, LLC (“Maxim”). Subsequently, if a participant makes contributions to the Account during a defined trading period to purchase shares, the Investment Adviser will make a corresponding contribution equal to 2% of the participant’s contributions. For example, if a participant contributes $10,000 to the Account during a defined trading period to purchase shares, the Investment Adviser will make a corresponding contribution of $200, to purchase additional shares for the participant (the “Bonus Shares”). In addition, Program participants will not be required to pay any customary selling commissions or distribution fees on the purchase of shares under the Program. The Investment Adviser will bear the costs of brokerage fees in connection with the Program. While the portion of the Company’s common shares that are acquired through the participant’s contribution will vest immediately, Bonus Shares will not vest until the first anniversary of the date that the Bonus Shares were purchased. Vested shares will be held in the Account and Bonus Shares will be held in an account at Maxim for the conditional benefit of the shareholder. Under the Program, Participants must purchase a minimum of $10,000 worth of shares in the initial subscription and $5,000 in each Subsequent subscription, unless the Investment Adviser, in its sole discretion, decides to permit subscriptions for a lesser amount. If the Company’s common shares are trading at a discount, Maxim will purchase common shares on behalf of participants in open-market purchases. If the Company’s common shares are trading at a premium, Maxim may purchase common shares on behalf of participants in open market purchases or the Company may sell common shares to the shareholder Loyalty Program by means of a prospectus or otherwise. All dividends received on shares that are purchased under the Program will be automatically reinvested through the Program. A participant’s interest in a dividend paid to the holder of a vested share will vest immediately. A participant’s interest in a dividend paid to the holder of a Bonus Share will vest at the same time that the Bonus Share’s vesting requirements are met. In addition, for dividends paid to holders of shares that were purchased with a participant’s contributions, the Investment Adviser will take a corresponding contribution to the amount of the reinvested dividend equal to 2% of the dividend amount. Maxim maintains

 

 

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Additional Information (unaudited)
June 30, 2024   Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

 

 

 

all shareholders’ accounts in the Program and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for tax records. Shares in the account of each Program participant will be held by Maxim on behalf of the Program participant, and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to a Program. Maxim will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Program in accordance with the instructions of the participants. In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees which hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, Maxim will administer the Program on the basis of the number of common shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Program. The Company and the Investment Adviser reserve the right to amend or terminate the Program. To help align the interests of the Investment Adviser’s employees with the interests of the Company’s shareholders, the Investment Adviser offers a similar program to its employees. Participants in the Program should be aware that their receipt of Bonus Shares under the Program constitutes taxable income to them. In addition, such participants owe taxes on that portion of any distribution that constitutes taxable income in respect of shares of our common stock held in their Program accounts, whether or not such shares of common stock have vested in the hands of the participants. To the extent any payments or distributions under the Program are subject to U.S. federal, state or local taxes, the Company, any participating affiliate of the Company or the agent for the Program may satisfy its tax withholding obligation by (1) withholding shares of Stock allocated to the participant’s account, (2) deducting cash from the participant’s account or (3) deducting cash from any other compensation the participant may receive. Program participants should consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences to them of participating in the Program. The Program may create an incentive for shareholders to invest additional amounts in the Company. Because the Investment Adviser’s management fee is based on a percentage of the assets of the Company, the Program will result in increased net revenues to the Investment Adviser if the increase in the management fee due to the

increased asset base offsets the costs associated with establishing and maintaining the Program.

 

 

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Important Information About This Report
 

 

 

 

Investment Adviser

NexPoint Asset Management, L.P.

300 Crescent Court, Suite 700

Dallas, TX 75201

 

Transfer Agent

Equiniti Trust Company, LLC

PO Box 500

Newark, NJ 07101

 

Underwriter

NexPoint Securities, Inc.

300 Crescent Court, Suite 700

Dallas, TX 75201

 

Custodian

Bank of New York Mellon

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Cohen & Company, Ltd.

1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800

Cleveland, OH 44115

 

Fund Counsel

K&L Gates LLP

1 Congress St., Suite 2900

Boston, MA 02114-2023

  

As of January 1, 2021, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail. Instead, the reports will be made available on https://www.nexpointassetmgmt.com/resources/#forms, and you will be notified and provided with a link each time a report is posted to the website. You may request to receive paper reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary free of charge at any time. For additional information regarding how to access the Fund’s shareholder reports, or to request paper copies by mail, please call shareholder services at 1-800-357-9167.

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to their portfolio securities, and the Fund’s proxy voting records for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-357-9167 and (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

The Fund files its complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT within sixty days after the end of the period. The Fund’s Form N-PORT are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and also may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. Shareholders may also obtain the Form N-PORT by visiting the Fund’s website at www.nexpointassetmgmt.com.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available upon request without charge by calling 1-800-357-9167.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 42


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American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11219

 

Highland Opportunities and Income Fund

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT, JUNE 30, 2024

 

LOGO

 

www.nexpointassetmgmt.com    HFRO-SAR-0624


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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

(a) Schedule of Investments as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Companies

Not Applicable.

Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies

Not Applicable.

Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies

Not Applicable.

Item 10. Renumeration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others for Open-End Management Investment Companies

Not Applicable.

Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

Not applicable.


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Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

No such purchases were made by or on behalf of the Highland Opportunities and Income Fund (the “Registrant”) or any “affiliated purchaser” during the period covered by this report.

Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board.

Item 16. 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 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3 (c)) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act (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 period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting

Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

(a)

(1) Gross income from securities lending activities: $0

(2) All fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services: $0

(3) Aggregate fees/compensation: $0

(4) Net income from securities lending activities: $ 1,819

(b) The Registrant may lend up to 33 1/3% of the Registrant’s total assets held by the Fund’s custodian to certain qualified brokers, except those securities which the Registrant or the Advisor specifically identifies as not being available. By lending its investment securities, the Registrant attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest on the loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Registrant. Risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral may occur should the borrower of the securities fail financially. Risks may also arise to the extent that the value of the collateral decreases below the value of the securities loaned. Upon entering into a securities lending transaction, the Registrant receives cash or other securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities with respect to securities of the U.S. government or its agencies, 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities with respect to U.S. securities and 105% of the current market value of the loaned securities with respect to foreign securities. Any cash received as collateral is generally invested by the Fund’s custodian acting in its


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capacity as securities lending agent. Non-cash collateral is not disclosed in the Registrant’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Registrant and the Registrant does not have the ability to re-hypothecate those securities. A portion of the dividends received on the collateral may be rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the Fund’s custodian, as the securities lending agent, and the Registrant.

Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 19. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Not applicable.

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section  302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(a)(4) Not applicable.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

HIGHLAND OPPORTUNITIES AND INCOME FUND

 

By (Signature and Title):  
  /s/ Frank Waterhouse
  Frank Waterhouse
  Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Executive Officer

Date: September 6, 2024

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, 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/ Frank Waterhouse
  Frank Waterhouse
  Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Executive Officer

Date: September 6, 2024